Political Concept of Citizenship
Dr. Ali Al-Sallabi
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Intellectual Issues
Citizenship as a Social Contract
Citizenship is a social contract between the individual citizen and the state, which encompasses legislative, executive, judicial, and administrative institutions. Thus, the relationship is one of participation between the two parties in a civilized and organized manner. Citizenship is a relationship between the individual and the state, defined by the constitution, which outlines the rights and duties of the citizen. Its essence is the love and loyalty of the citizen to their homeland and their service to it in times of peace and war.
The Concept of Belonging
Citizenship includes the concept of belonging, which means an individual's affiliation with a particular entity, feeling secure on their land, loving it, proud of their identity, and engaged with its issues. The individual works to solve its problems, abides by its laws and values, considers the public interest, preserves its interests and resources, and does not abandon it in times of crises and hardships.
Modern Concept of Citizenship
The modern concept of citizenship relies on collective agreement based on understanding to guarantee individual and collective rights. Citizenship is essentially an emotional bond through the connection to the land and with other members of the society residing on that land. It does not contradict Islam, as citizenship is a bond among individuals living in a specific time and place, i.e., a defined geography, and the religious relationship enhances citizenship (Al-Qaradawi, "Citizen and Citizenship", p. 17).
Evolution of the Modern Concept of Citizenship
The modern concept of citizenship has evolved with the modern state, which considers itself the absolute authority within its borders, and its orders are binding on all who reside within those geographical boundaries. To prevent state tyranny and the abuse of its powers, the idea of the citizen, who possesses inalienable rights that cannot be violated by the state, emerged. These rights include civil rights related to equality with others, political rights related to participation in political decision-making, and collective rights related to economic, social, and cultural affairs.
The Melting Pot of All Affiliations
Citizenship is the melting pot in which all tribal, regional, and ethnic affiliations, etc., dissolve in favor of one affiliation only, which is the homeland. This does not mean the elimination of affiliation to religion, tribe, family, region, or otherwise; rather, it means that these affiliations do not conflict with the greater affiliation to the homeland (Al-Sallabi, "Citizenship and Homeland", p. 23).
