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A Statement on the Responsibility of both the Voter and the Candidate
Author : The General Iftaa` Department
Date Added : 21-02-2023

 

All perfect praise be to Allah The Lord of The Worlds. May Allah`s Peace and Blessings be upon our Prophet Mohammad and upon all his family and companions.

 

Parliamentary elections are a legitimate means of selecting MPs who represent the nation, act on its behalf in overseeing the performance of the government, and enact laws to serve citizens and advance their interests hence represent one of the mechanisms of the Shura (Consultation) rule established by Sharia (Islamic Law).

 

The candidate's responsibility Before Allah is a great one, so he/she must sense its weight and realize its importance to be able to deliver it honestly and sincerely for the good of the country and nation. Allah The Almighty Says {What means}: "We did indeed offer the Trust to the Heavens and the Earth and the Mountains; but they refused to undertake it, being afraid thereof: but man undertook it;- He was indeed unjust and foolish." {Al-Ahzab/72}.

 

It is forbidden for a candidate to influence the will of the voters through money and bribes. Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Amr bin Al-Aas (May Allah Be Pleased with him): "Allah's Messenger (PBUH) cursed the one who bribes and the one who takes bribes." [Reported by Abu Dawood].

 

Similarly, casting a vote is also a great responsibility, which a voter should deliver honestly and sincerely while realizing that he/she will be held accountable for it before Almighty Allah on the Day of Judgment. Allah The Almighty Says {What means}: "And they make into females angels who themselves serve God. Did they witness their creation? Their evidence will be recorded, and they will be called to account!" {Az-Zukhruf/23}.

In order for the voter to be cleared from liability before Allah and perform this great obligation (Voting) to the fullest, two things has to be done:

 

First: choosing the fittest candidate to deliver this great mission, namely the best in terms of knowledge and specialty and the most trusted over the interests of the country and citizens. Abu Dharr told that he asked Allah's Messenger to make him a governor, but he struck him on his shoulder with his hand and said: "You are weak, Abu Dharr, and it is a trust which will be a cause of shame and regret on the day of resurrection except for him who undertakes it as it ought to be undertaken and fulfils his duty in it." {Transmitted by Muslim}.

 

Second: the voter shall freely cast his/her vote, as dictated by his/her religion and conscience, without being influenced by gifts or donations because casting a vote is tantamount to casting a testimony. Therefore, this testimony isn`t for sale or bargain, and such money is unlawful and the voter who takes it will be held to account for it on the Day of Judgment. Allah The Almighty Says {What means}: "O ye who believe! Eat not up your property among yourselves in vanities." {An-Nisaa`/29}.

This is also dishonesty and mischief on the earth. Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Messenger (PBUH) said: "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." {Transmitted by Bukhari}.

 

In addition, making the voter take an oath to cast his/her vote in favor of a certain candidate is impermissible for the former and the latter, and it isn`t allowed for anyone to force voters to do so, and oaths weren`t legislated for this in the first place. Allah The Almighty Says {What means}: "And make not God’s (name) an excuse in your oaths against doing good, or acting rightly, or making peace between persons; for God is One Who heareth and knoweth all things." {Al-Baqarah/224}.

 

One who has taken such an oath should atone it and elect the fittest for this life and the next. I heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) say: "He who has taken an oath (to do something) but found something else better than that (which brings him closer to Allah), then he should do that which is better in piety (and he should expiate for the breaking an Oath)." [Muslim].

 

We ask Almighty Allah to Guide us to the straight path and Help us do what is good of our country and nation. Peace and blessings to you.

 

 

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Summarized Fatawaa

Is it permissible to make up for the missed fasts of the deceased?

A deceased`s missed fasts should be made up for by his/her guardian. It is also permissible to make up for the missed fasts of a deceased relative, and to pay a ransom in expiation for the latter`s missed fasts, which is feeding a needy person for every missed day. However, the guardian`s permission need to be sought by the non-relatives of the dead to fast on his behalf. And Allah Knows Best.

I`m a cashier at a branch of the Civil Service Consumer Corporation. Sometimes, customers pay more than the due amount. Do I have the right to take that extra money knowing that I cover shortages from my own salary?

All perfect praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds. May Allah`s peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Mohammad and upon all his family and companions.
If customers give that money willingly to help you with the potential loss then this is permissible. And Allah The Almighty Knows Best.

Is buying and storing gold bars for profit permissible or prohibited?

Buying and storing gold bars for profit is permissible, and there is no harm in it. And Allah The Almighty Knows Best.

What is the ruling on taking a loan from an interest-based bank (a usurious bank) to buy an apartment for housing, noting that I am renting at a high amount relative to my income, and I am an employee? Also, considering that the conditions of Islamic banks are strict, and I cannot obtain the full amount from them, is it permissible to take a loan to purchase an apartment or not? May Allah reward you.

 

 

 

 

 

Usury (interest) is prohibited by Islamic law, and the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, cursed the one who consumes usury, the one who pays it, its recorder, and its witnesses. Whoever leaves something for the sake of Allah, Allah will compensate them with something better and greater, and Allah will provide relief after hardship. Needing a place to live does not permit taking a loan with interest. And Allah Knows Best.
 
 
 
 
 

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