Therefore, on this issue voting, do the opposing factions accept there is legitimate difference of opinion? The pro-voting camp in general tends to accept there is a legitimate difference of opinion, whereas the anti-voting factions do not, they consider the prohibition as categorical. Groups like Hizb-ut-Tahrir (HT) are particularly vocal on promoting this viewpoint in the UK and in other Western countries where there is a significant Muslim population.
This seem strange given that HT has already stated their sole objective is to establish the Caliphate in the Muslim world; therefore, it is difficult to see the connection between voting in the UK election, and their sacred ‘method’ of bringing about change in the distant Muslim countries. Why meddle in the internal politics of UK, if the country is outside your radar?
(Yusuf) – This is because the aims of HTB are wider than directly calling for khilafah. The future support for Khilafah is premised on a community that lives by Islam in word and deed and sees her natural affinity to the Islamic ummah and her global struggle. Voting is seen as an impediment both in terms of compliance to the hulm shar’I as well as a means of effectively integrating the Muslim community and cutting her link to the global ummah and her struggle. If this is understood, any doubts about the contradiction between the two should be assuaged.
(Yamin) Let us leave aside the issue of Hukm Shar’I (Islamic Ruling) which is addressed later. You seem to imply that by voting in the UK election, the Muslims will not be able to support the Khilafah (when it comes into existence) – as it will turn them effectively into lesser Muslims (maybe even non-Muslims), as they will integrate (maybe you mean assimilate) and be removed from the rest of the Muslim world in this age of instant information. Do you seriously ‘think’ that? If I recall, similar forecast was made about marching with the non-Muslims against the Iraq war. I did not see the Muslims becoming members of communist/socialist party in droves. Your party members were desperately trying to give credence to their isolationist stance as the rest of the Muslim community held together and marched. So, eventually, all the HT activists also turned up to the march in large numbers, adding to the multi-cultural atmosphere! If I recall, some people thought HTB had organized the march.
Furthermore, you are making assumptions upon assumptions. Will the Khilafah come in our life time? Will the support of the UK Muslims be vital? If so, what can they deliver?
This sort of prediction also shows that you have little regard for the Muslim community; they are not that naive as you think. On the flip side, this reflects your arrogance. Trust me they do know the ‘reality’ as well.
(Yusuf) With all due respect, I think you ought to infer less and read more. Whenever I am unsure about what you right I ask for clarification, you seem to want to implant your prejudices which results in willing statements I have not said. I never said the Muslim community could turn into ‘lesser Muslims’ or ‘non-Muslims’, you inferred this. I was merely responding to your incredulity at HTB addressing the topic of elections when it had nothing to do with khilafah. My point is it does and you ought to be well aware of the governmen’s integration plans (CONTEST/CONTEST 2), which relate to downgrading Islamic concepts and breaking links between the Muslim community here and abroad, thereby destroying the concept of ummah. I will ignore your asides, as they do not add anything to the discussion.
You ought to know that when the khilafah comes is not within the remit of our understanding, the victory will come when Allah wills, and we will merely be accounted upon what little good we have done.
Please refrain from snide comments insinuating arrogance, I have great regard for the Muslim community I have been working with, across the country for the past 2 years. Interacting and engaging with the Muslim community should not be judged as being looking down on Muslims, you have written articles on a wide range of topics, I assume to inform and advance a discussion, that is what people do.
(Yamin) I did not infer anything, what you stated was clear. You said voting was a means of effectively ‘integrating’ the Muslim community and ‘cutting her link to the global Ummah’. Integration and isolation clearly implies the loss of Islamic values and identity, thus becoming lesser Muslims. I think you should read what you write.
In the subsequent response you clarify the matter further and purport that voting is part of UK government’s plan to integrate (assimilate) the Muslim community. I don’t doubt the government has plans to integrate the community (which is natural and expected) but not through voting. The push for voting is largely coming from within, and represents the voice of the vast majority of the Muslim community – and groups like MCB, IFE, MPAC, Brelvis, Salafis (Muntada/Jimas) with substantial following endorse Muslims to vote. Unless of course, you think all these groups are agents!
To be frank, this sort of claim about voting falls in line with the numerous conspiracy theories that emanates from the party. It also leaves the question unanswered as to why HTB is getting involved in UK Election when its objective is to establish the Caliphate in the Muslim world.