The importance of political leadership in Islam, particular in Shiaism: In the name of Allah, the most Merciful, the most Beneficent After the successful separation of church of state in the Christian world, there is an increased focus on demanding a similar separation from the Muslims as well. What is the role of politics in Islam? Should those wearing an Ammama risk their well-being and/or visa status and provide political leadership as well? Should the clergy focus on providing answers for the purification of the soul at an individual level but avoid giving an Islamic perspective on political issues? There is no denying that there are some key differences of opinions on this issue and there is a need for a civilized discourse and sharing of information so that individuals can make an informed choice. For the last 1,400 years, any religious leader amongst the Shia Muslims who tried to present the perspective that Islam provides prescriptive guidance for political matters and that the heir to the Imam (ATFS) must be the political leader as well, was prosecuted and martyred by the governments. There is a reason why a great Marjae-e-Taqleed like Ayatullah Baqir-us-Sadr was brutally tortured and martyred by Saddam Hussein, why Ayatullah Sadiq-us-Sadr was martyred after his political sermon in Masjid-e-Kufa, why Sayyed Abbas Al- Musawi, one of the founders of Hizbollah, was martyred by israael, why Imam Musa-as-Sadr was kidnapped, why Syed Arif Hussein Al-Husseini was martyred by Sipah-e-Yazid in Pakistan, why Ayatullah Murtada Mutahari and Ayatullah Baheshti were martyred in Iran, why the sons of Ayatullah Khomeini (RA) and Syed Hasan Nasarullah were martyred while the families of many others were left untouched. It is because these individuals along with many other great Ulema throughout the history strongly believed in politics being an important component of the religion. When we study the Quran, we find that Prophet Ibrahim (AS) took a political stance against the Nimrood and Prophet Moosa (AS) led a political movement against the Phiroon. When we study the history, we find that Prophet Mohammad (SAW) was a political leader of the Ummah and appointed Imam Ali (AS) as the political successor at Ghadeer-e-Khum. We find that Imam Ali (AS) was not given his right for 25 years but did became a political leader after the third caliph, we observe that after him Imam Hasan (AS) followed suit. We believe that it was Imam Hussein (AS) who had the right to be the caliph at his time and it was due to the betrayal by the Ummah that he was denied his rights and martyred on the plains of Karbala. It is not accurate to deduce that Imam Zain-ul-abideen (AS) or Imam Jaffer As-Sadiq (AS) did not believe on participating in politics. Imam Jaffer’s famous incident about the lack of obedience of the Muslims, where he showed to the one claiming allegiance how the true follower was willing to walk in an oven, shows that the reason he did not launch a political revolution was only due to the lack of committed followers. Finally, there is no difference of opinion between the Shia jurists that when Imam Mahdi (ATFS) returns from occultation he will establish an Islamic government which will span the globe. The books are full of Ahadiths about him fighting against oppressors on behalf of the oppressed, establishing an Islamic government and being the political leader of the world. When the Takfiris, backed and supported by hundreds of millions of dollars from United States and its allies, attacked the shrine of Syeda Zainab (AS) in Damascus, three groups launched an effective resistance against them. The fighters primarily included the Sipah-e-Pasdaran (Iranian revolutionary guards), Hizbollah and followers of Ayatullah Baqir-us-Sadr. Hundreds of these young soldiers were martyred while defending the shrine (shiatv.net/view_video.php?viewkey=2e4c6c2c11f8451c2f28) . While we recite the Ziarat e Ashura for Thawab only, the graveyards in Iran, Iraq and Lebanon have fresh graves with pictures of these young men acting on “Inni Silmun Laymun Salamakum, Wa Harbun Laymun Harabakum”. These individuals share the philosophy of Imam Khomeini (RA) who said: “When anyone studies a little or pays a little attention to the rules of Islamic government, Islamic politics, Islamic society and Islamic economy he will realize that Islam is a very political religion. Anyone who will say that religion is separate from politics is a fool; he does not know Islam or politics.“ (shiatv.net/view_video.php?viewkey=733c6eb12f5104b0bb4c) When the British took over Iraq and the commander of the British was visiting the occupied territory he heard the Azan and noticed individuals rushing towards the mosques. He became extremely worried but his Iraqi aide assured him that the Salaat poses no threat to the British; upon receiving this assurance, he said the famous sentences that in that case the British would like to sponsor the building of additional mosques. We see a very similar philosophy in North America and Europe today where the mosques propagating a vegetarian and subservient version of Islam have a great relationship with those elements within the governments that have an openly anti-Muslim and pro-Zionist stance otherwise. Islam is a way of life; it provides guidance for all aspects of life. Everything from how to be kind and tolerant towards non-Muslims to prohibition of violence against civilians, to treating your children and family members with love, to the rules of transactions, even detailed instructions on how to use the washroom. How is it possible that it would not have anything to say on a matter that has a profound impact on the society? How is it possible that an Islam that provides detailed guidance on how to remove a drop of blood from your shirt would have no advice about your duty when the blood of millions of innocent humans is being spilled? Finally, as we discuss the role of Islam and Ulema in politics, it is important not to let the civil discourse destroy our unity through name-calling. I firmly believe that politics is an important part of Islam and that Ulema must provide political leadership as well, however, my Shia Muslim brother who does not believe on this concept is my brother in the Wilayat of Imam Ali (AS) and my Sunni Muslim brother is my brother as a follower of Prophet Mohammad (SAW). I respect Christian and Jews as followers of monotheism and I respect all human beings as my equal in creation. I detest oppressors and following the last will of Imam Ali (AS), they are my enemy and I wish to be raised on the day of judgement as a helper of the oppressed. I truly believe that the critical issue discussed in this article cannot be decided at the level of a group, mosque or an organization. Individuals who seek the answers with sincerity will Insha Allah reach the right conclusions. There is enough light for those who wish to see. (Mohammed Akif blog)
Posted on: Sat, 08 Mar 2014 02:31:51 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015