In the upcoming European Elections here in the UK (specifically London), the so-called "Muslim Council of Britain (MCB)" have recently asserted that the Racist right wing group - the British National Party (BNP), and I quote:
quote:
...needs only five percent of the votes to win seats in the Greater London Assembly elections and around 9% of the votes to gain delegates to the European Parliament.
As stated by their Secretary-General, Iqbal Sacranie. This, according to an article in the BBC, would:
quote:
...entitle it [BNP] to public funding.
Allaahu 'alam concerning the truth behind this claim. However, here in London, MCB have made a concerted effort in encouraging the masaajid to drill home the message that Muslims must vote in order to stop the BNP gaining this foot-hold. One of the reasons forwarded for the legitimacy of the Muslims to vote in this instance is that it will stop a known evil transforming into a greater evil.
My questions are:
1. How authentic are the statistical assertions forwarded by the MCB? Do any of the students of knowledge residing here know more about this?
2. If, for arguments sake, it is true, then what is the position of the Salafi's concerning this situation? Are they allowed to vote only in this particular matter, i.e. to stop an evil transforming into a greater evil, or not? If not, then what should our explanation be to those who ask why we aren't voting when we know (if it is proven true) our lack of action would allow a known evil to escalate?
I forward this question only for sake of clarity since myself, and a few other brothers, although we know that it is impermissible to vote, in general, would like to know not only the Salafi position concerning the above situation but more importantly a clear explanation as to whether we can or cannot, which could then be communicated to others who may raise questions.
I understand this is short notice, since these elections are on the 10th of June. However, if this could be looked into and an answer given very soon, preferably from the scholars, then, insha'allaah, it would benefit many. Especially those who may have been taken in by the reasons and assertions fed to them by the MCB.
Wa jazakumullaahu khair
Wa salaam
Subhaanakallaah humma wa bi Hamdika Ashadu allaa ilaha illa ant, astaghfiruka wa atooba ilayk
this may be of help if you have not already listened to it:
http://www.spubs.com/sps/sad/mp3.cfm?scn=dl&LeID=43
i don't know much about the political parties in uk, but here in the us i remember people saying we needed to get out and vote a few years back. many wanted to vote to keep the republican party, which is widely considered to be racist, out of office. others wanted to keep the democrats out because the vice presidential candidate was jewish. each claiming a greater evil would result from it.
it all seems silly to me. but because our elections are coming up too, and there will be some "political activist" brothers and sisters out there trying to get us to vote, i would also like some brief daleel to give them when they come.
aboo husaam shaheed ibn george williams
wichita, ks usa