Dear, Muslimeen (a heart to heart and audio debate):

Bismillah, Alhamdulillah wa-Salaatu wa-Salaam 'ala Rasulillah

As-salaamu 'alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu ya Muslimeen.

Today, it's more apparent than I've ever realized that our Ummah are notionally divided on the issue of voting and participating in democratic elections. The concern and weight on this issue would seem to have elevated as the activism among Muslims in secular politics and elections has increased.

Surely, I've clarified where I stand as regards to voting. And there is a significant number of Muslims who honorably disagree, others who spitefully contest it and yet even another portion who just don't understand why it's such a big deal to begin with.

We have clear consensus that as a minority in secular lands we are only obligated to live peacefully, dealing justly and kindly with everyone, speaking out against injustice and most importantly fulfilling and calling to tawheed to the best of our individual abilities. We are to obey the secular laws; taking advantage of the ones allowing us the things Allah Loves and detesting/avoiding those allowing that which Allah hates. Being that it is not compulsory to participate in the voting process and being that it is a system founded on the premise that a governing body, human beings, has the right to legislate; correspondingly declaring that Allah does NOT have the right to legislate. Needless to say, a forerunner opponent of Allah's Shari'ah that will do all within its power to prevent its fruition, occupying predominately Muslim lands while misplacing thousands to millions of our brothers and sisters, young and old, therein. How then do we justify consciously engaging to further support such a system in its nationalistic efforts that are openly against (what should be) our interest?

We weigh the pros and cons. We consider who will cause less harm to the Ummah and humanity in general. We consider who wants more peace. But do we consider that either way, harm will afflict humanity and our Ummah under their authority? Do we consider, either way, Muslims (whether one hundred or one million) will be killed as a result of orders they approved? And so the question is, are we accountable for that which Allah will hold them to account by simply having an unforced hand in placing them in office?

The arguments proceed back and forth. Each point as compelling and strong as the next. And the question remains, where should we stand on this issue? We know that we must approach this issue the same way we base our actions, within the framework of the Qur'an and Sunnah. We cannot base it on any emotional or superficial reason such as I've heard from some Muslims in defense of their choice to vote: "I'm not voting because of religion, I'm voting because of race." This, of course, is a shallow, short-sighted... just altogether horrible excuse and a justification unacceptable on all levels. Let's keep it in perspective. The one thing that makes us a family, a global community, an Ummah, is the very fact that our Islam takes precedence over every other aspect of ourselves. We do not make the mistakes of followers of prophets of old. We do not assimilate the ways of the disbelievers. We don't divide or assign status among ourselves according to nationality, race, posession, etc. and certainly we are not Secular Muslims (the phrase itself is oxymoronic).

Remember, Allah will not bless our Ummah with the establishment of a khalifah until we prove ourselves ready. Once we're all operating on the same wavelength, Allah, will reward us greatly in this world. Otherwise, the revival of Islam and the Shari'ah is countered against by our own efforts.

Allah tells us what means:

"So set thou thy face STEADILY AND TRULY to the Faith: establish Allah's handiwork according to the pattern on which He has made mankind: NO CHANGE let there be in the work wrought by Allah: that is the standard Religion: but most among mankind understand not." -Surah Al Rum ayah 30

Below, I'll post one of the more respectable, dignified and healthy dialogues revolving about the topic of voting among Muslims that I believe every Muslim should lend their ear. Brother Saad of DawahWorks debates Brother Farhan on this increasingly concerned issue among our Ummah, especially in the West. Thanks to Islam and Friends for organizing and moderating this much needed discussion.

Interfaith Debate, pt.1: NOI Encounter

Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Raheem

As-salaamu 'alaikum and may the Peace, Mercy and Blessings of Allah be upon you all. I've quite an extensive discussion involving myself and an NOI brother with regards to my handsdown favorite subject... Islam, that I thought may be of interest to a lot of you. If you haven't caught on yet, allow me to fill you in...*ehem*...the fellowship of Farakhan (Nation of "Islam") is an extreme deviant, perverse excersence of Islam. The salutations and usage of such words and phrases as "Allah," "Muslim," "As-salaam alaikum," "Islam," "Allahu Akbar," and so on, are only as far as similarities go between Islam and Farakhan's folks. The NOI is to Islam what the film Scary Movie is to Scream or the 60s television series Get Smart was to 007 and Mission Impossible... a satire, a spoof, a parody, a blatant mockery!

As impostrous as they are, I must give credit and praise that over time they have been scooting their way closer to true Islam, although sluggishly in classic sloth-like fashion. For instance, they were never instructed to announce Al Shahadah (the first and most momentuous principle of Islam, the foundation and very backbone of Islam), until recently Farakhan has made it mandatory his followers do so. Though it's only lip-service on their part, seeing as to how they lack the FAINTEST understanding of it's meaning. How does one declare there is no diety, object, person, idol, place, entity worthy of worship but Allah while at the same time testifying to Allah appearing or incarnating in the person of Wallace D. Fard? How does one declare that Muhammad ibn Abdullah (salallahu alayhi wa salaam) was the Seal of the Prophets and Final Messenger of which there will be none after, and at once testify that Elijah Muhammad was a Messenger of Allah? How does one reject the "original sin" theory and believe that the White race is innately weak and wicked? I could spring into all kinds of tangents, but I'll proceed.

I was in course of mentioning their improvements. In addition to permitting Al Shahadah, they as well have been instructed to enjoin Ramadan on Ramadan. As opposed to beforehand when they were instructed to only fast for Ramadan on December! The last improvement I'm aware of, is Farakhan's calling for his flock to perform Hajj at least once whensoever they can afford. Their concepts, teachings and overall ideology are far off the radar of actual Islam, but at least they're coming close, Alhamdullilah. I pray they soon be guided to cross that bridge to embrace Islam as it has been ordained by Allah for all humanity. Until then, so long as they're propogating this infusion of Black Nationalism and religious doctrine/jargon masquerading as Islam, those not knowing any better will continue to be hornswoggled.

Prelude to a debate
And so quite recently was I compelled to intervene and attempt on correcting a misguided "Black Muslim" as they rambled intensively to a listless audience. My intent was to make clear the distinction between the message of the NOI and the glorious, universal message of Islam. To explain how Islam is not a Blacks-only fraternity, but a universal religion, din-ul-Fitra (the natural religion), ordained for all of humanity. What probally suit me better as a canidate for this "job", was that as an adolecent, I was part of another grossly deviant group called the 5%. As such, I've memorized and am to this today well familiar with not only the NOI's curriculum (i.e. Student Enrollment, English C Lessons, Lost-Found Muslim Lesson 1-14, 1-40, Actual Facts and Solar Facts), but their mindset as well. Allowing me to (hopefully) level with them more personally.

Let's talk about sects.
"So set thou thy face steadily and truly to the Faith: establish Allah's handiwork according to the pattern on which He has made mankind. No change let there be in the work wrought by Allah: that is the right religion. But most among mankind understand not. Turn ye back in repentance to Him, fear Him: establish regular prayers and be not ye who join gods with Allah." -Qur'an 30:30-31

A quick synopsis of our discussion: I'll tell you overall it was indeed productive and clarifying, in spite of it's combative beginings. He eventually opened up to what I was saying after my quoting the Holy Prophet during his final sermon when he told his Companions: "Islam will divide into 73 sects. 1 in heaven and 72 in hell." After which, he explained it would be Islam as they heard conveyed and demonstrated by himself that would be in heaven. Also reciting Qur'an 5:3 where Allah reveals:

"This day have I perfected your religion, completed My Favor upon you and have chosen for you Islam as your religion."

From this, we see that Islam was since re-established, complete and perfect 1400 years prior to the finding of the NOI or even the birth of it's founders. Appropriately, I explained how innovation, known as bid'ah, is forbidden in Islam. This means no revisions, no perversions, no deletions, no additions to ANY aspect of Islam whatsoever. Therefore, anything unique, contrary or irrelevant to the Qur'an and Sunnah is unique, contrary and irrelevant to Islam. Point blank. If they but chose a name besides "Islam" to identify their organization, there would be no grounds for contention.

It astonishes almost as well as it perplexes me how Islam is the only religion where groups objecting and denying the very infrastructure of Islam actually use the name of Islam! Take for example Christainity, having well over 100 sects and denominations. Even if you include the cults, all of which disagree in certain areas and on certain points, they are all in congruence on the fundamental artical of Christain faith, and that is "Jesus died for our sins". You can't be Christian and reject this idea. How is it you can reject Islam and still consider yourself an embodiment of Islam? Hilariously absurd.

**For a more in depth glance into my views on Black nationalism, afrocentricity, pride, prejudice and racism, refer to my blog "Illiberality: Unearthing a Hidden Nature". **

All these issues (and more) I've expounded with this brother. However, being pressed for time (and patience) I suggested that if he desired to prusuit the conversation any further, he should E-mail me to follow up where we left off. Gave him my e-mail address and not so long proceeding that day, behold, I receive a message from him seeking confirmation whether it was the correct E-mail. I confirmed it was me and from that point the saga continued... enjoy:

Debate with NOI believer