ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Biography of Imam `alĪ Ibn AbĪ-tĀlib Citizenship Human beings are gregarious. Their life is identified with togetherness. Because of this togetherness, people are identified with families, tribes and nations. In these groups, because of different natures of the individuals there are bound to be differences and disputes. Therefore, it is necessary to create a balance placing some restrictions on the individuals and groups were imperative.

These norms of civilization make what is called citizenship. Because of the importance of the subject of citizenship, its study has been included in the curricula of the young students. The basic principle of citizenship is that one should respect the feelings of others, cooperate, and protect each other in all matters in their environment.

The concept of citizenship does not take effect until the individuals in the society understand their rights and duties and they learn how to live amicably together. They have to know how to behave with their neighbors, with men from their own profession, with the master, with the workers and others. They need to know what moral aspects they will have to bear in mind while interacting with others.

A good citizen is one who thinks of the benefit of all the persons in his group as much as he thinks for his own benefit. He should dedicate himself to the service of his nation and the community. He should come forward to the aid of the weak and downtrodden. If someone calls for help, he should not quietly sneak away.

The Prophet (a.s) said: “If someone calls with the words, ‘O Muslims!’, and one who hears does not come to his help, then he is not a Muslim!” It is this sense of citizenship that voluntary organizations have come up in the society with the main purpose of benefiting the people. The purpose of citizenship too is the same that the individual should not think only of himself, but he should have care for everyone around him.

The Prophet 0f Islam (a.s) has said: “One who does not attach importance to the affairs of the Muslims is not a Muslim!” The norms of citizenship fixed by different nations, although they have a lot in common and subservient to the local customs and practices. But Islam, which is above all differences of color and race, and is the torchbearer of universal amity and welfare unites all men under the one brotherhood.

It has based nationhood on universal basis where no distinction is made of color or of descent.