He Muslims of India, throughout history, have faced the challenge of adapting to a changing political landscape. From the fall of the Muslim empire to British colonial rule, efforts to restore Muslim power and governance were unsuccessful. Despite these struggles, Indian Muslims continued their fight for freedom, joining forces with patriots to achieve independence. After India gained its freedom, the secular and democratic system was established, along with the Indian Constitution, which guarantees equal rights for all religions and minorities.
Under this democratic framework, Muslims have the responsibility to use their constitutional freedoms to develop their religious and social identity. This includes preserving their personal laws, promoting education, and engaging in social reforms. Additionally, Muslims are encouraged to contribute to national development while striving to spread the message of Islam, making use of the freedom of speech and expression to convey truth and righteousness.
However, a question arises: Is democracy and secularism in line with Islamic principles? While secularism and modern democracy may not align perfectly with Islamic teachings, they are viewed as the lesser of two evils in situations where a non-Islamic dictatorship is a possible alternative. This concept is rooted in the principle of “Man Ablti Biblitin Falkhtar Ahunhama,” which means choosing the lesser evil when two harmful options arise. In countries where Muslims are a minority and cannot immediately establish an Islamic system, it becomes necessary to support the democratic government to avoid the rise of authoritarian regimes. By participating in democratic processes, Muslims can safeguard their rights and promote an environment where Islamic values can flourish.
Islamic scholars like Shaykh Izzuddin Abdul Salam have addressed similar dilemmas in the past. They argued that when facing difficult choices, one must prioritize the lesser of two harms. For example, if one ruler commits lesser injustices, like theft, while another is responsible for greater harm, such as killing innocents, the lesser harm should be prioritized. This logic applies to the modern political landscape, where supporting a democratic government is preferred over supporting a dictatorship, even if democracy itself is imperfect.
In a non-Muslim country, it is essential for Muslims to engage in democratic processes, as democracy is still less harmful than dictatorship. It provides an opportunity to advocate for Islamic values, strengthen community ties, and promote peaceful coexistence. Scholars like Hazrat Maulana Thanvi and others have emphasized that in situations where two evils are inevitable, the lesser evil should be chosen to prevent a greater harm.
Thus, the political strategy for Muslims in secular democracies is clear: support democratic systems as a means of ensuring their survival and promoting their values, while striving to improve the social and political conditions in which they live.
(Muhammad Qamar-ul-Zaman Nadvi. Teacher/Madrasah Noorul Islam Kanda Pratapgarh)
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