Palestine Atrocities and the Muslim Duty
The Heartbreaking Reality
almost a year, we have witnessed the heartbreaking Palestine atrocities, where innocent lives are lost, and sacred places are desecrated. Mothers weep over the bodies of their children, and children live in fear as they see mosques destroyed and the honor of our Prophet insulted. These violent and painful events weigh heavily on the global Muslim community, calling us to reflect on our duty in response to such oppression. Amid this, the 2024 elections bring another question for Muslims: is voting permissible when a system supports such atrocities?
The Question of Voting in 2024
while the atmosphere of the 2024 elections is being established, even though we all know that the Israeli army cannot carry out these acts alone without the support of a country like America. Biden’s administration is supporting Israel with the help of our tax dollars. In this situation, as Muslims, whether we should vote or not is a matter of debate. If we decide to vote, there are two opinions within the Muslim community regarding this issue. I will present both viewpoints, and the decision is ultimately up to you which opinion you prefer
Opinion One: Voting is Permissible
One opinion is that if the votes of Muslims are not significant enough to impact the outcome of the election, they can vote for a disbeliever who may help them, address their issues, and work in their favor. However, if there is no candidate who genuinely cares for Muslims and all the leaders display hatred and try to harm them, then one can vote for the candidate who will cause the least harm to Muslims, with the intention that this vote is being cast to protect Muslims from greater harm. Keep in mind that this is not supporting disbelief (kufr); rather, it is about protecting Muslims from harm. Otherwise, supporting disbelief in any form is not permissible.
Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:42)
“They are listeners to falsehood, devourers of unlawful gain. So if they come to you, either judge between them or turn away from them. And if you turn away from them, they will not harm you at all. And if you judge, judge between them with justice. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.”
Opinion Two: Voting is Not Permissible
The second opinion is that in this political situation, where the atrocities in Palestine are ongoing, Muslim children are dying of hunger, schools and hospitals are being destroyed, and many families are homeless when they should have had a roof over their heads, there is no money for the social welfare of Muslims. On the other hand, there is ample money to commit genocide and annihilate an entire nation.
On one side, we have Joe Biden, who is involved in this bloodshed, and on the other side, we have Donald Trump, who is determined to continue this violence, and whose presidency we are well aware of, knowing the dangers the nation will face under his leadership. The reality is that every party is willing to bow down to the oppressive state. Therefore, every individual who supports evil or is determined to continue it must be rejected. By voting for such a person, we must not stain our hands with blood under any circumstances.
Surah An-Nahl (16:90)
“Indeed, Allah commands justice, good conduct, and giving to relatives, and forbids immorality, bad conduct, and oppression. He instructs you that perhaps you will be reminded.”
