Question: Assalamu ‘alaykum. My friends and I had an idea of increasing awareness of individuals who are standing for different political posts at our university, by using software to provide a platform for them. Before starting on the project, we were approached by some friends of ours who told us it was haram. She backed her message with a hadith forbidding seeking positions of authority. Is this true?
Answer:
Wa ‘alaykum assaalm wa rahmatulllah wa barakatuh.
I pray you are well.
Aid Others In Facilitating the Good
You can continue to help these people get elected. This would be something recommended if it facilitates the general good and if they are best qualified for it. If there is any religious element to it remind yourselves and them about the centrality of sincere intention and that the success of religious matters depends on it.
Not Seeking Leadership
The narrations that forbid seeking leadership generally refer to political authority, where one will be in charge of governing people and distributing finances. Some people may have inherent weaknesses that may cause them to slip in such a situation. They would be liable to strict scrutiny on the Day of Judgement.
Therefore, it is better for them to not seek it. It could be personally obligatory for others if they are the best candidate for it. Organizing the ISOC activities is not something that is of the same magnitude. Ask Allah for sincerity and help, pray an istikhara, and proceed.
May Allah grant you every success.
[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani