As recorded in the history of Islam that after migrating (hijrah) to Madinah and having successfully established a Muslim state there, the Prophet Muhammad could still hardly forget the place he grew up in. In a hadith narrated by al-Tirmidhi, the Prophet was reported to have pined for Mecca: “How sweet of a land you are and how dear you are to me, and if it were not that my people expelled me from you, I would not have lived in other than you.”
The feelings of attachment and love to the land where one was born and grew up is natural. With the Prophet, despite the harassment and hostility, which led him to emigrate to Medina, by his own tribe of Quraish; it could not at all turn his love off for the land where his memory began. Besides being his motherland, another factor that made this affection even stronger is that Mecca has always been the most loved land to Almighty Allah.
In Malay literature, a proverb goes to the same effect, “tempat jatuh lagi dikenang, inikan pula tempat bermain” or literally translated somewhat as, “(if) the place where we fell is cherished, what more where we played (during childhood)”.
For the mindful, both the proverb and hadith bring out a significant message on the spirit of patriotism or love for one’s country. It is undoubtedly a good trait which imbues people with a sense of loyalty and desire to coexist peacefully with others regardless of religion and cultural background. With a pre-emptive value, it could be employed in creating a reconciliatory direction among diverse communities, sectors and stakeholders. Thus, patriotism creates a common platform and understanding for people of different races and beliefs in a country to work together in a positive and constructive manner in nation-building activities.
This is possible as those with patriotic hearts will always be willing to trade off their comfort for the sake of the country’s interest. The spirit of patriotism will also permeate positive values and instil good ethics in all walks of life. Indirectly, this will drive off all sorts of negative influences which could possibly bring damage to the national agenda.
In addition, loyalty to the homeland will ensure enemies of the state stay away from the border fence as people will fight tooth and nail to keep the sovereignty and dignity of their nation intact. Islam too does not prohibit Muslims from expressing loyalty to their motherland or the country where they live in. As a matter of fact, it enjoins establishing good relations with one’s fellow countrymen. The Prophet had showed exemplary quality in this manner when he maintained good relations with the Jews living in Madinah. This is also in line with verse 60 of surah al-Mumtahina in which Allah expresses to the effect:
Allah does not forbid you to respect those who have not made war against you on account of (your) religion, and have not driven you forth from your homes, that you show them kindness and deal with them justly; surely, Allah loves the doers of justice.
In Malaysia, the spirit of patriotism among citizens is rather seasonal in nature. It shoots up high and evident mainly during Independence Day celebrations. Thanks to the media, campaigns as well as activities carried out by both government and commercial sectors drum up the spirit without which Hari Merdeka would perhaps pass as another public holiday. Or it could only be seem as an annual congregation waiting for the clock tower to strike midnight on 31st August followed by spectacular fireworks, live entertainments and concerts.
However, over the past few months, the patriotism displayed by Malaysians has taken a different turn. No doubt, the tragedies and traumas that had happened have caused this change. The entire nation was saddened and shared the pain what more the grieving family members of the victims. The triple tragedies of Lahad Datu “invasion”, MH370 disappearance and MH17 downing have brought Malaysians together in solidarity even in our sorrow.
A few weeks ago, this newspaper reported the findings of a survey on the National Patriotism Index by the National Civics Bureau (BTN). A total of 1200 respondents involved were asked about seven dimensions pertaining to patriotism which include loyalty to the monarchy, national language and 1Malaysia concept. The findings reveal that Malaysians are rated “B” for patriotism with an average score of 3.8 out of 5 which was deemed “not bad” by the BTN Director-General.
Perhaps by current standards, the results are reasonable given that the respondents were, after all, students of six public and private institutes of higher learning. Unlike our founding fathers who had to struggle and face unimaginable hardships in their cause to free the country from about 450 years of colonial bondage; or those who were born in the late 1950’s to early 1970’s when national security and socio-economic issues remained the priority for the government to tackle; the postmodern generation are born and bred practically in comfort and conducive environment.
Hence, we must admit that a clear distinction exists how the two generations appreciate and express their love to the country. Furthermore, different eras entail different challenges which require engagement of different approaches. The young generation no longer need to carry arms or brave through battlefields like their grandparents did; yet, they need to nurture the sense of belonging to the country and dispel all negative thoughts and ill feelings that give rise to xenophobia to be able to contribute effectively and meaningfully in their own way in the nation building process.