Nasheehat for Muslim Politicians

An Extract from Al- Eti’daal Fi Maraatibur- Rijaal By Hazrath Sheikh Zakariyya (ra)

Similarly, in some fields the temptations to work for worldly selfish gain are more tempting than in others. It stands to reason that where the temptations are stronger, the precautions to be taken by Muslims should be greater.

In the field of political activity there is tremendous scope for boasting about achievements, much praising and cheering for things said and done, that one is greatly tempted to do things for name and fame. For this reason, whosoever enters politics should take special precautions to save himself, so that his actions may be of benefit to deen, and for the security and protection of Islam. His intention should he to save Islam from dangers, to protect Islam from the onslaughts of its non-Muslim enemies and to halt their victory over Islam.

If this is the object of the politician, no one can deny its being a good and righteous activity. Who is there among the Muslims who can deny this or has no desire in his heart that this be done? If however someone is incapable of involving himself, he should then at the very least try in his own chosen manner to assist those who sincerely do this noble work of striving for Islam and the Muslims rather than becoming a hindrance.

Importance of Sincerity

Many other Ahadeeth stress this same point. Hence a primary condition is that whatever is done, should be done solely for Allah’s pleasure, for the protection of deen and so that truth may prevail. According to the views of saintly men of spiritual experience and opinion, whatever effort is being made with this intention will Inshallah not go unrewarded. Yes, there is absolutely no doubt that it is an indispensable pre-condition of any righteous work that sincerity should be its prime motive and that it should be for Allah’s pleasure.

We have already quoted that famous Hadeeth about those people who on the day of Qiyamat will first be called to be reckoned with. One will be a Shaheed. Allah will then remind him of all the favours bestowed upon him. He will admit all those favours. Then he will be asked: “How did you make use of these favours?” He will reply:
“I have sacrificed my life in Thy path for Thy sake, for that was the most beloved sacrifice in Thy sight.” The reply will come: “You have spoken an untruth. You have done so that people may say: ‘He was indeed a brave man.’ And so it was said, (Your object was reached). People did say: This was a brave man of courage.” Thereafter a command shall be given that he be cast into Hell.

Thereafter an Alim (scholar) shall be called to be reckoned with. Allah will remind him too of the great favours bestowed upon him and he too will acknowledge them. Then he too shall be asked as to the manner in which he gave the rights due for these favours. He will reply: “I set out to acquire knowledge, taught people and recited the Quran (and taught it).” The reply shall come: “An untruth have you spoken. All that was indeed done but, so that people may say: ‘This was a grand scholar, a good reciter And this object of yours had been attained for people did say that.” Thereafter a command shall be given that he too be cast into the fire.

Thereafter a wealthy man shall be summoned. Him as well Allah will remind of His favours and he will admit them. And when he shall be asked as to what he had done with these bounties, he shall reply: ‘‘There was not a single avenue of righteousness wherein spending is liked by Thee, wherein I did not spend for Thy sake.” The reply shall be given: “You have spoken an untruth. Indeed you had spent but all was done so that people may say: ‘This is a kind and generous person.’ And so it has been said and your object has been attained.” The command shall be given that he too be cast into Hell. (Mishkat)

Al- Eti’daal Fi Maraatibur- Rijaal
By Hazrath Sheikh Zakariyya (ra)