Voting in Islam
Question:-
Is it permissible to vote in the elections of a country?
Answer:-
Votes are not given to a particular party on the basis of their Islam or Kufr. Instead, individuals vote for a political party with the hope of them fulfilling the rights of the citizens, preventing oppression, and on the basis of them serving and benefitting the citizens of the country. If there is hope of a certain political party fulfilling the above objectives, then voting for such a party is acceptable.
Re:- Fataawa Mahmoodiyya Pg.430 Vol.20
However, politicians in our times without any exceptions, are more concerned with filling their own coffers rather than attending to the needs of the public. Despite the failing economy and deteriorating infrastructure of the country, their theft just increases all the time. It was recorded in the media just two days ago that, R100 000 000 that was allocated to two North West airports, has gone missing. Huge theft at the country’s electricity producer has resulted in the electricity crisis that the country currently faces.
An article published in the Arab news some years ago stated that, King Fahad addressed the dignitaries that attended Hajj. He thanked Allah Ta’ala for the bounties enjoyed by the Hujjaj. He then explained that King Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia openly announced to the citizens of the country that if they have any need, they may contact him directly. An elderly lady once came to him with a need which he fulfilled in a satisfactory manner. Oil was not yet discovered in Saudi Arabia at that stage. On leaving she made Dua for the king, “May Allah Ta’ala open the treasures of the earth for you.” He states that it was after this that oil was discovered in Saudi Arabia. This is fulfilling the needs and rights of the citizens and benefitting them.
Hadrat Abu Bakr Radiallahu Anhu was selected as the Khalifah after the demise of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam, yet he proceeded the next day to the market place with some cloth slung on his arms when he met Umar Radiallahu Anhu who asked him, “Where are you off to?” “To the market,” was his reply. Umar Radiallahu Anhu asked him, “Who will carry out the duties of the Khalifah if you get busy with your trade?” Abu Bakr enquired, “How then am I to feed my family?” Umar Radiallahu Anhu then took him to Abu Ubaydah Radiallahu Anhu to fix a daily allowance from the Muslim treasury.
Hadrat Umar Radiallahu Anhu was also a businessman by trade. When he became the Khalifah after Hadrat Abu Bakr Radiallahu Anhu, he gathered the people and said to them, “I used to earn my living through trade, but now that you people have engaged me as Khalifah, how will I earn my living?” Several people suggested various amounts for his daily allowance from the Baitul Maal, but Hadrat Ali Radiallahu Anhu did not speak.
Hadrat Umar then asked, “What is your suggestion, O Ali?” Hadrat Ali Radiallahu Anhu replied by saying, “I suggest that you take an amount that will be moderately sufficient for your family.” Hadrat Umar Radiallahu Anhu accepted his suggestion and a moderate amount was fixed as his daily allowance.
When people of this calibre will rule, then the rights of the citizens will be fulfilled, justice and trustworthiness will prevail in the world, and perhaps poverty will be eradicated. It is people of this calibre that deserve the votes of the citizens, and not thieves and fraudsters whose greed overcomes their senses. May Allah Ta’ala continue showering His mercy upon the Ummah and protecting us all from harm. Ameen!
ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai
Date: 11 Shawwal 1444 / 02 May 2023