ICNA Council for Social Justice NJ Khutbah on Islam and voting
الحمد لله رب العالمين والصلاة والسلام على أشرف الأنبياء والمرسلين سيدنا وحبيبنا ومولانا محمد وعلى آله وصحبه أجمعين .
- Islam is a comprehensive system which encompasses both spiritual and mundane domains of the human life. We consider each aspect of life as worship of our Creator. This Quranic dua best explains the balance we should exhibit in our lives.
ربنا اتنا في الدنيا حسنة وفي الآخرة حسنه وقنا عذاب النار “O our Lord! Give us in this world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good and save us from the torment of the Fire” (Al Qur’an, 2:201).
2.Voting in elections is a form of testimony that a Muslim should consciously and honestly deposit. The Qur’an calls Muslims in many verses to be just and fair witnesses with all people, even if they are non-Muslims. For instance, the Qur’an says, ا
قَوَّامِينَ لِلَّهِ شُهَدَاءَ بِالْقِسْطِ ۖ وَلَا يَجْرِمَنَّكُمْ شَنَآنُ قَوْمٍ عَلَىٰ أَلَّا تَعْدِلُوا ۚ اعْدِلُوا هُوَ أَقْرَبُ لِلتَّقْوَىٰ ۖ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ خَبِيرٌ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ
O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah knows what you do (Al Quran, 5:6).
ولا تكتموا الشهادة ومن يكتمها فانه اثم قلبه
“ And hide not testimony. He who hides it, verily his heart is sinful (Al Quran, 2:283 ). And also,
Surely, Allah y’amurukum (commands you) that you restore trusts to their [right] owners, and, if you judge between an-nass (all people), that you judge justly”, Al Quran, 4:58.
- Thus, Islam is in fact a religion of peace where human beings find peace with themselves, peace with their Creator and peace with His creation. A Muslim seeks God’s guidance in all matters of life at all the time.
- Muslims support fundamental human-rights, the rule of law, and division of power with accountability and transparency, universal suffrage and eligibility, freedom of speech and conscience.
- Islamic law commands its followers to respect and abide by the laws and regulations of country and participate fully in community matters on the principals of general welfare of humanity seeking the common good.
- Voting in Islam
Election and polling is approved in Islam from the way in which the first Khalifa, Abu Bakr al Siddique RA, and the third Khalifa, Uthman ibn ‘Affan RA, were chosen or elected by the general assembly of the Muslims of Madinah.
6. Cooperation with non-Muslims for higher goals
Reflecting on the practices of the Prophet SAW, as stated in books of Seerah, we will notice fine examples set by the Prophet SAW, making it clear that forming ties of cooperation with non-Muslims in worldly affairs is permissible if that will bring benefits to Muslims and the wider community whilst also helping establish justice or warding off injustice.
7. It is permissible for Muslims to engage with non-Muslims in commercial transactions, peace treaties and covenants according to the rules and conditions prevalent in those countries. Books of jurisprudence contain many references to such dealings.
8.The Prophet’s participation in activities in the Makkan and Madinan societies, like Fujjar war which was waged against some Arab tribes who had violated the sanctity of the Holy Precinct during the sacred months. His participation in Hilf al Fudul, an alliance, concluded in Makkah where the participants agreed upon defending any oppressed person in Makkah, regardless of his origin and the purpose behind his visit.
9. It is reported that during the time of Al-Hudaibiyah peace treaty, the Prophet was informed that a famine had afflicted the Makkan people. Thus, he sent Hatib bin Abi Balta’a with 500 dinars to buy foods for the poor and the needy among the Makkans. You see, he did this despite that it was these same individuals that drove him out of the city and hindered him from entering it.
10.The Constitution of Madinah:
Considering the constitution of Madinah or the treaty held between Muslims, Jews and the Arab polytheists who constituted the population of Madinah at that time, after emigration, one will notice that the Prophet SAW, stressed the importance of showing belonging and patriotism to society. Thus, he made it clear that this is a general duty shared by all regardless of religion, race or complexion. The treaty stipulated the following:
i)-They (those who sign the treaty) should support one another in combating the attacks waged against them.
ii)-They, together, should support the oppressed.
iii)-They, together, should fight against any enemy attacking Madinah.
Moreover, the Constitution of Madinah regarded the People of the Book as part and parcel of the first Islamic State. For instance, two of its articles state:
i)- The Jews of the tribe of Banu ‘Awf are part of the Muslim community.
ii)- The rest of the Jewish tribes have the same rights as do the tribe of Banu ‘Auf.
According to the articles of the Madinah constitution, the residents of Madinah would cooperate in establishing justice, supporting one another in combating aggression and help one another do righteous acts.
10. Thus, Muslims’ participation in elections is a religious duty; in addition, it falls under cooperation for good and righteous acts and warding off harms, Allah Almighty says: “تعاونوا على البر والتقوى ولا تعاونوا علي الاثم والعدوان… help ye one another unto righteousness and pious duty. Help not one another unto sin and transgression…” (Al Quran,5:2)
11.There is no harm in voting for candidates who will be of more benefit to Muslims and the community more than the others. In this instance, voting for them is an example of doing the lesser of two evils to avoid the greater evil. The candidate who is less harmful to Muslims is better than the candidate whose is more harmful to Muslims.
Prophet Yusuf AS actively participated in the political process of Egypt. He saved countless lives, connected people with God and showed how rulers ought to rule.
Looking at the situation of the Muslim community and their need to have their interests met, it is highly recommended for the Muslims to achieve this purpose through the available political system. Through voting, a man can bring to Parliament such candidates who sympathize with the Muslim causes.
12. So the Muslims living in the West and especially those living in America should cast their vote for the following reasons:
1) To protect our rights as American citizens,
2) Our involvement can facilitate our support of our fellow Muslims around the world facing persecutions in Palestine, China, Burma, India, Sri Lanka and Kashmir.
3) Our interaction and involvement with non-Muslims will help to share Islam’s message to the larger population.
4) It affords us the opportunity to protect our human rights, guarantee the fulfilment of our needs, and work for the improvement of living conditions for Muslims and non-Muslims in America and abroad.
5.To vote for the party which will be of most benefit on a national and international level for the common good, or at the least, lessen the extent of the current evil prevalent in the world today.
6. Voting for a non-Muslim candidate who would serve the Muslim community in the country and deal with Muslim countries abroad with honesty should be the cherished goal of the Muslim minorities in non-Muslim democratic countries through participation in public life, including voting and financing campaigns to be able to positively influence the political decision in these countries.
7. Participation in elections, may reduce suffering, contribute to the reduction of evil and a forum for countering bad policies and exposing their exploitative practices.
8. Keeping in view a hadith which was narrated by Syedna Abu Bakr RA that the Messenger ASW said: “If people see an oppressor and don’t prevent him, then it is very likely that Allah will include all of them in the punishment” (Sunan Tirmizi & Sunan Abu Dawud). Therefore, if you see open oppression and transgression, and despite having the capability of preventing this oppression by giving your vote, you don’t do so, then in the light of this Hadith indifference will be a sinful act.
The specific evil in the world that has been caused by the expansionist foreign policy of certain countries is undoubtedly a great trial facing our ummah today.
Therefore, we must use our vote and the votes of all family members who are eligible to pave the way for justice and ward off the greater evils. One should consult the people of knowledge and political acumen in their local communities before deciding on whom to vote for. اللهم ارنا الحق حقا وارزقنا اتباعه وارنا الباطل باطلا وارزقنا اجتنابه اللهم امين
Please remember that the election for the New Jersey Governor and the New Jersey legislature is on Tuesday November 2. You must exercise your right and responsibility on or before that day.
