No need to celebrate
(Translated)
News:
Zohran Mamdani's victory embodies hope and represents a political voice for American Muslims (The Guardian)
Comment:
In light of Mamdani's electoral victory, it is important to clarify that a Muslim mayor - or any Muslim within a secular political system - does not inherently represent Islam. Islam is not an ethnicity, but a complete religion (a way of life), with its political, legal, and social framework inspired by God Almighty. Assuming a position in a system that derives its laws from human legislation, not from divine revelation, is not equivalent to Islamic rule. True representation of Islam requires a political system based on Islamic principles and governed by Islamic Sharia, not just formal participation in a system that fundamentally opposes divine authority.
Secular democratic systems are based on the principle that sovereignty belongs to the people and their elected representatives. This directly contradicts the Islamic belief that sovereignty belongs to God alone. Participating in such systems - whether by holding office, voting, or supporting political programs - means accepting and legitimizing this framework. Muslim candidates within these structures misrepresent Islamic principles, reducing Islam to a personal matter rather than a comprehensive way of life.
True Islamic representation cannot emerge from systems that reject the core Islamic doctrine that God Almighty is the sole legislator. Celebrating symbolic positions within these structures distracts from the true goal of resuming the Islamic way of life. The way forward lies in Islamic activism that is not tainted by compromise, assimilation, or integration, which challenges falsehood and presents Islam as a complete alternative.
The only voice that Muslims should elevate is the voice that echoes Islam alone, fully bound by the commands of God Almighty and steadfast in obedience to His guidance. Muslims' support should not be based on lineage or background, but on sincere commitment to Islam and the ability to carry this religion as the authentic alternative to the corrupt secular system.
﴿O you who have believed, enter into Islam completely [and perfectly] and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.﴾
Written for the Central Media Office of Hizb ut-Tahrir by
Haitham bin Thabit
The Media Representative of Hizb ut-Tahrir in America