Local Elections - Muslim Participation? |
|
"Say, O my Lord! Let my entry be by the gate of truth and honour and likewise my exit by the gate of truth and honour. And grant me from thee an authority to aid me" (Surah Al-Isrā’, Ayah 80) |
|
Muslims, who intend standing as candidates in the forthcoming local elections, must view their participation within the context of the above verse, which implies a commitment to establish virtue, eradicate inequality and injustice, and a willingness to serve the community. |
Those who do not judge by what Allāh has revealed are transgressors. (Al-Mā’idah, Ayah 45) |
Muslim participants must guard against being co-opted into a "system" of western political concepts, which are bereft of morality and integrity. Allama Iqbal (RA) states: "Humanity needs three things: |
|
|
"O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice as witnesses to Allāh, even if it be against yourselves, your parents or your relatives, even though it be (against) rich or poor, for Allāh can best protect both. Follow not the lusts (of your hearts) lest you swerve and if you distort justice, or decline to do justice verily Allāh is well acquainted with all that you do." (Surah Al-Nisā’, Ayah 135) |
It is thus necessary for the prospective candidate to take cognisance of the following: |
|
DO NOT SANCTION OR ADVOCATE ANY CONDUCT OR CONCEPT THAT IS IN CONFLICT WITH THE WORD OF ALLĀH. |
|
Those who do not judge by what Allāh has revealed are transgressors. (Surah Al-Mā’idah, Ayah 45) |
|
YOU ARE BOUND BY VIRTUE OF YOUR FAITH TO OPPOSE AND TO EXPOSE EVIL, CORRUPTION AND BIAS. |
|
NABĪ (SAW) HAS STATED: |
|
"Whoever of you sees an evil act, let him change it by his hand, if he is unable to do that, then by his tongue, if he cannot do that, then by his heart and that is the weakest of faith." |
|
(Hadīth) |
|
DISCHARGE YOUR DUTY WITH ABSOLUTE HONESTY AND JUSTICE. |
|
HAZRAT ABU BAKR (RA) WHILST DISPATCHING THE ARMY TO PALESTINE UNDER THE COMMAND OF HAZRAT USAMA (RA) SAID: |
|
"O people! Stop! I enjoin upon you ten commandments. Remember them! Do not embezzle, do not cheat, do not breach trust, do not mutilate, ..." |
|
DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN "DUTY" AND "SELF INTEREST", FOR THEY ARE TWO FORCES THAT INFLUENCE EVERY HUMAN ACTIVITY. |
|
THE HOLY QUR’ĀN STATES: |
|
"O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice as witnesses to Allāh, even if it be against yourselves, your parents or your relatives, even though it be (against) rich or poor, for Allāh can best protect both. Follow not the lusts (of your hearts) lest you swerve and if you distort justice, or decline to do justice verily Allāh is well acquainted with all that you do." |
|
(Surah Al-Nisā’, Ayah 135) |
|
Do not be inclined to appease the rich, strong and influential. Nor unfairly favour the poor, motivated by self interest. Be just, do not fear nor favour anyone. Remember our salvation, lies in understanding the harsh realities of our situation and in responding to them with courage, foresight and conviction.
|
DO NOT SANCTION OR ADVOCATE ANY CONDUCT OR CONCEPT THAT IS IN CONFLICT WITH THE WORD OF ALLĀH. |
If Muslims choose to ignore the forthcoming local elections, turning a blind eye to the challenges and opportunities before them, and instead opt for self-imposed isolation, we would have only ourselves to blame!
|
|
Ibn Taymiyah (RA) states: |
|
"Allāh Ta’āla assists the just governments even though they may be non-Muslims and He does not help tyrannical governments even though they may be Muslims." (Ibn Taymiyah, Majma–ul-Rasail page 34) |
|
It is our moral duty to ensure that the local councils serve the interest of the local populace represented by active, honest and religiously conscious people. |
|
LOCAL GOVERNMENT IS THE CLOSEST LEVEL OF GOVERNANCE TO THE PEOPLE, LOCAL GOVERNMENT IMPACTS ON OUR DAILY LIFE, BE PRUDENT AND VOTE WISELY! |
|
Make sure that the candidate eligible for your vote has the above mentioned qualities! |
|
About Us|Ar Rasheed|Library|Q & A|Noticeboard|Masājid|Calendar|Guest Book|Halāl|Links |