Vote Today, Muslim today and tomorrow and the day after that.

Picture from the SUNBLOG

We see it all the time.  The same old leaflets being handed out.  One particular leaflet caught my eye recently.  It said “Vote Today.  Kafir Tomorrow.”  It makes me wonder why some people believe voting is forbidden in our beautiful religion.  In fact this is so far from the truth.  The reality is gettinginvolved in the political system is high recommended for every Muslim.

One of the greatest things we have in British society is the right to practice Islam freely.  This religious freedom is an example of the contribution democracy has given to the modern world.  Many ‘Ulama have recommended Muslims to go to the ballet box as a way to be politically engaged to benefit not only Muslims in Britain but Britain in general.

This whole situation brings me back to one story I like to reflect on from the life of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW).  In the early years of Mecca many of the tribes were in constant conflict with one another and there was much oppression. Mecca was in need of a social reform. Abdullah ibn Judan of the Taym tribe had invited to his house all those people who wanted an end to these conflicts and establish a pact of justice and honour amongst all the tribes. This alliance was known as hilf al-fudul (the pact of the virtuous). At this meeting our Prophet (SAW) and his long time friend Abu Bakr were in attendance. The meeting resulted in the tribes coming together in principles of justice and support for those who are oppressed regardless of where they came from.

After the Prophet (SAW) had received revelation from Allah and took his role as the Messenger of Allah he referred to the pact when he told his companions ‘I was present in Abdullah ibn Judan’s house when a pact was concluded, so excellent that I would not exchange my part in it for even for herd of red camels; and now in Islam, If I was asked to take part in it, I would be glad to accept.’

The lesson to be learnt from this story is that the Prophet (SAW) in all his wisdom acknowledged the validity of a pact established by non-Muslims seeking justice and the common good of their wider society. We as Muslims should take from this that interacting on a political level to bring a better society for ourselves regardless of faith, race or gender.

Today we are in danger of an evil surfacing in the name of the British National Party.  This form of right wing extremism undermines some of Britain’s greatest values such as tolerance and diversity which are also core Islamic values.  Their direct attacks on Islam are not only harmful for inciting hatred and islamaphobia in our communities but they genuinely want to get rid of Muslims from this country, halt the constructions of our mosques, stop the teaching of our faith in schools and ‘send us back home’. I wonder what that means because London is my home. Voting on Election Day is the best and easiest way to voice our opposition to these ideologies and stop their rise to power.

However going to the ballot box is not just about choosing the Muslim candidates just because they are Muslim.  We should look at the policies and what they stand for and how they will benefit society. We as Muslims are just as concerned about the economy, health care, social reforms and dropping world debt as any Christian, Jew, Hindu, Sikh or atheist.  We should be the first to advocate how important these things are as part of Islamic lives and how our government should do more to end world poverty, care for our environment and create a Britain that is fair for all.

When the General Elections are called make sure you visit your local ballet box and pick the candidate that is right for you.  To register to vote visit

www.aboutmyvote.co.uk