WE are now in the month of August which has been designated as Independence Month (Bulan Kemerdekaan). As a gesture of patriotism, Malaysians are, therefore, encouraged to put up the Jalur Gemilang or national flag at their homes, offices and vehicles.
This is a simple symbolic act to show one’s love for the country of birth on its independence anniversary. This act could only be produced if there is genuine love towards the nation. In this regard, the Prophet of Islam had been reported to have said that: “Love towards one’s nation is a part of the faith (iman)”.
It is clear from this prophetic tradition that Muslims must show their love towards their nation.
Patriotism is a manifestation of positive nationalism, whereby the people of a country are willing to defend the security and pride of the nation.
Islam outlines the need for patriotism very clearly as stated in verse 60 of Surah al-Anfal in the Quran. The verse enjoins Muslims to be vigilant and prepared to face any and all challenges that may be posed and imposed on the country.
Today, these challenges may come in many forms — political, military, social or economic. In the case of Malaysia, if Malaysians are not prepared in every sense of the word, then the risk of losing the country’s independence is there.
Today, people are talking about “neo-colonialism” — a form of colonialism that is subtle in nature.
The new threat of colonialism could be in other less obvious manifestations, such as economic globalisation, political dependence and mental subjugation.
The challenge facing Malaysia today is to ensure that the post-Independence generation is made aware of the pressing need to protect the country’s freedom and independence.
It is timely to remember a reminder from Ibn Khaldun, one of the greatest Muslim scholars in the annals of history. Ibn Khaldun who observed three dynasties, namely the Arabs, Berbers and Ajams, theorised that most dynasties would last only for three generations.
According to the historian, each generation’s rule is about 40 years. Hence, if each dynasty lasts three generations, then a dynasty would survive for approximately 120 years.
Ibn Khaldun then outlined the characteristics of each generation. The first generation, he noted, had to endure great difficulties and many forms of oppression. This is because their freedom and independence is limited or none at all. As such, this first generation would develop a sense of nationalism and pride among them.
They have a strong fighting spirit, formidable bond of brotherhood and willing to sacrifice everything for the sake of their children and nation. Patriotism is very much apparent in this first generation.
When independence is found, the first generation would endeavour towards attaining success in all fields, striving for greater heights, thus creating national pride and glory.
They work tirelessly to realise this aim, so that their children will not have to go through the hardship that they went through.
Ibn Khaldun further wrote on the second generation, who was born after independence is achieved. This generation has never gone through the hardship that their fathers had to endure. As such, a feeling of complacency exists among the second generation.
The second generation lives in an environment which is comfortable and secure. Wealth and luxury is abundant. Unfortunately, the elements of nationalism and patriotism, namely the fighting spirit, bond of brotherhood and willingness to sacrifice, have begun to erode from the hearts of the second generation.
They began replacing these nationalistic ideals with greater individualistic and materialistic elements.
However, because there exists a direct relationship between the first and second generations, the latter is often reminded by the former from time to time of the former’s struggles and difficulties.
As such, the second generation would often be given wake-up calls by the first generation.
Things begin to change when we get to the third generation. As observed by Ibn Khaldun, this generation is the generation that treads on the path of self-destruction.
All the struggles and hardships of their forefathers have been forgotten.
They cannot relate to the difficulties before achieving independence.
Nationalism and patriotism is replaced entirely by greed, individualism and materialism.
This third generation is unwilling to sacrifice for the importance and survival of the country. Ibn Khaldun noted that this generation is the last in a free dynasty because no one in that generation is able to fend off any threats that may come.
Ibn Khaldun’s observations are indeed very thought-provoking. If we look at his “theory” on the survival of nations and compare it to the situation in Malaysia, there exists a cause for worry.
This year, Malaysia will celebrate its 45th anniversary as an independent nation. If we were to look at Ibn Khaldun’s theory, then Malaysia is now in the transition period between the first and second generation.
As we know, the first generation of Malaysians are those who have lived during the British colonial rule, Japanese occupancy and communist threat. They have seen it all — the hardships and difficulties — during those trying times.
They have sacrificed everything that they have, sometimes even themselves, in order to ensure that Malaysia would be an independent nation as it is proudly today.
Looking at the second generation, it is quite apparent that the feeling and pride of being a Malaysian is being eroded by the comfort and security that exists today.
The post-Independence generation seems to be lax when it comes to maintaining and preserving peace, harmony and stability that we enjoy today. In fact, it also seems that the second generation of Malaysians have begun to take the sacrifice to achieve independence for granted.
The annual commemoration of independence is regarded as only another public holiday. There is little sense of pride or belonging to the significance of Aug 31.
It is as if what Ibn Khaldun wrote many hundred years ago is beginning to take shape in Malaysia. If indeed this is the case, then there is a valid reason for everyone to be concerned.
Most, if not all, of the generation that was born after 1957 have forgotten the true meaning of independence. Independence is not something that can be taken for granted.
Malaysians cannot afford to be complacent. Instead we must always ensure that nationalism and patriotism is as strong in today’s generation as they were in the first generation.
This is important to ensure that independence is truly understood and defended by Malaysians. Putting up flags is the simplest of ways to show one’s love for the nation. But alas, we should not stop or be satisfied with just putting up flags.
Instead, we should go one step further by translating this simple gesture into meaningful actions.
After all, in the final analysis, it is deeds and not words that count.