i am not against politics. However i disagree with looking at Islam through a political lens. Whilst politics does have its role to play in Islam, it has no intrinsic value; as anything else, its value lies only in serving the interest of Taqwa: God consciousness i.e. assisting human beings to ascend to the heights of perfection in realising the presence of Allah and by thus doing fulfilling the purpose of our existence.
i've become very disheartened recently by some of those who are supposedly the pioneers of advocating Islam in its 'complete', politics-included form. Dismayed by the lack of Akhlaq and spirituality in their lives which is evident from the lack of moral conduct when debating and 'defending the truth'. When we have not brought justice into our own being, how do we think of bringing it to the world around us?
As Mawlana once said, 'Yesterday i was clever: i wanted to change the world. Today i am wise: i want to change myself'
Allah has mentioned in the Qur'an that whoever saves one life, it is as if he has saved all humanity. Nowhere does it say that this one life can not be your own. Save yourself and you will save all humanity. i am becoming more and more of a believer in the idea that there is a great spiritual link between the world within one's being and the outward world. A pious person once said to me that the human heart is greater and vaster than all that you see in the world around you, from the endless skies full of stars to the deepest oceans filled with wonders...
'Soon shall we show them our signs, on the horizons and in their own souls...'
The whole point of an Islamic government is to provide ideal conditions for human beings to flourish, as fertile soil is the ideal place for seeds to evolve into beautiful flowers. The holy prophet (s) said that he was sent by God to perfect the Akhlaq. Perfecting our Akhlaq is much easier in a society where everything reminds you of Allah and your purpose, as opposed to a society where everything distracts you from righteousness and morality. Thus it is sad that many brothers and sisters who seem to be the greatest advocates of Islamic government & politics have forgotten the whole purpose of these. Its not politics for the sake of politics. Its politics for the sake of Allah.
At the end of the day, even if we want to change people - which shouldn't be our aim - then we should remember that it is not your words that changes people; it is your character. One who loves Allah, He makes people love His lover. When people love you, they yearn to be similar to you. Imam Al-Sadiq (a) said to invite to goodness without using our tongues.
May Allah forgive me for my mistakes, and uncover the light of your hearts to shine onto the rest of creation.
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