For those who voted...

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For those who voted...
Arsalan
11/07/00 at 14:56:10
In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful

CAIR ACTION ALERT #275

MUSLIM VOTER EXIT POLL
Muslims urged to show how they voted November 7

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 11/7/2000) As-salaamu alaykum. It is very important
that all Muslim voters take a minute to fill out the following voter
exit poll. This information will show how Muslims voted and whether or
not they voted in a bloc. It will help in putting Muslims on the
political map.

Forward this poll to your personal e-mail list so that we may have as
diverse a sample as possible. Copy and distribute it in community
centers, mosques and Islamic centers. Mosques can and should set up a
table so that worshippers may fill out the survey. Please send
completed surveys to CAIR by the end of the business day on FRIDAY,
NOVEMBER 10.

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUESTED
Fill out the survey below and RETURN IMMEDIATELY TO:
E-Mail: cair1@ix.netcom.com  Fax: 202-488-0833
Mail: CAIR, Attn: Exit Poll, 453 New Jersey Ave., S.E., Washington,
D.C. 20003

1) I voted for:
___ Buchanan/Foster ___ Bush/Cheney ___ Gore/Lieberman ___ Nader/LaDuke
___ Other

2) I heard about the endorsement of candidates by local or national
Muslim community groups. ___ Yes ___ No

3) That endorsement influenced my decision in the following way:
___ It was the major factor ___ It was one of several factors
___ It was not a factor

4) This is the first time I have voted. ___ Yes ___ No

5) My ethnic heritage is:
___ African-American ___ Arabic speaking world ___ South Asian (India,
Pakistan, Bangladesh, etc.)___ East Asian (Malaysia, Indonesia, etc.)
___ Sub Saharan/East or West Africa (Tanzania, Nigeria, Kenya,
Ethiopia, Somalia, etc.) ___ Central Asia (Uzbekistan, Afghanistan,
etc.) ___ European-American ___ Hispanic/Latino ___ Other (specify)
_________________

6) I am: ___ Male ___ Female

7) I belong to the following age group: ___ 18-24 ___ 25-39 ___ 40-55
___ 56-64 ___ 65 or older

8) I live in the following state: ______________________________

-----

CAIR Action Alert
Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)
453 New Jersey Avenue, S.E., Washington, D.C., 20003
Tel: 202-488-8787 Fax: 202-488-0833
E-mail: cair1@ix.netcom.com URL: http://www.cair-net.org
NS
Re: For those who voted...
humble_muslim
11/07/00 at 17:22:12
Not to be a pessimist, but...

I have a prediction. No matter who wins the election today, in four years time there will have been no benefit to muslims either living in the USA or those in their homelands.  At that time, the muslims in the USA will see that all their time, energy, money, resources and effort were all for waste.  And what will the muslims do about it?  Of course ... spend more time, energy, money and resources for the 2004 election!!!
Re: For those who voted...
se7en
11/07/00 at 17:38:22
[quote]Not to be a pessimist, but...

I have a prediction. No matter who wins the election today, in four years time there will have been no benefit to muslims either living in the USA or those in their homelands.  At that time, the muslims in the USA will see that all their time, energy, money, resources and effort were all for waste.  And what will the muslims do about it?  Of course ... spend more time, energy, money and resources for the 2004 election!!!
[/quote]

Yeah, the Jews tried to get together and look how little it did for them...




Re: For those who voted...
humble_muslim
11/07/00 at 18:38:25
According to the Quran, the jews and the christians are both kuffar.  So it is to be expected that the kuffar help each other.  We are muslims, and we expect the kuffar to help us ???
The Significance of Voting
bhaloo
11/07/00 at 19:00:27
slm




The Significance of Voting in the Light of the Sharī'āh


The Significance of Voting in the Light of the Sharī'āh


The elections should not be considered lightly, as merely a game or a worldly pursuit
wherein someone wins and someone loses. It should not be perceived as being a
victory or loss in terms of worldly, and material gain alone. Beneath all this machinery
and mechanism of the voting and electoral process there is also the spiritual aspect of
either abiding by or transgressing the Divine Laws of Shari'āh.

In the light of Shari’āh, casting of votes bears the hallmark of very important
responsibilities viz.:



1. Voting as a form of testimony (Giving Shahadah):

Firstly, voting is a testimonial. By voting for a certain candidate or party, the voters are
indirectly, testifying to the credibility, of that candidate or party. We, as voters, would
be certifying that the party, in whose favour you are casting our votes is capable of
delivering the goods in as far as Islāmic values and ideas are concerned. That party
will endeavour and fight for the preservation and survival of our Islāmic Beliefs, Laws,
Norms and Values. It will not interfere with our Beliefs and Places of Worship. It will
give us the freedom and right to implement rulings and judgements in religions issues
in accordance with the Muslim Personal Law. It will uphold Islāmic values such as
eradicating oppression and fostering good character, peace and harmony among the
people.



2. Choosing "Lesser of two calamities" if confronted with a choice:

We are in a unique situation where all the parties are non-Islāmic and secular parties
will not be able to guarantee all our Islāmic requirements and demands in their
entirety. It would be naive to expect that perhaps some party will oblige by
guaranteeing most of them in which case the voter could then opt for a decision less
detrimental to Deen. Rasulullah sallallahu alaihi wasallam has said: "He who is
confronted with two crucial decisions should opt for the decision that is less
detrimental." [Kashful khina Lil Ajlooni vol... 2, 322 and Asrārul Marfooāh, Mulla Ali
Qari 323].



3. Voting for a party less capable of fulfilling the rights of Muslims is a breach of trust
(Amanah):

Since seeing that voting is a testimony (giving shahadah) and being aware that a
particular party will be more willing to fulfil our Islāmic rights, not to vote for this party
will be tantamount to transgression and breach of trust in the eyes of Shari’ah. Voting
for a party that is less sympathetic to the Islāmic cause would not only mean giving
false evidence (which is a sin), but it could also mean becoming an instrument and tool
of ensuing havoc and corruption caused by that party in as far as the complete
disregard of Islāmic values and ideas is concerned.



4. Voting and bribery (Rishwah):

One should also take cognisance of the fact that it has virtually become a norm of the
elections albeit a corrupted norm that ill order to woo voters, parties tend to offer
bribes in exchange for votes. Such bribes should be, rejected with the contempt they
deserves. Voting should be based on total integrity and sincerity wherein priority
should be given to upholding the torch of Islām. The honour and dignity of the Muslims
should be maintained at all times. The Deenul Islām entrusted to us by Allāh Ta'āla as
a should be viewed not only as a boon but also as an awesome responsibility; hence
extreme caution and diligence should be exercised in keeping its prestige aloft. One
cannot surrender one’s Islāmic ethics for the sake of pittance of the Dunya. Rasulullah
sallallah alaihi wasallam has warned us in a Hadith that a time will come when a
Muslim will sell his Deen for a few coppers. Hence, if a Muslim exercises his right of
voting, he should do so keeping the consequences of the it as something to be done
impromptu merely because it is a custom of the times or because ulterior motives can
be achieved thereby.



5. Voting as a form of intercession (Shafa’at):

Another aspect attached to voting is that it is a form of intercession. In other words the
voter intercedes for a certain party to come into a position where it wields its power to
acquire religious and other basic rights for the masses. Regarding intercession the
Qur’ān declares: "Whosoever intercedes with good intercession, his shall be portion
therefrom and whosoever intercedes an ill intercession his shall bear a responsibility
thereof." (Al-Qur'ān 4:85)

The ideal intercession in an electoral process would be to intercede on behalf of the
party deemed most likely to safeguard Islāmic rights in particular and human rights in
general. Incorrect and misleading intercession would mean voting and interceding for
a party, that would be unsympathetic to the tenets and requirements of Islām. For
instance, it would not be permissible to vote for a party that shows complete
indifference to Islāmic Personal Law or/and clings to the now medieval policy of
discrimination on the basis of colour and race as such policies and doctrines are in
total conflict with Islāmic teachings. Interceding for such a party would mean becoming
a tool of oppression and injustice.



6. Voting must not be an aid to injustice:

Allāh Ta’āla says in the Qur’an:

"And assist one another in acts of righteousness and piety and do not assist one
another in acts of transgression and sin." (Al-Qur'ān 5:2) "I do not wish to be an aid to
the wrongdoers." (Al-Qur'ān28:17).

Commenting on the latter verse Allamah Qurtabi rahmatullahi alaihi writes in his
tafseer: "Atā rahmtullahi alaihi has said regarding this verse that it is not permissible
to render any assistance to a tyrant and an oppresssor." Allamah Qurtabi rahmatullahi
alaihi further goes on to quote a Hadith in which Rasulullah sallallahu alaihi wasallam
has said: "Whosoever walks with an oppressed person in order to assist him in
promoting evil, Allāh Ta'āla will cause his feet to falter on the Day when other feet will
also falter." After quoting this Hadith Allamah Qurtabi rahmatullahi alaihi sums up:
"Merely, walking (or talking and negotiating for that matter) with an oppressor is not in
itself a crime and sin (especially when the motive is to steer the oppressor away from
acts of oppression) but it becomes a sin when one begins to assist him in spreading
oppression and tyranny because this constitutes a flagrant violation." Tafsīr-e-Qurtabi,
Vol 7. 4979).

In a Hadith Rasulullah sallallahu alaihi wasallam has sounded a grave warning with
regard to oppression: "Whoever oppresses his brother (in this Dunya), whether it be in
the form of usurping someone's wealth or in any other manner, he should compensate
and make up for that before a Day comes (the Day Qiyamah) when there will be no
Dirham or Dinār [money] at his disposal with which to redeem himself. Mere
compensation will materialise in the form of righteous deeds being taken from the
oppressor (in proportion to the injustice perpetrated) and given. If perchance the
oppressor has no good deeds to his credit, then the oppressed person's sins will be
taken and thrown onto the oppressor." (Sahih Bukhari: Mishkāt p. 435)



7. Voting as a form of representation:

Voting is also attached to the principle of representation voting for a certain party, one
is in essence appointing that party as a representative for one's Islāmic and human
rights. Here too, extreme caution has to be exercised. Only that party should be
considered eligible for representation that can strive for the implementation of our
Islāmic rights. Incorrect representation will ultimately lead to corruption and depravity
and will not merely be confined to individuals, but will have a broader effect on the
Muslim community as a whole.



8. Voting as a form of consultation(Mashwarah):

Shura means to give counsel. Thus a prospective voter is offering his suggestion as to
who, in his opinion is the most entitled to receive the vote.

Our choice is limited to secular non-Islāmic parties, the argument comes to mind that
by voting for one of these parties, one would not only be participating in non-Islāmic
politics, but it will also be befriending non-Muslims on their political platform. In this
regard the Qur'ānic injunctions indicate that it is not permissible to build ties of
friendship with the non-Muslims. For instance, one verse states: "O you who believe!
Do not take unto yourselves the infidels as friends, while leaving aside the Believers."
(Al-Qur'ān 4:44)

In another verse Allāh Ta'āla states: "O you who believe! Do not take unto yourselves,
mine and your enemies as friends." (Al-Qur'ān 60).

But together with these verses, we should also consider another verse wherein
befriending the non-Muslims under certain conditions and circumstances seem to be
sanctioned. Allāh Ta'āla says: "Let not the believers take unto themselves the infidels
as friends while leaving aside the Believer. And whosoever does that then he is not in
respect of Allāh in ought unless indeed you fear from them a danger." (Al-Qur'ān 3:28)


According to the rules outlined by the Ulama, an exemption that follows a prohibited
act is such that although it may not indicate obligation of that act in the exempted
situation, it will denote its permissibility. Hence, the above verse alludes that under
certain conditions and circumstances, if expediency requires befriending the non-
Muslims, it should be permissible.

Such circumstances could include the situation where we fear that our religious rights
will not be fully preserved and upheld unless we align ourselves with a movement
albeit a non-Muslim movement, that will strive to protect and secure our religious
rights. In other words, as long as our friendship with the non-Muslim is curtailed to
necessity, and expediency and does not blossom to a bosom relationship whereby we
become inclined to their warped (religious) ideals and place our Imān into jeopardy
(may Allāh forbid!), it would be permissible to befriend and enlist their assistance in
realising our religious goals. In short, our friendship with them or voting for them will
not be on the basis of their Christian, Jewish or Communist backgrounds. It will not be
on the basis of showing approval for their twisted ideologies but only on the basis that
we may secure our rights and possibly show them through a practical example the
beauty of Islām and its characteristic teachings. This is also a way of extending an
invitation towards Islām, the true religion.

Hence, commenting on the above verse Allamah Qurtabi rahmatullahi alaihi writes in
his Tafsīr: "Hadrat lbne Abbās radhiallahu anhu said regarding this verse that it
expounds the permissibility of verbally aligning oneself with the non- Muslims provided
that imān remains firmly entrenched in one's heart and one does not join such
non-Muslims in promoting bloodshed and other injustices and acts of transgression.
Another exposition of this verse refers to the scenario where a Muslim resides in a
predominantly non-Muslim society that in such a situation it would be permissible to
display an affable nature and politeness when mingling with them, especially when one
fears harm to one's person and religion by remaining aloof and estranged from them."
(Tafsīr-e-Qurtabi Vol. 3, p. 1299)

Hadrat Moulana Abdul Mājid Daryabādi rahmatullahi alaihi, commenting on the same
verse writes: "Friendship implies nearness of heart and this sort of friendship with the
non-Muslims is absolutely forbidden to the Muslims. Such isolation from disintegrating
forces is imperative as a prerequisite for the solidarity of the Islāmic Community."

This, however, does not preclude affability, of manners and politeness of speech.
(Hence) real friendship is out of the question; only an alliance is permitted in times of
danger. (Tafsīr-e-Mājidi).

Imām Muslim rahmatullahi alaihi has recorded in his Sahih certain pieces of advice
that Rasulullah sallallahu alaihi wassallam gave to the Sahabah radhiallahu anhum
prior to his demise. One of those pieces of advice being:

"And show courtesy and politeness to the emissaries and delegations just as I used to
do." (Sahih Muslim Vol. 2 p. 43)

Rasulullah sallallahu alaihi wasallam used to treat the non-Muslim delegations that
came to Madina Munawwarah with kindness and hospitality, as there was the need to
bring them closer to Islām. In a similar vein today too, it would be permissible to
maintain links with the non-Muslims if it is envisaged that there will be benefit to Islām
and the Muslims.

                         
Re: For those who voted...
humble_muslim
11/08/00 at 13:17:52
And your point is ?
Re: For those who voted...
bhaloo
11/08/00 at 19:02:17
slm

The point is that unless Muslims stand united and speak out together as one voice we won't get anywhere.  Once this happens we will be taken seriously,  we will vote as a group to remove injustices.  Alhumdullilah there are organizations like CAIR and MPACC working to organize Muslims as one voice that can be heard.
Re: For those who voted...
jannah
11/08/00 at 22:46:36
I thought this was interesting from br altaf

Assalamu alaykum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh

                At the outset, let me say that this specific message is directed to
                students who are citizens of the United States. I make that distinction
                not because we are not concerned about non-citizens but rather to
                remind
                the citizens of their right and their responsibility to make a
                difference
                in this year's elections at all levels. I am not a scholar of Islam, so
                please spare me the opportunities to participate in the "to or not to"
                debates.

                First, it is our right not to follow the two-party system but to lean
                as
                much as possible towards voting for those candidates who are most
                willing
                to support Muslim issues and concerns. Politicians may say whatever
                they
                can to win our support. And it is true that many may not keep their
                promises, but as we gain more ground, we will wield tremendous
                influence
                as to who gets re-elected and who gets booted out of office. So forget
                trying to claim membership to one or the other party for now. Rather,
                learn about the voting records of candidates on issues that make a
                difference in your neighborhood. After all, it is our right not only to
                vote but to make our support of the candidates conditional based on how
                Islam-friendly they are on issues that matter to us!

                Second, it is our responsibility to vote as a bloc. Remember, the
                Muslim
                analysts have already done their homework and determined that if
                Muslims
                vote according to strict party lines, our presence will scarcely be
                felt.
                However, in several swing states, voting as a bloc will allow us to
                send a
                clear signal to politicians that they will have to consider the
                "Islam-factor" if they ever want take the oath of office. Regardless of
                who wins, you can be sure that analysts will be talking about us as the
                newest force in the American socio-political landscape. We are not
                striving for recognition as if it is some honor; no our honor is in
                being
                the servants of Allah (swt) and propogating His word throughout this
                land!

                Whoever becomes the next president of the US, one thing is for sure: If
                we
                continue in our duty to guard Allah (swt), then neither can the US
                benefit
                or harm Muslims with anything other than what Allah (swt) has already
                pre-determined! So, when I urge all of us to make du'a to Allah (swt),
                I
                do it with the conviction that our ultimate sustenance, our protection,
                our setbacks and our progress are only due to the will of Allah (swt)
                and
                His will Alone! There is no power or strength except Allah, He alone do
                we
                worship and His assistance alone do we seek! Ameen.

                your brother in islam,
                altaf husain

                ps. a gentle reminder again that I would defer the justification of
                whether "to or not to" to Islamic scholars. May Allah (swt) guide them
                in
                their endeavors. Ameen.

Re: For those who voted...
jannah
11/08/00 at 22:48:20

                 Subject:
                        Last Minute Alert-Voting for Bush-Cheney. Latest Poll news

                                                                                               




                While the http://www.musalman.com poll continues to show that more than
                80% of those voting recommend that American Muslims should vote as a
                block for Bush-Cheney, there are those who advocate a vote for Nader
                because he is a better candidate.

                  The American Muslim vote in this election is not directed at
                selecting the best candidate but ensuring that the no holds barred campaign by
                the Israeli-American lobby is thwarted. The campaign by this lobby has
                left no stone unturned in its attempt to drag American Muslims into the
                gutter. We have even received hate mail calling Muslims "child killers
                and child molesters".

                  This hateful campaign will only suffer a loss if their choosen one is
                defeated.  By defeating Gore-Lieberman Ameicans can take charge of
                their political system and ensure that candidates who care about America
                get elected rather than those who put the interest of Israel before the
                interest of America.

                 For those who are thinking of voting for Ralph Nader I am enclosing a
                summary from Reuters regarding who is expected to win in the electoral
                college. Suggest vote for Bush in all States, but if you must vote for
                Nader, do it only in those States that appear to be in Gore's hands
                like Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts,
                Minnesota, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington.
                ---------------------
                Reuters: 11/6/2000 According to the latest Reuters story (November 6,
                2000 Bush has 235 votes of the 270 votes solid or leaning toward him
                while Gore has 207 votes. 96 votes are too close to call. There are 538
                votes in the Electoral College and 270 are needed to win. States are
                assigned to Bush or Gore based on the latest polling data from Reuters and
                other public opinion surveys. If the poll has the two candidates well
                within the statistical margin of error, that state was assigned to the
                "too close to call" column.

                 Bush leads in Alabama (9 votes), Alaska (3), Arizona (8), Colorado
                (8), Georgia (13), Idaho (4), Indiana (12), Kansas (6), Kentucky (8),
                Louisiana (9), Mississippi (7), Missouri (11), Montana (3), Nebraska (5),
                Nevada (4), New Hampshire (4), North Carolina (14), North Dakota (3),
                Ohio (21), Oklahoma (8), South Carolina (8), South Dakota (3), Tennessee
                (11), Texas (32), Utah (5), Virginia (13), Wyoming (3).

                Gore leads in California (54), Connecticut (8), District of Columbia
                (3), Hawaii (4), Illinois (22), Maryland (10), Massachusetts (12),
                Michigan (18), Minnesota (10), New Jersey (15), New York (33), Rhode Island
                (4), Vermont (3), Washington (11).

                The following states are too close to call: Arkansas (6), Delaware (3),
                Florida (25), Iowa (7), Maine (4), New Mexico (5), Oregon (7),
                Pennsylvania (23), West Virginia (5), Wisconsin (11).

                See http://news.excite.com/news/r/001106/13/news-election-electoral-dc

                For latest poll putting Gore ahead see
                http://news.excite.com/news/r/001106/18/news-election-leadall-dc

NS


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