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What is the concept of 'asabiyyah (tribalism/partisanship), and is it blameworthy if it is for one's homeland or city? Is it what is meant by the Hadith, "Leave it, for it is putrid"? To whom should 'asabiyyah be directed if it is necessary? And does the origin of the word come from "al-'usbatu" (the bandage) that covers the eye? And how can a person be an 'asabiyy (partisan/devoted) to Islam?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

Linguistically, 'asabiyyah (tribalism/partisanship) is defined as a man's call to support his relatives ('asabah) and gather with them against those who oppose them, whether the latter are oppressors or oppressed.

As for the praiseworthy 'asabiyyah in Islam, it is characterized by holding fast to the strongest bonds of faith, which are: loyalty for the sake of Allah and enmity for the sake of Allah, love for the sake of Allah and hatred for the sake of Allah. And to the extent of the strength of faith in the heart, a servant loves what Allah loves and hates what Allah hates.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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