As the elections get closer, the ever decreasing naysayers start to bring out their messages of abstention and exclusion. There was a time, maybe a decade or two ago, when there used to be debate on political participation by Muslims living in the West.
These days the overwhelming majority of Muslim scholars have not only said that political participation is allowed but that it is to be encouraged. Amongst these majority voices are the largest body of Muslim scholars, the Fiqh Council of Jidda headed by the Mufti of Saudi Arabia along with scholars such as Shaykh Yusuf al-Qaradawi, Shaykh Bin Bayyah , Dr Wahba Zuhaili, Dr Taha Jabir al-’Awani, Shaykh Abdul Karim Zaydan, Dr. Munir Farid Wasil, former Mufti of Egypt, Shaykh Nizam Yaqubi, Shaykh Haitham al-Haddad from the Islamic Sharia Council, Mufti Muhammad ibn Adam from Darul Iftaa in Leicester, Mufti Zubair Butt from the Al Qalam Institute, Shaykh Muhammad Al-Mukhtar Al-Shinqiti, Shaykh Salman Al Awdah, Shaykh Muhammad Salih al-Munajjid and Maulana Khalilul Rahman Sajjad Nomani Nadwi. The list goes on, but I think you get the point.
Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Uthaymeen was asked about the ruling on elections, and he replied: “I think that elections are obligatory; we should appoint the one who we think is good, because if the good people abstain, who will take their place? Evil people will take their place, or neutral people in whom there is neither good nor evil, but they follow everyone who makes noise. So we have no choice but to choose those who we think are fit.”
So when we receive emails or leaflets’ informing us that voting in elections is haraam (forbidden) we should simply smile, thank them and then quickly move on. There is no debate to be had; all persons or groups that have the quality of reason are all but in agreement with the majority position. Those who are now left in the margins have no real case, for them it is blind following and parroting of a stubborn old view which divorces itself from all context and reason and the importance of Maslaha (public interest) and Ijtihad – these are not people whom we should debate with or even entertain the idea of debating.
This is not to say that these marginal and minority people and groups do not have the right to say what they want or distribute leaflets and brochures. Not at all, all I ask is that they do this with adab (manners) and akhlaq and drop their takfiri attitude and finger pointing. That is unacceptable and should not be tolerated for a moment.
Hizbut Tahrir (HT) have recently published a leaflet claiming this marginal position, but as far as I see and according to their leader – our difference is political and one of ‘approach’ and not theological. Secondly, HT have cited the recent media attacks on IFE as a reason for not engaging and rather continuing their promotion of a more exclusionary path.
I completely disagree with that approach. Yes, Andrew Gilligan – who failed to condemn the use of the racist term ‘Paki’– did attack IFE, but he is an insignificant person, a loner who lives because of others and not for himself. However others, including some Muslims, that attacked IFE and other mainstream Muslim organisations and personalities did so to drive us out of engagement. They fear that Muslims are finally creating a level playing field and ganining influence, and yes also political power.
Muslims have come a long way and the journey is going in the right direction – let us not be like the media we so often complain about – and give the marginal minority any more space other than the margins they occupy. As Malcolm X said, “You’re either part of the problem, or part of the solution.”
Nice piece! Had countless debates with a few HT bros and the argument the brothers use is exactly what you stated “oh look at certain IFE brothers….see what happened to them”. No I think it’s even more of a bigger reason for us to get involved……no doubt the Muslims will do their bit.
While you are clearly disappointed by the lack of Hizb’s support, what impact do you feel they can make should they come out pro-electionin UK? What is your assessment given their passion and stamina on the subject? Can the Hizb make more of a real turn-around in key seats compared to IFE?
It isn’t difficult to end any debate claiming that it isn’t a debate. Hitler didn’t debate, nor did Pol Pot, their views were fixed. They too cited great authorities- Hitler had the Church on his side didn’t he? However, in Islam we debate, until we come to a greater understanding of the situation being discussed. It says a lot that you have shouted retreat! at a time when the Muslims are looking for solutions to their problems.
Our community is increasingly facing trials here in the UK, and the participation of Muslims in politics has yeilded few results, if any that are really tangible. Our community has been shaken, even those representing Muslims in government have fallen into the expenses trap, whilst many other Muslim councillors in Tower Hamlets have been convicted of fiddling with the ballot papers. So who should we vote for, will they vote for the Iraq war again, will they speak out against Israel, or will they toe the party line, the secular, anti-Islamic line? So, to insist that this is the only way forward , brother Azad, is ignorant of the reality. Perhaps your words need revising.
Your brother,
AM
Didn’t the founder of IFE, Ikhwanul muslimeen (Sayid Qutb) die at the hands of democracy and wasn’t it because he wouldn’t participate in the democratic process or take any positions from it rather he wanted Islam back as a complete system?? Ironic that is! I wonder how many of those sheikh’s speak out against their monarchy for not implementing Islam? or against their oppressive leaders when closing the Rafa border to help the Palestinians? Or against their oppressive leader for aiding the Zionist state/Britain or America or providing air space, land space, oil? Come on people think outside the box, why would any of these sheikh’s speak out against the very system that pays them and provides them status?
Both of you bros have some point. Azad doesn’t actually suggest any metrics you can use to measure our psuedo-muslim leaders.
On expenses, do you want to share your findings on who claimed what vis-a-vis our would-be-leaders? Bring it here to show these parrot democrats how deviant they are, and you are right, Muslim Parliamentarians have been caught at various levels
but have any of our prospective candidates gone out on a limb to name and shame them in public, for stealing our hard earned money?
Anyway. You got to admire Azad’s use of ibn ‘Uthaymeen where he says “… if the
good people abstain, who will take their place? Evil people will take their place, or neutral people in whom there is neither good nor evil, but they follow everyone who makes noise.” Politically, by neutral you mean the party in the centre, right? You mean Lib Dems?? And who is this prospective Lib Dem candidate who might be dithering?
Nice one! You do have the making of a politician! LOL!!
Azad – looks like the islamophobic neo-cons have already picked up on this piece
http://standpointmag.co.uk/node/2901
Asalam Alaikum Ikhwan
If there is no debate to be had then why post such an article. It clearly shows that you have been agitated and want to hide behind the names of some scholars who I really doubt (with all respect) undertsand political participation and the reality of elections/voting in a western system.
I fear for these scholars as they are no masoom and need to understand what they are saying.
Salam
Abu Talha
Short, sharp and to the point. Indeed, there is no debate. I see you have made the Muslim haters sit up and notice.
Abu Talha – your logic is strange. You claim that majority of scholars do not understand political participation and the reality of elections adding that they are not masoom – yet you believe your single scholar is right and masoom?! This is the reality of blind followers…they cannot get out of the box and the self delusional state they are in. “Everyone is wrong apart from me…” is their slogan.
Asalam Alaikum Ikhwan,
Brother Zafar – I did not say that “Majority” of scholars dont undertsand political participation. I cannot say that as i have not met, sat down and dicussed or heard the majority of scholars of this ummah talk about this issue.
What I am saying is that i really doubt that the ones who have so far said it is allowed have misunderstood certain aspects of the western system and the fatwas they are giving will mislead the ummah.
So the statement above by Sheikh Uthaymeen highlights this. Becuase in the western system it does not matter if you are good or evil as you have to toe the party line and it is not the individual you are voting for but the party as the party is bigger than the individual.
Also just because someone can palm off a list of scholars does not mean that all of them mean the same thing. I would like to see what question was posed to each of the scholars above and in what context and then what was their reply.
Anyway brothers May Allah azza wa jall strengthen us, the ummah and allow us to establish the Islamic Political system so that we dont get inticed by the Kufr political system.
Your brother in Islam
Abu Talha
@Abu talha
Behave!
Salams Br. Azad
I would just like to add, as far as I am aware that most of the scholars who have said that taking part in selecting a legislative body that rules by kufr (Parlimentarians) is permitted say this either because of the issue of maslaha or the lesser of two evils, i.e. in origin it is haram, but because of these reasons it is now permitted. Is this your view? Or do you believe democracy is halal in origin?
Also, Didn’t sheikh Anwar Al-Awlaki also say it is haram to vote in a kufr sytem for candidates who will take part in legislating by kufr.
salam Bro azad
Sorry Boss. I did not realise i was mis-behaving.
salam
Abu talha
Asalaam alaikum brothers,
Hope you all are well and in good health. Some talks explaining this issue in more details insha’Allah, please kindly listen with an open heart and Allah (swt) knows best…
Maslaha – Introduction and Principles
http://www.archive.org/details/Maslaha-IntroductionAndPrinciples
Lesser of the two evils – Explanation and Application:
http://www.archive.org/details/LesserOfTheTwoEvils-ExplanationAndApplication
Ma’asalaam
Your brother
Salams
It seems the title of this article ‘There isn’t a debate to be had’ really has become the modus operendi..lol
Just a few issues for the brothers and sisters who are reading and practicing ‘There isn’t a debate to be had’… I think there is more to this issue than just the title.
For those who believe taking part in electing a legislature to rule by kufr is not only important but necessary to reduce the harm by choosing the lesser harm(which would be the common sense conclusion since you are saying the importance of the matter takes it from haram to halal/and required).
Then why are we not told by these scholars and organisations who to vote for PUBLICLY? If it soo important and the great interest of the muslim’s in the UK, why is the message only ‘get involved and vote’, but not tell us who for?
If you want advise on an issue or a hukm, it is normal to get an answer from the scholars and those who lead the ummah, so why do we get a half answer here?
My analysis is, nobody wants to back a particular party as it may go against the interests of that scholar/group (or their projects/institutions) in the future, as in democracy power shifts. This makes sense, but goes against the whole issue of taking the lesser of the two evils, as it is argued that it is such a great harm for muslims to not take part and vote for the lesser of two evils and thus makes a matter that is generally agreed haram in origin to become permitted because of the need of…
Good piece here, i would just like to say the people of france had the view of not to vote they too thoght it was kufr, now you got the nikab and hijab ban, would the muslims of UK, like to see thier sisters and mothers uncovered, also sex education being tought to your little brs and srs?
its about time muslims start to get politicly active so they can have a say and influnece
Here we go again,some brainwashed asshole muslim blows himself up,yes we noticed and thought about him for all of two minutes.What is wrong with you people? You come to our country to escape the poverty of your own land,and then go on to protest about how unfair everything is.The fact is,if you did that back in the old country you would be tied to a post and horse whipped.You are in this country because it is a free country,we dont have the restrictions you impose,ie,on your own women.So what have you got to moan about?It seems your belief in allah who probably doesnt and never did exist rules over any common sense any of you ever had.Hitler had the right idea,he just chose the wrong people,it should have been you lot,then you would have had something to moan about.Just keep doing what you are doing ie,blowing yourselves up,we will think about you….. how,s the weather?