When Muslims live in a democratic country like Australia, actively participating in state and federal elections is essential to ensuring their voices are heard and their interests represented.
It’s the only path to strive for our ideals in our struggle to uphold justice without favouritism, equal rights for all citizens, human rights without discrimination, and equal rights before the law.
These are achievable by electing candidates who will fight for these rights in the parliament.
I, therefore, appeal to both AFIC and ANIC to jointly invite all political parties for their representatives to speak at their forum clarifying their positions on issues that matter to Muslims.
Once the talks are delivered, AFIC and ANIC should jointly recommend to Muslim voters which party to prefer and why.
The list of issues should include a balance of domestic and foreign policy matters.
- Do you recognise Islamophobia is a serious issue in the world? In Australia?
- If your party comes to power, how would it address Islamophobia in Australia?
- We witness far-right violence increases against Muslims whenever there is war in the Middle East. Masjids and women specifically, are common targets. What measures would you take to address such extremism and violence?
- Many Muslims believe that Liberal party leaders’ rhetoric and far-right violence against Muslims will intensify when the Liberal Coalition is in power. Why should there be any bias in the treatment of fellow Australians in our policy?
- There is a perception in our community that the Labour Party is drifting towards politics of the right-wing on inter-communal matters (i.e. violence against Muslims matters less than violence against other Australians). What is your opinion?
- What is your position on the 2-state solution to the Palestine problem?
- What is your position on the mass expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza or the West Bank for that matter?
- Would you condemn unconditionally any further expansion of Israel into Palestinian or Arab territories?
- What is your stance on the indictment of the Israeli PM by the Int’l Court in Hague?
- As the cold war among superpowers worsens, where does your party stand?
- Inflation, rising house prices, and rent are major concerns for many Australians. How do you plan to address these issues?
Should both AFIC & ANIC be reluctant to carry out this proposal, then I would appeal to Muslim Votes Matter initiators to do so.
Our strength lies in our united ideals and struggles under the leadership of democratic and open-minded leaders. Living a disorganised life as a community is un-Islamic.
The Messenger of Allah (s) said, “When three persons set out on a journey, they should appoint one of them as their leader.”
This prophetic saying teaches us that if it’s important to have a leader when going out for a mission even if only as three people, then undoubtedly, it’s more unIslamic to live a disorganized life as a community without leadership.
A leader should be chosen based on their knowledge, experience and reliability so that they can guide the masses safely and effectively.
The appointed leader should also be respected by all members of a group for their authority and decision-making abilities. By appointing a leader, everyone in the group will have an understanding of who is responsible for making decisions.
Furthermore, this prophetic saying encourages us to respect those who are placed in positions of authority over us, even if we do not agree with them or their decisions at times.
In Islam, living an organised life as a community is imperative for the well-being of the community and to ensure its guidance and betterment.
Leadership plays a crucial role in fostering unity, brotherhood, and cooperation within the Muslim community, contributing to a prosperous and thriving society.
The concept of Shura (consultation) emphasises the importance of leaders seeking input and making decisions in a collaborative manner, ensuring the community’s voice is heard.
Leaders have a responsibility to protect the community from harm, injustice, and oppression, ensuring safety and security for all.
Islamic leadership is about striving to establish a just and righteous society, where the well-being of humanity is prioritized.
Living under the leadership of an organisation that sincerely works for the ummah is paramount. This is because one of the biggest problems and misfortunes of the Muslim ummah is disunity.
Disunity is mainly to blame for the current low social, economic, and political standing of the Muslim ummah.
The Quran says:
“And adhere to the unity of the ummah (for it is the rope of Allah that He has enjoined us to hold fast to), and be not divided among yourselves.” ( Quran 3:103)
“Do not be like those, who after clear signs had come to them (all evidence of the truth had come to them), that they disputed and were divided among themselves. They will have a great punishment waiting for them.” (Quran 3:105)
Today, it is not possible for any individual or isolated Islamic group to independently overcome the problems of the Muslim ummah.
To unite the Muslim ummah, the right spirit and practice of living in a Jamaah (in a united body) should be promoted. Remember, ‘Organised evil will always triumph over disorganised righteousness.’ Let’s avoid the clutter and stay organised!
There can be no Islam without power. Islam requires a strong political or social authority. That power is essential for the practice and propagation of the faith, truth, and justice.
Power is a tool that Muslims can use to defend their principles and moral obligations.
May we all come out for the upcoming federal elections this time united in our choice placing the interest of the community above that of the individual under the guidance and direction of the leaders accepted by the majority.
There is no Islam without unity, no unity without leadership, and no leadership without obedience.
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