What is the ruling on not participating in elections? In every national election, some voters make impulsive choices at the ballot box or choose not to vote, while others discourage participation. Is casting a vote required by Islamic law?

National elections are one of the avenues of shura (consultation). Islamic law requires the active and constructive participation of eligible voters to fulfill their duty to choose the most competent candidate. Ignoring this duty, acting with indifference, or discouraging others from voting, is rejected in Islamic law as it allows unfit candidates to assume authority, thereby, undermining people’s rights and social stability.

 

National elections and the Quranic concept of shura

Islamic law recognizes that the best and most effective means of appointing competent leaders is through mutual consultation. Allah Almighty says, “Those who hearken to their Lord, and establish regular Prayer; who (conduct) their affairs by mutual Consultation” (Quran, 42:38). In the modern context, national elections are a practical expression of this principle, allowing the public to select leaders who can safeguard the well-being and stability of society and the country.

In this sense, voting in national elections is a trust that carries responsibility and accountability; Allah Almighty says, “Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due” (Quran, 4:58). In addition, Muslims are obligated to fulfill their trusts with integrity — first toward Allah Almighty, then toward oneself, and finally toward others. Only through integrity can countries flourish and prosper, as it forms the foundation of success in every endeavor, both individually and collectively.

 

Voting in national elections

Those who meet the criteria for voting are required to carry out this trust without delay, and with integrity, honesty, impartiality, and fairness, and to refrain from any negative practices such as destructive partisanship, self-serving flattery, cheating, extortion, violence, coercion, or fraud. The interests of the country must come before personal interests.

 

Abstaining from voting in national elections

Abstaining from voting is tantamount to withholding testimony which Allah Almighty commanded us to deliver. It also means failing to uphold the trust placed upon every person eligible to bear it. Allah Almighty says, “O you who have believed, do not betray Allah and the Messenger or betray your trusts while you know” (Quran, 8:27). In addition, abstaining from voting in national elections entails negative consequences, which Islam forbids and condemns, according to the words of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), “Do not be blind followers, saying, that if people do good, we will do good, and if they do wrong, we will do wrong.’ Rather, correct your ways. If people do good, then do good, but if they do wrong, do not do likewise” (recorded by al-Tirmidhi).

Allah Almighty does not wish to see His servants in a state of passivity that prevents them from fulfilling their rights and safeguarding their interests both in this world and the next. In this context, Allah Almighty says, “Indeed, those whom the angels take [in death] while wronging themselves - [the angels] will say, ‘In what [condition] were you?’ They will say, ‘We were oppressed in the land.’ The angels will say, ‘Was not the earth of Allah spacious [enough] for you to emigrate therein?’ For those, their refuge is Hell - and evil it is as a destination” (Quran, 4:97). This verse points to the importance of active engagement in ensuring justice at every level — political, social, and economic. A relevant example from the Prophet’s Sunnah, is the hadith of the people on a ship. Some plotted to make a hole in the part of the ship where they were staying. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Had they been permitted to follow through with their plan, all would have perished; by preventing them, they were saved, and all survived” (recorded by al-Bukhari).

Abstaining from voting duty constitutes support, even indirectly, in enstrusting unqualified individuals with legislative, executive, and judicial powers. This is exactly what the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) warned us against when he said, “When authority is entrusted to those who are not qualified for it, then await the Hour” (recorded by al-Bukhari).

 

The ruling

Based on the above, voting in national elections is required by Islamic law, as it fulfills the trust placed upon every eligible voter and serves as a testimony ensuring that authority is placed in the hands of the most qualified.

And Allah Almighty knows best.