From the Blog

Democratic Participation and the Balance Between Spiritual and Material Life

The modern world has seen the rise of the nation state and the widespread acceptance of various forms of democracy. The success and proliferation of democracy depends on many different aspects. Amongst these are the importance of the education of citizens and their role in public life. Clearly, no democracy can be successful and representative as long as large portions of the population are marginalized because of educational, social, or economic inequalities. It is also the case that if people are not actually participating in this form of government then those who do not deserve power will obtain it.

For the believer democracy poses a set of obligations that must be adhered to. The person must know their faith to a sufficient level that enables them to engage their society and solve its problems. This requires a certain level of self-education that cannot be ignored in any democratic society. They must also commit themselves to continuous and tireless engagement in the reform of the society they live in. This in itself is a core of democratic participation. This tireless commitment is not easy and requires a certain level of struggle and spiritual readiness.

A person who is driven by the conviction of their belief in something greater than themself will be able to withstand the constant struggle of true political involvement.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and all the Prophets and Messengers) once said, “You will enjoin the good and forbid the evil, and if you do not, then God will place the bad amongst you in a position of leadership over you and then the prayers of the good amongst you will not be answered.”

This narration is a clear call towards social participation. On its basis anyone who believes in something can learn that if they do not put their effort forth in promoting that which they believe is best then others will put their effort in and succeed. At that point prayers will only do so much as the person did not do what they were supposed to do before the prayers. Another lesson can be taken from this, which is the balance between spiritual and material life. Many times it is argued against people of faith that they just believe in something beyond themselves and therefore do not work in the affairs of this world as they should. This is incorrect understanding of faith. Faith requires one to work for that which they believe in, knowing at all times that no matter how hard they work, God is in control of the results. This knowledge, however, does not deter them from working their hardest because that is what their Lord has requested of them.

And say, “Do [as you will], for Allah will see your deeds, and [so, will] His Messenger and the believers. And you will be returned to the Knower of the unseen and the witnessed, and He will inform you of what you used to do.”