Voting: An Islamic Perspective

In a democratic country like Canada, voting is an important means of promoting justice, contributing to the betterment of society, protecting civil liberties, combating Islamophobia, anti-Palestinian racism, and all forms of discrimination, advocating for economic fairness and affordability, and supporting essential public services. By participating in the electoral process, we have an opportunity to influence decisions that affect not only ourselves and our families but also our communities, fellow citizens, and future generations

Islam is not limited to individual acts of worship. It also teaches us to be a source of goodness, justice, and benefit to society.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

خَيْرُ النَّاسِ أَنْفَعُهُمْ لِلنَّاسِ

“The best of people are those who are most beneficial to others.” [Reported by Ibn Hibban]

In democratic countries, candidates seeking public office present their policies and commit to improving public services, infrastructure, economic conditions, and society’s overall well-being. These decisions directly or indirectly affect all residents, including Muslims.

Voting for a particular candidate does not mean endorsing every belief, ideology, policy, or personal position that individual holds. Rather, it is a practical decision based on which candidate is considered most suitable for public office and most likely to benefit society.

Voting for a candidate in a non-Muslim democratic system does not constitute kufr (disbelief), shirk (associating partners with Allah), or a sin.

From an Islamic perspective, voting may be understood as a form of shahadah (testimony). When casting a vote, a person is effectively expressing the judgment that a particular candidate is the most suitable among those on the list.

Allah Almighty says:

وَإِذَا قُلْتُمْ فَاعْدِلُوا وَلَوْ كَانَ ذَا قُرْبَىٰ

“And when you speak, be just, even if it concerns a close relative.” (Surah al-An’aam, 6:152)

This verse reminds us that fairness and justice must take precedence over personal relationships and interests.

Consequently, voting solely on family ties, friendship, ethnicity, or personal favours, while knowingly disregarding a candidate’s competence and suitability, contradicts Islamic principles of justice and trustworthiness and constitutes a sin.

Our vote should be based on an honest assessment of the candidates’ qualifications, integrity, policies, and ability to serve the public.

In reality, no candidate is perfect. If none of the candidates are entirely satisfactory, we should carefully consider which candidate is most competent and trustworthy and most likely to bring greater benefit while minimizing harm.

We are not searching or voting for the perfect candidate, there is no such thing as a perfect candidate. We are choosing the best available option based on our sincere judgment.

Muslim Participation Matters

Participating in the democratic process gives Muslims a chance to be heard. The democratic system isn’t perfect, but staying uninvolved reduces our community’s ability to influence decisions that affect our lives.

Voting shows that our community is engaged, informed, and concerned about our city’s well-being. When we vote, we strengthen our community’s voice and influence. When we abstain, we risk allowing individuals who may lack competence, or whose policies and values strongly conflict with ours, to gain power and benefit from our absence. Our participation matters, and our absence can have consequences.

Political parties and candidates pay attention to voter participation and the concerns raised by different communities.

Issues such as affordability, housing, employment, healthcare, education, transportation, social services, Canadian sovereignty, and civil liberties affect all Canadians. As Muslims, we should be concerned not only about matters directly affecting our own community but also about the welfare of society as a whole.

Before casting our vote, we should make a sincere effort to understand the candidates, and their policies.

If we are uncertain, we should seek guidance from knowledgeable and trustworthy individuals and credible community organizations.

We encourage everyone that on Mon. Oct. 26, exercise their right to vote and to sincerely ask Allah to bless our city, province, and country with peace, stability, economic prosperity, justice, and harmony among all citizens. May Allah guide our leaders to govern with wisdom, integrity, and fairness, and grant all residents, regardless of their background or beliefs, prosperity and opportunities to thrive. Ameen.

Mushtaq Shaikh

Imam

Masjid Bilal, Scarborough

Useful Resources

https://canadianmuslimvote.ca/region/toronto/

https://canadiancouncilofimams.com/

ووٹر آئی ڈی ، ووٹنگ، الیکشن اور موجودہ مسلمانوں کی سیاسی ذمہ داریاں

فقیہ العصر حضرت مولانا خالد سیف اللہ رحمانی صاحب

(Voter Card, Voting, Election (urdu) By Mufti Khalid Saifullah Rahmani)

https://nccm.ca/