THE ROLE OF MUSLIMS IN DIASPORA

upon Muslims to manage their sentiments instead of protesting against these newspapers and demanding a ban over such publications. When a Muslim becomes a citizen of another country, he takes an oath of allegiance. On becoming citizens, Muslims enjoy equal benefits of citizenship with others. However, along with this, Muslims must fulfil the conditions of the oath of allegiance they have undertaken, both in letter and spirit. The option is to either live according to the oath or to leave the country. The third option—that of protest, does not exist. A relevant verse of the Quran says: “Keep your promises; you will be called to account for every promise which you have made.” (17: 34). The word “promises” here includes all kinds of promises, big or small. It includes international oaths, made by individuals or nations. Accordingly, if a Muslim takes an oath of allegiance to a foreign country, it is incumbent on him to abide by it. If he cannot do this, he must leave that country. Another obligation on immigrant Muslims is to live as giver-members of their society rather than as takers. If they do not do this, they will have to pay a heavy price—they will not command respect in society. St Francis of Assisi has rightly said, “For it is in giving that we receive.” This is a law of nature and Muslims are no exception to this law in any way. There is a historical example to this effect. In the first quarter of the seventh century, when the Prophet of Islam was in Makkah, some Muslims migrated to the neighbouring country of Abyssinia with the Prophet’s permission. These Muslims, approximately 125 in number, reached Abyssinia by the sea route. At the time, Abyssinia was ruled by the Christian king, Negus. The Muslims who went to live in Abyssinia created no problems for the local people. They lived in harmony with others and earned their livelihood through hard labor. When Abyssinia was attacked, the Muslims offered to join the country’s military and help in the defence against the aggression. Muslims must live as law-abiding citizens in the country they choose to reside in. They must not violate international laws. The choice is either to live as law-abiding citizens of the country or to return to their previous homelands. They have no third option in this matter. o If you take an oath of allegiance in a foreign country, you must abide by it. Else you must leave that country.