Islam and Politics: What are the Qur’anic characteristics of a strong nation?

What are the Qur’anic characteristics of a strong nation? How does the Muslim community contribute to building it? And what is our response to the calling of the General Election?

A nation ought to be strong, wise, mature, charitable and attentive to the rights of people. In order to achieve this it constituents must bear these characteristics by taking account of themselves and the society they have presently produced. Through this accounting they should be come evermore sincere in the way of building a strong nation. Interaction with each other in this path would increase their collective strength and unity.

The Muslim community in particular is one that lives and breathes the word of Allah; it manifests the Qur’an in their vision and understanding. This would then impact those around them.

The Muslim community also fly’s with two wings. This means there is a balance of characteristics in navigating what can often be complex subjects. Just like a bird or plane needs both wings to work together to take flight, to manoeuvre and land - and just as one working without the other curtails proper movement, the Muslim community must make use of both these wings together.

One is its strength and preparedness; the other is its wisdom, intellect and insight.

In regards to the first wing, with the election cycle upon us, the Muslim community must make its preparations by understanding its responsibilities, its values and how this election in particular will likely shape the continent for decades to come. It must also make clear its positions and expectations from those seeking our votes and that the Muslim community will not be scapegoated or ignored.

The Qur’an states: "Make ready against them whatever force and war mounts you are able to muster, so that you might deter thereby the enemies of God, who are your enemies as well, and others besides them of whom you may be unaware” (8:60)

This verse calls the Muslim community to preparedness through all means and this would not only help against those whom you know are against you but even those whom you may not have yet realised. In this context preparations includes registering to vote, making oneself aware of manifesto’s and policy positions and campaigning for the party or leaders that meet proper Islamic values.

In regard to the second wing, it must use its wisdom and insight to realise that no longer must it position itself as a marginalised community speaking from the sidelines but rather being a moral force that grounds society with the highest levels of moral consciousness.

Often the Muslim community make throw away comments like ‘If only they followed Islam, all of these issues would be resolved.’ Muslim and Islamic presence must not see itself as on the peripheries merely telling people what is right and wrong, but rather must be part of the strong foundation of that society.

The Qur’an differentiates between those spaces built on falsehood and then seek change from the outside versus those spaces built on a strong footing from the outset: "And [there are] those who took for themselves a masjid for causing harm and disbelief and division… And they will surely swear, "We intended only the best." And Allah testifies that indeed they are liars. A mosque founded on righteousness from the first day is more worthy for you to stand in." (9:107-108)

In this sense it is better for us to establish from day one a moral government that leads with these principles than elect a people who’s foundations are causing harm and division of people and then seeking to reform them after.

Our new series is going to focus on an Islamic understanding of politics and responsibilities toward the UK in this election cycle. May Allah (swt) help to bring about a nation which is the best of those heralded for mankind.