Discussion Group 1:

What it means to
be a Global
Citizen
Definition
Someone who identifies with being part of an emerging
world community and whose actions contribute to building
this community’s values and practices – Ronald C.Israel
Catalysts for a Growing Global Identity

Due to Advances in technologies of:

1. Modern information
2. Communications
3. Transportation technologies
Reasons for increased connectivity to the
world
1.Internet connectivity
2.Participation in the Global Economy
3.Through the empathy we feel when we see pics of humanitarian
disasters in other countries
4.Easiness to travel far and wide
Fields of Global Citizen Values being
advocated:
1.Human rights
2.Environmental Protection
3.Religious Pluralism
4.Gender Equity
5.Sustainable worldwide economic growth
6.Poverty alleviation
7.Prevention of conflicts between countries
8.Elimination of weapons of mass destruction
9.Humanitarian assistance
10.Preservation of cultural diversity
Fields of Global Citizen Values being
advocated:

Islam and Global Citizenry

1. Islam promotes the interactions and understanding
between Diverse group of People
Surah Al-Hujurat Verse 13
O you mankind, surely We created you of a male and a female,

And We have made you races and tribes that you may get mutually
acquainted.

Surely the most honourable among you in the Providence of Allah are
the most pious:

Surely Allah is Ever-knowing, Ever-Cognizant

2. Islam Encourages Religious Harmony
Surah Al-Baqarah Verse 256

There shall be no compulsion in acceptance of the religion.

The right course has become clear from the wrong. So whoever
disbelieves in Evil and believes in Allah has grasped the most
trustworthy handhold with no break in it.

And Allah is Hearing and Knowing

3. Islam discourages war and transgression

Surah Al-Baqarah Verse 190

Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress.
Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors.
4. Islam discourages Racism
Surah Ar-Rum Verse 22

And of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the
diversity of your languages and your colours. Indeed in that are signs for
those of knowledge.

Hadith of Prophet Muhammad S.A.W:

“All mankind is descended from Adam and Eve, an Arab is not better
than a non-Arab and a non-Arab is not better than an Arab; a white
person is not better than a black person, nor is a black person better
than a white person except by piety and good actions. Learn that every
Muslim is the brother of every other Muslim and that Muslims form one
brotherhood”
5. Islam encourages Conservation of the Environment
Surah Al-Hadid verse 41:

Corruption has appeared throughout the land and sea by [reason of]
what the hands of people have earned so He may let them taste part of
[the consequence of] what they have done that perhaps they will return
[to righteousness].

Surah Al-A’raf verse 31:

O children of Adam, take your adornment at every mosque, and eat and
drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit
excess.
6. Islam in Poverty Alleviation
Surah Al-Baqarah Verse 177

Gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the
traveler, those who ask for help, and for freeing slaves; and who
establishes prayer and gives zakah (Charity); those who fulfill their
promise when they promise; and those who are patient in poverty and
hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and
it is those who are the righteous.
Summary
To be a global citizen one must:
1. Firstly, interact and understand one another so that we can
accommodate and tolerate each other
2. Cultivate and promote religious harmony and not hate between
each other
3. Cultivate and promote mutual understanding so that war and
transgression do not happen
4. Discourage racism
5. As a global citizen, one must conserve the environment and do not
waste food
6. Be charitable and help those who are in need