By Shamsi Ali Al-Kajangi

THIS Tuesday, November 5th, is an important day for America. It’s Election Day. Due to its significance, it has been designated as an official holiday for public schools and certain government offices. It is the day when Americans will decide who will lead them for the next four years.

This year’s election has become even more crucial, particularly due to two important factors. First, global affairs have become visibly more threatening. Our world is on the brink of the possibility of World War III. Besides the dangers of climate change and natural disasters, poverty and the gap between the haves and have-nots are worsening. In addition, there is a real threat to our human values and morality. One such threat is how our family values are challenged by the concept of same-sex marriage.

I am not here to list all the problems our world faces today. I just want to remind everyone that our world is not in a good state. The problems we face are real and imminent. This US election, to some extent, will either exacerbate these problems or help bring solutions to some of them. My argument is simple: many of these problems are, in some way, connected to America. Issues like wars, poverty, and human divides (racial and economic), as well as social and moral crises, are often influenced by American policies.

That said, I must also acknowledge the many great things America has done and continues to do. On the domestic front, America is still a land of dreams and opportunities. From economic and educational opportunities to political and social freedom, America remains far better than many other countries, including some in Europe, and is rightly admired.

Muslims Must Vote in This Election

Considering these facts, both domestically and globally, America can and must play an important role in improving the state of the world. As in any country, those in leadership positions must take the lead in these efforts. Therefore, this political process or election is crucial for determining who will lead this nation toward betterment and progress for a better world.

With this in mind, I must stress that American Muslims should participate in the country’s political process by electing its leaders, including the president and vice president. Muslims must not continue to be passive, hoping others will do the job. It is time to take part in guiding this nation in the right direction—one that aligns with American values: freedom, equality, and justice for all.

Beyond electing a leader (president or vice president), participating in the political process holds even more noble purposes for American Muslims. It is, in fact, a way to build self-recognition and empowerment. It is a declaration that we are an integral part of this nation, possessing the same rights as other Americans.

American Muslims understand that there is a difference between the political landscape in America and other countries. In some countries, participating in politics may be seen as a threat to the establishment (government). In America, participating in the political process is a way to gain recognition from both the government and society.

In other words, we will be counted (recognized), and our rights will be better and more effectively accommodated when we participate in the political process. Participation means registering to vote, voting, donating to candidates (as Zionists often do), or even running for public office.

Beyond all these reasons, US Muslims must participate in the political process because, for us, politics is a way to bring positive change to the nation. Bringing change is known in Islam as “al-amru bi al-ma’ruf wa an-nahyu an al-munkar” (enjoining good and forbidding evil). This Ummah is the agent of change. On their shoulders lies the responsibility to make the world better for everyone. This must begin with America, the most powerful nation on earth.

Therefore, before deciding whom to vote for in tomorrow’s election, American Muslims must first recognize their responsibility to get out and vote. It doesn’t matter to me whom you choose to vote for—I just want to remind you to get out and vote! That’s it!*

Manhattan City, November 4, 2024

Director/Imam, Jamaica Muslim Center Muslim Chaplain, NYC HHC/Bellevue Hospital