The Indignity of it All
These oppressive systems, governments, pretend democracies, and institutions are built on capitalism and secularism, which put money and power at the center of the equation, not the well-being of humans and humanity. All for a system that has been collapsing in plain sight for decades, with many leading Western intellectuals currently admitting its failure. But you don’t need to be an intellectual to see that the system has failed, just speak to the millions of poor disenfranchised citizens living below the poverty line and on the streets. Once hailed as the beacon of progress and civilization, the genocide in Gaza has stripped the system for what it is – an inhuman, rotten core built on moral hypocrisy, corruption, and injustice.
Many across the world no longer trust in its values, promises, or moral leadership. Yet, despite witnessing its failure firsthand- genocides, oppression in Muslim lands, poverty domestically-many Muslims still cling to this broken framework, an act as desperate as it is degrading. To hold onto a system that serves only the interests of the powerful elite is not just misguided; it is a form of self-inflicted indignity on Muslims and the Ummah of Muhammad.
True Justice
The tragedies unfolding in places like Palestine, Lebanon, Ukraine, Sudan, Libya, Syria, and even within the heart of the United States are not isolated crises but symptoms of a pervasive, tyrannical system that controls our political, economic, and social realities. The genocides, wars, and famines we witness are no accident; they are embedded deep within the fabric of capitalism, propped up by a democracy that serves power, financial systems that fuel inequality, and political orders that prioritize the interests of the elite over the needs of the people. True justice cannot emerge from flawed secular institutions. Instead, it is a divine mandate set forth by the Creator of all humanity.
“We have already sent Our messengers with clear evidences and sent down with them the Scripture and the balance that the people may maintain their affairs in justice. (Quran 57:25)
This verse lays out the unshakable foundations of justice: the Messengers of Allah, the Revealed Books, and the Scale of Justice defined by the Creator in the Quran. But figures like Harris, Biden, or even the Green Party cannot be expected to recognize these divine principles. Immersed in the complex machinery of political power, they are bound by structures that inherently uphold injustice. As a result, it is impossible to bring about the true equity and justice that only a system rooted in divine guidance can provide.
A Burning House
If we truly want meaningful change, we must step outside the systems we are trapped in, instead of trying to make changes to a corrupt and failed system. It’s like rearranging the furniture in a burning house-it may appear better for a moment, but the fire still rages on. Muslims today are challenged to move beyond superficial gains; choosing between political parties that both perpetuate a system of injustice will not lead to real transformation. Real progress requires stepping outside the current framework entirely and building something new, guided by principles of divine justice. Staying inside the system and playing by its rules only ensures that we remain trapped within the burning house.
The Path Forward: Building Power from the Ground Up
So, what do we do? If the political system is corrupt and both major parties are complicit in oppression, how do we engage without losing our principles? What model do we follow for action? The Prophet ﷺ’s path or one of our own makings? The Qur’an is explicit:
His life wasn’t just a story to admire-it was a blueprint for how to stand firm, act with integrity, and resist the pull of corrupt power. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ didn’t bend to worldly pressures or adapt his mission to fit into a broken system. Instead, he set a precedent of conviction, courage, and unwavering dedication to truth and justice. Following his example isn’t just about belief; it’s a call to act with the same clarity and purpose, no matter the stakes.
The answer lies in building power in the Muslim world from the ground up by leveraging our relationships in the Muslim lands to follow the example of the Prophet ﷺ in building an Islamic society.
We need to shift our focus from election cycles to engaging with Allah’s plan. Real power doesn’t come from casting a ballot every four years. The Prophet ﷺ didn’t wait for a political saviour to come along-he built a community, a state, a civilization based on the divine law of justice, equality, and submission to Allah. That’s the model we need to follow. We must aim higher. We must demand more from ourselves.
So What do we do?
This isn’t just about one election or one protest vote. It isn’t about rejecting a corrupt political party, but rather rejecting a corrupt and oppressive system. This is about who we are as a Ummah and what we stand for. Are we content with the status quo? Or will we stand up, walk away, and build something better? Will we pick up the mantle that our Prophet ﷺ left for us, to create a civilization which will be a beacon of light to the world, something which the revelation demands of us? The choice is ours, but it’s a choice with consequences, both in this life and the Hereafter. Our focus must remain on building a just society, not seeking validation from those who oppress us.
