Nations that practice justice, and in which there is law and order, are more prosperous. They will flourish as long as justice is practiced.
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| Image credit: cbcministry.org |
Source/Credit: Chambersburg Public Opinion
By Dr. Amatul Khalid | February 26, 2016
There is so much restlessness in the world — watch the news for half an hour and your anxiety level will go up.
Why does one country try to put another country down, and why are the people of some countries trying to get rid of their leaders? Why are there so many rebels, militants, riots, fights and attempts to put others down?
The reason is multifaceted. Is religion creating restlessness, or is it a lack of religious understanding? The truth is we are not understanding and practicing what our faith teaches.
There are clear guidelines about selecting authorities and obedience to authorities in all holy scriptures.
Quran says: “Allah commands you to make over the trusts to those entitled to them, and that when you judge between them judge with justice. And surely is that with which Allah admonishes you! Allah is all hearing, all seeing.” (4:59) Clearly the first rule is to give trust to those entitled to the job, and when you are selecting authorities, vote for the one who acts with justice. ote for the person who you think will be capable of leading the nation in the right direction.
Once a leader is selected, the next rule is to obey him, no matter if he is your choice or not. On the other hand the one who is elected should be practicing justice as well.
Holy scriptures emphasize obedience to authority.
“ Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but God: The powers that be are ordained of God. (Romans 13:1) “ Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work” (Titus 3:1) “ Oh ye who believe, obey Allah and the prophet and those in authority among you” (Quran 4:60) “It is obligatory for you to listen to the ruler, and obey him in adversity and prosperity, in pleasure and displeasure and even when another person is given preference over you.” (Sahi Muslim Book 020 Hadith #4525) It is clear God does not want disorder on earth; it is our failure to follow his guidance leading us toward distress and disorder. In Islam one is not only to obey his leaders and is to be loyal to his country, but also to love his country.
“ Love of one’s country is part of faith.” The Prophet of Islam said that 1,400 years ago.
No matter what faith, color, gender your leader is, obey him or her. Abiding by law and order establishes peace.
Nations that practice justice, and in which there is law and order, are more prosperous. They will flourish as long as justice is practiced.
Religion does not allow you to rebel, riot or cause destruction - even if there is injustice the teaching is to either tolerate it with patience or migrate.
When we become citizens of a country we take an oath ofallegiance to the country. Then that is our country, and our loyalty belongs to that country. It is our duty to protect our country and serve it to the best of our capacity.
The shooters who were involved in San Bernardino, and in 911, and other terrorists attacks, were not practicing their faith. They will not find the heaven they were promised by their ignorant leaders, as they were not following the teachings of God.
On the other hand there are 5,900 Muslims serving in the U.S. military. Muslims have fought in all major U.S. wars including the Civil War, World Wars I and II and the Vietnam War. More recently they have served in the Gulf war, Iraq war and the war in Afghanistan. (Wikipedia.org) God’s teaching is to be loyal to the country you live in. This teaching and education need to spread in order to stop young people from becoming targets of ISIS, extremism and ignorance.
The Prophet of Islam has said that “ whosoever obeys the ruler obeys me and whoso disobeys the ruler disobeys me.”
In summary obedience to authority and service to humanity are the essential elements in establishing peace, whether in the household, at work, in the community, country, or in the world. Disagreements or differences of opinion can be handled in a more mature and educated manner.
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Dr. Amatul Khalid is a Chambersburg physician.
Read original post here: Perspective: All faiths call us to love and serve our country | Dr. Amatul Khalid
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