August 8, 2008

As the country enters the last 90 days before the general election, more Americans are registering to vote and are eagerly participating in civic and political life. Some within the Muslim American community, however, think that their religion prohibits them from voting. In fact, the most effective way for Muslim Americans to share their values, the values of Islam, is through participation in American democracy in accordance to the guiding principles of our religion.

As Muslims, we believe that the message of Islam is sent as guidance to humankind for the betterment of life everywhere. American civil society is a dynamic institution shaped by the participation of its members. As Muslims, the Quran encourages us to engage with any project that seeks to do good. In America this project is society, which can be improved by our participation within it.

Prophet Muhammad himself participated in an alliance held by the chiefs of the tribes to ensure justice in society, saying "If I am invited to be part of such a treaty, I will join." It is a duty upon us, then, to follow in the footsteps of the Prophet and participate in society in order to create better policies for our nation.

According to the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad, the only way to make the values of Islam beneficial and relevant is to have a voice within pluralistic democratic society, and to stand for our Islamic beliefs as well as the principle of justice. We must concern ourselves with each candidate's plan for economic reform, accessible health care, foreign policy, alternative energy, as well as the various other substantive issues that affect not only the Muslim American community, but all Americans. We cannot not sit idly by and let others make the decisions that concern all of us.

As Muslims, we must strive to model our lives on the teachings of the Quran and the life of the Prophet, which advocate for active participation, not isolation, in society. We, as Muslim Americans, believe that making our voice heard is a duty upon us, and in a democracy that voice becomes audible primarily by voting. Voting is not just allowed by Islam, it is mandated by it.