World Crisis and the Pathway to Peace — Page 122
122 advocate this, but actually commands us to be absolutely loyal and devoted to our country of residence. Indeed, the Holy Prophet sa particularly emphasised that love for one’s nation is a part of faith for any true Muslim. When loving your country is a basic element of Islam, how can any true Muslim exhibit disloyalty or betray his nation and thereby forgo his faith? In terms of Ahmadi Muslims, at our major events all members of the Community, whether they are men, women, children or the elderly, stand up and make a pledge taking God as their witness. In that pledge they promise to give up their lives, wealth, time and honour not just for their reli- gion but also for the sake of their nations and countries. Therefore, who could prove to be more loyal citizens than those people who are constantly reminded to serve their nation and from whom a pledge is repeatedly taken to be ever-ready to make all sacrifices for the sake of their faith, country and nation? The question may arise in the minds of some people that here in Germany, the majority of Muslims come from Pakistan, Turkey or other Asian countries, and so when the time comes to make sacrifices for their nations, they will prefer their countries of origin, rather than Germany. Thus, I should clarify and explain that when a person acquires German nationality or the national- ity of any country, then he becomes a full citizen of that nation. I made this very point earlier this year when I delivered an address at the German Military Headquarters, in Koblenz. I explained, according to Islamic teachings, what should happen if a situation arises whereby Germany is engaged in a war with the country of origin of an immigrant who has become a German citizen. If the immigrant feels sympathy towards his original country and thinks there is a risk of him desiring or causing harm to Germany, then