Press Release

A Critical Reflection on the Statement of the League of Imams in the Netherlands

(Translated)

The statement of the League of Imams in the Netherlands affirms that political participation within European societies is a "permissible and legitimate means," and may even be desirable or obligatory depending on the situation. However, this position requires careful consideration, because it is based on assumptions that do not accurately reflect the reality of the secular system.

Secularism is not merely a separation of religion and politics; it also defines the role that religion can play in society. Therefore, it is not a neutral framework through which Muslims can simply protect their rights, but rather a principled system with its own rules. In this system, legislation is not based on divine revelation, but is left entirely to humans, according to the whims of the changing majority.

In reality, secularism acts as a new religion, a religion in which the source of legislation is not divine, but in which humans have elevated themselves to the rank of the absolute source. This religion has become globally dominant, even in Islamic countries, where it has replaced Islamic legislation. This has led to uprooting, division, and weakening of the Islamic identity. For many, Islam has been reduced to a personal or spiritual matter, after its broader vision as an integrated system of life has faded.

How then can the Imams, knowing this truth, call on Muslims to participate in this system? How can they, knowing full well what secularism has brought upon the Islamic nation in terms of colonialism, division, oppression, and betrayal, use the mosque pulpits to direct the nation towards the same path?!

What harm do they really hope to avert, and what benefit do they imagine achieving, by directing Muslims to a system whose primary goal is to marginalize and fight Islam?! How can salvation be sought from within a system that has caused the humiliation and fragmentation of Muslims?! Isn't it clear that secularism itself is what caused this weakness and division?!

In this era specifically, which is witnessing the uprooting and distortion of identity, the Imams bear the responsibility of reminding Muslims of their true ambition: to return to Islam in its comprehensiveness, as a principled alternative to failed secularism. Islam is not just a spiritual creed, but an integrated system that includes politics, economics, society, and legislation...

The Imams should be honored to call society to this path without hesitation, not by inviting it to dissolve into the secular system, but by inspiring it to remain steadfast on its authentic foundation, and to work towards the return of Islam as a comprehensive way of life.

This is not a call for negativity. Muslims are capable of making their voices heard and exerting pressure without compromising and without confining their values within the secular framework. The real work lies not in voting within a system that excludes Islam, but in strengthening our collective voice and adhering to our principles steadfastly.

Okay Pala

Media Representative of Hizb ut-Tahrir in the Netherlands