What is the Shariah's view on the issue of voting in elections?

Answer

"Verily, We have decreed in the Zaboor after the Thikr: Most assuredly, My pious servants will inherit the earth.

Verily, in this (Promise) is a clear Message for a people who are worshippers (of Allah)."

(Al-Ambiya', Aayat 106)

"Say (O Muhammad to the people): 'O Allah! The King of all lands! You bestow mulk (land/country / sovereignty) to whomever You will, and You snatch away mulk from whomever You will. You grant honour to whomever You will and You humiliate whomever You will. Goodness is in Your power (and control). Verily, You are Most Powerful over all things." (Aal-e-Imraan, Aayat 26)

"Musa said to his people: 'Seek aid from Allah and have patience. Verily, the earth belongs to Allah. He bestows it (its control/sovereignty) to whomever He wills among His servant. And the ultimate victory is for the Muttaqeen."

(Al-A'raaf, Aayat 128)

The Qur'aan and the Ahaadith unequivocally and abundantly clarify that Allah Azza Wa Jal is in full control of the earth, and every aspect of entire creation. It is only Allah Azza Wa Jal who appoints and removes rulers, kings and governments. The efforts, schemes and plots of people, which are ostensibly the instruments for installing governments and kings are mere shadows. These instruments are the agencies which Allah Ta'ala creates for the administration of His commands.

U.S.A. with its coalition pulverizing Afghanistan, Iraq, etc., the cow and idol-worshipping Hindus persecuting Muslims in Kashmir and India, the Jews brutalizing the Palestinians, the Saudi regime destroying the Holy Lands, Assad and Russia committing their genocide on the Syrian Muslims, and every other political upheaval anywhere in the world, are all by the ordainment of Allah Azza Wa Jal. No one can install or remove rulers, kings and governments. These agencies will run their course as planned by Allah Ta'ala.

Thus, it is not permissible for Muslims to participate in any kuffaar political dispensation. Voting in kuffaar elections, and also in the elections of Muslim countries, is not permissible. Voting and participating in these political schemes of the kuffaar and fujjaar entails indulgence in a variety of acts of sin and transgression. When participating in any worldly activity, it is of imperative importance to ensure that the Shariah is not violated – to ensure that sin and transgression are not committed.

The circumstances, advantages and benefits of participating in kuffaar political systems are not valid grounds for violating the Law of Allah Azza Wa Jal. Muslims are required to abstain from disobedience and to resign themselves to the Fate ordained for them by Allah Ta'ala. The sinful efforts and the humiliating bootlicking of kuffaar politicians by Muslims – laymen and ulama alike – will not change the Divine Dispensation. Muslims are permitted to engage in worldly pursuits and activities only within the confines of the Shariah. If any institution or activity is in conflict with the Shariah, the Muslim is required to shun it without the slightest hesitation. The focus should at all times be on Allah Ta'ala and His obedience. Democracy, socialism and whatever other ism there is, are all cogs in the machinery of Satanism, hence voting in these kuffaar and fussaaq elections is not permissible. Your voting will neither change the government nor succeed in effecting favourable changes for Muslims.