(Assumption: We are talking about politics in democratic or self-governing countries. Obviously, in dictatorships or similar forms of government, compromise is not entertained and your conviction will likely end in your demise. In those cases, politics and government are simply Rule The People With An Iron Hand. Whoever objects can either escape/relocate, go to prison or die! Religion or matters of faith are usually disregarded.)
Politics: Compromise and Expediency
In politics, when you’re trying to resolve matters or issues, one must often build a “bridge of compromise”, in order to satisfy or respond to the varying demands of the general diverse population or citizenry, because they are all a part of the community. In politics, although it’s said that laws and policies enforced and implemented are the good of ALL, that’s not always the case and decisions are often made as a matter of expediency.
Religion: Conviction and Eternity
In religion or matters of faith, there is no compromise. You either believe it or you don’t. You either obey the doctrine or you don’t. A disciple or a follower does not the authority to change the teachings of the scriptures. When you committed, you submitted. The community is only made up of believers. When it comes to their politics they know where to draw the line because decisions made regarding faith are matters for eternity.
► So as you can see the lines are quite clear between politics and religion.
Where Some May Blur the Line
When some people do engage in “line blurring”, it is very disturbing.
For example: The “ISIS brand” is built on being a Muslim: a faithful Muslim. That’s their foundation and they make it plain that if you’re not for them, you’re against them; and if you’re against them, then you’ve got to go!
This “line blurring” is a bigger problem for Muslims than it is for non-Muslims. Why? Because it’s the followers of Islam who are being divided.
When a division occurs, particularly in matters of faith, “the faithful” need to make sure they’re on the right side.
For Muslims, since it’s a faith in Allah, the followers need to know if they’re making their God angry! Because an angry God can show you “10 thousand deaths” way worse than ISIS or anybody on earth can show you!
What Decisions Must Be Made When Lines are Blurred?
In matters of faith, a faithful Muslim knows the lines are not unclear or blurred and that they need only decide two things.
(1) Is ISIS sent by Allah?
(2) If not, then a Muslim needs to decide who they fear the most. Allah or ISIS?
Can’t their God deliver them from evil? When those decisions are made, i.e. on the foundation of faith, the “line” becomes “un-blurred”.
The Muslim community must employ diligent efforts to make a clear distinction and differentiation between “the faithful and the unfaithful”. Otherwise … dare I say it? … all in the nation of Islam will suffer.
Solution/Suggestion/Recommendation:
– American Muslims should lead the charge in the effort of unblurring the lines. Agree or disagree?
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Final Note: This is an opinion piece. I know this topic is very controversial. I am a Christian; not a Muslim. But this is how I would approach the matter because to me it is clearly a matter of faith; of separating the sheep from the wolves. It’s about faith. Not about politics.
► Link of Interest: The Debate: Should religion play a role in politics? | New Internationalist
