Voting: An Islamic Obligation
by: Jenna Elaidy
The Prophet (SAW) said, “Whoever among you sees an evil action, then let him change it with his hand [by taking action]; if he cannot, then with his tongue [by speaking out]; and if he cannot, then with his heart — and that is the weakest of faith.” [Sahih Muslim]
As the countdown to Election Day in the United States dwindles to only 112 days, we as Muslims must begin to understand that voting is our voice. Your vote will be your hand and your tongue this November. Islamic Relief USA launched its Go Vote! Campaign back in 2020, but now more than ever, it is crucial to vote as American Muslims.
As those in submission to Allah (SWT), we are called to:
Command Justice
As the Quran instructs followers:
“God commands justice, benevolence, and giving [of your wealth] to kith and kin, and He forbids indecency, evil, and lawlessness” [Surah Nahl (16), v. 90)]
In the United States, in order to command justice, we must vote candidates into positions of power who will do the same with benevolence and generosity.
Enforce Huqooq-Ul-Ibad (Human Rights)
According to Islamic law, there are two types of rights that people must uphold: the rights of Allah, or Huqooqul Allah, and the rights of fellow human beings, or Huqooq ul Ibad. Huqooq ul Ibad refers to the obligations we have to humanity and the rights that each Muslim has toward each other. Numerous verses in the Quran mention both Allah (SWT)’s rights and the rights of other beings.
Finally, We are called to Practice Justice (Adl- عدل) in All we do
Abdullah ibn Amr, (a companion of the Prophet SAW) reported that The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Verily, those who were just will be in the presence of Allah upon pulpits of light, near the right hand of the Merciful, the Exalted, and both of His sides are honorable. They are those who practiced justice in their judgments and with their families and in all that they did.”
۞يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ كُونُواْ قَوَّـٰمِينَ بِٱلۡقِسۡطِ شُهَدَآءَ لِلَّهِ وَلَوۡ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِكُمۡأَوِ ٱلۡوَٰلِدَيۡنِ وَٱلۡأَقۡرَبِينَۚ إِن يَكُنۡ غَنِيًّا أَوۡ فَقِيرٗا فَٱللَّهُ أَوۡلَىٰ بِهِمَاۖ فَلَا تَتَّبِعُواْٱلۡهَوَىٰٓ أَن تَعۡدِلُواْۚ وَإِن تَلۡوُۥٓاْ أَوۡ تُعۡرِضُواْ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ خَبِيرٗا
Yaa aiyuhal lazeena aamanoo koonoo qawwa ameena bilqisti shuhadaaa’a lillaahi wa law ‘alaa anfusikum awil waalidaini wal aqrabeen iny yakun ghaniyyan aw faqeeran fallaahu awlaa bihimaa falaaa tattabi’ul hawaaa an ta’diloo; wa in talwooo aw tu’ridoo fa innal laaha kaana bimaa ta’maloona Khabeera
English Translation:
“O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both. So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted.”
— [ Sura 4 (Nisa), v.135]
And as always, use your heart, and make Dua for the promotion of democracy and human rights in the United States,
“O Allah, help and protect the people of the world. O Allah, ease their pain and suffering. O Allah help those who are in need. O Allah, fortify their hearts and calm them like you granted Yusuf’s heart peace in the well. O Allah, Bestower of Mercy, bestow Your mercy on them. O Allah, You are the Giver of victory, O Al-Fattah, You are the Opener of doors, please grant them freedom and victory.”
Voting is a privilege and a moral obligation. As Americans, we are called to improve the lives of others and enforce democracy worldwide. After you submit your vote, advocate for those who need assistance and call others to goodness inshAllah.
And… It’s never too late to become an IRUSA advocate!
Visit our Advocacy page at irusa.org/advocacy. If you have any questions, connect with us at 1–855–447–1001 or publicaffairs@irusa.org.
