{"id":109350,"date":"2026-11-02T14:15:59","date_gmt":"2026-11-02T12:15:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/radioislam.org.za\/a\/?p=109350"},"modified":"2026-11-02T15:12:40","modified_gmt":"2026-11-02T13:12:40","slug":"south-african-muslim-voters-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/radioislam.org.za\/a\/south-african-muslim-voters-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"South African Muslim Voter&#8217;s Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<h1><strong><span style=\"color: #003366\">SIX QUESTIONS BEFORE YOU VOTE<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #008000\"><strong>About this Guide<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Based on a recent Jumu\u2019ah talk delivered by Maulana Sulaimaan Ravat, this guide explores six questions facing South African Muslim voters. It is intended to encourage informed reflection, careful political choices, hope for the country and constructive civic engagement beyond election day.<\/p>\n<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #08649e\">1 Why is this election so critical?<\/span><\/strong><strong><br \/>\n<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #08649e\"><strong>Services under strain.<\/strong><\/span> Water, electricity, sanitation, roads and municipal infrastructure affect daily life; continued decline places greater pressure on families, communities and businesses.<\/li>\n<li><strong><span style=\"color: #08649e\">A changing political landscape.<\/span><\/strong> Voters face many more parties, independent candidates and possible coalitions. Greater choice can create opportunity, but also uncertainty and confusion.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #08649e\"><strong>Understandable disappointment.<\/strong><\/span> Corruption, unfulfilled promises and weak accountability have left many feeling angry, betrayed or unsure whether participation matters.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #08649e\"><strong>Frustration or withdrawal?<\/strong> <\/span>These emotions can motivate constructive involvement, but declaring South Africa \u201cfinished\u201d risks surrendering our ability to help change it.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #08649e\"><strong>Every crisis also poses a question.<\/strong> <\/span>Will we become more disillusioned and disengaged, or more organised, informed and solution-oriented?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5><span style=\"color: #08649e\"><strong>KEY TAKEAWAY<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/span><strong>Frustration must not become hopelessness.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #072b0b\"><strong><span style=\"color: #008000\">2 Can Muslims Participate in the Current Political System?<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #008000\"><strong>Scholarly guidance.<\/strong><\/span> Many respected contemporary scholars permit participation in elections where it can secure benefit or avert harm, even when no option is ideal.<\/li>\n<li><strong><span style=\"color: #008000\">Participation is not blanket endorsement<\/span>.<\/strong> Voting for a candidate need not mean accepting every belief, policy or principle of that candidate or the political system.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #008000\"><strong>Politics affects us regardless.<\/strong> <\/span>Decisions shape our homes, livelihoods, mas\u0101jid, mad\u0101ris, schools and neighbourhoods. Withdrawal does not remove these consequences.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #008000\"><strong>Consider actual circumstances.<\/strong><\/span> Political systems differ in the freedoms they provide to religious communities; our response should recognise the environment in which we live.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #008000\"><strong>Integration without assimilation.<\/strong><\/span> Muslims can contribute positively to public life while retaining their Islamic identity, convictions and principles.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5><span style=\"color: #008000\"><strong>KEY TAKEAWAY<\/strong><\/span><br \/>\n<strong>We may choose not to engage with politics, but<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>we cannot choose not to be affected by politics.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #b6593b\"><strong>3 WHY CONSIDER VOTING WHEN PARTIES KEEP DISAPPOINTING US? <\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>\u201c<span style=\"color: #b6593b\">What difference will my vote make?\u201d<\/span><\/strong> This is a fair question after repeated disappointments. But also ask what happens when we do not participate: representatives are still chosen and decisions still taken.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #b6593b\"><strong>Imperfect is not identical.<\/strong><\/span> Parties and candidates may differ substantially in their strengths, failures and consequences. Dismissing all choices as the same can obscure important distinctions.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #b6593b\"><strong>Consider benefit and harm.<\/strong><\/span> Where an ideal choice is unavailable, examine the practical implications of different options, including whether harm might be reduced.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #b6593b\"><strong>Assess the whole record.<\/strong> <\/span>Look at integrity, competence, delivery, accountability, previous conduct, promises and coalition arrangements \u2014 not just slogans or personalities.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #b6593b\"><strong>Seek reliable information.<\/strong><\/span> Read policies and manifestos, consult trustworthy people, and use available assessments for your own considered judgement.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5><span style=\"color: #b6593b\"><strong>KEY TAKEAWAY<\/strong><\/span><br \/>\n<strong>An imperfect choice still deserves careful, <\/strong><strong>informed consideration.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"color: #5e0e58\"><strong>PALESTINE, JUSTICE AND MORAL CONSISTENCY<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000\">A party\u2019s position on Palestine raises fundamental questions of justice, human dignity and political trust. The argument that local elections are \u201conly about service delivery\u201d overlooks the importance of moral consistency. Some efficiency in municipal services cannot simply be equated with a party\u2019s position on grave moral issues. The suffering in Gaza also involves access to water, electricity, sanitation and healthcare. South Africa\u2019s own struggle against apartheid reminds us<br \/>\nwhy international solidarity matters. Where parties are reluctant to take a clear stance, voters should ask why, and examine their explanations, actions and wider commitments.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #808000\"><strong>4 WHY MUST WE NOT GIVE UP ON SA?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #808000\"><strong>This is our home.<\/strong> <\/span>Generations of Muslim families have built lives, businesses, mas\u0101jid, mad\u0101ris, schools and community institutions here. We should not think of ourselves as outsiders.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #808000\"><strong>Remember the opportunities.<\/strong><\/span> South Africa has afforded important religious freedoms and space for Muslims to contribute materially, spiritually and socially.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #808000\"><strong>Look for evidence of hope.<\/strong> <\/span>Serious problems are real, but there are also people and communities whose efforts produce positive results. Highlight what works and learn from it.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #808000\"><strong>Turn anger into energy.<\/strong><\/span> Frustration can prompt initiative rather than apathy. Moving from complaining to contributing is a deliberate choice.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #808000\"><strong>Move beyond survival.<\/strong> <\/span>Develop a vision for our families, communities, country and Ummah \u2014 not simply ways of coping with decline.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #808000\"><strong>Fill the vacuum.<\/strong><\/span> Principled, capable people should contribute in education, media, law, business, public institutions and social development rather than abandoning those spaces.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #808000\"><strong>Think in generations.<\/strong> <\/span>South Africa and the Ummah have overcome severe challenges before. Rebuilding society is a marathon, not a sprint.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5><span style=\"color: #808000\"><strong>KEY TAKEAWAY<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/span><strong><span style=\"color: #000000\">We are not an Ummah of quitters. Difficult does not mean impossible.<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n<h1><span style=\"color: #0e5e58\"><strong>5 How can this Election Become a Starting Point for Change?\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0e5e58\"><strong>Launchpad, not endpoint.<\/strong><\/span> The ballot is one moment in a longer process of civic responsibility. The work of improving communities continues between elections.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0e5e58\"><strong>Move from spectators to shapers.<\/strong><\/span> Rather than only debating problems, ask what each of us can do to address them constructively.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0e5e58\"><strong>Begin close to home.<\/strong><\/span> Learn about your ward and municipality, identify specific issues and engage representatives and community structures.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0e5e58\"><strong>Work with others.<\/strong> <\/span>Find committed, like-minded people; share knowledge and organise practical initiatives rather than waiting for perfect conditions.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0e5e58\"><strong>Demand accountability.<\/strong><\/span> Follow promises and performance, participate in meetings and raise concerns respectfully and consistently.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0e5e58\"><strong>Maintain purpose and perseverance.<\/strong> <\/span>Setbacks are inevitable; sustained effort, sincerity and a strong connection with Allah remain essential.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5><span style=\"color: #0e5e58\"><strong>KEY TAKEAWAY<\/strong><\/span><br \/>\n<strong>From complaints to solutions; from spectators to shapers.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #6b2465\"><strong>6 Can SA help Shape a New World Order?\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #6b2465\"><strong>An increasingly uncertain world.<\/strong><\/span> Power often takes precedence over justice and morality in international affairs \u2014 almost a second J\u0101hiliyyah.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #6b2465\"><strong>Prosperity and influence are shifting.<\/strong><\/span> Economic prosperity and global influence are increasingly moving from West to East.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #6b2465\"><strong>The Global South is gaining traction.<\/strong><\/span> Countries of the Global South appear poised to play a greater role in global affairs, challenging the traditional dominance of the Global North.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #6b2465\"><strong>South Africa\u2019s unique position.<\/strong><\/span> Our country is strategically positioned to play a potentially transformative role in this changing world.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #6b2465\"><strong>A responsibility beyond ourselves.<\/strong><\/span> Helping South Africa overcome its challenges is not only for our benefit, but also for the contribution it could make towards a better world for humanity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5><span style=\"color: #6b2465\"><strong>KEY TAKEAWAY<\/strong><\/span><br \/>\n<strong>Improving South Africa can strengthen its <\/strong><strong>contribution to the wider world.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"color: #6b2465\"><strong>UUCSA POLITICAL PARTY REPORT CARD<\/strong><\/span><br \/>\nThe UUCSA Report Card offers assessments of political parties to support informed reflection. It does not endorse any party or tell readers whom to vote for. Readers can review the information and make their own assessments or scores.<br \/>\nObtain the digital copy, share it with family and community groups, and encourage others to read and interact with it. Scholars are also encouraged to circulate it through masjid and community channels.<br \/>\n<strong>DIGITAL REPORT CARD:<\/strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.uucsa.co.za\/voterguide\"> www.uucsa.co.za\/voterguide<\/a><\/p>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center\"><strong><span style=\"color: #08649e\">DON&#8217;T<\/span> <span style=\"color: #ac1a2e\">GIV<\/span><\/strong><strong><span style=\"color: #ac1a2e\">E UP <\/span>ON <span style=\"color: #008000\">SOUTH AFRICA<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>SIX QUESTIONS BEFORE YOU VOTE About this Guide Based on a recent Jumu\u2019ah talk delivered by Maulana Sulaimaan Ravat, this guide explores six questions facing South African Muslim voters. It is intended to encourage informed reflection, careful political choices, hope for the country and constructive civic engagement beyond election day. 1 Why is this election [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":30,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[8516],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-109350","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-elections-2026"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[],"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pc0QIf-srI","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/radioislam.org.za\/a\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/109350","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/radioislam.org.za\/a\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/radioislam.org.za\/a\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/radioislam.org.za\/a\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/30"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/radioislam.org.za\/a\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=109350"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/radioislam.org.za\/a\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/109350\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":109369,"href":"https:\/\/radioislam.org.za\/a\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/109350\/revisions\/109369"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/radioislam.org.za\/a\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=109350"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/radioislam.org.za\/a\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=109350"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/radioislam.org.za\/a\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=109350"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}