Q 2: Is a Muslim or a believer prohibited to say, “I am a patriot”? Is one prohibited to express an opinion on internal or external politics?

A: The true great honor, the true source of pride and high status lie in belonging to Islam, in supporting it and striving to make the Word of Allah supreme. Let a Muslim better say, “I am a Muslim,” for this is more exalting in rank and honor. Only through Islam and brotherhood-in-faith will Muslims be brought together. Nationality-based bias is a means of destruction and disunion of the Muslim community when it is meant to boast about one’s own nationality versus Muslim brothers of other nationalities. However, if by doing so one only intends to identify one’s nationality of birth as opposed to any other nationality, this will be unobjectionable. (Part No. 2; Page No. 218) It is noteworthy that his Eminence Chairman Shaykh `Abdul-`Aziz ibn Baz composed a treatise on nationalism, which is to be consulted.Furthermore, expressing one’s opinion on internal or external politics of the nation is not prohibited so long as it is for the public interest of Islam and Muslims and does not stir turmoil that may incur disunion, failure, defeat and ruin.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.