BENEFIT 145: The reality of elections!

Summarised points from the answer of Sheikh Muhammad Al-'Ansi hafidahullah: ٠ Elections are a product of democracy. It is a Western system unrelated to Islam. It has nothing to do with Islamic governance, even those who promote it acknowledge that it is a system derived from the West. ٠ Participating in elections is considered sinful, as it is imitating the practices of the disbelievers and signifies endorsement of this democratic system, which leads to division of Muslims into political factions and groups. ٠ Elections contain many evils, one of which is the participation of criminals, transgressors, and possibly disbelievers who may be elected to lead and govern Muslims through such elections. ٠ As for the claim that it is a means to establish Islamic caliphate, then this claim is baseless. How can an Islamic caliphate be established through non-Islamic governance? Those who ascend to power through elections and democracy and then seek to govern by Islamic principles will never be allowed, recognised, and may even face revolt and incitement against them by their people and armies. They can only rule within the framework of the democratic system. ٠ Those who claim to be Salafi and still participate in elections are misguided. Yes, some scholars previously issued fatwas allowing participation as a lesser evil and in order to achieve a greater good, but this has proven illusory. When our brothers in Algeria consulted some scholars, they initially issued fatwas justifying participation based on this premise; that they are on the brink of ruling by the law of Allah, that everyone supports them, and if they do not win someone will rule by other than the law of Allah. However, when the Islamic Front won, a coup ensued the next day, leading to turmoil, bloodshed, and massacres, demonstrating the consequences of such actions. ٠ Ahlus-Sunnah must remain steadfast in adhering to their principles, following the example of their brothers in Yemen. We, and all praises belong to Allah, have abstained from participating in elections since the time of our Sheikh Muqbil rahimahullah, who vehemently opposed and prohibited it. Thus, Ahlus-Sunnah abstained and remained steadfast on the path of the Salaf, while those who took part deviated and become allies with with enemies of Allah, approving of their actions. May Allah grant us safety. ٠ Those who claim that taking part is permissible despite its harms are misled by perceived benefits. The harms of elections and democracy outweigh any perceived benefits, which often remain elusive. Scholars stipulate that the benefits must be real, not illusory. Those who previously participated in Kuwait, associated with AbdurRahman Abdul-Khaliq (founder of ihya turath), caused much corruption in the country. Similarly, those who claimed to be Salafi in Egypt and participated in elections likewise caused much harm under the guise of perceived benefits, failing to establish an Islamic caliphate as desired. ٠ Look at Mohamed Morsi's actions in Egypt; after assuming presidency; despite being affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood and elected with their support, when he reached power, he stated that ruling by Islam is not necessary for state affairs. Such corrupt and vile statements! ٠ Ahlus-Sunnah must avoid and abstain from this fitnah, as the Prophet, peace be upon him, commanded to shun fitan and evil and urged fleeing with one's religion to avoid tribulations. He ﷺ said: "The fortunate one is he who avoids trials. The fortunate one is he who avoids trials. The fortunate one is he who avoids trials. And for the one who is afflicted and remains patient, he will attain success." [Narrated by Abu Dawood from the hadith of Miqdad ibn al-Aswad, and it is authentic]. Source: https://t.me/almanhajussalafi/463