Register and Vote
By Imam Abdul Malik Mujahid
Sound Vision
Chicago, IL
About 68% of Muslim Americans were registered to vote in the 2016 election, while only a little over 61% actually voted in the election - the lowest proportion of any major faith group or the non-affiliated on both counts, according to an ISPU Survey .
What makes these statistics disturbing is that Muslims are among those with the most to lose through a lack of political participation. With the #MuslimBan now expanded, rising Islamophobia and racism, as well as anti-refugee policies, staying silent would be an act of injustice to ourselves, as well as others in America and around the world.
Prophet Muhammad encouraged us to change the world for the better. He said that if we dislike something, we can do three things: change it with action, speak out against it, or hate it in our heart. The last is considered the weakest of faith. Voting gives us the power to both speak and take action. God’s peace and blessings be upon the Prophet.
Thinking Points
1. God Almighty says that He sent all Prophets to help people establish ... justice, fairness, and equity in society. (Qur’an 57:25)
2. Muslims are a small minority. The Prophet and his people were also ... almost always a minority. He became successful through networking , as well as building alliances and coalitions. So think about how you can reach ....out to and work with those who share your values and concerns in your neighborhood, town, and city.
3. We must work with other peace and justice activists to liberate our country from fear, hate, and anger, and to achieve policies which are just for us, our neighbors and the world
4. Election season is the time to develop mutually beneficial relationships and connections which will yield later when you need to ask elected leaders to support your cause
5. Earlier in the election cycle is when politicians are more accessible
6. A vote is our voice and we must use our voice to speak up against wrongdoing, as Allah orders us to in the Qur’an (4:135)
7. In America, standing up for what is right entails speaking out about issues, working with other citizens, voting, and making sure that politicians stick to their promises. Anyone refusing to participate in this process is essentially denying a most important path to establishing justice in our nation
Talking Points
1. One-fifth of all Muslims today live in non-Muslim countries. If these Muslims don't vote, this will essentially mean disempowering half of the Ummah from becoming a partner in the struggle for peace and justice. This falls into the Qur’anic category of Fasad, which is a sin considered ‘worse than killing in God's eyes (Qur’an 2:217). Fasad is a Qur’anic term which means persecution and great mischief
2. Voting is the privilege of a free person. Just ask the Rohingya Muslims of Burma , whose right to vote was taken away before the genocide began; ask millions of Muslims in India , whose right to vote might be taken away in the world’s largest democracy
3. Voting is how you speak to your government. It is the most powerful way to hold government officials responsible
4. One thing we all share is the power of our taxes. Should our tax money be used to save lives around the world or kill people? Voting is your way of answering yes or no to this question
5. In America, it is said that all politics is local. While attention is focused on the presidential elections and the fight for the soul of America, there are many important local elections. If you are still not clear about who is running for what, a good guide can be your local newspaper which might have a catalog of positions these candidates hold on different issues.
Action item: Run Voter Registration Campaigns
Let’s raise Muslim American voter registration from 68% to 90%. It will require each family and Islamic center to develop a solid plan. Without planning we cannot increase voter registration.
1. Deadlines for voter registration will soon come to an end in many states. Find out the dates for your state and register immediately. Encourage family and friends to do so
2. Develop a new signature for your email to remind people to register to vote
3. Use all family occasions like weddings, dinners, Ameen parties, etc. to get people to register to vote
4. Put voter registration deadlines on your workplace and/or notice board, as well as pinned posts on your social media account
5. Masjids can participate in elections. Except for endorsing specific candidates or parties, they are legally allowed to do things like hold voter registration drives, among other things
6. Don't slow down your voter registration drives as we near deadlines. Instead, work hard to increase your efforts and awareness about the need and urgency to vote in your Muslim community
7. Hire college students for evening and weekend registration drives. Remember that in most states, voter registration closes 30 days before the election, which puts it at early October this year. But double-check your state’s policies in this regard
8. We recommend that president of the center or the Imam of the Masjid lead a committee for voter registration not only in the Masjid, but around the Masjid neighborhood as well
9. If you are an Imam or a Khateeb, using the talking and thinking points above to give a Khutba about the importance of voting
10. If there is still time, try to get your Islamic center to become a polling place
PS: See if some of you can become election officers .
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