To those Calling to Democracy and Participating...

Before addressing the subject of the fatwa, we must clearly understand that legislation of parliamentary democracies is by nature subject to the whims and desires of the majority, and many times (as is the case in the United States) by the whims and desires of pressure groups/lobbies. The will of the majority (or of the powerful elements of society) takes precedence over Allah’s legislation/rulings. This is not the model/methodology established by Allah and His Messenger (saws), and is in fact contrary to it. Allah says:
"O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you (from the Muslims/not the kuffar)." [4:59]

"Decidedly the judgment is with none except Allah." [6:57]

"Have you not seen those who claim to have believed in what was revealed to you, (O Muhammad), and what was revealed before you? They wish to refer legislation to Taghut, while they were commanded to reject it; and Satan wishes to lead them far astray." [4:60]

Allah clearly legislates that whoever rules by other than what Allah has sent down is a disbeliever.

"And whoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed – then it is those who are the disbelievers." [5:44]

FATWA:

Anyone who willingly/intentionally promotes, supports, and participates in a system of governance other than the one legislated by Allah and His Messenger (saws) is clearly a disbeliever. The reasons are as follows:

1) It rejects and denies the following verse:
"O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you (from the Muslims/not the kuffar)." [4:59]

2) It places the disbelievers in positions of authority over the believers.

And Allah says:

"And never will Allah give the disbelievers over the believers a way (to overcome them)." [4:14]

3) The Muslim has no business imitating or participating in a system of governance invented/created by the disbelievers.
The Prophet (saws) said: “He who innovates something in this matter of ours (i.e., Islam) that is not of it will have it rejected (by Allah).”

He (saws) also said: “Part of the perfection of one’s Islam is his leaving that which does not concern him.”

4) Democracy is a divisive system that creates animosity and discord between the believers (and disbelievers).

Democracy violates the following commands/verses:

"And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided. And remember the favor of Allah upon you – when you were enemies and He brought your hearts together and you became, by His favor, brothers." [3:103]

"The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy." [49:10]

The Prophet (saws) said: “Muslims are like one body of a person; if the eye is sore, the whole body aches, and if the head aches, the whole body aches.”

5) Allah says that the disbelievers have animosity and enmity toward one another, and democracy is a reflection of it.
"You think that they are united, whereas (in fact) their hearts are at odds (with one another): this, because they are people who will not use their reason." [59:14]

6) Voting for politician and putting them in positions of authority amounts to taking them as friends, protectors and allies (Auliya’). Allah commands us not to do so, and whoever does has left Islam.

Allah says:

"O you who believe! Take not as (your) Bitanah (advisors, consultants, protectors, helpers, friends, etc.) those outside your religion (pagans, Jews, Christians, and hypocrites) since they will not fail to do their best to corrupt you. They desire to harm you severely. Hatred has already appeared from their mouths, but what their breasts conceal is far worse. Indeed We have made plain to you the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses) if you understand." [3:118]

"And if any amongst you takes them (the disbelievers) as Auliya’ (friends/protectors/allies), then surely he is one of them." [5:51]

To those who reject, I remind them of the following verse:
"And who does greater evil than he who is reminded of the signs of His Lord, then turns away from them? We shall take vengeance upon the criminals." [32:22]

[FATWA BY SHAYKH SULEIMAN ANWAR]

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