To Vote or Not to Vote: An Islamic Perspective

Every election cycle, many well-meaning, God-fearing Muslims grapple with the issue of voting. On one hand, some argue that voting is an obligation, while others contend that it is an act of disbelief. This question is particularly important as the world becomes more polarized, and politically volatile, and extreme policies and politicians are on the rise worldwide. The impact on our community’s well-being can be significant in such an environment.

It is important to appreciate what this discussion is rooted in. Central to this discussion, is the belief that every Muslim should have: no one has the right to establish law other than Allah, the Supreme, Most High. Allah says in the Quran:

إِنِ الْحُكْمُ إِلَّا لِلَّهِ

“Legislation belongs to none but Allah” (Surah Yusuf 12:40)

As minorities living in the Sri Lanka, we find ourselves in a secular system with which we either engage with or disengage from it. This decision ultimately lies in what is more beneficial and harmful to the Muslim community.

If we consider the overarching aim of the Islamic Jurisprudence, it is to bring about benefits and prevent harms. This principle is articulated clearly by prominent scholars.

Al-Izz ibn Abd al-Salam states, “The entire Shariah is about interests: either preventing harms or bringing benefits” (Qawa’id al-Ahkam, 1/9)

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah echoes this sentiment, asserting, “The Islamic Jurisprudence aims to achieve and perfect benefits and to eliminate and reduce harms” (Minhaj as-Sunnah, 1/147).

Prominent contemporary scholars, including Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, have opined that participation in elections can be permissible if it serves the interests of Muslims and helps mitigate harm. This ruling is based on the principle of weighing pros and cons, where the potential benefits of participating in the political process outweigh the negatives.

The belief that no one can establish law other than Allah does not inherently conflict with working within non-Islamic systems, provided the intention is to promote justice and piety. If a Muslim participates in such a system with the objective of achieving these ends, it can be considered praiseworthy.

Conversely, involvement in the system without any religious objective is deemed unacceptable. Allah also commands us in the Quran:

فَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُمْ

“So fear Allah as much as you are able” (Surah At-Taghabun 64:16)

It is crucial to understand that choosing the lesser of two evils in an election does not equate to endorsing all policies of the chosen candidate. Instead, it is about mitigating greater harm and working towards the betterment of the Muslim community within the constraints of the existing system.

The Islamic Fiqh Council has also addressed this issue. Their session from 3-8 November 2007 discussed “Muslim participation in elections in non-Islamic countries.” They concluded:

Muslim participation in elections in non-Muslim countries falls under political jurisprudence (siyasah shar’iyyah), where rulings are determined based on weighing benefits and harms, varying by time, place, and circumstances.
A Muslim enjoying citizenship rights in a non-Muslim country may participate in elections due to the significant benefits such participation brings, such as presenting the correct image of Islam, defending Muslim issues, obtaining religious and worldly benefits for minorities, enhancing their influence, and cooperating with just and moderate people to achieve justice and truth.

Should you choose to vote, it is essential to consider several criteria. Look for candidates with a proven track record of integrity and trustworthiness. Choose individuals who uphold values aligned with Islamic principles, and who demonstrate a commitment to representing the interests of Muslims in society and those that are in need. It is also important to support candidates who are courageous and willing to stand up for justice and what is right, even in challenging circumstances.

Whether you decide to vote or abstain due to differing religious, social, or political perspectives, it is important to avoid polarization and discord. As Muslims, the recent unity displayed across many communities regarding the ongoing conflict has galvanized many others due to our collective resolve and leadership. This unity must continue during the current election period, in sha Allah.

In summary, the Islamic ruling on voting is nuanced and context-dependent. It emphasizes the importance of intentions and the overall benefit to the Muslim community. While the principle that only Allah has the right to legislate remains paramount, engaging in a non-Islamic political system can be permissible and even praiseworthy if done to uphold justice and prevent harm. As always, individual decisions should be made considering the specific context and seeking guidance from knowledgeable scholars.

Allah knows best.