Muslim women have the right to participate in political activities providing that it is in accordance with what their circumstances allow and as long as the participation in public affairs won’t cause any harm. 

Women and the Vote

Similar Questions

• Women’s participation in the political process;

• Women taking part in elections.

The Issue

What is the Islamic view on women voting in elections in countries where Muslims are a minority community?

Ruling

Muslim women may participate in public affairs, including voting in elections, provided that they observe the Islamic requirements of dress and decorum. They should do so in accordance with what their circumstances allow, what is consistent with their nature and what serves the interests of the Muslim community. Proper policies and procedures should be in place to prevent any harm resulting from such participation. This ruling is endorsed by the Assembly of Muslim Jurists of America (Decision 2-4) and the European Council for Fatwa and Research (Decision 5-16).

Evidence

The normal ruling is that this is permissible and there is nothing that prevents such participation as long as the rules of propriety and decorum are observed.

Moreover, this comes under the objectives of Islamic law to bring benefit and prevent harm.

Sources

• Decisions by the Assembly of Muslim Jurists of America.

• Decisions by the European Council for Fatwa and Research.

• Abd al-Kareem Zaidan, Al-Dimuqratiyyah wa Musharakat al-Muslim fi al-Intikhabat (a paper presented to the sixteenth session of the Islamic Fiqh Council, Makkah 1422 AH, 2001).

• Wahbah al-Zuhaili, ‘Musharakat al-Muslim fi al-Intikhabat’.