:sl:
I got thinking about this, a brother told me that he regards countries such as Indonesia, Egypt, Pakistan as "Muslim countries", I thought sure there are many countries in which the population contains Muslims' but do we really have a "Muslim country"? Can these countries be defined as "Muslim countries" when they stand for secularism and in some cases democracy?
I think "Muslim countries" mean that the majority of the population in that country are Muslims.
The countries populated with majority Muslims', represent secularism and democracy, something that goes against Islam.
I cannot speak for all Muslims. I'm certain there are Muslims that support the Sharia but do not have the power to implement it. Of course, there are some Muslims that support secularism...
The people of the country may be Muslim however the flag of these countries does not represent sharia and the rule of Allah, it represents secularism and democracy and the rule of man over man, not the rule of Allah.
I agree that no country in the world has established the complete Sharia.
This raised another question in my head, can we support their flag and cheer for their victory whether it be in a game of sport or a war? Because their flag represents man made laws and not shari'a. And these principles go against Islam. So can we cheer for them still and support their flag?
I do not support any country. My family came from Pakistan but I was born in Britain. I could have been born in America, France, Germany, etc. I had no control over where I was born. So how can I be proud of something when I had no control over it?
When it comes to sports, I do not support any teams because they are representing their country. I could careless who wins or loses, it is not as though you are going to get anything out of it...I prefer to play sports than watch it. I think some people need to relax when it comes to sports. It tends to create more division than unity. If I had to support a team, it would be based on the player's skill rather than where they came from.
As for war, I will never support the country that is the aggressor, including my own country. When it comes to wars, I will support the country that has done nothing wrong and is simply defending itself. Of course, wars are a lot more complicated but one should not support their own country blindly and assume their countries' actions are heroic.
Is it allowed to join the armies of these countries? Since you will be pledging allegiance to a government that rules by secularism? And you'll be carrying a flag that represents secularism and democracy?
I'm not sure, good question. I think if a Muslim joined the army and was ordered to do something haraam like kill innocent civilians, then he should leave the army.
To conclude, Muslims are loyal to Allah. Do not let nationalism divide us. We are already divided as it is...