It accepts neither boundaries for nationhood nor the...

It accepts neither boundaries for nationhood nor the official geographical restrictions. The norms of citizenship promulgated by Islam do not pertain to any particular land or dominion. They are universal for all places and times. Therefore, Amir al-Mu’minin (a.s) who was a fountainhead of Islamic Learning has thrown light on the norms of citizenship.

It is the result of our callousness and our pettiness that when the voice of this “Sage of Arabia” reverberated in the environment, we were deaf to it. But when the same voice was echoed by the West, we were all ear to it. There is no doubt that the norms and rules set by the thinkers in the world, have not a single article that was not enunciated by `Ali (a.s). Some of these norms are given here as examples. (1) The basic principle of societal welfare is justice and fairplay.

This maintains a balance between the powerful and the weak. The powerful controls himself for fear of accountability in inflicting excesses on the weak and the weak will have confidence that if the unkind hand of the powerful was about to strike him, law and justice would protect him like a defensive shield. Therefore, in a society where justice exists, peace prevails.

Where cruelty flourishes, there the flames of discontent will keep burning inside the hearts of the downtrodden to assume the proportions of a wildfire in time! Amir al-Mu’minin (a.s) says, “Tread the path of justice and abstain from cruelty and waywardness. Because with waywardness you may have to leave your home and hearth and cruelty invites people to take to the sword!” (2) It is the requirement of good citizenship that people respect the feelings of others.

Do to others as one wishes others to do with him. `Ali (a.s) says, “What you like for yourself, you must wish for others too! What you do not want others to do; you must refrain from that as well!” (3) Refrain from pride and prejudice because it creates hatred in the minds of others that might affect the amicable relations between people. Amir al-Mu’minin (a.s) says, “The biggest thing to be proud of is that one should have no pride!” The reason is that pride is the result of inferiority complex.

A person with character, instead of making tall claims gives an example of his character with his actions. (4) Treat the weak and downtrodden with sympathy and consideration. Amir al-Mu’minin (a.s) says, “Be kind to the weak.