Can Muslims Join Secular and Socialist Organizations for Just Causes?
Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question
Is it permissible to join a secular and socialist organization that advocates for Palestine and is the largest youth movement in the area?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.
It is generally permissible to join organizations that work for just causes, such as advocating for Palestine, provided that doing so does not compromise one’s faith or involve engaging in actions contrary to Islamic principles. However, when the organization is secular and socialist, certain considerations should be kept in mind:
Alignment with Islamic Values
Ensure that your participation does not require endorsing or promoting ideologies that conflict with Islamic beliefs, such as materialism or atheism, which are often associated with socialist movements.
Allah says:
“Help one another in righteousness and piety, but do not help one another in sin and transgression. And fear Allah. Verily, Allah is severe in punishment.” [Quran, 5:2]
Intention
Your intention should be to work for a just cause (e.g., advocating for Palestine), not to adopt or propagate the organization’s broader secular or socialist ideologies.
Avoiding Prohibited Actions
Avoid participating in activities or initiatives that contradict Islamic teachings, such as promoting unIslamic behaviors or ideologies.
Da‘wa Opportunity
Your involvement can be an opportunity to embody Islamic values of justice and ethics, potentially influencing the organization positively.
Recommendation
If you decide to join, maintain a clear distinction between your support for the cause and any ideological stances of the organization that conflict with Islam. Be mindful of your faith, values, and conduct, and consider seeking advice from trusted scholars or mentors in your community to ensure your actions remain within the bounds of Shari‘a.
And Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Mohammad Abu Bakr Badhib
Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan (Allah have mercy on him), where he taught.
Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Shaykh Muhammad Awama, Shaykh Muhammad Hasan Hitu, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.
He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has been the Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and for six years, he has been the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.
Shaykh Irshaad has fifteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic podcast, education, and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy Prophetic living and fitness.
