Election 2013 Why voting is the least effective means of political engagement for Muslims

Introduction

i. Praise for the one who seeks change, better than staying home

ii. Muslims not the only ones struggling to define alternative form of activism

Objective of Politics in Islam

Not rhetoric, if only we understood profoundness

Call to Islam, enjoin the good, forbid the evil

Means of political engagement in Islam

Not rhetoric, if only we understood profoundness

i. Aqeedah as basis

ii. Halal / Haram as criteria

Whats wrong with Muslims engaging in the democratic political system?

1. Ideological defeatism (before we even enter the ring!)

i. compromise on objective

ii. compromise on means

2. Inferiority Complex

i. Model oneself on oppressor (I am just like you!)

ii. Priority is acceptance / legitimacy

iii. What then is the point of operating under a Muslim label?!

3. Political participation is always primary means of assimilation

i. Not an accident acceptance, legitimacy, loyalty

4. Democracy pollutes our values and behaviours

i. Democracy is the politics of pragmatism

5. Democracy is a mirage

i. Serves those with wealth and power

ii. Citizens operate within parameters set by economic elites

iii. Dont need to be Muslim to understand the fallacies of democracy!

6. Democracy is no more than a slogan

i. Look to the Muslim world where it is directly challenged

ii. Only a matter of time before we see the same in the West

7. There is no such thing as a Muslim vote!

What is required of us as Muslims?

1. Remind ourselves of our objectives as Muslims

i. Ideological purity, essential for long term existence as Muslims

2. Understand these objectives are not dependent on time or place

ii. Our duty is to carry the message of Islam, notwithstanding particularities

3. Objectives set by Islam are anathema to Democracy and Capitalism

i. Conflict is inevitable

4. Islam does not condone narcissism

i. We cannot think only about ourselves

ii. Need to present comprehensive solution to ALL problems

5. Islam transcends party politics

i. Muslims are not asking for special favours

ii. Issues of Muslims are bipartisan in nature

iii. Must engage political class, but on basis of Islam

6. Securing Rights v Advancing Interests

i. Precedent of Prophet (saw) and companions (eg, Abyssinia)

ii. Nothing wrong with asking for rights, as long as approved by Islam

iii. Nave to think we can advance the interests of Islam through kufr

(only the sheltered/inexperienced will push this line!)

7. Muslims must maintain their independence at all costs

i. Cannot be held hostage to demands of the state

ii. Does not deny fact the State currently possesses power!
8. We dont need a Muslim everything

i. Our interests do not lie in our isolation (the opposite is true!)

ii. Community needs to be realistic about its priorities (we are not state actors!)

iii. Most of our unique needs can be independently accomplished

9. Most important change is on the ground

i. Thoughts?
ii. Actions?
iii. Loyalties?

iv. Producing confident, cultured Muslims that become agents of change, wherever they are!