Politics

We heard that one needs to be an expert in lying in order to be a politician. If this is true, it means that a good Muslim cannot engage in politics nor can he be a good politician. As much as we know, there is no religion that authorises lying. This means that a man who has faith cannot be a good politician.

And yet, politics is being practised everywhere at all levels. Does this mean that the world is under the influence of liars and lies? All this is happening because people are using it wrongly. Otherwise, politics actually means the art of governing. It is something essential in society. There must be a person to take this responsibility in order to have social justice and for the society not to live in anarchy. It is something of great nobility and merit for those who can do it correctly and appropriately. In a Hadith found in Saheeh Bukhari, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) said:

"There are seven categories of people who will be under the shade of Allah Ta’ala on the day when there will be no other shade besides His shade: Firstly, a leader (of state) who is 'Aadil (just) ... "

Three things are required in order to be "a just leader":

1. Knowledge,

2. Honesty,

3. Willpower and courage.

Knowledge will guide him as to what he must do. Honesty will prevent him from acting against his knowledge. Willpower and courage will make him apply his knowledge.

For example, a leader knows that the existence of a casino is cancerous and harmful to the health of a society. His honesty prevents him from declaring the contrary. And he has the courage to prevent casinos from operating even if it renders him unpopular. It is such a leader who is just and who can do something in order to set right the society. On the other hand, if a leader governs according to the tendency of people, he will not be able to do anything besides supporting the nation in all kinds of evils. He will legalise homosexuality and ban polygamy. He will authorise open indecency and prevent women from wearing Hijab. All this is done merely to maintain his power. Nowadays, people are concerned only about what is in their own personal interest. If they see their interest in giving something that they had snatched yesterday and vice versa, they will do it openly. This is what makes the vice of yesterday become the virtue of today and vice versa. This means that there is no principle. The main goal is to be the head of the country and to be in power. This goal authorises and legalises everything.

Politics has become analogous to anything that is insignificant. That is why people use the term "politics" in an insignificant sense when they say "Don't do politics here."

[English version of "La politique" – Al Jamiat – Vol.2 No.15]