Foreword

Love for one’s homeland is a profound human emotion—one that surpasses boundaries of belief, culture, and geography. It reflects the natural bond between a person and the land where they are born, raised, and shaped. This connection goes deeper than mere geography; it includes memories, language, traditions, and the shared experiences of a community. Treasuring one’s homeland is not just emotional—it is a form of civic duty and an expression of ethical awareness.

Throughout history, people have found their identity, strength, and belonging in their homeland. To love one’s homeland is to care for its well-being, to hope for its peace and progress, and to actively contribute to its future. It also involves honouring its diversity, protecting its environment, and working towards maintaining justice and harmony within it.

This booklet presents an important perspective—that love for one’s homeland is not only natural, but is affirmed across philosophical and spiritual traditions. Many Islamic scholars, for example, have recognised it as a noble sentiment. Mulla Ali al-Qari (d. 1606), a well-known jurist, once noted: “Indeed, love for one’s homeland is not contrary to faith.” (Al-Asrar al-Marfu‘ah, p. 181)

Another classi, mcal commentator, Ibn Battal (d. 449 AH), wrote:

“God has placed love for homelands and longing for them in human nature—and the Prophet also exemplified this. In this lies the noblest model to follow.” (Sharh Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 4, p. 453)

Although religious texts may not always provide explicit commandments about this sentiment, cultural and historical narratives consistently affirm its importance. For example, it is documented that: “He [the Prophet] loved his homeland.” (Siyar A‘lam al-Nubala’, Vol. 15, p. 394)

And in another prayer attributed to him: “O God, make us love Madinah as we love Makkah…” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 1889; Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 1376)

Even symbolic gestures are noted, such as his affection for Mount Uhud: “This is a mountain that loves us, and we love it.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 2889)

And upon returning to Madinah: “Whenever the Prophet of Islam returned from travel and saw the walls of Madinah, he would speed up his ride out of love for it.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 1886)

Such narratives, regardless of one’s faith perspective, highlight the emotional and moral value attached to one’s homeland—a value echoed by commentators and scholars:

“This Hadith indicates the legitimacy of love for one’s homeland…” (‘Umdat al-Qari by Badr al-Din al-Ayni, Vol. 10, p. 135; Fath al-Bari by Ibn Hajar, Vol. 3, p. 621)

And: “The same ruling applies to any other beloved land…” (Al-Lami’ al-Darari by Maulana Zakariya Kandhalwi, Vol. 5, p. 279)

Beyond religious traditions, similar reflections are present in the writings of Muslim scholars, mystics, and poets throughout history. For instance, Ibrahim ibn Adham is quoted as saying:

“Among all I have endured and forsaken, nothing has weighed more heavily upon me than the parting from my homeland.” (Hilyat al-Awliya,’ Vol. 7, p. 380)

Raghib al-Isfahani similarly observed: “Through love of homeland, cities are built.” (Muhadarat al-udaba’, Vol. 2, p. 652)

And a Bedouin voice from history once remarked: “If you want to know a man’s character, observe his longing for his homeland.” (Al-Mujalasah wa Jawahir al-‘Ilm by al-Dinuri, Vol. 2, p. 208)

Such statements resonate not only with faith communities but with all individuals who cherish rootedness, memory, and responsibility. They confirm that love for one’s homeland is neither narrow nor divisive—it serves as a basis for service, empathy, and collective growth.

This booklet, based on the writings of Maulana Wahiduddin Khan, presents the view that true patriotism unites rather than divides. It is not narrow-mindedness—it is generosity of spirit. It is not against religion; rather, it serves to strengthen it. In these pages, the reader will discover a new perspective on love for one’s homeland—that loving one’s country with a positive mind, sincerity, ethics, and active commitment is one of the most effective foundations for building a better world.

Dr Farida Khanam

July, 2025

New Delhi, India.