Civic Responsibilities as a Muslim

In simple terms civic responsibility is the duty of every citizen to be a responsible, engaging, and conscious citizen. A citizen who knows how he can play his role in economic, political, social, and other areas of development in a society.

Today Muslims are living in every part of the world. Mosques and other Islamic organizations can be found everywhere whether you live in a Muslim majority country or a prominently western country like USA or UK. These organizations are trying hard to engage Muslims in civic affairs. Similarly, a lot many Muslims are engaging in civic affairs on individual level as well. The diversity of American Muslim organizations provides a vast number of voices addressing such issues as terrorism, democracy, peacemaking, and human rights. American Muslim advocacy organizations often collaborate with the White House and law enforcement authorities to devise strategies on public policy, civil rights, the war against terrorism, and other related issues. [1]

Quranic views on Civic responsibility

Quran explicitly says that a Muslim must have good moral character, and should be a useful member of the society. For example, in Sura Al-e-Imran Allah says that “You are the best of communities brought forth for mankind.” (3:110) Which clearly means brought forth for the benefit  of others. In no way Quran  limits a Muslim to benefit only another Muslim but a Muslim should benefit anyone and everyone that he can. Well, a Muslim is a good Muslim if he is a good human being and a good citizen. And it is true that a good citizen may not necessarily be a good Muslim but a good Muslim must be a good citizen. 

Prophet Muhammad ‘s civic model

When Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم migrated to Madinah he established a society where each of the resident of the Madinah will help a Muhajir of Makkah. So, the Ansar did everything that was in their capacity to ease the life of Muhajirin of Makkah. This is how they set an example for the Muslim Ummah how to be a practical Muslim when it comes to helping others in the society. They did not care how much they spent on the Muhajirin but they established a society where sharing is the key to sustainability for everyone.  

Even when Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم was young he participated in a pact and signed it along with other members from Meccan tribes. This pact was named Hilf al-Fudul and its main agenda was to help prevail honor, peace, and justice for all. Long after revelations began, Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم said that “I was present in Abdullah-ibn-Judan’s house when a pact was concluded so excellent that I would not exchange my part in it even for a herd of red camels; and if now, in Islam, I was asked to take part in it, I would be glad to accept”.[2]

The Caliphate and civic engagement

During the Rashidun Caliphate the world was not divided like it is today. The major political divide began with the shia-sunni split. When Omar Farooq was the caliph he ruled the whole Muslim Ummah from Arabian Peninsula, to Iraq, Palestine, and Persia. His empire was divided in provinces and governors were appointed in each province. The duty of the governors was to act as a leader to lead an example to live a pious personal and public life. We see several examples of how the noble companions worked hard for the betterment of the society where they lived.

Muslims’ civic engagement today

Islam did not introduce some closed values that are different from other value systems but rather it relies on the same universal values that any other religion would give importance. Peace, honesty, love, and honor are as important in Islam as in any other religion. Taking part in civic activities that does not contradict with Islamic values is real important now-a-days.

Not even a single leaf moves without the will of Allah whether you are living in the west or east or anywhere on the globe Allah destined you to be there. You will be asked on the day of judgement how you fulfilled your responsibilities. Being Muslim it is most important today to show the real image of Islam by how we portray ourselves outwardly in our communities. A very simple act of kindness towards our neighbor can make one of our Muslim or non-Muslim neighbor know positively about our religious beliefs. Especially if you are a practicing Muslim you are a model for the non-Muslims to see who are Muslims and how their character is.

And civic responsibility comes in so many forms you do not necessarily be an activist just ask your next-door elderly neighbor if she needs your help. Or participate in small volunteering opportunities around you. These simple acts of kindness will be something the other will never forget.   

As a citizen of a country you are abiding by law to follow some rules and regulations but this is not all when we talk about civic responsibility. There is certainly much more your heart and mind should force you to engage in civic affairs, be it big or small. Being Muslim you follow laws because your conscience and above all Quran tells you to do so. Do so because this is the will of Allah to whom you submitted yourself once you proclaimed Islam as your religion. 

As to how Muslims are dealing with this responsibility today. Statistics say that there is a better Muslims engagement in civic affairs today. Those who avoid participation in civic affairs say that they do not trust the organizations or public institutions that they will really stand for Muslim’s rights. Some believe that some kind of civic participation goes against their core religious beliefs. If it goes against your religious belief you can always raise voice. It is better to participate and raise voice than to stay silent. It shows that you matter that you are conscious of your rights. Civic consciousness is something that is very important, positive criticism can always help. Even if it will not yield any fruits you will lay a foundation for others to positively criticize what is not right. 

Post 9/11 Muslims suffered a fate that was hard to get over with. Many Muslims had to bear the brunt because of the negative image but if we see today the views are changing. There can be a bigger change if Muslims engage with non-Muslims on different platforms. Their attitude towards non-Muslims can help dismantle any myth that if exist about Muslims. Mosques and other interfaith organizations are playing their part in bringing people closer on the basis of similarities. According to PEW research that was conducted in 2012, few Muslims say they attend interfaith meetings or classes. But many Muslims say that they think there are similarities between Islam and other religions. [3] These similarities are a way to know each other and to be useful for the community together.

Muslims should engage with non-Muslims on universal moral and social values. How a Muslim contribute to prevailing these values in the society is important. We need to endorse that we stand by all those important values and their implementation in society. So, we can become better role model for our kids and for the society.

References

1. Qamar-ul Huda. United States Institute of peace Special Report. The Diversity of Muslims in United States. https://www.usip.org/sites/default/files/sr159.pdf
2. R. Tariq. In the Footsteps of the Prophet: Lessons form the Life of Muhammad. Oxford Univ Press. 2007.
3. The World’s Muslims: Religion, Politics, and Society. PEW Research Center. https://www.pewforum.org/2013/04/30/the-worlds-muslims-religion-politics-society-interfaith-relations/