In the contemporary world, where democracy is a prevalent system of governance, the act of casting a vote holds immense significance. However, beyond its political ramifications, vote casting carries profound importance within the framework of Islamic principles. In this article, we will try to educate and highlight the significance of vote casting in Islam and into the reasons why vote casting is crucial in Islam and how it aligns with the teachings of the faith.
Just few days before the vote costing in Pakistan on 8th February, when people of country are thinking why and whom to cost vote? I thought to give you the perspective of Islam about election of choosing representative for you, remember for five years.
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With the nation facing serious issues from all sides, we all have something to say and a solution to propose. But whether we support or oppose the administration and the current proceedings is the only thing that matters in this situation; our opinions can only be validated—or should—if we cast ballots.
The Pakistani nation is currently experiencing extreme political polarization. We talk about politics all the time—in our homes, in our villages, on the street, at work, and on Facebook, and Twitter. This is true regardless of one’s age, profession, or financial situation. Though there are wide differences in viewpoints, I believe it is safe to say that everyone wants to see the nation advance and prosper in peace.
Having said that, we should consider what we individually can do to support this cause as responsible citizens of this nation. The answers to these questions may lie in filing our taxes, making whatever charitable contributions we can, and leading tranquil, morally upright lives.
It should, in my opinion, also include casting a ballot. Voting is not a right in my opinion; it is a duty. It serves as a demonstration of our values and the people we have faith in to carry them out. We can talk forever about what kind of Pakistan we want and who should represent it, but what good is it if all we do is sit around the house on election day?
People are unaware of their power, though. You can argue all you like about how it operates, but the judiciary is independent today, which has never been the case before. Despite counter-revolutions, the judges were reinstated. That’s because it was bound to happen. People will get what they want once they recognize their power. An appropriate example is the Arab Spring.
Let’s approach the upcoming elections with hope if you were worried about the voting process in the past. After a petition from the Pakistan Movement for Justice Party (Tehreek-e-Insaf), the Supreme Court finally removed 35 million bogus votes from the electoral lists, and 35 million new voters are anticipated.
It’s time to quit whining that nobody will vote and to cast our ballots. Locate the political party whose beliefs and ideals most closely align with our own, study their platforms and programs, investigate the candidates, and—above all—register and cast a ballot. If there is any justification for not voting, we ought to use it as justification for voting, accept accountability, and contribute to the change that will solve our issue.
Everything begins with the individual. An idea is the source of every significant invention, discovery, or revolution. Anything that gains widespread popularity on Facebook must have its beginnings. All that is an ocean is a group of tiny water droplets.
Take personal responsibility for Pakistan and others will follow. Accept your influence and the importance of voting.
Every bad experience has the potential to transform you, if you have the right guidance to get you through it, and we, the people, get to choose who that guidance comes from.
The significance of voting in Islam
It would be appropriate to vote to highlight the importance of voting in light of Shariah:
The Importance of Voting Considering Shariah
It is not appropriate to view elections as simply a game or a worldly endeavor in which one person wins and one loses. It shouldn’t be viewed as a win or a loss solely based on financial and material gain. Beneath the machinery and mechanisms of the electoral process lies the spiritual dimension of adhering to or violating Shariah’s Divine Laws.
According to Shariah, voting carries with it several significant obligations, including:
Voting as a means of providing evidence (Giving Shahadah):
In the first instance, voting is a vote of testimony. The voters, by voting for a candidate or party, implicitly attest to the legitimacy of that candidate or party.
It is our responsibility, as voters, to vote for a party and thus support that party’s promise to pursue Islamic ideas and values. Such a party to fight for the preservation and continuity of the laws, norms, values, and beliefs of the Islamic religion. It will not interfere with our places of worship or beliefs. It will fulfill our right and autonomy to implement verdicts and rulings of the faith matters in accordance with the Muslim Personal Law. Islamic tenets such as abolishment of injustice and the establishment of morality, harmony, and peace will be maintained.
Selecting “Lesser of two evils” when given the option:
It would be naive to expect that, perhaps, some party will oblige by guaranteeing most of our Islamic requirements and demands, in which case the voter could then choose a decision less harmful to Deen, given the unique circumstances in which all the parties are non-Islamic and secular parties will not be able to guarantee all of our Islamic requirements and demands in their entirety.
It is a betrayal of confidence to vote for a party that is less able to uphold Muslim rights (Amanah):
Since it is a form of testimony or Shahadah, and voting against a specific party will be punished by Shariah as a trespass and a breach of faith, it is rational to support this party. Besides sharing false information, which is itself wrong, aiding a political party that is less sympathetic to Islam would leave you open to being complicit and responsible for the disorder and crookedness that party shows with regard to total disregard of Islamic values and ideals.
Bribery and voting (Rishwah):
It is also necessary to address the fact that though it is a corruption norm, it has almost turned into a standard practice for the parties that wish to influence the voters to offer gifts in exchange for votes. This kind of bribery should be treated with contempt. Voting should be done in an honest and fair manner to protect the Islamic faith. The honor and integrity of the Muslims should be maintained at all times.
The Deenul-Islam that Allah Ta’ala has bestowed upon us is a great blessing, and this blessing also carries with it a great responsibility, so we should observe great vigilance and activism in maintaining its prestige. A person cannot make compromises on Islamic morals for the sake of the world of Dunya. A Hadith of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Iayhi Wasallam) warns us that eventually a Muslim would sell his Deen for a few copper coins.
Thus, when a Muslim enjoys participation in elections, he should think about the consequences of the life after life and should not regard this right as a convenient moment to follow the fashion or to serve some other purposes.
So the above motioned proves that there is major significance of vote casting in Islam and it is social responsibility.
