Muslims and the Political Process in Non-Muslim Countries

The permissibility of elections has been debated in Islam; whether a Muslim can take part in elections at all, and if so, whether this is still permissible in a non-Muslim state. The core of the debate is over the broad question of Muslim political involvement in the mechanism of a secular state.

Many Muslims cite the Qur'an and the Sunnah emphasising the concept of shura, and point to the selection of the first successors of the Prophet being chosen by the people as an indication that consultation and consensus are permissible. For example, Ghannoushi is one of the prominent activists who supports elections and democratic political activism.

There have been others however, that regard the participation of Muslims in elections in non-Muslim countries as unacceptable. They regard systems of elections as haram, arguing that they are not an Islamic practice. Others argue that God is the only a law-giver and legislator and thus engagement in any law-making political process is shirk (associating partnership with God). They usually reject elections regardless of whether one lives in a Muslim country or not.