Sheikh Sa`ûd al-Nufaysân
Is it allowed in Islam for a Muslim to hold a political position in a non-Muslim goverment?
Answered by Sheikh Sa`ûd al-Nufaysân, former professor at al-Imâm University
If a Muslim wishes to hold political office in a non-Muslim country that governs by secular laws and demands compliance with them, then some things have to be considered. If he is doing so with the intention of helping and protecting his Muslim constituents and if he will have the power to do so and he is qualified for the job, then it is permissible for him to do so and he will be rewarded for it. Under some circumstances, such participation is his Islamic duty, especially if that person enjoys prominence in society. It does not matter whether the Muslims in that country are a minority or the majority.
The evidence for this opinion is that the Prophet Joseph (peace be upon him) held a political office in the Egypt of the Pharaohs, taking charge of its monetary affairs. He acted in the capacity that a finance minister would today. In the Qur’ân, Joseph (peace be upon him) is quoted as saying: “Set me over the storehouses of the land. I am a good custodian and knowlegable. ” [Sûrah Yûsuf: 55]
It is well known that being a member of Parliament or holding a ministerial post affords one with political power that protects people from injustice. This power resembles that which was once held by tribal affiliations in the past.
Allah tells us in the Qur’ân that the people of Shu`ayb (peace be upon him) wanted to stone him and drive him out of the land, but they refrained from doing so because they feared a reprisal from his clansmen. The Qur’ân quotes them as saying: “O Shu`ayb, Much of what you say we do not understand. In fact, among us we see you as weak. If it were not for your family, we would certainly have stoned you, for you have no great position among us.” [Sûrah Hûd: 91]
In explaining this verse, Sheikh `Abd al-Rahmân al-Sa`dî comments that if participation in a non-Muslim government is needed for the welfare of the Muslims, then such participation can be obligatory. If, on the other hand, it brings about more harm than good, then it is not permissible. The knowledgeable Muslims within a given country are best acquainted with their local situation and are therefore in the best posiotion to make such a determination for themselves.
We might venture an opinion that in this day and time, participation in politics is generally better than staying out of it.
And Allah knows best.
Source: Islamtoday.com
