Islamic scholars stress loyalty to homeland

In a statement issued by Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Shaikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, the council made its remarks in response to repeated announcements by several Arab countries — including Bahrain — regarding the discovery of cells and groups linked to foreign entities.

The council said Islam establishes the relationship between individuals and their homelands on principles of loyalty, fulfilling covenants, protecting lives and property, and prohibiting betrayal, corruption and incitement.

Quoting from Islamic texts, it cited verses urging the fulfilment of promises and warning against spreading corruption after order has been established, as well as a saying attributed to the Prophet Muhammad condemning violence against the community.

It added that any actions threatening societal security or fuelling division among citizens run contrary to Islamic teachings.

The statement further warned that using sectarian or doctrinal identities to serve external political agendas or cross-border organisations represents a “serious deviation” from Islamic principles, which prioritise stability, coexistence and public order.

The council called on communities to avoid being drawn into “ideological narratives and platforms” that promote division or seek to redirect loyalty away from the nation-state.