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Participation in the Democratic Election An Islamic Perspective.
5-06-2017
British Columbia once again is about to undergo the process of Provincial election. This election is very important to British Columbians from various points of view.
Affordability has become a major issue for many ordinary people and as a result the cost of living has crippled many low income families.
Election campaigns are at its peak in it last days before the Election on May 9th,2017. The candidates are promoting their parties, presenting their manifesto and promising British Columbians a better future.
Huffington Post, in their September 2015 edition, revealed that historically Muslim Canadian voter turnout has been significantly lower than the national average and lower than other faith-based communities. However the polls after the Federal elections showed about 80% of the Muslims Voted.
That does not mean it will translate into Provincial Politics since voter turn out in Provincial politics is ussually lower. In the last provincial election only 43% of the registered voters did actually vote.
Islam encourages Muslims as the loyal citizens to participate actively in the civic affairs of society. Expounding this point, Dr Muzammil Siddiqi, the former president of the Islamic Society of North America, says: “Just as we are responsible for our families, our businesses, our mosques; we are also responsible for our neighborhoods, cities and countries where we live. Whether we are citizens, permanent or even temporary residents, it is our duty to see that wherever we live, we contribute to the goodness and well being of that society. It is unjust and unethical from the Islamic point of view to live in some place, earn money, enjoy the food and comfort and not contribute anything good to that place. We should not only participate by giving tax, because we have to give them anyway; we should participate as a matter of our honor and goodness. We must participate to make the society peaceful, just, caring, safe, secure and prosperous” (See article: Participation in the Society and Voting for Muslims in North America).
Part of Muslims’ participation in civic affairs is voting at the time of election. Though we live in a democratic country, democracy is not an Islamic form of government. It is a man made system which functions on the principle “rule by the people, for the people”; whereas in Islam sovereignty belongs to Allah alone. In the modern secular world though, democracy has proven to be the best form of government for the people where people can pressurize the government to abrogate a law that does not serve the best interest of citizens.
Muslim jurists have stated that when the choice is between two good things, then take the better of the two; but if the choice is between two evils, then take the lesser of the two evils”. In light of this juristic principle, Muslims living in secular lands are left with the only option to participate in the current democratic system which is better in many ways than all other forms of existing non-Islamic governments in the world today. This system, though distant from the Islamic concept of government still has certain principles that are Islamic in nature, such as citizens bringing to power whom they wish. To avoid voting can alienate Muslims in a country and can cast them out of the decision making process. Someone has rightly said: “Your vote is your voice and your silence is your choice to give up your right”
Voting in Islam is of three dimensions: 1. Trust 2. Testimony 3. Recommendation. When we cast our vote for a candidate it means we testify that he or she is the most suitable person for the position they are seeking hence we recommend them for the position under the assumption that they will misuse it. The following evidences from the Quran and Hadith point to these three dimensions.
The Quran says:
1. O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah , even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives.’ (An Nisa/135)
2. And do not conceal testimony, for whoever conceals it - his heart is indeed sinful, and Allah Knows what you do.’ (Baqarah/284)
3. Whoever intercedes for a good cause will have a reward therefrom; and whoever intercedes for an evil cause will have a burden therefrom. And Allah is over all things, a Keeper.’ (An Nisa/85)
4.Prophet Mohammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: ‚He who conceals the testimony when he was called for it, would earn the sin of witnessing the lie.’ (related in M’ujamul Awsat)
5. He, may Allah bless him and grant him peace also said: “The advisor must be trustworthy. When he is asked for advise, he should advise what he would choose for himself.’ (related in M’ujamul Awsat)
The above citations make it very clear that to vote for the right candidate is our moral, social and religious responsibility and to misuse it is a grave sin because it is seen as a lie, false testimony and the breach of trust which ultimately results in electing the wrong person to rule the nation.
As far as choosing the right candidate to cast the ballet is concerned, we find two guiding verses of the Quran. Allah says narrating the story of Yusuf and Mosa, peace be upon them
1. [Joseph] said, “Appoint me over the storehouses of the land. Indeed, I will be a knowing guardian.”(Yusuf/55)
2. One of the women said, “O my father, hire him. Indeed, the best one you can hire is the strong and the trustworthy.”( Qasas/26)
Shaikh Khalid Saifullah Rahmani commented on these verses as follows:
“The candidate that runs for election apparently claims that he is trustworthy and the most suitable for the position he seeks. The voter therefore must see the following in him or her:
1. Education
2. Competency
3. Who is sincere in securing the interest of minorities
4. Who wishes good for all the citizens. This is not possible unless he/she is wise, selfless and aware of the needs of the nation” (see for further details Islam and the contemporary issues, page 331)
In summary, Muslim scholars in the West have urged Muslims to adhere to the following points with respect to voting for the candidate.
1.Voting is very important. It is a means of electing the person most beneficial for the community and our country. Voting is a big responsibility. Not voting or voting incorrectly will bring power to the wrong person.
2.Muslims should read every party’s manifesto to find out which party offers us the best in all spheres of life; education, housing, health, social issues, international policy etc.
3.The objective clearly must be to bring to the Canadian society in general and to Muslims in particular.
4.Muslims can be flexible in the matters of details without compromising on the ethical and humanitarian principles of Islam.
5.The vote should not be based on personal interest but communal welfare.
6.The candidates should be well qualified and be qualified for the position they are seeking .
7.The candidate should not be known for deception, corruption or animosity to Islam and Muslims.
Finally, we should pray to Allah asking him to enable us to make the right choice and that He grant success to those who will serve the country and its citizens without any prejudice or wrong as well as to those who would play an active role in bringing a torn humanity together by promoting peace, acceptance and understanding among the nations of the world.
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