Background
The Misr (Egypt) of today is no doubt different to the one which ‘Amr ibn al ‘As (RA) entered during the rule of ‘Umar ibn al Khattab (RA). Through the early 20th Century and up to the present day, the country itself has seen many political figures rise, and various types of Islamic and Secular ideas lock horns with one another. All of the social, demographic, political, and economic transitions that have occurred during these years have certainly left ideological remnants within the minds of the people.
This fact was clearer than ever before during the popular uprising that ‘officially’ started on January 25th 2011.
During the Uprisings many groups and individuals surfaced; all proposing ‘the best’ methods and systems of governance that could potentially be ‘the solution’ for the people of Egypt. The evening that Omar Suleiman (Hosni Mubarak’s Deputy) announced the resignation of Hosni Mubarak, scenes of triumph could be witnessed in many of Egypt’s Major Cities. The throne of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) temporarily shook releasing Hosni Mubarak and thus emanating a false impression of Change. Fifteen months later, Egypt conducts its first ever presidential election crowning Muhammad Mursi as the new president of Egypt.
The Metholdogy of Ikhwaan : Using Democracy as a Means A basic principle in Islam is that for any deed to be accepted it must fulfil two key conditions. The deed itself must be purely for the pleasure of Allah, and it must also be in accordance to the way of the Prophet (sallahu alayhi wassallam) as understood by his noble companions (RA). Muhammad Mursi and his associates may claim to have taken part in the Elections for the pleasure of Allah however the way in which this intention was carried out was far from the teaching of our beloved Nabi (sallahu alayhi wassallam). Although the Ikhwaan use the terms democracy and Shura interchangeably one must understand that the true nature of today’s democracy is far from what we refer to as shura in the sharia. Shura by its definition is a process where muslims consult one another in matters that Allah and his Messenger (SAW) have permitted us to do so - not in every aspect as democracy entails. Islam does not forbid or prevent muslims from appointing an Amir amongst themselves, nor is it necessarily against electoral processes. What Islam prohibits here is using that which is by default kufr as a means to worship Allah. Islam has its own method of electing and accounting a ruler and that is what should be followed as oppose to the rotten framework that currently exists. Democracy as a ruling ideology is undoubtedly a form of shirk; and this is due to its inherent desire to make mans intellect sovereign over Allah. Man by his nature whether alone or in a congregation will always base his Judgement upon knowledge and experiences, and hence it will always be subjective and deficient. To believe in democracy is to deny the aforementioned and assume for opposite to be true. This is the fundamental reason why Muslims seek to implement the rule of Allah; and reject the rule of Man.
What groups such as Ikhwaan al muslimeen forget is that by accepting to use the idea of Democracy, they not only endorse it, but become a part of it. If Mohammad Mursi’s Party are successful in office the world will not see the event as a Victory for Islam, rather it will be perceived as a victory for Democracy. One can already see some of the most vehement enemies of Islam coming forward to Congratulate Muhammad Mursi - a stark contrast of what they are doing to others that seek to implement the same objectives.
Muslims should learn from Prophetic Example and Make Comparisons
1. The prophet (sallalahu alayhi wassallam) was on many occasions offered partial rule or protection and he persisted on declining.
- Muhammad Mursis’ party accepted the partial rule with SCAF and is currently in the process of either selecting a secularist, woman or a Christian as a Vice President.
2. Never did Muhammad (sallalahu alayhi wassallam) lobby his way in to become a part of the existing political framework, rather he sought to form a new framework where Allah would be obeyed totally.
- Muhammad Mursis’ party took part in a democratic system that harbours various aspects of shirk and kuffr to assume power, and has thus legitimised the current political framework.
3. Muhammad (sallalahu alayhi wassallam) entered Madina as the ruler and based the constititution on Quranic principles including and forming pacts with all parties.
- The constitution has been partially dissolved by SCAF. SCAF still hold a large portion of legislative powers, and laws that have no Islamic basis are still in effect.
4. Islam always set the standard and did not give anything precedence or authority over it.
- The United Nations membership still looms over Egypt which itself declares it to be the most superior authority on the earth, SCAF are in charge internally, and all talk that is currently taking place seems to demonstrate a PR campaign rather than a deep seated effort to declare Islam as Superior Tawheed that is firm and established is the best thing on this earth and shirk that is established is the worst thing that can exits on this planet, is it possible to seek the latter through the former?
"Have you seen those who pretend to believe in what has been revealed to you and what has been revealed before you, how they go in their judgement to the Taghut, though they have been ordered to disbelieve in it. But Satan's wish is to lead them astray" [Qur'an Surah An-Nisa, Verse:60]
"In this ayah there is an expression of astonishment, addressed to the Messenger of Allah (saw), at the situation of those people who claim to themselves that they have accepted belief in what Allah (swt) has revealed upon the Messenger of Allah (saw), i.e. the Qur'an, and what has been revealed to the Prophets before him, yet what they have brought contradicts this claim, making it false from its root and showing that they are not on anything at all. Their intention is to make the Taghut the judge among them though they have been ordered in all that Allah (swt) has revealed upon His Prophet (saw) and the previous Prophets (as) to disbelieve in it". (Imam Shawkaani) Only time will tell how much this Ayah applies to the Ikhwaan al Muslimeen; the organisation that tells the Muslims they will Implement Islam, but also tells the world that they will respect international agreements and treaties that hold no basis in Islam.
A Message to the Muslims of Misr and the World
Muslims all over the world should genuinely ask themselves why they are here on this earth, why it is that Allah placed us here. Is it not to worship him and act how he ordained for us to act? Is it not time that we returned back to the way of the Messenger Muhammad (sallahu alayhi wassallam)?
We have tried non-islamic ‘solutions’ and mechanisms time and time again, when will we realise that all of them are flawed regardless of how attractive they may seem on the outset? How is it that we have made ourselves the subjects of a trial and error process? Will a rotten tree ever bear nutritious fruits dear brothers and sisters. Insha Allah we must change our outlook. Allah will grant this Ummah Victory, and he will make Islam dominant over this earth. Our duty is that we continue the call not matter how small or large we are in number.
Abu Hurayrah said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Islam began as something strange and will revert to being strange as it began, so give glad tidings to the strangers.” (Muslim)
The situation that we are currently in has been prophesised so we must not lose hope.
“Rasul Allah (salallahu alayhi wa sallam) said: ‘Prophethood will last among you for as long as Allah wills, then Allah will take it away. Then it will be (followed by) a Khilafah Rashida (rightly guided) on the pattern of the Prophethood. It will remain for as long as Allah wills, then Allah will take it away. Afterwards there will be a hereditary leadership which will remain for as long as Allah wills, then He will lift it if He wishes. Afterwards, there will be biting oppression, and it will last for as long as Allah wishes, then He will lift it if He wishes. Then there will be a Khilafah Rashida according to the ways of the Prophethood.’ Then he kept silent.” (Musnad Imam Ahmad)
It is clear that this Ummah is suffering a severe thirst from being denied the oasis which is the Sharia, however we should not fool ourselves into running after another mirage? Our thirst can make us delusional and perhaps desperate, however we must always stick to the Islamic methodology, even if we do not get to quench the thirst in this life and we die trying we will Insha Allah quench our thirst on yawn al Qiyamah via the blessed Kawthar.
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