Date : 04-10-2010

Question :

Some candidates pay voters to vote in their favor. What is the ruling of Sharia on this?


The Answer :

Praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds.



The Parliament has duties and shoulders considerable burdens.



On one part, it is a legislative authority, and it is well known that Allah is the Lawmaker and that what He made lawful is lawful and what He made unlawful is unlawful. On the other part, there are administrative matters relating to the various aspects of life, which need to be regulated into binding legal provisions that lie within the jurisdiction of the ruler/scholar. For example, limiting of the permissible and drafting regulations and legislation to achieve the common good. Then these laws and regulations are brought before the Parliament for ratification, amendment or rejection.



On the other hand, it is the duty of the Parliament to make sure that the executive power performs its duties, and this is out of safeguarding national interest and helping in righteousness and piety.



Therefore, an MP shoulders a huge responsibility and his failure in performing his duties is tantamount to betraying the trust of Allah Who Says (What means): "O ye that believe! betray not the trust of God and the Apostle, nor misappropriate knowingly things entrusted to you." {Al-Anfaal, 27}. Voting is a trust that a Muslim must safeguard and deliver properly. It is also a testimony for which he will be questioned before Allah the Almighty. Allah Says (What means): "Their testimony will be recorded and they will be questioned."{Al-Zukhruf, 19}. Therefore, a Muslim isn`t allowed to take money or gifts in return for favoring a certain candidate, because doing so facilitates for unqualified candidates to become MPs. Allah's Messenger (PBUH) said (What means): "When honesty is lost, then wait for the Hour." It was asked: "How will honesty be lost, O Allah's Messenger (PBUH)?" He said: "When authority is given to those who do not deserve it, then wait for the Hour." {Related by Bukhari}.



It is also forbidden that the candidate gives money or gifts to be elected, because how could such a person be trusted over the interests of the country and its resources?!



Moreover, such shameful act is a social stigma. What will such corrupt person do when he/she becomes a decision maker? He/she will definitely try to take back what he/she spent through misusing his/her position, which is a crime punishable by law.



I can assert with certitude that our citizen won`t sell his/her vote or conscience. If there are such cases, then they are scarce and disapproved by society since buying and selling votes is a crime punishable by law.



Jordan is the home of the brave and the honest and its history is a witness over that. Regardless of its limited resources, it has always stood by what is right since the One Who gives guidance to the truth is more worthy to be followed. And Allah the Almighty knows best.