Parliaments and Public Trust: An Islamic Perspective on the International Day of Parliamentarism

The United Nations designated June 30 as the International Day of Parliamentarism in recognition of the anniversary of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), founded in 1889. The IPU is one of the world’s oldest and most important organizations, facilitating cooperation among national parliaments.

This day is observed to highlight the essential role that parliaments play in democratic governance, including legislation, oversight, transparency, and public representation. It particularly emphasizes the need to strengthen parliaments so they can effectively address global challenges such as poverty, climate change, inequality, and injustice.

Key Objectives of the Day

• Recognizing the essential role of parliaments in law-making, government oversight, and representing the public
• Promoting democratic institutions by supporting transparent, inclusive, and effective parliaments
• Facilitating exchange among parliaments on critical issues such as sustainable development, Social Justice and the Rule of Law, and human rights
• Addressing contemporary challenges to parliamentary participation, including political restrictions and declining civic engagement

Islamic Reflections on Public Participation and Representative Institutions

Islam, as a religion rooted in justice, consultation, and public accountability, emphasizes that social and political responsibility must be carried out with sincerity, integrity, and in the service of the common good. The Quran affirms the principle of consultation: “Their affairs are conducted through mutual consultation” (42:38).

Today’s parliaments—when functioning ethically and inclusively—can serve as a modern institutional expression of this Quranic ideal.

In the Islamic tradition, what is now referred to as “elections” took the form of bayʿah—a public pledge of allegiance to an individual or group entrusted with public responsibility. This bayʿah was based on knowledge, trust, and a shared commitment to the welfare of the ummah. In this light, voting in the modern world may be seen as a continuation of that tradition, carrying with it the same ethical, legal, and spiritual obligations.

The Religious and Ethical Responsibility of Voters

In Islam, voting is not merely a political act—it is a sacred trust (amānah) that must be exercised with moral clarity, social awareness, and God-consciousness. Every individual is accountable before God for the decisions they make, especially when those decisions impact the rights and well-being of others. “Surely the hearing, the sight, and the heart—each of these shall be questioned” (17:36).

Voting for corrupt, unqualified, or self-serving candidates—knowingly or carelessly—is considered a betrayal of divine trust and a contributor to injustice and oppression.

The Moral Responsibility of Elected Representatives

Those who are elected to serve in parliaments or legislative bodies enter into a binding covenant—not only with their constituents, but also with God. They are entrusted with the power to shape laws, distribute resources, and protect the rights of the people. Their decisions must be based on justice, ethical principles, and the public good—not on personal, partisan, or sectarian interests.

The Prophet Muḥammad (pbuh&hp) warned “Whoever is entrusted with a responsibility over Muslims and appoints someone while knowing that another person is more qualified and more knowledgeable of God’s Book and the Prophet’s tradition, has betrayed God, His Messenger, and the believers”– (Al-Tabarani, al-Mu’jam al-Kabir, vol. 11, p. 114). 

And the Quran commands:“O you who believe, fulfill your covenants” (5:1).

Guidance of the Supreme Religious Authority on Parliamentary Elections

The Religious Authority, Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali al-Sistani, has consistently emphasized the central role of the people in determining the course of governance through responsible and informed participation in elections. According to His Eminence’s guidance, legitimate authority is granted to the government by the people, who must assume the responsibility of delegating this authority through democratic processes. Citizens therefore, bear a great responsibility in choosing their representatives.

The religious authority has underscored the importance of elections as a decisive factor in shaping the future of the nation and generations to come. Parliament determines the laws and oversees state institutions, and thus, every citizen must recognize the value of their vote. Abstaining from elections is, in effect, surrendering one’s right to choose to others—a grave mistake no conscientious citizen should make.

Furthermore, elections must be conducted under just and transparent laws that are not influenced by the interests of political parties or factions. Only through fair legal frameworks can public trust in the electoral process be established, ensuring broad and meaningful participation.

His Eminence stresses that candidates must be selected based on their qualifications, integrity, dedication, and genuine concern for the country and its people. Citizens are warned not to be deceived by false promises, flowery rhetoric, or the flood of campaign posters and social media promotions. Instead, they are urged to research the backgrounds of candidates, evaluate their honesty and suitability, and ensure that they are committed to public service before granting them their vote.

It is important to note that the religious authority does not endorse any specific candidates or electoral lists. Its position remains one of independence and impartiality, firmly rooted in the principle that voters must bear full responsibility for making informed decisions. This approach reflects deep respect for the dignity and maturity of the people, while also safeguarding the integrity of the democratic process.

Final Reflection

From an Islamic viewpoint, civic participation is a form of religious responsibility—provided it is exercised with sincerity and guided by a commitment to justice and the common good.

A parliament can embody the collective wisdom of a nation, and a well-informed electorate can help ensure that it does. But this requires:

• Voters who cast their votes with moral awareness and responsibility
• Representatives who act with humility, integrity, and fidelity to their public trust
• Laws and policies that reflect ethics, justice, and compassion

In Islam, public service is a trust. Political choices are moral choices. And fulfilling both requires faith, accountability, and a deep sense of social duty.

1. The above content is extracted from ‘Pearls 25 to 34’ of the book ‘100 Pearls: A collection of advice, guidance, and recommendations from the supreme religious authority His Eminence Grand Ayatullah al-Sayyid Ali al-Husseini al-Sistani’. This concise yet invaluable book is available at 

https://imam-us.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/100-Pearls.pdf

https://imam-us.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/100-Pearls_al-Sistani_Arabic.pdf