umm Abdillah, Radio Islam Programming – 2014.04.16
As we gear up for the 2014 South African general elections on 7 May to elect a new National Assembly as well as new provincial legislatures, Moulana Zunaid Jassat reminds us of the end objectives of leadership and governance.
Any talk of elections, especially democratic elections draws attention and focus toward leadership, governance and its different models. If we look at our first model, that of our Nabi (S) and the four Khulafa Rashidun (rad) after Nabi Muhammad (S), we’ll find they were inspired by Wahi, by Allah. This forms the basis of our shariah today and is applicable till the day of Qiyamah.
Subsequently, Amirs or leaders, be they Amir Muaawiyah (rad) or Amir Umar bin Abdul Aziz (ra) were elected on the basis of piety. Their understanding of leadership was to best serve Deen and then their communities.
Look at the examples of Umar ‘bin Abdul Aziz (r) who was called the 5th Caliph. Imaam Ahmad (ra) called him the Mujaddid of the Century who came to revive the Deen, and he is the only one throughout the course of Islamic history to whom this title has been universally accepted.
It has been mentioned that no sooner than Sulayman ibn Abdel-Malik was buried, Umar bin Abdul Aziz heard a clanging noise and inquired its source. He was told they were the horse-carts used especially for the Caliphs. He said: “Take them away and bring me my own animal which I normally ride. I am just a man among the Muslims.” He proceeded till he reached the mosque, ascended the mimbar and said:
“O people there is no (Divine) Book after the Qur’an and there is no prophet after Muhammad (S). I swear by Allah that I am not a judge; however, I carry out what I was ordered to do. I am no innovator; however, I am a follower. I am no better than any one of you, but I am the one who is carrying the heaviest load amongst you; and I was inflicted with this without my opinion being taken in this matter; and without me asking for it; and without being consulted. I have decided to release you from the allegiance you have given me; so pick for yourself someone other than me.” People then resounded in one voice: “We choose you O Amir of the Believers.” He then said: “O people, whoever obeys Allah Ta‘ala then it is an obligation to obey him, and whoever disobeys Him, then he is not to be obeyed. So obey me as long as I obey Allah – and if I would disobey Him then you are not obligated to obey me.”
Al-Laith (ra) narrated: "When Umar bin Abdul Aziz became Caliph he started with himself and family and then the people of his household and he took their extra possessions and counted their wealth as mazhaalim (acts of injustices that needed to be restored). He moved out of the palace and built a small house with two rooms. He freed his slaves and returned any wealth and property that he had attained due to privileges to the Bait Al-Maal."
Umar Ibn 'Abdul 'Aziz (r) understood the true meaning of being a politician. He understood that politics meant taking care of the affairs of his people. This responsibility is what made him cry for hours on end and restrict himself to the simplest life that was filled with remembrance of Allah, death and the Hereafter. He went to these great personal lengths so that he would be able to undertake the heavy burdens that his responsibilities demanded. He didn't want Shaytaan to find any way in to tempt him. This signifies an approach that all those who have taken on great responsibilities should seek, especially leadership posts.
As for seeking leadership positions and wanting to become involved in politics let us look at the example of Yusuf (AS) when he told the emperor of Egypt: "Now that you have faith in me oh king, entrust me with the granaries and the storehouses of the land and with the treasuries of the realm. You shall find me trustworthy and capable of guarding the interests of the kingdom and knowing how to manage and administer affairs astutely."
Yusuf (AS) knew that he would be able to discern the rightful recipients of the grain most justly, compared to others.
We can look at another example in Abdullah ibn Zubair (rad). He never sought the post of leadership, but he stayed in Makkah, holding on to governance to save his people from tyranny.
As for us, sometimes we have to determine what will allow us to continue enjoying the privileges and security we have in this land and make a decision to vote and involve ourselves on that basis, per the dictates of the times. There is no global Caliphate today, no Jihad to wage that will set aright affairs, as was done in the distant past, neither is this type of talk a good reflection of the contract of peace we have with our people, in our country. Via an informed vote we make a decision as to who or what will allow us to live as free, beneficial and practicing Muslims.
Radio Islam: Educating, Empowering, Mobilising.
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