CURRENTLY ON AIR ⇒
  • Highlights of the Days Programmes
    Tuesday, 10:05 pm - 4:00 am
    [ - ]

feedback@radioislam.org.za

logo


((( Listen Live )))))
Radio Islam Logo


Islam and Politics

The Place of Politics in Islam

We are just a few weeks away from elections, and as Muslims, it is important for us to understand, that where do we stand on this subject.

Right from the outset, it should be noted that nowadays there is much confusion with regards to the place of politics in Islam, and views about the relation between Islam and politics are polarised between two extreme positions.

The first is that of secularism: –

Under this ideology, Islam is, like religion in general, a personal matter concerning only the individual and no one else, and that politics and the government have nothing to do with it.

This kind of thinking was adopted as a reaction to the evils of the Christian form of theocracy. Once secular democracy became popular in many parts of the world, this kind of thinking also found acceptance. It was further strengthened by the activities of some religious circles, who instead of concentrating on the reform of their own character and deeds, and engaging in acts of worship and the like, became the focal point of criticism when they began to engage in political activities as well.

It raised many an eyebrow that a religious person should participate in politics.

This viewpoint stemmed from comparing Islam with other religions, although such an analogy is absolutely wrong.

The teachings of Islam are not limited to beliefs, worship and moral concerns. It has in fact provided us with invaluable injunctions regarding financial questions as well as matters of politics and government. Without these guidelines and principles, the holistic concept of Islam would be incomplete.

The second extreme view is that of those who made every effort to refute secularism and, as a result, declared politics to be the actual objective of Islam.

According to them, the purpose of Islam is to establish a just political system all over the world, and all the other injunctions of Islam are meant to serve this end. Hence, a person who engages in politics so that Islam may prevail is serving the true purpose of Islam, and those who engage in other things, like purification of the soul, preaching, reformation of society, etc., and are not involved in politics, are myopic1 and oblivious to the actual purpose of Islam.

Both of these views are extreme, and they stem from an incorrect perception of the role politics plays in Islam.

In reality, the teachings and injunctions of Islam relate to every aspect of life, including politics.

But it is wrong to say that politics is the actual purpose of Islam and that all injunctions and teachings are meant only to serve that purpose. This can be illustrated through an example. Islam has laid down very detailed guidelines and instructions about trade, but it would be absolutely wrong to say that trade is the actual purpose of Islam. Similarly, Islam has laid down many guidelines concerning marriage, but the mere fact that there are many detailed guidelines does not mean that marriage is the actual purpose of Islam. So the fact that Islam has laid down basic guidelines and injunctions about politics does not mean that politics is the actual purpose of Islam.

Allah has clearly stated the purpose of His having created man in the following Aayah:

وَمَا خَلَقْتُ ٱلْجِنَّ وَٱلْإِنسَ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُونِ

And I have not created the Jinn and man except that they may worship (or serve) Me. [Az Zariyat 51: 56]

  1. lacking foresight or intellectual insight.

ADVERTISE HERE

Prime Spot!!!

Contact:
advertisingadmin@radioislam.co.za 

Related Articles

From Books to Screens – Part 2

From Books to Screens – Part 2

Literacy in the Digital Age Quick recap – History and Importance International Literacy Day, established by UNESCO in 1967, serves as a global reminder that literacy is a fundamental human right and a critical cornerstone of dignity, development, and societal...

read more
International Literacy Day

International Literacy Day

Literacy in the Digital Age History, Importance and Intro Since 1967, September 8th has been recognized globally as International Literacy Day, a cornerstone initiative established by UNESCO to remind the public of the profound importance of literacy as a matter of...

read more
The Sunnah of Activism

The Sunnah of Activism

Quick Recap – The Archer`s Aim Islamic activism is built on a non-negotiable principle: Allah is pure and accepts only what is pure. Noble goals can never justify corrupt means, whether in fundraising, alliances, or conduct. The Prophet’s ﷺ analogy of the traveller...

read more
The Archer’s Aim – Part 9

The Archer’s Aim – Part 9

The Sunnah of Activism Quick Recap – Activism with Adab Islamic activism is more than reactionary protest — it is a holistic framework rooted in revelation, noble character, and sincere goodwill (nasīḥah). Worship itself trains believers in ethics: prayer restrains...

read more
Islamic Etiquette in Activism – Part 8

Islamic Etiquette in Activism – Part 8

The Sunnah of Activism Quick Recap – Gold or Men? Beyond Wealth and Status In Islam, the greatest asset in community service and activism is not wealth, but people. The Prophet ﷺ compared humanity to a hundred camels among which only one is fit for a journey,...

read more
Gold or Men, Beyond Wealth and Status – Part 7

Gold or Men, Beyond Wealth and Status – Part 7

The Sunnah of Activism Quick Recap – Choose Your Battles Islam views activism as an essential duty, rooted in the command to enjoin good and forbid evil. It is not passive worship but a holistic mission that demands justice, excellence, and the rejection of...

read more

Subscribe to our Newsletter

0 Comments