Politics

Politics is the set of activities that are associated with making decisions in groups, or other forms of power relations between individuals, such as the distribution of resources. The academic study of politics is referred to as political science.

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Democracy . Wilayat al-Faqih . Politics

Is Velayat-e-Faqih the sole legitimate political system in Shia Islam? Additionally, does Islam permit the adoption of Western democratic principles?

Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi, Sayyed Mohammad al-Musawi is originally from Iraq and heads up the World Ahlul Bayt Islamic League in London. Other than being involved in various humanitarian projects, he frequently responds to... Answered 4 months ago

Welayat al-Faqeeh is an Islamic rule regarding the authorities of the Jurist being highly learned or the most learned in Islamic jurisprudence. These authorities are been discussed by great Shia scholars and all of them agree on the principle of the authorities if the jurist (Faqeeh) but there are different opinions on the extends if these authorities.
'Wassalam.

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Taqiyya (Dissimulation) . Politics

Is it permissible for a candidate to join the ruling party for five years, practicing Taqiyya to benefit the constituency, despite the party's known anti-Muslim policies, or should he refuse to join on ethical grounds?

Seyed Ali Shobayri, Seyed Ali Shobayri is of mixed Iranian and Scottish descent who found the path of the Ahlul Bayt (a) by his own research. He holds a BA in Islamic Studies from Middlesex University through the... Answered 7 months ago

Bismillah,

Asalamu Alaykom, joining certain non-muslim governments for the benefit of the Muslims can be permissible in some cases, but one should consult the hakim al-shari'i before hand such as the marja.

May Allah grant you success

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Politics . Ahl al-Bayt

Are there any instances where the Prophet (s) or the Ahlul Bayt (a) used politics to convince people to believe them or Allah?

Abbas Di Palma, Shaykh Abbas Di Palma holds a BA and an MA degree in Islamic Studies, and certifications from the Language Institute of Damascus University. He has also studied traditional Islamic sciences in... Answered 4 years ago

as salam alaikum

"Nahj al-Balaghah" contains many letter of Imam Ali dealing with political issues that at the same time undeline the importance of faith and piety.

With prayers for your success.

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Government . Abortion . Politics

How should Muslim public office-holders in non-Muslim government conduct themselves with regards to issues like abortion, where many circumstances are disallowed in Islam but widespread access to it is favored by a majority of the people?

Muslim public officer is obliged and responsible as a Muslim to serve his country and society in every possible way provided he does not take part or support injustice, discrimination and any unlawful act. Things which are legal in non Muslim countries but forbidden in Islam like abortion, alcohol, etc, must be avoided by the Muslim officer. You can leave it for other officers who do not have religious obligations against it.

Haraam is Haraam whether you are an officer or not. We as Muslims are responsible to avoid Haraam in every possible way.

Wassalam.

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Politics . Muslims . Homosexuality . Western Society

How does a good Muslim survive in non Islamic nations surrounded by secular humanists or established homosexual communities? Is it proper to disengage with such political and social narratives that are not in the best interests of Islam?

Amina Inloes, Amina Inloes is originally from the US and has a PhD in Islamic Studies from the University of Exeter on Shi'a hadith. She is the program leader for the MA Islamic Studies program at the... Answered 6 years ago

This is really a personal question. Some people thrive on engaging with these social issues, whereas others do not. Insofar as it does not harm anyone, it is good to be self-aware and acknowledge what is beneficial and harmful for ourselves and our faith, and then attempt to live in a such a way that is beneficial for our peace of mind and faith. This would include decisions on where to live, where to work, and who to socialize with. Certainly, there are enough Muslims engaging with these issues today, and so it isn't necessary for every single Muslim to do it.

Secular humanism can a complicated matter, since it is heavily involved in the educational system in some countries, and most people adopt the dominant beliefs of their country and integrate them into their religious views. Of course, secular humanism has good and bad points like everything else. When one considers these ideas analytically rather than just absorbing them, it can deepen one's faith, but, again, that is personal! Do keep in mind that the Prophet lived in a society that did not support the views he was teaching and yet Islam took root there.

As Muslims, we are encouraged to be aware of the world around us. However, in this day and age, many people suffer from information overload. It simply isn't possible or healthy to follow every issue all the time. It is good to be selective in what one wants to focus on - not to have a biased or slanted view of the world (as happens often) but simply in order to use one's time and mental energy well. Social media is usually the cause of this overload, and it is easy to regulate one's use of social media.

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Prophets . Politics

How did the Prophets in their time deal with manipulation in politics?

Mahmood Abu Maryam, Trying to make sense of it all... Answered 6 years ago

The Prophets of God were divinely appointed and tasked with bringing people to the path of righteousness, honesty and integrity. They were not known to be manipualtive or believe that the end justifies the means as is common in politics.

A good example is that of Prophet Yusuf (a) who suffered from the consequences of the cunning conduct of some women of Egypt.

So when he saw that his shirt was torn from behind, he said, ‘This is [a case] of you women’s guile! Your guile is indeed great! (Surah Yusuf, Verse 28)

The way he dealt with that trial is exemplary. Later, when he acquired political power, he continued to exhibit the just and righteous conduct that was suitable for a Divinely appointed leader.

There is a really well-made multi-episode TV serial on the life of Prophet Yusuf (a) that I would recommend you watch.