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Muslim Participation in American Politics


As-Salaamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

May the Peace, Mercy and Blessings of Allah (God) Be Upon You

This article is being made available via the permission of its author Imam Aiyub Abdul Baqi, a member of the South East Queens Muslim Collective. Written years ago, it is still relevant to circumstances effecting Muslims in America and concerning the American political process.

In the minds of many, there is a rapid breakdown in the notion that America is "the land of opportunity," but Muslims, if united politically, can make a difference. America's future depends upon it. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said, "Allah will not torture the public because of the bad deeds of a particular people till the public see the Munkar (evil) among themselves and they are able to change it. If they fail to do this, then Allah (swt) will torture the particular people who have been doing wrong and the public as well." (Imam Ahmad)

The American political process isn't perfect. It has evolved over the two centuries to become what it appears to be today: a beacon of light for those wishing to exercise their right to be free to speak, think and worship freely. However, it did not make these changes willingly. These changes occurred through a process of struggle.

The architects of American democracy were in a bitter struggle with England. Common Sense, authored by Thomas Paine, provided them with the principles of freedom which are enshrined in the "Declaration of Independence" and the Constitution of the United States. Freedom, justice and equality were noble principles (ideals) which opened the door of opportunity to others.

There weren't any Native Americans, Blacks or women who signed the document entitled the Constitution of the United States (1787), but these groups used these noble principles to bring their cases before the nation's courts to demand justice and meaningful changes in the status quo.

Women got their right to vote in 1920. The nineteenth amendment states, "No government in the United States can prevent citizens to vote because of their gender." And, although the 13th, 14th and 15th amendments gave Blacks freedom and rights as citizens, it took the Civil Rights Movement to make those rights meaningful and beneficial not just for Black Americans, but all Americans. It is a direct result of the Civil Rights Movement that most immigrants do not have to go through hell to fight for their rights. The laws are already on the books.

However, Native Americans are still on reservations in the land of their ancestors and Blacks are still suffering from post-traumatic slave disorder. Therefore, they are both entitled to reparations according to international law. There is still some inequality between the haves and have-nots. They still have the right to petition the government; in order to do so, they must organize themselves.

The American political system is controlled by special elite who control the media and hold the reins of power (politically and economically). At times, they seem to be indifferent to the needs of the majority of people who are poor, ill-informed and in need of services i.e., housing, adequate education, health care and a decent job to support their families. However, if politically pressured, they have made concessions to diffuse a situation if they felt it threatened them as a class or upset the social order.

Those groups, which are most effective in terms of influencing change and making policy are well organized. They will advocate for what concerns them even if it is not in the nation's best interest or approved by the majority of all Americans. They are called special interests groups: such as the Jewish Lobby, The Christian Right, gays and others. According to the law of the land they have a right to be heard. What about American Muslims?

Muslims constitute a unique group. Unlike others seeking to advance their personal agendas, we have been entrusted with the task to salvage humanity. "(They are) those whom if we give them authority in the land, they establish worship and give regular charity, enjoin in the right and forbid the wrong: with Allah rest the end (and decision) of (all) affairs." (Qur'an, 22:41). Therefore what we must do is advocate for what is beneficial to all Americans. As Allah says: "Aid each other in (what is) good and moral, and do not aid each other in (what is ) sinful or (involves) transgression." (Qur'an 5:2) This way of life (Islam) is good advice,

The question is: How can we advise a nation on the brink of self-destruction? Like Prophet Moses (May Allah be pleased with him) and his brother (Aaron) we need to go to the "halls of justice," the chamber of power and deliver the message (with good speech and wisdom). Therefore, we must examine our previous tactics and strategies and come up with a plan of action.

In the past few decades, Islam has grown tremendously. We have changed neighborhoods, developed businesses and reformed some of the worst elements of society, which Franz Fanon called the "Wretched of the Earth," while other groups have ostracized, demonized and launched an ideological attack on Islam, its book (Al-Qur'an) and the Prophet Muhammad ibn Abdullah (Peace be upon him). What has been our response? We are caught playing poly (many) tricks rather than politics.

Politically we are a non-entity. We do not exist. Since 9/11, some have taken steps to change their names, shave their beards and remove their hijabs. But the reality is the best defense is to stand up for our faith. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said, "Whomever of you have seen a Munkar (wrong) let him change it with his hands, if he cannot then by his tongue, and if he cannot then in his heart and this is the weakest of Iman (faith)." Muslim participation in the American political process to prevent abuse of power is both an obligation and a political right of every Muslim citizen.

The issue of Muslims voting and running for office should be to bring about a beneficial and meaningful change, to hold those in charge of our affairs accountable and to give a voice to the voiceless. Someone should articulate our concerns and raise our demands for justice and an end to racial and religious profiling. Then we must advocate for a balanced US foreign policy, in the interest of America, which upholds the best interest of the nation. America can best learn from Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him), who said: "I have been made ruler among you and I am not the best of you, so if I act rightly help me and if I am in error correct me."

"Let there arise from among you a group who enjoin what is good (or call to the good) and forbids the evil." (Qur'an, 3:104 ) Only then will America be a land of countless opportunities... if Allah wills! Therefore vote your conscience, or suffer the consequences.

Vote. Vote. Vote! If you don't vote; you don't count.

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