THE QUR’AN AND HADITH ON THE IMPORTANCE OF VOTING
Within both the Qur’an and in hadith, voting as an important action is notated. By reading about voting in Islam, we learn:
- It is obligatory for Muslims to exercise their right to come forward to vote in elections.
- To not do so is to be sinful because it is an act of disobeying the command of shari’ah and leaving what is obligatory.
- The obligation of participation in elections is valid even if the nominee is disobedient of Allah (swt), as long as he is good for the position he is running for and we believe he will be beneficial for the society in general and the Muslims in particular.
HERE ARE SOME SPECIFIC EXAMPLES
Surah Baqarah Verse 283: “And do not conceal testimony, and whoever conceals it, his heart is surely sinful, and Allah knows what you do.”
Allah (SWT) prohibits concealing testimony and that this prohibition is mandatory.
Surah Baqarah, Verse 282 “…and the witnesses should not refuse when they are summoned”
Surah Baqarah, Verse 140: “And who is more unjust than he who conceals a testimony that he has from Allah?”
Surah Al-Ma’idah Verse 106: “and we will not hide the testimony of Allah for then certainly we should be among the sinners.”
Surah An-Nisa: “O you who believe! Be maintainers of justice, bearers of witness of Allah’s sake, though it may be against you own selves or (your) parents or near relatives; if he be rich or poor, Allah is nearer to them both in compassion; therefore do not follow (your) low desires, lest you deviate; and if you swerve or turn aside, then surely Allah is aware of what you do..”
Surah Al-Ma’idah: “O you who believe! Be upright for Allah, bearers of witness with justice, and let not hatred of a people incite you not to act equitably; act equitably, that is nearer to piety, and he careful of (your duty to) Allah; surely Allah is Aware of what you do.”
Prophet Mohammad (SAW): “The best of the witnesses is the one who brings his testimony before he is asked.