2008 US Presidential Elections – Important Issues for Muslim Voters

 With the US awaiting the 2008 presidential elections, there are quite a few issues you need to note as an American Muslim by way of preparing yourself to vote for the right candidate. As a Muslim residing in America, you might ask, “Is it so important for me to take active part in elections in a non-Muslim country?” Dr.Anwar Hajjaj, President of the American Islamic Information Center notes that the small role that you might play as a voter in the US elections can be crucial in safeguarding the rights and interests of the fellow Muslims in America. In addition, this can benefit the international Muslim community on the whole.   Here are some of the reasons your vote may count big while you are residing in the US.  

• With the number of American Muslims phenomenally rising up, the Muslim community is turning out to be a significant constituency in the US. To be heard and sought-after by the political nominees, it is important that the Muslims speak out and show-up in big numbers, actively joining the political process.

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• At the outset, it is important for you to understand the American issues and laws crucial for the Muslim interests. By employing this understanding while voting, you are sure to make a significant difference in the lives of Muslims in America.

• From two different ends, anti-Americanism and Islamophobia are on the rise impacting the elections to a great extent, both from the view pints of the majorities and minorities residing in America. The voting behavior of Muslim community in America must seek to protect the interests of the international Muslim community, besides serving to boost up the image of Muslims among non-Muslims on the whole.

• With the US playing a prominent role in the international politics, as a Muslim voter in America, you are in a privileged position to be the spokesman of the international Muslim community to make a difference for the welfare of Muslims worldwide.

• Look out for statements in the political agenda in favor of minorities; never ignore the lessons learnt from the past; you need to realize that acting in fragments is of little use when compared to making a collective choice.  

• Even little concerns matter a lot. For instance, as the inheritors of a strong family system, a great deal is awaited of Muslims in America to prevent the decay of family system in the country. In voicing your concern on this, why not vote for a person who regards family values on top priority?

• As a committed Muslim, look out how your voting can impact the views of America regarding healthcare, humanitarianism, education, equality, peace, environmental concerns, trade and commerce, finance and banking, justice and law, gun control and abortion.

To sum up, you need to note that by taking the US elections lightly, you are in fact doing a disservice to fellow Muslims. Exercise your voting rights collectively to favor the candidate who is committed for the welfare of the Muslim community so that in future you will benefit from American laws and not hurt by them.  

Sources and Further Readings:

http://islam.about.com/od/us2004election/US_2004_Elections_The_Muslim_Vote.htm

http://www.americanmuslimvoter.net/

http://pewforum.org/news/display.php?NewsID=11751

http://framingconflict.blogspot.com/search/label/2008%20Election

http://framingconflict.blogspot.com/search/label/Poll%20Analysis