The risk of belonging to a political party
Javed Ahmad
The Holy Qur’an is a guidance for all of mankind. Those who follow the guidance are called the Muslims. One would not be able to follow the guidelines if the book is not read carefully.
002.121 Those to whom We have sent the Book study it as it should be studied: They are the ones that believe therein: Those who reject faith therein,- the loss is their own.
We are all responsible for our own decisions and actions. On the Day of Judgment we will be held accountable for all our deeds. No one will be able to intercede for other nor will any compensation be accepted.
002.123 Then guard yourselves against a-Day when one soul shall not avail another, nor shall compensation be accepted from her nor shall intercession profit her nor shall anyone be helped (from outside).
Choosing a religion to follow may become a difficult choice among many different religions available in the market place claiming to be a true guidance; but we have been advised to follow the original religion Prophet Abraham (as) that was monotheistic, which is the modern day Islam.
002.135 They say: "Become Jews or Christians if ye would be guided (To
salvation)." Say thou: "Nay! (I would rather) the Religion of Abraham the True and he joined not gods with God."
This life is a game of patience. We need to first acknowledge that Allah is the supreme authority for all our affairs He is the ultimate Disposer of all our affairs. Therefore, we need to seek help and protection from Him alone.
002.153 O ye who believe! Seek help with patient perseverance and prayer; for God is with those who patiently persevere.
Faith in Islam does not come easy. Allah puts us into tests to check our level of faith in Him.
002.155 Be sure we shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives or the fruits (of your toil), but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere,
No matter how difficult the tests maybe, we must remain steadfast in our faith.
002.156 Who say, when afflicted with calamity: "To God We belong, and to Him is our return":-
Once the trial period is over, and the faithful overcomes the test successfully with patience, the blessings and mercy of Allah follows.
002.157 They are those on whom (Descend) blessings from God, and Mercy, and
they are the ones that receive guidance.
But if anyone fails to overcome the test and ends up rejecting faith in Allah, and does not repent afterwards before death, they are the ones who fail the test and becomes a victim of curse.
002.161 Those who reject Faith, and die rejecting,- on them is God's curse, and the curse of angels, and of all mankind;
We need to be careful and use our own intellect in choosing whom to follow; because if we follow a wrong leader then we would end up being left alone.
002.166 Then would those who are followed clear themselves of those who follow
(them) : They would see the penalty, and all relations between them would be cut off.
We have been advised to choose our leader on the basis of the guidance given in the Qur’an – the book of truth. We should stay away from those who betray our trusts, which our political leaders quite often do.
004.105 We have sent down to thee the Book in truth, that thou mightest judge
between men, as guided by God: so be not (used) as an advocate by those who betray their trust;
We have been advised to maintain peace and tranquility between each other through righteousness and piety, and have been warned against helping each other in sin and rancor (fitna), which most political party leaders do in the name of ‘greater cause’. Instead, we have been asked to deal with situations with patience lest we transgress.
005.002. O ye who believe! Violate not the sanctity of the symbols of Allah, nor of the sacred month, nor of the animals brought for sacrifice, nor the garlands that mark out such animals, nor the people resorting to the sacred house, seeking of the bounty and good pleasure of their Lord. But when ye are clear of the sacred precincts and of pilgrim garb, ye may hunt and let not the hatred of some people in (once) shutting you out of the Sacred Mosque lead you to transgression (and hostility on your part). Help ye one another in righteousness and piety, but help ye not one another in sin and rancour: fear Allah. For Allah is strict in punishment.
Under no circumstance a Muslim should bend from the position of his or her faith. Justice must always prevail even under provocation. Often we see the members of a political party deviate from this principle and transgress limits reacting in violence and revenge.
005.008. O ye who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah, as witnesses to fair dealing, and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just: that is next to piety: and fear Allah. For Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye do.
A Muslim should always be truthful and just in all his or her actions throughout the life. We are advised to establish absolute truth even if we have to expose our close relatives. This is the way to keep the covenant with Allah by following His commands being fully alert. Often we find ourselves lying to protect our party members even under oath or cheat others for the same reason. All these actions causes us to break away from the covenant.
006.152 And come not nigh to the orphan's property, except to improve it, until he attain the age of full strength; give measure and weight with (full) justice;- no burden do We place on any soul, but that which it can bear;- whenever ye speak, speak justly, even if a near relative is concerned; and fulfill the covenant of God: thus doth He command you, that ye may remember.
Kinship and favoritism is unacceptable in Islam no matter how close the relationship maybe. Our love for Allah must supercede all; if any family member disobeys Allah and His Prophet (s) we should severe all ties with them to maintain our faith in Islam. But what we see among our leaders is that they support all wrong and evil done by their off springs or party members and refuses to establish justice to protect them at any cost.
009.023 O ye who believe! Take not for protectors your fathers and your brothers if they love infidelity above Faith: if any of you do so, they do wrong.
From the above discussion of verses from the Qur’an we can clearly see that belonging to any secular political party carries risks for a Muslims to falter on faith in Islam as they carry out a lot of injustices out of ignorance that could easily nullify ones faith in Islam.
Now let us examine some related sayings (hadiths) of the Prophet (s) as well.
Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Amr bin Al' As: I heard Allah's Apostle saying, "Allah does not take away the knowledge, by taking it away from (the hearts of) the people, but takes it away by the death of the religious learned men till when none of the (religious learned men) remains, people will take as their leaders ignorant persons who when consulted will give their verdict without knowledge. So they will go astray and will lead the people astray." (Bukhari, Book #3, Hadith #100).
According to the above hadith, “religious learned men” is a necessity for good governance. If they are replaced with “ignorant” secularists then they would “lead people astray”. Our situation in Bangladesh is currently in this state. All of our leaders are secular thus leading the nation to “astray”.
It is narrated on the authority of Abu Huraira that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) observed: What would you do when the son of Mary would descend amongst you and would lead you as one amongst you? Ibn Abi Dhi'b on the authority of Abu Huraira narrated: Your leader amongst you. Ibn Abi Dhi'b said: Do you know what the words:" He would lead as one amongst you" mean? I said: Explain these to me. He said: He would lead you according to the Book of your: Lord (hallowed be He and most exalted) and the Sunnah of your Apostle (may peace be upon him). (Muslim, Book #001, Hadith #0292).
The above hadith refers to the methodology of a true and good leader who would lead according to Qur’an and Sunnah. But our leaders today do not know nor follow the Qur’an and Sunnah. They follow their own whims and desires.
It has been narrated on the authority of Hudhaifa b. al-Yaman who said: People used to ask the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) about the good times, but I used to ask him about bad times fearing lest they overtake me. I said: Messenger of Allah, we were in the midst of ignorance and evil, and then God brought us this good (time through Islam). Is there any bad time after this good one? He said: Yes. I asked: Will there be a good time again after that bad time? He said: Yes, but therein will be a hidden evil. I asked: What will be the evil hidden therein? He said: (That time will witness the rise of) the people who will adopt ways other than mine and seek guidance other than mine. You will know good points as well as bad points. I asked: Will there be a bad time after this good one? He said: Yes. (A time will come) when there will be people standing and inviting at the gates of Hell. Whoso responds to their call they will throw them into the fire. I said: Messenger of Allah, describe them for us. He said: All right. They will be a people having the same complexion as ours and speaking our language. I said: Messenger of Allah, what do you suggest if I happen to live in that time? He said: You should stick to the main body of the Muslims and their leader. I said: If they have no (such thing as the) main body and have no leader? He said: Separate yourself from all these factions, though you may have to eat the roots of trees (in a jungle) until death comes to you and you are in this state. (Muslim, Book #020, Hadith #4553).
The above hadith clearly indicates that it is better to stay away from any group and stay in a jungle alone if the leader is not a true Muslim. A similar hadith says the following:
It his been narrated through a different chain of transmitters, on the authority of Hudhaifa b. al-Yaman who said: Messenger of Allah, no doubt, we had an evil time (i. e. the days of Jahiliyya or ignorance) and God brought us a good time (i. e. Islamic period) through which we are now living Will there be a bad time after this good time? He (the Holy Prophet) said: Yes. I said: Will there be a good time after this bad time? He said: Yes. I said: Will there be a bad time after good time? He said: Yes. I said: How? Whereupon he said: There will be leaders who will not be led by my guidance and who will not adopt my ways? There will be among them men who will have the hearts of devils in the bodies of human beings. I said: What should I do. Messenger of Allah, if I (happen) to live in that time? He replied: You will listen to the Amir and carry out his orders; even if your back is flogged and your wealth is snatched, you should listen and obey. (Muslim, Book #020, Hadith #4554).
There is some ‘religious leader’ who is ‘without adequate knowledge’ would lead people to astray. Faith based religious political parties are an example.
'Urwa b. Zubair reported that 'A'isha said to him: This news has reached me that 'Abdullah b. 'Amr al-'As would pass by us during the Hajj season, so you meet him and ask him (about religious matters) as he has acquired great knowledge from Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him). I thus met him and asked him about things which he narrated from Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him). And amongst these the one he mentioned was that Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) said: Verily, Allah does not take away knowledge from people directly but he takes away the scholars and consequently takes away (knowledge) along with them and leaves amongst persons the ignorant as their leaders who deliver religious verdicts without (adequate) knowledge and themselves go astray and lead others astray. 'Urwa said: When I narrated this to 'A'isha, she deemed it too much (to believe) and thus showed reluctance to accept that (as perfectly true) and said to, 'Urwa: Did he ('Abdullah b. 'Amr) say to you that he had heard Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) as saying: ('Urwa had forgotten to ask this from 'Abdullah b. 'Amr). So when it was the next year, she ('A'isha) said to him ('Urwa): Ibn Amr has come (for Hajj), so meet him. talk to him and ask him about this hadith that he narrated to You (last year on the occasion of the Hajj) pertaining to knowledge. He ('Urwa), said: So I met him, and asked about it and he narrated to me exactly like one that he had narrated (to me) for the first time. So when I informed her ('A'isha) about that, she said: I do not think but this that he has certainly told the truth and I find that be has neither made any addition to it, nor missed anything from it. (Muslim, Book #034, Hadith #6465).
Allah loves those who judge according to the judgment of Allah. Following hadith confirms that:
Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri: The people of (Banu) Quraiza agreed to accept the verdict of Sad bin Mu'adh. So the Prophet sent for Sad, and the latter came (riding) a donkey and when he approached the Mosque, the Prophet said to the Ansar, "Get up for your chief or for the best among you." Then the Prophet said (to Sad)." These (i.e. Banu Quraiza) have agreed to accept your verdict." Sad said, "Kill their (men) warriors and take their offspring as captives, "On that the Prophet said, "You have judged according to Allah's Judgment," or said, "according to the king's judgment." (Bukhari, Book #59, Hadith #447).
We must not forget that Allah is the real King of the entire universe. Therefore, we should never try to supercede His decisions.
Narrated 'Abdullah: A (Jewish) Rabbi came to Allah's Apostle and he said, "O Muhammad! We learn that Allah will put all the heavens on one finger, and the earths on one finger, and the trees on one finger, and the water and the dust on one finger, and all the other created beings on one finger. Then He will say, 'I am the king.' Thereupon the Prophet smiled so that his pre-molar teeth became visible, and that was the confirmation of the Rabbi. Then Allah's Apostle recited: 'No just estimate have they made of Allah such as due to Him.' (39.67) (Bukhari, Book #60, Hadith #335).
The full verse referred to in the above hadith is as follows:
039.067 No just estimate have they made of God, such as is due to Him: On the Day of Judgment the whole of the earth will be but His handful, and the heavens will be rolled up in His right hand: Glory to Him! High is He above the Partners they attribute to Him!
The leaders of the world should take this as warning that Allah will one day call them out asking them about how they lead their people. Therefore, those who actively seek and take up leadership roles through polls and elections are not aware what they are getting into. They need to understand that “with power comes great responsibilities”. Allah will hold them responsible for all their actions and decisions.
Narrated Abu Huraira: I heard Allah's Apostle saying, "Allah will hold the whole earth, and roll all the heavens up in His Right Hand, and then He will say, 'I am the king; where are the kings of the earth?"' (Bukhari, Book #60, Hadith #336).
Allah dislikes ignorant and arrogant leaders who boast about their powers that they abuse in this world. See the following hadiths:
Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "The most awful name in Allah's sight on the Day of Resurrection, will be (that of) a man calling himself Malik Al-Amlak (the king of kings)." (Bukhari, Book #73, Hadith #224).
Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, "The most awful (meanest) name in Allah's sight." Sufyan said more than once, "The most awful (meanest) name in Allah's sight is (that of) a man calling himself king of kings." Sufyan said, "Somebody else (i.e. other than Abu Az-Zinad, a sub-narrator) says: What is meant by 'The king of kings' is 'Shahan Shah.," (Bukhari, Book #73, Hadith #225).
Abu Huraira reported from Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) so many ahadith and one of them was this that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: The most wretched person in the sight of Allah on the Day of Resurrection and the worst person and target of His wrath would of the person who is called Malik al-Amlak (the king of kings) for there is no king but Allah. (Muslim, Book #025, Hadith #5339).
The leader who lies to the people would be neglected by Allah on the Day of Resurrection. In Bangladesh, lying is a part and parcel of ‘politics’ and the leaders continually deceive their followers as well as the people they rule over. These so called ‘leaders’ would have a tough time satisfying Allah on the day of questioning.
It is narrated on the authority of Abu Huraira that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) observed: Three (are the persons) with whom Allah would neither speak, nor would He absolve them on the Day of Resurrection. Abu Mu'awiya added: He would not look at them and there is grievous torment for them: the aged adulterer, the liar king and the proud destitute. (Muslim, Book #001, Hadith #0195).
Leaders have been asked to avoid doubtful matters and be alert at all times:
Nu'man b. Bashir (Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon himn) as having said this (and Nu'man) pointed towards his ears with his fingers): What is lawful is evident and what is unlawful is evident, and in between them are the things doubtful which many people do not know. So he who guards against doubtful things keeps his religion and honour blameless, and he who indulges in doubtful things indulges in fact in unlawful things, just as a shepherd who pastures his animals round a preserve will soon pasture them in it. Beware, every king has a preserve, and the things God his declaced unlawful are His preserves. Beware, in the body there is a piece of flesh; if it is sound, the whole body is sound and if it is corrupt the whole body is corrupt, and hearken it is the heart. (Muslim, Book #010, Hadith #3882).
Part of the duty of a Muslim leader is to call the disbelieving world to Islam following the Sunnah of the Prophet (s). But our leaders do not even follow Islam, never mind inviting to it.
It has been narrated on the authority of Anas that the Prophet of Allah (may peace be upon him) wrote to Chosroes (king of Persia), Caesar (Emperor of Rome), Negus (king of Abyssinia) and every (other) despot inviting them to Allah, the Exalted. And this Negus was not the one for whom the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) had said the funeral prayers. (Muslim, Book #019, Hadith #4382).
Not just our leaders, we should all seek refuge to Allah in the same manner our beloved Prophet (s) used to do:
Narrated Abdullah ibn Umar: When the Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) went to his bed, he would say: Praise be to Allah Who has given me sufficiency, has guarded me, given me food and drink, been most gracious to me, and given to me most lavishly. Praise be to Allah in every circumstance. O Allah! Lord and king of everything, God of everything, I seek refuge in Thee from Hell. (Sunan Abu Dawud, Book #41, Hadith #5040).
Narrated Aisha, Ummul Mu'minin: Shariq al-Hawzani and I came to Aisha (Allah be pleased with her) and asked her: By which (prayer) the Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) began when he woke up at night? She replied: You asked me about a thing which no one asked me before. When he woke up at night, he uttered: "Allah is Most Great" ten times, and uttered "Praise be to Allah" ten times, and said "Glory be to Allah and I begin with His praise" ten times, and said: "Glory be to the king, the Most Holy" ten times, and asked Allah's pardon ten times, and said: "There is no god but Allah" ten times, and then said: "O Allah! I seek refuge in Thee from the strait of the Day of resurrection," ten times. He then began the prayer. ((Sunan Abu Dawud, Book #41, Hadith #5066).
Regular remembrance of Allah brings the highest rewards:
Yahya related to me from Malik that Ziyad ibn Abi Ziyad said that Abu'd-Darda had said, "Shall I not tell you the best of your deeds, and those that give you the highest rank, and those that are the purest with your king, and are better for you than giving gold and silver, and better for you than meeting your enemy and striking their necks?" They said, "Of course." He said, "Remembrance (dhikr) of Allah ta ala." (Malik’s Muwatta, Book #15, Hadith #15.7.24).
Now comes the final question, are you still going to please and follow the Madams (PMs) or Western minded secular leaders (Presidents) or secularized Muslim leaders (Amir’s and Ulemas) who never cross checks their decisions with the Qur’an and Sunnah before implementation?
Remember, a wrong choice would lead one to hell fire! It is therefore advised that one drop all association with all secular political parties and join those who are with the covenant of Allah;
Those who break Allah’s covenant after it is ratified, and who sunder what Allah Has ordered to be joined, and do mischief on earth: These cause loss (only) to themselves. (Al-Baqara, Chapter #2, Verse #27).
And call in remembrance the favour of Allah unto you, and His covenant, which He ratified with you, when ye said: "We hear and we obey": And fear Allah, for Allah knoweth well the secrets of your hearts. (Al-Maeda, Chapter #5, Verse #7).
Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error: whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks. And Allah heareth and knoweth all things. (Al-Baqara, Chapter #2, Verse #256).
And hold fast, all together, by the rope which Allah (stretches out for you), and be not divided among yourselves; and remember with gratitude Allah.s favour on you; for ye were enemies and He joined your hearts in love, so that by His Grace, ye became brethren; and ye were on the brink of the pit of Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus doth Allah make His Signs clear to you: That ye may be guided. (Aal-e-Imran, Chapter #3, Verse #103).
Secular political parties divide a nation into followings of different philosophies and ideologies often resulting in chaos and tensions; where as, Islam unifies all nations into a single brotherhood (ummah) under a single rule where Allah – the Lord of the Universe have the complete authority.
Mankind was one single nation, and Allah sent Messengers with glad tidings and warnings; and with them He sent the Book in truth, to judge between people in matters wherein they differed; but the People of the Book, after the clear Signs came to them, did not differ among themselves, except through selfish contumacy. Allah by His Grace Guided the believers to the Truth, concerning that wherein they differed. For Allah guided whom He will to a path that is straight. (Al-Baqara, Chapter #2, Verse #213).
References:
The Qur’anic verses are quoted from Abdullah Yusuf Ali’s translation.
Islaamic Belief - 'Aqeedatut-Tahaawiyyah: http://www.islaam.net/main/display.php?id=236&category=73
Acknowledgement: I have received a great deal of encouragement and support in finding the right references from the Qur’an and Sunnah from one brother in Islam Ziaul Alam (Masud) who is an independent Islamic researcher and a great daiee. Please include him in your prayers if you find the article useful.