Question: A question was asked concerning voting and if voting should be done if it would bring forth some benefit or take away some harm, or give the Muslims more power. And the Shaykh ibn 'Uthaymeen, when he was here he deemed it permissible but some people still deem it haraam. What is the just saying on this?


Answer: The Shaykh said that he answered this a few years back, either in the Haram or on the program call Noor 'alad-Darb. He said that the Muslim should do that which would bring benefit to Islaam and the Muslims, and it is known that no benefit can come about through disobedience of Allaah and His Messenger. Where there is no ruling concerning a matter, in the book or the Sunnah, and this action would bring forth some type of benefit to Islaam, then it can be done. As such, voting for a man who might bring to the Muslims something better than which they have, or keep away from them harm that is upon them, or he is better in comparison with his opponent; then there is no problem with voting for that man.

The Muslims should make ijtihaad i.e. a great effort in finding out what is best for them and most beneficial. They may get it or they may not, but they would have tried based upon hope that they would have done this good and brought benefit to Islaam and there is no haraam in that. In some lands the number of Muslims is great and if they work together they would have a good effect in choosing. For instance, if there are ten million (10,000,000) Muslims and they vote for a man they see is not taken by desires, swung left and right, but he is truthful and returns the favour, then there is no problem in choosing such a man.



Answered by: Shaykh Saalih al-Luhaydaan

Title of Lecture: Obligation of Muslims in Ramadaan

Date of the Lecture: October 16, 2004

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