Sunan Ibn Majah 3949
‘Abbad bin Kathir Ash-Shami narrated from a woman among them, called Fasilah, that she heard her father say: “I asked the Prophet (ﷺ): ‘O Messenger of Allah, is it tribalism if a man loves his people?’ He said: ‘No, rather tribalism is when a man helps his people to do wrong.’”
- This hadith, narrated by ‘Abbad bin Kathir Ash-Shami, reports a conversation between the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and a man who asked him about the concept of tribalism in Islam. The man asked whether it was considered tribalism if someone loves and is loyal to their own tribe or people. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) responded by saying that loving one’s own people or tribe is not considered tribalism in itself, but tribalism arises when someone supports their own people in wrongdoing. From this hadith, Muslims learn that it is not wrong to love and be loyal to their own tribe or people. However, it is important to ensure that this love and loyalty do not lead to supporting injustice or wrongdoing. Muslims are encouraged to prioritize justice and fairness above loyalty to any particular group or community. This hadith emphasizes the importance of treating everyone with equality and fairness, regardless of their tribe, race, or ethnicity. It also highlights the importance of standing up against injustice and wrongdoing, even if it involves going against one’s own people or community.
