Improving the politics of Muslim countries

Question:

Assalamu 'alaykum warahmatu Allah wa barakatuh,

Dear brothers and sisters, if Islam allows us to speak out against injustice, then I would like to know when is the Muslim ummah (nation) going to speak up against all the injustice that's done within the Muslim countries by their rulers. Why do we care about how Western countries treat us if within ourselves there is disunity? Shouldn't we unite first?

Why do we have to buy computers from them, can't we make them ourselves? How about education, do we value that any more?

I noticed that in these countries, a president wins by 99.99%, serves for a life term and when he dies he leaves the position for his son! Is this the Islamic democracy? Absolutely not!

So, when are we going to have the great societies that our beloved Prophet Mohammed, peace and blessing be upon him built? I see in this site, and other Islamic sites great people, which gives me some hope! So why aren't great people like yourselves being elected in the Muslim countries? Is it possible??

Jazakum Allah, wa salaam

Reply:

Dear Muslimah,

Thank you for your sincere concern and serious questions.

Let me assure you that there are efforts to change politics in Muslim countries to become more democratic and just, but these efforts are harshly dealt with by the ruling elites. Not only is strong Islamic opposition banned from having public freedoms and a share in the political process, but also sincere secular – liberal and leftist - voices as well are stifled.

If you follow the human rights reports, they can be a good indicator of how much opposition there is. This is one indicator along many other facts which these reports do not include.

So, the umma is not dead, but the silent majority is still… silent!

You have also raised the issue of technology and progress. Here, I would like to explain that the West, which we accuse of being unjust – ‘North’ verses the underdeveloped ‘South’ - does not allow the underdeveloped countries to have access to all the know-how!

Matters in this domain are very complicated and you might come on the Internet across sites, which can explain how international capitalism works in the domain of technology. Allow me also to mention that the regimes in the Muslim world are supported by the Western powers. So, it is not only a matter of strong change movements inside, but strategic balances on the International level too.

So, though the picture is not really very good, I assure you again that there is so much going on. This is not only in the Muslim world, but throughout the Western countries, starting with the anti-globalization movements that are opposing the inequalities of the global economy. This also appears in increasing awareness of second generation Muslims in the West and new converts to Islam. Actually they have to be active within their democratic systems, to have an input in the politics of their countries of citizenship.

With young people like yourself, thinking about these crucial issues, I am sure the future will be better for the umma. The social and political changes which people aspire to, are towards a better understanding and implementation of the true justice of Islam. In sha' Allah these aspirations will be fulfilled!

I thank you my dear. Try your best to be the person who fosters the revival of the umma. As I always say, if each one of us tries hard, Allah will definitely bless our efforts. This is not only to have a better Muslim world, but also to have a better world altogether, and to be at the forefront of working for human dignity and a more just world!

Keep well and keep in touch.

Name of Consultant Heba Raouf Ezzat

Source: http://www.islamonline.net/askaboutislam/display.asp?hquestionID=3287