Q: Can mufti saheb provide guidance on the following two questions regarding taking part in democratic elections:
1. Is voting in a democratic election regarded as a religious obligation (such as Amr bil Ma'ruf wa Nahy anil Munkar), and is it correct to cite Surah Ali imran (3:110) as a proof for the permissibility or necessity of voting?
2. From a Fiqhi perspective, is a vote regarded as a form of shahadah (testimony) where the voter bears witness before Allah Ta'ala regarding the candidate's character and eligibility of leadership?
A:
1. Voting is not a deeni obligation. The aayat refers to commanding with good and forbidding from evil. It does not speak about voting and nor does voting enter under the purview of this aayat.
2. It should be understood that when one votes for any party, then it is as though one is making that party one's representative to deal and manage the affairs of the country within their capacity. In other words, voting for any party is tantamount to one giving them one's support for whatever they are going to do for the citizens of the country.
In today's times, we find that political groups are mainly led by non-Muslims and their main aim and goal is nothing but to acquire wealth. Very little is done for the benefit of the citizens and the people leading do not have any respect for Islam. Therefore, we are not in favour of voting as we feel that it has nothing to do with Islam.
Note: To view the way Islam recognizes the appointing of an Islamic ruler (khalifah), refer to the following link: https://muftionline.co.za/node/36720
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
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