Canadian Muslims strive to be conscientious citizens

Often, we Canadian Muslims discuss whether in Islam, we derive our identity as members of an ummah (global Muslim community) to the exclusion of other identities and affiliations such as nationality, ethnicity and citizenship.

We debate whether ummah is an exclusive club, whose members are loyal only to it and have no responsibility to any other. We ask whether Muslims have a responsibility to their country of birth or citizenship exclusively. These are crucial questions because they formulate the grounds on which Canadian Muslims will base their civic and social responsibilities.

Over the years, I have come to understand that Islam nurtures and encourages conscientious citizenship regardless of where we reside. Our responsibility encompasses all humanity and God's creation.

A conscientious citizen must aspire to the following qualities, traits and characteristics, all of which Islam encourages.

Careful: To be careful in our responsibility to our country and our fellow citizens and make sure our actions and words do not hurt anyone or cause disruptions in society.

Thorough: To be thorough in our responsibility as citizens is to be thorough in our understanding and our knowledge of laws, values and expectations of being a valuable citizen. Thorough also means we observe a balanced approach to rights and duties as citizens.

Meticulous: In whatever path we choose to serve our society and our country, we must be meticulous about details, thus safeguarding the spirit of a healthy citizen and state relationship.

Painstaking: To be a conscientious citizen requires that we face many challenges but remain steadfast in justice and non-partisan in our civic engagements.

Reliable: An honoured citizen is one who is reliable, loyal and honest. The relationship between the country and its citizens is reciprocal. The greatest betrayal is that of treason when a citizen works against the interest of his or her country or exposes it to harm. The state must have confidence that its citizens can be relied upon to maintain the dignity and security of the state, while the citizen must be secure knowing the state will ensure his or her human rights, security and dignity.

Diligent: Citizenship is a lifelong allegiance and privilege; it should not be taken for granted or ignored for greener pastures. Diligence in keeping the leaders and institutions of the state on the path of justice for all its citizens is a natural outcome of conscientious citizenship.

Hard-working: A citizen who truly takes his or her responsibility and duties as a citizen seriously will work hard to improve and develop a model society and will champion the cause of those who are disenfranchised, marginalized or in need.

Industrious: A successful citizen is one who applies all his or her talents, resources and strength to build the country. These citizens are creative, willing to take risks and committed to a bigger and better vision. They are not easily discouraged and have an optimistic outlook.

Assiduous: Citizens who are assiduous persevere when facing challenges. They are attentive to change and adaptable to various circumstances without compromising the values on which the country is built.

In other words, conscientious citizens are Muslim citizens regardless of where they reside. They must bring the above qualities consciously, proactively and consistently to the civic forum.

Our responsibility to our neighbours is emphasized by Prophet Muhammad in the following words: "One is not a believer if he/she sleeps with a full stomach while their neighbour is hungry."

How can Canadian Muslims not be active citizens, involved in establishing justice, promoting welfare for all and conscious of their responsibilities to fellow citizens? How can Muslims justify passivity and complacency in civic engagement? How can Muslims not vote and take part in the political, social and economic arenas of their society and country? How can Canadian Muslims rationalize non-participation in the democratic process of developing our nation since all these are not privileges but a duty in Islam?

Let us take up the call of being conscientious citizens by starting to volunteer because volunteerism is participation of citizens in the welfare of society and to make selfless contributions. Unfortunately, Canada has one million fewer volunteers than some years ago. Only 27 per cent of Canadians volunteer compared to 45 per cent of Americans and 35 per cent of Britons. Our volunteers are also aging. It is interesting to note that religious people who regularly attend services are twice as likely to volunteer.

Winnipeg-based Shahina Siddiqui is president and executive director of Islamic Social Services Association Inc. -- Canada.

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition June 16, 2012 J14