Major-General Hamdy Labib gave an online lecture under the title of “Citizenship and Affiliation” to Algerian imams and preachers. The lecure came as part of the training course organized by WOAG in cooperation with al-Azhar International Academy for Training Imams and Preachers.
Labib stressed that some people lump between the concepts of citizenship, allegiance and affiliation, despite their vast differences. He underlined that affiliation is the general concept that the two other concepts fall under, highlighting that affiliation is a sensual personal relation an individual develops within a certain category. Indeed, affiliation should be directed to Allah, religion, humanity, homeland and family.
Labib explained the concept of Wala’ and Bara’ from a religious point of view, hinting that Prof. Ibrahim al-Hudhud and Prof. Abdul Fadeel al-Qousi in their book “Al-Wala’ wal Bara’” defined al-Wala’ as devoting oneself to Allah Almighty, religion and homeland, while al-Bara’ means denying the favor of homeland and religion. Labib stressed that the concepts of allegiance, positivity, affiliation and commitment all together attain the concept of citizenship.
Labib outlined the concept of citizenship as it gathers the sublime faith and ethical features in order to spread them inside the society and to be beneficial to homeland.
Labib added that the nation’s enemies are trying to undermine such values and principles and disseminate extremism in order to destruct our societies. Indeed, they are similar to the terrorist groups in violating the concepts of citizenship, allegiance and affiliation, and instead of improving their societies, they terrify them. Labib stressed that awareness and knowledge are the only means at this time to confront the destructive ideas.
Labib concluded the lecture by commending the role played by al-Azhar and WOAG in raising the awareness, establishing the values of citizenship and renouncing violence and extremism. He advised the trainees to expand their knowledge concerning the concepts of citizenship, allegiance and affiliation, in order to spread them in the Algerian society, due to their utmost importance in spreading the values of tolerance and renouncing extremism.
