Articles on Voting in Islam

Here are some Islamic evidences about the obligation of voting:

In this article Sheikh Muhammad ibn Adam speaks of the believer's vote as being his testimony. Therefore, in this respect, a believer is obliged to seek whether the candidate they are voting for is trustworthy to the best of their ability before casting their vote for them. i.e. Muslims should be politically aware and hold their representatives to account.

http://www.daruliftaa.com/question.a...nID=q-17034644

A great insight into the deeper meaning of ibadaah in Islam. The writer looks at ibadaah in a more sophisticated way as opposed to the conventional interpretation of ibadaah being salaah. The writer explores the significance of (niyyah) intention in Islam and how doing anything with the intention to please Allah becomes ibadaah.The writer rightfully rules voting as a form of Ibadaah as by voting with an intention to uphold the Islamic principle of shura (running affairs through mutual consultation) and ijma (consensus) you are essentially carrying out an act of worship.

http://www.themodernreligion.com/pol/voting-ibada.html

This article explores the duty we have to wider society as Muslims. These concepts are also found with Philosopher Mohammed Iqbal who argues that “Islam is a civil society” and “All that is secular is sacred in the roots of its being”. One must acknowledge that as Muslims it is our duty to strive to prevent oppression and bring about justice. We must participate to enjoin what is good and forbid that which is evil. Our duties to Allah make is essential for us to participate in the political process. This is illustrated well throughout this article. The article supports the viewpoint that tawheed as a working idea is the striving for equality, solidarity and freedom through political participation.

http://www.themodernreligion.com/pol/involved.html

The article explains how sharia demands that Muslims abide by local legal and order and participate on the basis of bringing about general welfare of humanity and the common good. Again, we see that voting is essentially a mechanism that allows Muslims to carry out their duty to Allah and fulfilling their role as Allah's Khalif's on earth. Moreover. What was extremely interesting was that under the issue of Al-Walaa’ the writer concluded that cooperation between Muslims and non-Muslims is seen as “worldly affairs” and thus cannot possibly be prohibited.

http://www.muslimdirectory.co.uk/viewarticle.php?id=261

To find out more watch this five part video that goes into depth in regards to the permissibility of voting.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STscF...eature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Wd9H5VPdIo&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnJ30...eature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlyQE2vH5D0&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6TSdTLjx34&NR=1