Question: As a moselm it is heart wrenching to go to mosque on Fridays and imams speaking about everything except the elections. I went to a mosque and the imam was talking about salhudeen and feel good topics that have no value to our everyday life. It is frustrating. Than we have imams talking about Palestine but not Lebanon because of the shia thing. I appreciate as I am told iccv made a special dua in prayer for Lebanon and not making this a shia sunni issue. What do moeslems do during voting? We cannot just be told to go and vote and not given guidance on voting. If both candidates support unliving of people, from a purely religious point of view does a Moeslem vote and if so under what pretext? JAK
Answer: Politics and voting are multifaceted with implications far beyond merely casting a ballot. For Muslims, voting alone has often fallen short of delivering the desired outcomes. Throughout U.S. history Muslims have voted for both Republicans and Democrats — only to witness disastrous consequences, especially on foreign policy matters. One stark example is the Iraq War — this was not merely a conflict; it was an atrocity, no different from what appears in line with genocidal workings. The invasion left Iraq shattered, with cities leveled, families torn apart, and a nation left to grapple with long-lasting chaos. The devastation was not incidental; it was deliberate, a clear betrayal of the trust some Muslims placed when they voted for George W. Bush. This was his “gratitude” for their support.
Similarly, the atrocities in Yemen also reached genocidal levels with innocent civilians enduring unspeakable suffering. The global response has largely been passive, including from the U.S. Despite the magnitude of the violence, meaningful intervention has been scarce. These examples demonstrate that voting by itself does not guarantee the protection of Muslim interests or the prevention of injustice.
Muslims are morally bound to speak out against oppression — whether it stems from war, economic exploitation or political tyranny. As narrated and often quoted: Whoever among you sees an evil, let him change it with his hand; if he is not able, then with his tongue; and if he is not able, then with his heart—and that is the weakest of faith. Voting is one way to address injustice, but it cannot be the sole accomplishment.
So what should Muslims do when both major parties fail to address concerns? While supporting third-party candidates may not yield immediate victories, it sends a powerful message: Muslims will not settle for the status quo. A vote for such a candidate demonstrates that we are not content with empty promises or token gestures. It signals that the Muslim community demands real change and will no longer be taken for granted.
True political engagement goes beyond voting. It requires building enduring coalitions, forming alliances with marginalized communities, and actively participating in social justice movements. As the prophet of Islam emphasized: The best of people are those who are most beneficial to others. This teaching calls for a commitment to collective welfare and justice—not just for Muslims, but for all of humanity.
A major obstacle, however, is the inward focus of some Muslim groups. Too many are consumed by projects that highlight their own culture and community, often for self-promotion rather than genuine service. Resources are wasted on polished presentations and feel-good initiatives that impress but fail to bring about meaningful and long-term change. This superficial engagement not only neglects the deeper challenges facing society but also alienates potential allies in broader justice movements. The comfort of first-world luxuries often dulls the sense of urgency and responsibility for those suffering globally.
As the Muslim community matures, we must confront these shortcomings. We need to ask tough questions of ourselves, our leaders and those in power. A Hadith states: The one who mixes with people and endures their harm is better than the one who does not mix with people nor endure their harm. This Hadith emphasizes the importance of staying engaged with society, even when it is challenging. It calls on us to actively participate in civic life, holding elected officials accountable and ensuring our voices are heard in shaping policies that affect us and others.
Education is key to this process. The Muslim community must develop a deeper understanding of the political system, how influence is wielded and how to effectively use that influence. Encouraging youth to engage in politics is critical. They must be equipped with the knowledge, skills and leadership abilities to advocate for justice and equality.
Ultimately, the goal is not simply to cast votes but to establish a lasting presence in the political landscape, where Muslim concerns are not just heard but taken seriously. This requires resilience, unity and a long-term commitment to justice that transcends election cycles. It is a path toward ensuring that the Muslim community is not merely a passive participant, but an active force driving meaningful change for all of society.
Your question is most appreciated. Keep them coming.
Allah Certainly Knows Best.
P.S. The above is not telling anyone how to vote, etc. It is an attempt to go deeper relating to this topic. It is all not just black and white!