“Democracy is kufr, but…”
“Scholars differ about voting in elections, but…”
“Democracy is one thing; voting is another…”
“We cannot sit back and leave everything to the kuffār…”
We are approaching that season when we begin to hear many self-inflicted concessions.
Then, as the season draws closer, we will start hearing:
“If you won’t vote, you are doing a disservice to Islam; in fact, you are Boko Haram.”
You will begin to see Muslim conferences on participation in elections here and there, with forceful communiqués directed at apolitical Muslims like us.
Anyway, this every-four-year “Muslim” democratic frenzy is nothing new to us. We have been enduring it since 1999, and we shall survive it again this time, in shāʾ Allāh.
Alḥamdulillāh, ayé tí àwa náà ò bàjẹ́ láti ọdún yìí wá. We have got some millionaires among us without any democratic inclination or connection, wal hamdulilaah.
So bring it on, we are here, in shāʾ Allāh.
However, let us say this in advance; perhaps it will sharpen your manoeuvres:
We believe democracy is kufr and elections are evil. No good can come from them for the Muslims; any semblance of good is merely istidrāj (a deceptive reprieve). Ash-Shaykh Al-Albaani - rahimahullaah - called such a victory 'foam of soap'.
However, we also know that a significant number of Muslims are involved in it, out of ignorance or misplaced confidence. No matter the counsel, they will not heed. We believe Allāh may forgive them for their errors, as they perhaps see it as a worldly necessity. They can be the kabsh al-fidaa as al-Imaam Al-Albaani - rahimahullaah - was quoted to have said in madaarikun-nadhar.
But to our Muslim scholars who attempt to hoodwink us into it, twisting texts and statements to coerce us, we say: fear Allāh and remain within your primary responsibility.
We all know, indeed, we have seen, many examples of those who entered into it as strong believers and returned wounded and diminished. Were it not for preserving their dignity, we would have mentioned names.You yourselves know some of them.
So this renewed call to voting should be handled with caution.
Presenting it as a do-or-die affair for Muslims should be avoided.
Kindly present it as an option, for that segment of Muslims who are weaker in understanding and foresight.
If you continue to insist that “we must vote,” and we begin to see where this is heading, such as the pursuit of certain “juicy” appointments, may Allāh forgive you for misleading innocent souls.
Lastly, democracy and elections are inseparable. They have been twin sisters since the days of Athens. Special and profound apologies to the quarters saying otherwise.
Pardon me in advance for the back-and-forth we shall once again engage in, both in this pre-season and the actual season.
Today is May 4, 2026.
Kai… it’s going to be another long ride.
I wrote extensively on this in 2011 (click here to download it), a brother has been reminding of an onward review of the book to counter the new doubts. Inshaa Allaah, one of these days.
Aboo Aamir, Ibadan, Nigeria.
