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| Solving the problem of identity in the era of globalisation |
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Legislation can never eradicate racism unless the political culture of society builds inclinations against racism. If law enforcement is the only means of ensuring social control then society will never achieve harmony, which is why secular societies suffer endemic racism and disharmony; secular political culture is unable to reconcile the concept of the nation state with ethnic and cultural diversity. When we examine the history of the Khilafah we find that if people demonstrated racist inclinations they would immediately correct themselves, without the need for law enforcement. Indeed one could not imagine Jean Marie Le Pen asking for forgiveness as Abu Dharr did when he insulted another companion of the Prophet, Bilal. Abu Dharr said to Bilal, "You son of a black woman." The Messenger of Allah was extremely upset by Abu Dharr's comment, so he rebuked him by saying, "That is too much, Abu Dharr. He who has a white mother has no advantage which makes him better than the son of a black mother." This rebuke had a profound effect on Abu Dharr, who then put his head on the ground swearing that he would not raise it until Bilal had put his foot over it.
As a result Islam successfully built a multinational identity, which is evident in how Islam ruled people from Spain to India. Not without its difficulties the Islamic system was, and is far removed from the imperial system, which is racist in its outlook. The period of European colonisation epitomised the true nature of this system when countries such as Britain colonised India and viewed the people as racially inferior, whereas Islam prohibits racism. Today Muslims in all parts of the world seek unification - to abolish the artificial borders created by the colonialists, creating nations, which do not exist in order to preserve power. It is powerful evidence that the Islamic system is able to capture the forces of globalisation and eliminate ethnic conflict around the world. If the Islamic system had not eliminated nationalism - if it had not been a successful system then people in Chechnya, Egypt, Pakistan and Indonesia would not be calling for reunification of the Muslim world. Indeed we are still struggling against western colonialism and imperialism because the secular ideology can never achieve the correct revival for the Muslim world let alone humankind. This is a perfectly rational stance and those who seek to perpetuate the concept of the nation state are no different to the theocratic rulers of Europe who denied that the earth orbited the sun.
If we are to end ethnic conflict then it requires a political culture that is logically consistent, and a system that will ensure fairness and justice especially in this revolutionary epoch. In this regard the Islamic political culture defines people's identity according to the belief that humankind is created by Allah who is eternal and unlimited. Consequently people are viewed in their capacity as human beings and the Islamic rules address all of humanity without distinction because it is an ideology for all humankind:
"O Men, We created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another (Not that you may despise each other)." (TMQ 49:13)
"And among His Signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the difference of your languages and colours. Verily, in that are indeed signs for men of sound knowledge." (TMQ 30:22)
Consequently the Islamic message is general and addresses all people regardless of whether they are Muslim or non-Muslim, unless Islam specifies areas in which non-Muslims are not obliged to follow the Islamic rules. Or if belief in Islam is a precondition to fulfil certain obligations such as praying, fasting, performing hajj or paying zakat. This does not mean that non-Muslims aren't addressed by these rules rather when Islamic texts address Muslims, it is meant to remind them of their belief in Islam and not to confine the address to them. This is evidenced in the following text:
"O ye who believe! Eat not up your property amongst yourselves unjustly, except it be a trade amongst you by mutual consent." (TMQ 4:29)
While the text uses the word 'believers,' in this context it is a reminder of people's belief in Islam and not just an address to Muslims, hence Muslims and non-Muslims are both subject to the same ruling upon deception and fraud. Therefore where belief in Islam is not a precondition then all people are obliged to implement the Islamic rules. There is no difference between non-Muslims and Muslims when Islam addresses how people should live and achieve the highest standard of living as long as they are citizens of the Khilafah State. In this regard Muslims and non-Muslims are equal. Therefore people identify with the state solely upon the ideology. That is to say the relationship between the state and the people would be built according to certain values and principles such as the protection of life, the protection of mind, the protection of honour, the protection of wealth and property. Citizens of the Khilafah State would identify with the state solely upon how Islam solves the politico-socio-economic problems of society.
One could make a parallel with Bobbitt's thesis about the Market State where people base their identity according to capitalist values, however the free market exacerbates ethnic tensions because the free market does not lead to a natural equitable distribution of wealth. This requires a separate discussion. Additionally Bobbitt's premise is still conceived according to the existence of the nation state which devalues the argument. Therefore the debate facing humankind should be upon whether the Islamic system can achieve the highest standard of living or the secular system because the concept of the nation state and nationalism is a futile argument. The identity of a society should be solely upon how the ideology solves human problems because nationalism is irrational and destructive. This is the ideological bond and Islam not only provides a comprehensive system which will be explored in greater detail but provides a political culture that removes ethnic hatreds because in origin Islam views people in their capacity as human beings.
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