And yet, here we were years later, debating who to bend the knee to-the Democrats, Trump, or the Green Party. But we have to ask ourselves: What exactly are we hoping to accomplish by playing this game? Are we any closer to justice, or are we just swapping out one set of chains for another?
Loading ...The Illusion of Power: Protest Votes That Backfired
Let’s talk strategy. The argument was that by voting for Trump or a third party, we would punish the Democrats, forcing them to take our concerns seriously. But the system was never designed to function that way. Democrats, Republicans-they’re two sides of the same coin. Both sides play the same hand when it comes to imperialism abroad or repression at home.
Putting Trump back in office-whose first presidency gave us the Muslim ban, rising hate crimes, and emboldened white supremacists-isn’t just self-defeating; it’s suicidal. You don’t teach a snake not to bite by handing it your hand twice.
And as for the Green Party? Beyond their conflicting stances with Islam on issues like LGBTQ+, their influence only served to split the opposition-the same endemic problems remained.
Sending a Message to Our Future – The Youth
Critically, playing political roulette and getting Trump elected again has sent a dangerous message to the next generation of Muslims-our children and youth-that by engaging in the Muslim vote, we legitimize these systems of oppression, that by putting their precious energy and idealism into these systems, they will somehow achieve recognition, justice, and dignity. But the truth is, you cant change the system from within. Instead, it changes you. Just look at those who participate in the system, like Ilhan Omar, who’ve been forced to compromise principles and conform to hostile expectations. Omar was forced to sign a resolution recognizing Israel as an ally. It’s like running inside a fast-moving train in the opposite direction-you can try with all your might, but the train pulls you along anyway.
Prophetic Wisdom or Political Pragmatism?
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ recognized corrupt power for what it was-and refused to be co-opted by it. When the rulers of Mecca, the Quraysh, desperate to halt Islam’s momentum, offered him not just a vote but kingship and control, tempting him with a seat at the table of their oppressive system, the Prophet ﷺ didn’t hesitate. He shut it down cold. No bargains, no middle ground.
And when pressured to abandon his cause, the Prophet ﷺ responded with unshakeable resolve: “Even if they place the sun in my right hand and the moon in my left, I will not abandon this mission until Allah makes it victorious, or I perish in the attempt” (Ibn Hisham, Sirah). Both moments underscore the Prophet’s ﷺ resolute rejection of shared power, signaling that the mission he led wasn’t meant to engage with the old corrupt order-it was about replacing it with something entirely new.
When Muslims were in Makkah, facing torture, economic sanctions, and severe repression from the Quraysh, the Prophet ﷺ could have easily worked with those in power by supporting one Qurayshi power-broker against another. He could have rallied the Muslims to support the political leadership of Abu Sufyan, against his incumbents Walid bin al-Mughirah or Abu Jahl, gaining some influence and relief. But he didn’t do that.
His message was clear: No compromise with corruption and injustice. The Quraysh’s system was built on oppression, just like the political systems we engage with today. It wasn’t a matter of who ruled-whether it was one party or another-because the system itself was corrupt. The Prophet ﷺ knew that participating in such a system would not bring justice; it would only lend legitimacy to the very oppressive order he sought to delegitimize. His mission wasn’t to engage with their counsels and networks-it was to build something better, something rooted in the Quran, rooted in justice, dignity, and truth.
Obedience to Allah, Not to the Political Circus
Justice in Islam isn’t about political expediency. It isn’t about playing power games or settling scores. It’s about standing firm in obedience to Allah, even when it’s hard, even when it feels like the whole world is against you. The Qur’an is clear on this:
“Do not lean towards those who do evil, or the Fire may touch you, and then you will have no one to protect you from God, nor will you be helped.” (Qur’an 11:113).
“You who believe! Choose not My enemy and your enemy for allies. Do you offer them your affection when they disbelieve in that truth which hath come unto you… And whoever does it among you has certainly strayed from the right path.” (Quran 60:1)
“You who believe, do not take the disbelievers as allies and protectors instead of the believers: do you want to offer God clear proof against you?” (Quran 4:144)
Democracy?
In contrast, modern political systems, such as democracy, often create the impression that justice is determined by popular consensus-by listening to the majority and allowing votes to decide matters of right and wrong, from issues like gay marriage and abortion to healthcare and tax allocation. Democracy is marketed as “power to the people,” but beneath this ideal lies a carefully orchestrated system where true power remains concentrated in the hands of a few. The presence of third parties, such as the Green Party, only deepens this illusion. The more parties that exist, the more elaborate the disguise, fooling people into believing they have real choices.
