Go Out and Vote! Getting Involved: A Muslim Duty

With all candor, it seems that Muslims today live with some illusions. We speak of achieving high goals and ideals, but do not really work toward them. We demand, for example, that Islam be respected and its universal values appreciated-not distorted nor manipulated-yet we are confused about matching our goals with deeds or are simply too lethargic to devote ourselves toward our goals.

We want our children to grow proud of their faith and lead their community toward empowerment, but their elders are not doing enough to pave the way for them. We want our federal and local governmental leadership to recognize our presence, respect our voice, and respond to our particular needs, but we are too timid or we sanctimoniously feel "too clean" to participate in the political process.

We complain about public officials ignoring or disrespecting our community, but we do not contribute to the political campaigns of those who offer Muslims earnest attention and respect. We want our politicians to make principled decisions regarding immigrants and to take care of the uninsured; we want our streets to be safe; we want our foreign policy to be fair and balanced and reflect the core universal values of this country and its various people, including Muslim values. We want these objectives but are not involved enough to move steadily toward them to eventually affect positive change.

We all agree that Islam is "a way of life" and not "a way of chat." The width of life and our responsibilities are more encompassing than we think. It embraces the sacred and the mundane, formal rituals and duties that pertain to family and social dynamics. Godliness involves more than tending to personal rites and family obligations. We do not live nomadic lives. By high plan and purpose, we live in a society towards which we have appropriate obligations. In other words, there is no righteousness in separation.

On the contrary, we have a duty to set aright our affairs, which includes making clear our voices regarding major issues facing all people in this land. When there are 47 million Americans without healthcare, we can't ignore that injustice and feel self-satisfied with prayers and fasting.

How can we brag about Islam as a way of life while people suffer and often perish for lack of proper health care? When our government spends 1.9 trillion dollars on an unjust war in Iraq but ignores education, immigration, and homelessness, do we respond with silence and contentment with staying on the sidelines? When Congress fails to solve the plight of 12 million undocumented immigrants who are widely regarded as non-human abstractions, slave laborers, or some vague threat, can we claim that this is not our problem? The chief concerns of religion are dual: First, belief in the oneness of God and our devotion to Him, and, second, standing up for social justice and the welfare of all creation, human or otherwise.

voteThe United States Constitution protects the right of individual believers and religious bodies to participate and speak out without government interference, favoritism, or discrimination. Our nation's tradition of pluralism is enhanced, not threatened, when people of faith bring their convictions into public life.

All other religious groups in this country participate in the political process and are active in the public debate. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops recently issued a statement about the coming political season and the Catholic's involvement therein: "Every person is obliged to follow faithfully what he [or she] knows to be just and right. Prudence must be accompanied by courage which calls us to act. As we seek to advance the common good, we must carefully discern which public policies are morally sound. A good end does not justify an immoral means... Assaults on human life and dignity, such as genocide, torture, racism, and the targeting of noncombatants in acts of terror or war, can never be justified. Disrespect for any human life diminishes respect for all human life."

I don't believe that Islamic values contradict the above statement. However distasteful "politics" can often become, removing ourselves from it will only make it worse. Our involvement in public affairs is a great way to present our faith and values, unfiltered by those who seek to vilify the image of Islam. Muslims speaking out, registering to vote, showing up in numbers to the polls, and being involved in the political process are important ways to bring about good change and alter public perception of Muslims.Being able to vote and participate in the political process is a privilege that no one should forsake.

If we as Muslims feel we are not being treated fairly, or that important issues are being neglected, then we must exercise our rights for progress and change. American Muslims should help inform the moral character of this society and address the needs of the voiceless, the homeless, the oppressed, and the disenfranchised.

The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, was a master of activism, of building alliances, of addressing society's need before he was called to prophethood and after. Paraphrasing a famous statement of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him: When you witness an injustice or wrongdoing, anywhere, anytime, then it is your responsibility to change it through proper action.

In our context, this includes supporting just initiatives, building alliances, supporting political campaigns that promote our values, registering to vote, and showing up to the polls with conscience and values. You may also call or write your representative, send a letter to the editor, compose op-ed pieces, and demonstrate lawfully. If you are not able to do even this, then do not discourage others who feel differently. Each season calls for specific deeds. We are now in an election season that appears to be among the most important in recent memory. It is especially vital to be involved.
 

Dr. M. Zaher Sahloul
President