State or Religion ?
At times, the preference could be based on simple logic.
Your religion forbids you to have pork, the country you resides in allows it. Would you have it ? If you are a religious person, you would not but if you are not, you would.
At other times, its a dilemma.
Should UAE allow all muslims entry into its territory without VISA ? UAE is a muslim state, if religion is more important than the state then all muslims should be allowed entry and basically there should only be one giant muslim state and not the divided form of muslim countries. If state takes priority here then what’s the point of calling muslims of other countries your brothers ?
If Iran and Pakistan have different ideologies and both safeguard their own interests only and do not allow their citizens to visit the neighboring country without obtaining permit, then these are two independent states. According to this line of reasoning, everyone is on his own. If tomorrow, America attacks Iran then its Iran who should worry about, why should Pakistan or any other country should suffer ?
If Iran and Pakistan are brothers in faith then not only should they try to achieve visa-less borders but also stand for each other in times of trouble and the same goes for other muslim countries.
But I wonder when will we be able to decide, with whom lies our loyalty, state or religion ?
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Umar, When we align ourselves by religion, how do those expressing minority views find protection? How do Bahais find protection in an Islamic society?
While many mind find nationalism an evil, it does allow minorities to band together in a larger group. (I am talking of nation-state nationalism rather than the kind of blood-based nationalism that has caused so many problems in Europe)
You may argue that religion allows many ethnicities to band together… that is sometimes true. The key is always how do we protect dissenters and those who practice minority faiths (or non-faiths, as the case may be)
What are you trying to say actually?
Better said, with whom lies your loyalty?
From looking at the middle east at the moment, I would say state.