Understanding Democracy and its ruling in the Shari'ah.

[Musa Millington]

Alhamdu Lillah. Was Salaatu Was Salaam 'Ala Rasulillah wa Ba'd.

Inshallah ta'ala in this thread I will write some posts on democracy. It is not meant to be an extensive research but rather a summary. And I see this as important because many Muslims have fallen in the trap of voting for political parties or parties thinking that they would recieve their rights and privelages from this system. And this will be divided into five sections:

(1) What is democracy and why it is contradictory to Islam.

(2) The way for the Muslims to get their rights and privelages.

(3) Some doubts many may carry and their answers.

(4) Fatawa of the Ulama on Democracy.

(5) Conclusion

[Musa Millington]

Section 1: What is democracy and why it is contradictory to Islam?

In these times many Muslims advocate and participate in the democratic process. They see it as a way to obtain human rights and freedom without bloodshed. It also allows one to choose whomsoever they think can bring about benefit for the Muslims.

Before participating or promoting a slogan or an action it is necessary to know exactly what it is. Allah ta'ala said in his book: "And do not say what you have no knowledge about." And also Imam Al Bukhari said in his authentic collection of narrations: "Chapter: Knowledge comes before statements and actions." It is upon a Muslim to have knowledge (proofs and evidences)before saying, doing or promoting any activity. Also, it is upon him not to blindfollow anyone in matters of the religion. Allah said in his book: "They took their scholars and monks as dieties other than Allah." And as narrated from Ibn Abbas "I fear that stones fall upon you from the sky, I say the Messenger said and you say Abu Bakr and Umar said?"

What is Democracy?

In order to understand what it is we must look at its origins, its revival and what political scientists themselves have to say about this system.


The basic idea of democracy is self-rule: the word itself comes from the Greek demokratia, meaning rule by the people (Breslin, Hague, Harrop, 20). And it should be noted that the Western Democracies are not Direct Democracies which allow all people to participate in legislative decisions. Rather what is practiced in the Western World is called a liberal democracy where decisions are made by elected politicians who stand for the people (representative government) (Breslin, Hague, Harrop, 21). In other words popular choice determines who the elected officials are and the elected officials decide which policies should and should not be carried out. The citizen therefore doesn't make any decisions but rather he is reduced to the role of deciding who should make decisions for him. As I would say: Democracy is in reality a popular autocracy meaning that the majority, through their choice, impose their views upon others. and no doubt this is unfair and from injustice.

Democracy unlawful in Islam

From the previous paragraph it is obvious that democracy is an unlawful system of government according to Islam for the following reasons:


(1) Policies and decisions in Islam are determined by the book of Allah and the Sunnah of the Messenger . Allah ta'ala said: "And if you disagree about anything then its ruling is with Allah." And Allah said: " if you disagree about something return it to the Allah and the Messenger." And Allah has said: "The Rulership is only for Allah." And Allah has said: "Do you see the ones who believe that they believe in what has been sent to you and to those before you and they wish to put their rulings to the Taghuut and they were ordered to disbelieve in it and Shaitaan wants to lead them far astray"And also Allah has said: "And whomsoever rules by other than what has revealed they have disbelieved (meaning the one who makes it Halaal, or the same as the Shari'ah or better than the Shari'ah)." And the verses and ahadeeth dealing with this are many.

In contrast, policies and decisions in a democracy is left up to elected officials in the parliaments whether it corresponds with the book of Allah or not. And these elected officials are voted by the majority. And Allah has said: "And if you follow most of the people on the earth you would go astray." And he said: "And you would not find most of them believing in Allah except that he is Mushrik." And Allah has praised small numbers as he has said in his book: "And few of my servants are thankful."

(2) It is the way of the Kuffar. And it has been proven that democracy is a product of Ancient Greece and Western Europe And there are many Ahadeeth that show that it is prohibited to imitate the Non-Muslims. The Prophet said: "Whomsoever imitates a people is of them." He also said in a Hadeeth that is narrated in Saheeh Al Bukhari: "You will follow the ways of others, handspan by handspan, until if they were to go into a lizard's hole you would follow them." The companions asked: "The Persians and the Romans." He said: "Who else?"

It is important to remember that Democracy is a Shi'aar or an outward manifestation or system of Western-European nations. And the United States of America in particular preach this form of government in order to obtain sovreignity over nations economically and politically to the point that Wodrow Wilson who was the 16th President of the United States saw himself as morally responsible to spread democracy throughout Latin American nations. And if they didn't approve American Warships would land on their shores.(Dookan, 53)

Similarly, Barack Obama on his website has explicitly stated that if Cuba would like America to take steps to stop the economic embargo, called 'el bloqueo' in Spaninsh, then Cuba would have to become democratized (www.barakobama.com: 17/04/09).

Let not one get the idea that I am a supporter of communism since communism requires submission to the nation state. However, what I am trying to show is that instead of Western European nations and the United States claiming lands for the cross, in this day and age they claim lands in the name of democracy.

As for the religion of Islam, one neither submits to the state nor the majority rather one submits to the book of Allah and the Sunnah of the Messenger . As Allah has said: "And do not die except in a state of Islam." And he said: "Enter Islam wholeheartedly." And he said: "And repent to Allah and submit to him."

(3) Democracy is a system of injustice as it imposes the view of the majority upon the minority. As for Islam the will of Allah, which governs the universe, governs the system by which mankind lives. And Allah is far removed from oppresion and injustice. Allah has said in his book: "Verily Allah does not oppress even a mustard seed." And he said: "And your Lord is not oppresive to his servants." As is narrated in a Hadeeth Qudsi: "Oh my worshippers I have prevented oppresion upon myself and I have prevented it upon others, therefore do not oppress each other."

(4) It opens the door to evil and indecency: And Allah has said: "Verily Allah prevents you from indecent deeds..." and Allah has said: "Say: Allah does not order indecency." And there are many verses in terms of this. as for democracy it opens the door to fornication, homosexuality and other social ills in the name of freedom and justice for all.

(5) Democracy does not truly guarantee human rights: Rather the rights of citizens are determined by elected officials and the majority who vote these officials. As for Islam there are five major rights of man that the Shariah covers:

(1) The protection of the religion.

(2) The protection of the individual

(3) The protection of one's intellect.

(4) The right to know one's descendants.

(5) The right to the protection of one's wealth (Sayyid Saabiq, 2)

As for Democracy it calls for other than this. It doesn't protect the religion of Islam as one can worship whomsoever he wishes and even call to the worship of himself. As for the protection of one's intellect Islam prevents anything that can harm the intellect. As for a democracy one can damage his intellect however he wishes through alcohol usage or drug abuse as occurs in Holand. Also, Islam guarantess the right to know one's descendants and to this point it has legislated plural marriage and stoning the man and the woman who commit adultery in marriage. As for democracy this right is not fully guaranteed.

(6) It makes everyone the same in deciding upon a government. Hence the righteous and the evil, the straight and the homosexual, the sane and the crazy, the Muslim and the Non-Muslim are the same. And Allah has said: "Do you make the Muslims like the oppresors? " And also it makes man and woman the same in electing officials when one witness of a man is equal to a woman's according to the Shari'ah. And when Allah said: "And a man is not like a woman."

And there are other reasons as to why it contradicts Islam directly. And to this point Ash Shaikh Muqbil said: "Democracy is Kufr because the people are ruled by the people." Inshallah ta'ala in the next post I will write about how Muslims can establish the religion and secure their rights.

Musa Millington

[Musa Millington]

Tarbeeyah, The Key to Victory

Tarbiyah - Articles - Sunnah

By Shaykh Alee Hasan al-Halabi

Sunday, 19 October 2008

Taken from Al-Ibaanah Vol.1 Issue2 "Indeed Allaah will help those who help His (cause). Indeed Allaah is Exalted in Might, all-Powerful." The Ways in which Creation Operates Jubayr ibn Nufayr said: Once, when Cyprus was conquered and its people were divided and they used to cry to each other, I saw Abud-Dardaa sitting alone crying. So I said: O Abud- Dardaa! What makes you cry on this day in which Allaah has strengthened Islaam and its people? So he said: "Woe be to you O Jubayr. How insignificant the creation is to Allaah when they abandon His commands. Between us is a nation, who were evidently strong and had dominion, they abandoned the commands of Allaah, so see what has become of them!"[2] So this is a clear and indisputable evidence that cultivation and education upon the commands of Allaah - with the beneficial knowledge and righteous actions - is the basis for achieving the help of Allaah; whilst abandoning this is the cause for defeat. "Indeed, Allaah - the One free from all defects, the Most High - has established certain Sunan (ways and causes) upon His creation, whosoever fulfills them will achieve success and felicity, but whosoever turns away from them has indeed gone astray. Allaah the Most High - explains this Sunan with regards to those who disbelieve: "Similar Sunan were faced by people before you, so travel through the earth and see what was the end of those who disbelieved."[3] And He - the Most Perfect - says: "Such was the Sunnah (way) of Allaah with those who lived before. Indeed, in the Sunnah of Allaah you will find no change."[5] This established Sunan, or way in which Allaah's creation operates, is not only for one particular nation to the exclusion of others, nor for any one particular era to the exclusion of others. Rather, this matter was practically taught to even the first of the Muslims, the Sahaabah - may Allaah be pleased with them all - as in the battle of Uhud, when the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam commanded the archers to remain in their positions, yet they disobeyed his order; which resulted in their defeat: Lessons from the Battle of Uhud Al-Baraa' ibn 'Aazib radiallaahu 'anhu said: We encountered the pagans on that day [of Uhud] and the Prophet sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam positioned a group of archers and appointed 'Abdullaah ibn Jubair to be in command of them and said: "Do not leave this position, if you should see us conquer them, do not leave this position; and if you should see them conquer us, then do not come to our aid." However, when we met the enemy they fled on their heels, until I saw their women running towards the mountain, lifting their dresses from their legs, thus exposing their ankle-bracelets. Some people started saying: The booty, the booty! So 'Abdullaah ibn Jubair said: The Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam has taken a promise from me not to abandon this position. However, his companions refused to stay. So when they refused, Allaah confused them, such that they did not know where to go; due to which they then suffered seventy deaths...."[6] Imaam Ibn al-Qayyim (d 751H) - rahimahullaah - said: "This calamity which struck them was caused by their own actions. So our Lord said: "When a single disaster struck you, whereas you struck them with a disaster twice as great, do you then say: from where did this come? Say: It is from your own selves! Indeed, Allaah has power over everything."[7] And He mentioned this itself; in that which is more general than this in the Makkan soorahs. He said: "Whatever misfortune befalls you is because of what your own hands have done, yet for many He grants forgiveness."[8] "Whatever of good comes to you, it is from Allaah; and whatever misfortunes befall you, it is from your ownselves."[9] So the good and the bad here are blessings and misfortunes. So the blessings of Allaah are something which He has favoured you with, whilst the misfortunes have sprung from your own selves and your actions. So the first is from His grace and the second is from His justice. And the servant is always between His grace and His justice; His grace is upon him, His judgment in him and whatever He decrees is just. And Allaah concluded the first Aayah with His saying: "Indeed Allaah has power over all things." After His saying: "Say: It is from your own selves!" Thus indicating to them about the generality of His Power along with His Justice - and He is the Most Just, the All-Powerful."[l0] Disobedience Results in Defeat And the story of this battle of Uhud must give us the du'aat (callers), an important lesson by which we benefit in our lives, which is that: "When the Muslims suffer defeat in jihaad or in da'wah, then they should blame themselves and straighten their course; and they should weigh their actions with the true scales. Since Allaah - the Mighty and Majestic - has informed the Muslims that the reason for their defeat in the battle of Uhud was themselves, and this was the same reason on the day of Hunayn. And it is from the Sunan of Allaah that He does not remove a blessing from a people which has been given to them, unless they change what He has given them of eemaan (faith), guidance and good. Allaah says: "That is because Allaah will never change the favour which He bestows upon a people, until they change themselves."[11] And this verse shows us the history of our Islaamic Ummah in the best way. So our Salafus-Saalih (Pious Predecessors) clung to the blessings of Allaah upon them, and the most important of these blessings is the correct 'aqeedah (beliefs) and noble manners; and they kept away from disunity and splitting. They took hold of those prescribed reasons which made them the best of nations ever raised for mankind, and thereby deserved through this, the victory of Allaah, establishment upon the earth and the various tribes and nations being made subservient to them. After them came a people who changed that which the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam and his Companions were upon, in 'aqeedah and methodology, with their own customs, ways and manners. They split into groups and parties and raised up the banner of jaahiliyyah (pre-Islaamic ignorance), so Allaah made them despicable, causing the lowly nations to dominate over them. So the best of them were attacked and the minds of the children were brainwashed, and they became scum, like the scum upon the waves. So if the Muslims desire good, unity and establishment upon the earth, then they should make their manners and behaviour like that of the Salaf of this Ummah and begin by changing themselves. However, he who is unable to change even himself, will not be able to change his family, not to mention changing the Ummah. And then this aayah comes between two aayaat, which informs us about the people of Fir'awn - and those nations and tribes which preceded them - who disbelieved in Allaah and His Signs. There was much oppression and sin committed amongst them, so Allaah destroyed them. So take heed - O people of understanding and hearts - and beware of the punishment and the power of Allaah! And know that change begins with the soul and is not achieved through having many helpers, nor strength of information, nor the clamour of those who clap and shout, nor by the arenas and streets being filled with huge crowds. Indeed, the leaders of our Ummah - those through whom Allaah gave honour and might to His Deen - when the conquest of a city was delayed for them, then they gathered the army and asked them two questions, for which there was no third: [i] What are the Sunnahs that you have fallen short in complying with? [ii] What are the sins you have committed?![12] Therefore, they used to take account of themselves, and they used to fear the spread of sins amongst themselves. The leader used to be a good example for his army, with regards obedience to Allaah and fear of Him. However, as regards us today, then we read the previous aayah and we read other aayaat which are like it, such as the saying of Allaah - the Most High: "Never does Allaah change the condition of a people, until they change themselves. But when Allaah wills punishment for a people, then there can be no turning it back, nor will they find besides Him any helper."[l3] However, along with this, these sublime aayaat do not deeply enter into our hearts. We accuse the east and the west, but we do not accuse ourselves and we take a very precise account of other people - such that it contains no pity, nor mercy - but we do not take account of our ownselves."[l4] From Where Will the Help Come? Due to all this, Allaah attached His help and assistance for His servants, to the servants aiding Him, and this does not come about except with true tarbiyah (cultivation and education) and sincerely clinging to the truth. So He - the Most Perfect - says: "Indeed Allaah will help those who help His (cause). Indeed Allaah is Exalted in Might, all-Powerful."[15] 'Urwah ibn az-Zubayr (d.94H) - rahimahullaah - said: When the people were equipped and ready to proceed to Mu'tah, he said to the Muslims: "May Allaah accompany you and defend you. " .... Then they went on until they reached the land of Shaam (Syria, Jordan and Palestine), where they were informed that Heraclius had arrived at al-Balqaa with one- hundred thousand Romans, and added to them - from the Arab tribes of al-Hazm, Jadhaam, Balqeen and Bahraa - another one-hundred thousand men. So the Muslims waited for two nights, considering what to do. So they said: We will write to the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam and inform him about the number of the enemy. He said: But 'Abdullaah ibn Rawaahah encouraged the people to bravery and said: "By Allaah, O people! That which you hate is what you had come out for. You seek martyrdom. We do not fight the enemy merely with what we have prepared, nor with strength, nor with large numbers. We do not fight them except with this Deen that Allaah has blessed us with. So go forth, because it is only one of two good things: either victory, or martyrdom. He said: So the people said: By Allaah! Ibn Rawaahah has spoken the truth. So the people continued." [16] The Mufassir and Imaam, ash-Shanqeetee (d.1393H) said: "Allaah - the Mighty and Majestic - explains in the above noble aayah that He has sworn to help and give victory to those who help Him. It is known that the help and victory of Allaah comes by following what He has prescribed, obeying His command, avoiding His prohibitions, by helping His Messengers and their followers, aiding His Deen and fighting against His enemies and overpowering them - until the word of Allaah is made uppermost, whilst the word of His enemies is debased and made low. Then Allaah - the Most High, the Most Magnificent - explains the characteristics of those whom He has promised would receive His help and victory, distinguishing them from others. So He said, whilst explaining those to whom He swore He would aid and give victory to - because He is the one to aid and give victory: "Those who, if We establish them in the earth, establish the prayer, give the zakaah, enjoin the good and forbid the evil."[l7] And that which this noble aayah indicates is that whosoever aids Allaah, then Allaah will aid Him. This is clearly explained in other than this place, such as His - the Most High's - sayings: "O you who Believe. If you help Allaah, Allaah will help you; and establish your feet firmly. But those who disbelieve, for them is destruction and Allaah will make their deeds vain."[l8] "Indeed, Our Word has gone forth of old for our slaves, the Messengers, that they will certainly be victorious; and that Our forces will certainly be triumphant."[19] "Allaah has Decreed: It is My Messenger and I who will prevail."[20] "Allaah has promised to those amongst you who believe and do righteous actions that He will grant you the Khilaafah in the land."[21] And in His - the Most High's - saying: "Those who, if We establish them in the earth, establish the Prayer, give the Zakaah, enjoin the good and forbid the evil."[22] In it is a proof that there is no promise from Allaah of His help, except by establishing the Salaah, paying the Zakaah, enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil. So it is these whom Allaah will establish upon the earth and will strengthen His Word through them. However, those who do not establish the Salaah, nor pay the Zakaah, nor enjoin the good or forbid the evil, then there is no promise for them from Allaah that He will aid and grant them victory. They are not from His party, nor are they his friends - those who have the promise of His help and victory. Rather, they are the party of Shaytaan and his friends. So if they were to expect the help of Allaah and the fulfillment of His promise upon them, then their example is like that of a hired worker who refuses to do the job that he was hired for, yet he expects to be rewarded. So whosoever is like this, then he has no intellect![23] The Fruits of Disagreement There is here, an important point that must be mentioned, which is that disagreement, opposing views and mutual disregard is one of the greatest causes of defeat. This - in reality - is due to a deficiency in tarbiyah (education and cultivation) and therefore it is one of those matters which prevents victory. Imaam ash-Sha'bee (d.104H) said: "No nation differed after its Prophet, except that the people of falsehood from it, gained ascendancy over its people of truth."[24] And this - as has preceded - is precisely what happened to the Sahaabah (Companions), those who were educated and cultivated under the shade of Revelation, with their Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam. So what is the case of those who come after them?! Indeed: "Allaah - the Mighty and Majestic - explained that one of the greatest causes for the loss suffered by the Muslims at the battle of Uhud was the differing and ikhtilaaf (disagreement) of the archers, and that some of them disobeyed the order of the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam. About this Allaah - the Most High - said: "Indeed, Allaah did fulfill His Promise to you when you were killing them by His Permission; until you lost your courage and began disputing about the command, and disobeyed, after He showed you that which you love. Amongst you are some that desire this world and some that desire the Hereafter. Then He made you flee from them, that He may test you. But He forgave you, and Allaah is Most Gracious to the Believers."[25] So in all the battles of the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, the Muslims were a single rank and a single jamaaah ' (united body), taking orders from a single leader. Allaah - the Most High - said: "O you who Believe! When you meet an enemy, be firm against them and remember Allaah a lot so that you may be successful. And obey Allaah and His Messenger, and do not dispute less you lose courage and your strength departs. And have sabr (patient perseverance), indeed Allaah is with the patient ones."[26] So obedience to Allaah and His Messenger means being free from defect and blemish in both 'aqeedah (beliefs) and manhaj (methodology), just as it means agreement in direction and where instructions are taken from. However, defeat is the result of disunity and disagreement between the hearts, and in having many leaders and many jamaa'ahs (groups and parties). There has - in this present age - been no battle in which we have participated, except that in it we were differing and disputing parties, having differing leaderships and having mutual hatred. So how is it possible to achieve victory and establishment?! Indeed, everyone talks about bringing about unity, and writes about it and looks forward to it. However, the results are sorrowful and destroy and frustrate the hopes. After every attempt it becomes clear that every group strove to cause difficulties for the others; and to plot against them; and to make conditions upon them which conflict with the goals of unity and harmony. So the attempt that will be effective and successful must have as its goal, corrections for the ailments of the hearts and souls..... So when the souls are changed and the hearts are filled with taqwaa (piety, fear and obedience to Allaah), then everything in our lives will be changed."[27] Lessons from the Battle of Hunayn Thus the cause for the defeat has been very clearly manifested, and it is a deficiency in the tarbiyah (education and cultivation). Another clear manifestation of this also, is what happened in the battle of Hunayn, about which Allaah - the Most High - said: "And on the day of Hunayn, when you rejoiced at your great number, but it availed you nothing; and the earth vast as it is - was straightened for you, then you turned back in flight."[28] Imaam Ibn al-Qayyim said: "So from the wisdom of Allaah, He first gave them a taste of the bitterness of defeat and of being overcome - despite their large number, preparation and strength - in order that heads which had been raised up due to the conquest of Makkah, should be lowered. For they did not enter His land and His Sacred Precinct (i.e. Makkah) in the way the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam entered it; lowering his head with humility, upon his horse - to the extent that his chin nearly touched the saddle - out of humility before His Lord, humbling himself before His Greatness and submitting to His Might. This was due to the fact that Allaah had made lawful His Sacred Precinct and His Land for him, and He had not made it lawful to anyone before him or after him. All of this occurred so that he should make clear to those who said: "We will not be defeated today because of our numbers!!" Explaining to them that the victory comes only from Him and that whomsoever He aids, then none can overcome him; and whomsoever He forsakes, then there is none to grant victory to him, besides Allaah. And that He - the Most Perfect - took it upon Himself to aid and grant victory to His Messenger and His Deen - not due to their large numbers which they (falsely) delighted in, since that was of no avail to them. Rather, they fled, turning their backs. So when their hearts had become downcast, Allaah sent them the removal of their distress and a prior taste of victory, by sending down His tranquility upon His Messenger and upon the Believers and by sending down the unseen forces (i.e. the Angels). So from His wisdom - the Most Perfect - was that he only granted victory and its gifts to them when their hearts had become downcast and saddened: "And We desired to favour those who were weak in the land and to make them leaders and make them the inheritors, and to establish them in the land. And We let Fir'awn and Haamaan and their hosts receive from them that which they feared."[29]"[30] Impatience: An Obstacle against Tarbiyah From that which negates tarbiyah and prevents its completion is: being hasty and having lack of sabr (patient perseverance). This produces a negative result, the least of which is a delay in the victory. Our Lord - the Most Perfect - said: "And what made you hasten from your people, O Moosaa? He replied: They are close on my footsteps, and I hasten to you - O my Lord - that you might be pleased. " [31] A clear goal and a clear intention: I have hastened to you - O my Lord - to please you. So Allaah said: "Indeed We have put your people to fitnah (trial and tribulation) in your absence. And indeed as-Saamiree has led them astray."[32] So this is Moosaa 'alayhis-salaam, and he was one of the Oolul-'Azm (foremost in resolve) from the Messengers, yet he sought to hasten the affair. So when he sought to hasten the affair, fitnah (trial and discord) occurred amongst his people which was that they began worshipping others besides Allaah - the Mighty and Majestic. Allaah - the Most High - said: "So patiently persevere, and let not those who have no yaqeen (certainty of faith) discourage you from conveying Allaah's Message."[33] Imaam al-Baghawee (d.555H) - rahimahullaah - said: "Meaning: do not let those who have no certain faith lead you into ignorance and into following them upon misguidance."[34] Ibn al-Qayyim - rahimahullaah - said: "Whosoever considers the trials and discords that have come upon Islaam - the small and the great of them - will realise that they were due to abandoning this principle of not being hasty, and of having sabr upon that which is harmful, and seeking to remove the harm in a hasty manner. This in turn produces that which is greater and worse than the initial harm."[35] So this is a word from a Scholar who has carefully and thoroughly examined the Book and the Sunnah, and has likewise carefully examined the condition of the Muslims, and therefore said what he said - may Allaah have mercy upon him. Tarbiyah and Sabr: the Key to Victory The teacher, Muhammad Qutb - may Allaah guide him - said in his book: Waaqi'unal-Ma'aasir, and he was speaking about the Islaamic Movements of Egypt, internally and externally, he said: "So with regards to within the country, then there occurred from them hastiness in showing the strength of the jamaa'ah ' (i.e. the Muslims) - whether in making themselves manifest, or in demonstrations, protest marches, entering into political affairs of the time - such as fighting the communists; and supporting the affairs of the country in the security council, and other than that. It is as if the jamaa'ah - each and every time - wanted to say: we are here, and we are able to do such and such.... Leaving aside the matters of the day, then was this something which was permissible for the Muslim jamaa'ah to enter into? Or was its obligation to call to the correction of the fundamental manhaj (methodology) of living, to the establishment of the firm pillars and to the perfection of the desired tarbiyah. However, seeking to hasten the movement before its time, then produced an effect upon the overall direction."[36] I say: What will very clearly demonstrate the matter of hastiness and its many negative effects is the saying of Allaah - the Most Perfect, Most High - when He said: "Have you not seen those who were told to hold back their hand from fighting, and offer Salaah (Prayer) and give the Zakaah. But when fighting was prescribed for them, behold! a section of them fear men as they fear Allaah, or even more. They say: Our Lord! Why have you prescribed fighting for us. Would that you had granted us respite for a short period."[37] "So those who were resolved upon Jihaad and loved it, when they were tested with it, they were averse to it and fled from it."[38] And they were from the Companions of the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam - those who received tarbiyah (cultivation and education) beneath the shade of Revelation and who were guided by the Sharee'ah. So how about those after them - the greatest of whom cannot even reach a handful, or even half a handful, of their calibre?! So finally: due to all that has preceded, it has been said by the Callers to Islaam and the people of culture, and the people of Movements after previously denying it: "Indeed I certainly believe in the strength of Knowledge, and I believe in the strength of culture and learning, but I have a greater belief in the strength of tarbiyah."[39] And only Allaah guides to the Path that is straight. References: 1. From At-Tasfiyah wat-Tarbiyah wa Atharahumaa fee Isti'naafil-Hayaatil-lslaamiyyah (pp.125- 137). 2. Related by Imaam Ahmad in az-Zuhd (2/63) and Abu Nu'aym in Hilyatul-Awliyaa (l/216-217). 3. Soorah Aal-'lmraan 3: 137 4. Soorah al-Ahzaab 33:62 5. Qul Huwa Min 'Indee Anfusakum (p.58) of Muhammad Suroor. 6. Related by al-Bukhaaree (no.4043). 7. Soorah Aal-lmraan 3:165 8. Sooratush-Shooraa 42:30 9. Sooratun-Nisaa 4:79 10. Zaadul-Ma'aad ( 3/238). 11. Sooratul-Anfaal 8:53 12. Such as the advice given by Umar ibn al-Khattaab to Sa'd ibn Abee Waqqaas and his army - radiallaahu 'anhumaa - as occurs in 'Iqdul-Fareed (1/40). 13. Sooratur-Ra'dd 13:11 14. Qul Huwa Min 'Indee Anfusakum (pp.59-62). 15. Soorah Hajj 22:40 16. Related by Abu Nu'aym in Hilyatul-Awliyaa (1/119). 17. Soorah al-Hajj 22:41 18. Soorah Muhammad 47:7 19. Sooratus-Saaffaat 37:171-173 20. Soorah al-Mujaadalah 58:21 21. Sooratun Noor 24:55 22. Soorah al-Hajj 22:41 23. Adwaa'ul-Bayaan (5/703-704) of 'Allaamah ash- Shanqeetee. 24. Related by Abu Nu'aym in al-Hilyah (4/313) and adh- Dhahabee in Siyar A'laamun - Nubalaa (4/311). 25. Soorah Aal-'lmraan 3:152 26. Sooratul Anfaal 8:45-46 27. Qul Huwa Min 'Indee Anfusakum (pp. 93-94) 28. Qul Huwa Min 'Indee Anfusakum (pp. 93-94) 29. Soorah al Qasas 28:5-6 30. Zaadul-Ma'aad (3/477-478) of Ibn al-Qayyim. 31. Soorah TaaHaa 20:83-84 32. Soorah TaaHaa 20:85 33. Soorah ar-Room 30:60 34. Ma 'aalimut-Tanzeel (6/279) of al-Baghawee. 35. A'laamul-Muwaqqi'een (3/4) of lbn al-Qayyim. 36. Quoted in Mawqiful-Mu'min minal-Fitnah (pp. 28-29) by Shaykh 'Abdullaah al-'Ubaylaan - may Allaah protect him. 37. Soorah an-Nisaa 4:77 38. Majmoo'ul-Fataawaa (10/690) of Shaykhul-lslaam lbn Taymiyyah. 39. The saying of Sayyid Qutb - as quoted in Majallatur- Risaalah (no.595/1952C.E.)

[Musa Millington]

Some doubts many may carry and their answers.

There is one major doubt that many may carry in terms of this matter and that is: Some of the major scholars have said that it is lawful and that Muslims should participate in this elections.

Now, before I am accused of relegating the statements of the scholars to doubts or imposing my opinion upon others, I am simply presenting what some of the scholars have said about this matter and their arguments. However, if someone takes the opinion that it is lawful because some Ulama have said it and they have proof then inshallah there is no harm in this. However, the one who takes an opinion of a scholar and has no proof and proof is presented contradictory to what he believes then this is what is disliked.

As one of the scholars of the past said: "Do not speak until you know, and do not speak with the speech of those who know when you don't know...." And Abu Haneefah said: "It is Haraam for a person to say my speech and to not know my evidences." And this is what the Ulama call toward. Not one of us left being Maliki, Shafi'ee, Hanafi in order to make Taqleed of Shaikh Ibn Baaz, Shaikh Al Albani and Shaikh Uthaimeen. Rather we left Taqleed because it is darkness in order to follow the evidences.

And as it is known if a scholar makes an error then it is forgiven. As the Prophet said: "If a judge makes a judgement and is correct he gets two blessings and if he is incorrect he will get one." However the Ulama have agreed that once a scholar or scholars make an error and other scholars have repudiated that error it is haraam to follow the scholar who has made the error.

Do we follow Abu Haneefah in his speech about raising the hands before or after Rukuu'? Do we follow the speech of Ash Shafi'ee when he said that touching a woman breaks Wuduu? No we do not, so if it is that scholars of this time make an error and other scholars have refuted that error then is that something which supposed to bring hatred among Ahlus Sunnah? Is that something people supposed to get angry about? Is that something that people should backbite and slander each other about? No it should never be that way.

Like the issue of Taraweeh 11 or 20 is it an issue to cause hatred? Is it that if one prays 11 because he takes the opinion of Shaikh Al Albani and the other prays 20 taking the opinion of Ibn Baaz and Shaikh Uthaimeen and others that one is a Salafi and the other isn't? And other issues like this are many.

As Shaikh Abdul Muhsin said about the people of the Madhahib: They blindly follow their Imams in the branches and they go against them in the Usuul. So let us not be of those who blindly follow Imams, old or modern, in the branches and get angry and make accusations when someone conflicts our opinion with evidences. For this is from the characteristics of partisanship and the partisans.


Now the main opinion of scholars is that it is the lesser of two evils, and that good can come from it from the Muslims through elections. As it is said in many Fatawa of the scholars.

However, other scholars like Shaikh Muqbil Ibn Haadi and Shaikh Yahya Al Haajuri and Shaikh Rabee' do not see it that way and this is based on some issues:

(1) The definition of a neccesity (Duruurah). Necessity in Shariah terms is what can cause harm to the point of destruction of the person. Hence, doing an evil in order to avoid a destructive evil is necessary. It is like eating the pig in a case of not finding anything else to eat and one fears that he will die as a result. In other words the Duruuraat makes lawful what is normally unlawful.

(2) Also in terms of this neccesity it has to bring about a good result that is definite and not imaginary as Shaikh Muhammad Al Imam argued. Hence if the neccestiy is imaginary and not definate then doing the action has no purpose.

Hence, in doing a Haraam deed, and everyone agrees that the ruling on it is Haraam in its basis. One has to look at these two matters and whether they exist or not. Is it that we have to vote or else the blood of the Muslims and the freedoms that we have in Trinidad would be taken? And if we do vote for a candidate who promises it will it truly come about or is it an imagined good? Also after looking at these two issues one must still return to the Ulama to see their views on it.

Otherwise, voting in itself without neccesity as defined by the Shariah is without a doubt incorrect since doing a Haraam deed without neccesity is incorrect. And the harms of voting and its opposition to Islam has been pointed out in the second post and there are much more evils that the Ulama and the Tulaab Ul Ilm have extracted.

Inshallah in the next post I will present some of the Fatawa of the Ulama on this matter. And Alhamdu Lillah I thought I had my work cut out however someone did my work already for me. I will therefore post it soon.

[Musa Millington]

http://www.aloloom.net/vb/showthread...=9980#post9980

Al Allaamah Shaikh Saleh Al Fawzaan (hafidhahullah) said:

As for elections which are found in (different) countries in recent times, then it is not from the way of Islaam. In it (is found) chaos, the following of ones own desires, racing towards the recognition of others and greed. It is the cause of fitnah, bloodshed and the purpose behind it is not fulifilled. Rather it has become a place of auctioning, buying and selling and false advertising.

From the book; Statements of the scholars regarding elections, Pg.56


Al Allaamah Shaykh Rabee (hafidhahullah) said with regard to elections and voting:

How many violations of the religion are commited by way of elections like showing alliances with atheist parties, communist and innovated parties and (also) what it necessitates in terms of demolishing the principle of allegiance and opposition (for the sake of Allah)? How much money is spent (on elections) and stolen from the Muslims in the the name of Islam? And the Muslims spend it bribing those who will vote for them by lying and falling into sin. How much money is wasted, lives lost, blood shed and ethics lost? All of this and other than this is ignored by Abul Hassan as he puts it [these violations] to waste in the cause of ikhwaan al-muslimoon [the deviated sect that spends the majority of their time in politics].

See his refutation against Abu al Hasan regarding elections footnote No. 16 and for the Arabic source of it refer back to www.aloloom.net


It was reported from Shaikh Saleem Al Hilaali (hafidhahullah) when he was asked on the ruling of elections:

Our opinion regarding elections and candidacy is an opinion that we have explained previously. It is NOT permissible and we distributed that in our magazine Asaalah. And a message came to Shaikh Albaani from Shaikh Muqbil (with regard to it) whereby after it, some of the scholars of Yemen and Shaikh Albaani signed (a paper stating) that it is not permissible to participate in them and that it is absolutely NOT permissible to have anything to do with (elections). For indeed it is from the paths of Shaytaan and from the ways of inventing false statements.

From the tape: Questions from the Yemeni students to the stuents of Shaikh Albaani
Also refer to the book: Salafi answers with regard to questions about dawah


The following questions were asked to our Shaikh Al Allaamah Yahya ibn Ali Al Hajooree (hafidhahullah) regarding the issue of elections:

Question: We hear in our land that a law has been passed (ordering the people) not to delve into the issue of elections and not to explain it to the people. What is your advice to us (regarding this)?

Answer: Forbidding the evil is obligatory. It is obligatory to repent from whatever law that is in opposition (to that which is correct). And elections are as impermissible as other major sins that are obligatory (for us) to forbid. And it is not permissible for us to be silent about them to the best of our ability because of what is there in elections from blind following of the disbelievers, splitting of the muslims, igniting enmity and hatred between them and other than this like (causing) harm to ones religion and worldly life. The messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaiyhi wa sallam) said, "Whosoever amongst you sees an evil, then let him change it with his hand; if ha cannot then with his tong and if he cannot (do even that) then with his heart and that is the weakest of eeman [faith]" - reported by Muslim from the hadeeth of Abi Sa'eed Al-Khudari

And the means used for elections are prohibited (as well). Whether (a person) gives them [the people who promote elections] a ride on his car or helps them get a voter's card and registration or other than that - whatever leads to prohibited actions is prohibited (as well). And having said this, there is no problem is forbidding these evils to the best of ones ability by advising the rulers, may Allah grant them success. People should be encouraged to forbid it because the spreading of evil ruins peoples' lives, and ruins their religion and their worldly matters. No one who is upright, has common sense and loves goodness for himself and the muslims would be pleased with it [elections]. And with Allah lies all success.

From the tape: Questions from Inner Hadramout - the city of Tareem


Question: What is the ruling on one who promotes election campaigns, then proclaims repentance and then returns to it?

Answer: It is obligatory to be warned about and warn from elections because:

It is a blind imitation of the disbelievers
It is from the disbeliever's system of democracy
It causes division between the muslims
It compromises certain matters of the religion

And it has perils which is obligatory for the one knowing its condition to be wary of it and warn against it.

And Allah says: {And whosoever does not repent, then such are indeed Zâlimûn (wrong-doers, etc.)}. (Al-Hujurat 49:11)

From the tape: Questions from the people of Radfan dated 9 Rajab, 1422H


Question: What is the ruling on women going out and getting voter cards with the knowledge that some of the campaigner's assistants come to houses. They ask the women to apply for a voter's card and if any one from Ahlus Sunnah was to forbid them they say :"This is not against you because there is no free mixing involved here as women approach women to give the cards to women. There is no free mixing." And with the likes of this they cast doubts upon the people. What is your advice - may Allah protect you?

Answer: Democracy came to the muslims with trials and from these trials are elections. And it (elections) are not permissible neither for a man nor a woman nor; neither for a Jinn nor a human. And it has perils and evils that none know except Allah. And Ahlus Sunnah have exhausted themselves in warning against this trial acting upon the statement of Allah: {so that those who were to be destroyed (for their rejecting the Faith) might be destroyed after a clear evidence, and those who were to live (i.e. believers) might live after a clear evidence. And surely, Allâh is All-Hearer, All-Knower}. (Al-Anfal 8:42)

and His statement: {And ask them about the town that was by the sea, when they transgressed in the matter of the Sabbath (i.e. Saturday): when their fish came to them openly on the Sabbath day, and did not come to them on the day they had no Sabbath. Thus We made a trial of them for they used to rebel. And when a community among them said: "Why do you preach to a people whom Allâh is about to destroy or to punish with a severe torment?" (The preachers) said: "In order to be free from guilt before your Lord (Allâh), and perhaps they may fear Allâh." So when they forgot the remindings that had been given to them, We rescued those who forbade evil.} (Al-A'raf 7:163-165)

And some of the needy people from amongst the men and women get deluded by (a small) amount of money. Or they get deceived that if they dont elect then they will not have a position amongst the people [in the community]. And this is a lie. For the Prophet (sal Allahu alaiyhi wa sallam) said, "If you rely upon Allah with a true reliance, he would give you sustenance like he gives the birds sustenance. They leave in the morning empty stomached and return at night full". And he would honour you with a great amount of goodness. Allah says: {And whosoever fears Allâh and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty). And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine. And whosoever puts his trust in Allâh, then He will suffice him.} (At-Talaq 65:2-3)

And he says: {And if the people of the towns had believed and had the Taqwâ (piety), certainly, We should have opened for them blessings from the heaven and the earth} (Al-Araf:96)

And the most elevated One says: {And if only the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) had believed and warded off evil (sin, ascribing partners to Allâh) and had become Al*Muttaqûn (the pious) We would indeed have blotted out their sins and admitted them to Gardens of pleasure (in Paradise). And if only they had acted according to the Taurât (Torah), the Injeel (Gospel), and what has (now) been sent down to them from their Lord (the Qur'ân), they would surely have gotten provision from above them and from underneath their feet.} (Al-Ma'idah 5:65-66)

And the Exalted one says: {but if they had done what they were told, it would have been better for them, and would have strengthened their (Faith);} (An-Nisa 4:66)

So O you Muslims! (This is) a beneficial, valuable advice. Accept it before you feel remorse (at a time when) remorse will not benefit you whether in this world or the next. As Allah says: {Say: "Short is the enjoyment of this world."} (An-Nisa 4:77)

Elections are prohibited. It is blind following of the disbelievers and from the branches of democracy. And democracy is prohibited. It is the ruling of the people by themselves without a Book or a Sunnah. And democracy is disbelief. And partisanship (hizbiyyah) is prohibited except for the party of Allah, glorified and exalted is He.

From the tape: Questions from Ibb, As-Sayyani district, Wadi Khair village and those around it - recorded on 8th Dhul Hijjah, 1423H