|
Voting Can Be 'Ibadah
By:
Dr. Ahmad Shafaat
(1985)
In Islam the
concept of 'ibadah is far more comprehensive than the
concept of "worship" which is often used to translate the word into
English. 'Ibadah,
as understood in Islam, includes every action that is performed with
the intention (or niyyah) of fulfilling the wishes of
the Creator, whether directly or indirectly. Thus, not only
prayer is 'ibadah but also going to the mosque for
prayer or preparing to go to the mosque is also 'ibadah,
for these actions are directed toward the fulfillment of a divine
commandment. Even such primary functions as eating, sleeping, etc.
can become 'ibadah if they are carried out with the
intention of getting the physical strength or ability to fulfill
divine commandments.
Now, it is one of the divine wishes that
believers run their affairs through mutual consultation (shura
banahum). In fact, in one Qur`anic passage God expresses
this wish alongside His wish that believers establish regular
prayers and regular charity:
"And (remember) that whatever
you are given (now) is but for the passing enjoyment of the life
of this world, whereas that which is with God is far better and
enduring. (It shall be given) to all those who have faith and
who put their trust in their Lord; who avoid the more serious
sins and shameful deeds; who whenever they are moved to anger,
readily forgive; who harken unto their Lord and are regular in
their prayer; who
run their affairs by mutual consultation;
and who spend out of what We have given to them. (42:36-38)
Now, voting is a form of shura
or consultation. Through it a community consults its members
as to who should direct its affairs for a given period of time.
Consequently, it would be counted as 'ibadah in Islam
if a Muslim votes with the following niyyah:
"I cast my vote, O
Lord, in fulfillment of Your wish that believers run their affairs
by mutual consultation and in the hope that most suitable persons
may be entrusted with the affairs of the Muslims."
With this niyyah not only
the voting would be counted as 'ibadah but also
traveling for the purpose of voting, waiting in line to cast one's
vote, etc. |