PRE-ELECTION POLITICAL EXPENDITURES AMONG MERANAO  POLITICIANS

DR.ALI B.PANDA

    Meranao politicians are now preparing for the forthcoming Barangay and Sanggunayang Kabataan    Synchronized elections.  The lections shall be held on October 29, 2007 despite of the opposition of the majority members     of the  House of Congress.      You can see some Meranao politicians  attending occasions and meeting people to show their willingness to help in any forms.  This is the pre-election period   or   the  first phase   of political participation  in Meranao area,   more particularly  in Lanao del Sur.    Talks about election has become now      the subject of    everyday and everywhere  in the area.

    In this piece of writing I therefore intent not to include the next phase of political participation i.e., during campaign, election, canvassing and proclamation.

      

1. Helping the needy (i.e., students and poor),

2. Giving donations and financial support to Islamic institutions (i.e.,  masajid and madaris,

3. Financing seminars, lectures, symposia, fora and the like for the society,

4. Giving assistance to those who are getting married, to died or dying and going abroad for pilgrimage or to find a job,

5. Awarding prizes to the winners of educational and sports contests,

6. Offering kandori (gift) for the people of the community, and

7.  Providing resources in settling disputes and conflicts.

    These expenditures highlighted the political interests and intentions of the politicians.  They have to show their concerned on the people’s welfare  and would even appreciate and welcome invitations for the various activities of the community.

    But, Islam does not prohibit people from spending their wealth as charity for the needy and society.  It prohibits, however, those who spend their wealth for bad intention.  In fact, spending for the benefit of society has been termed as “loan” to Allah which is meant to be repaid by Him in the Hereafter.

    In the same manner, spending wealth is not aimed at making anybody obliged to the interest of the giver. This is supported by a verse where Allah says in the Qur’an: “Ye who believe cancel not your charity by Reminders of your generosity or by injury like. Those who spend their substance to be seen of men…    The Prophet said: “Wealth should be spent to seek the pleasure  and  countenance of Allah and not for name, and fame or show, and to spend for the sake of name is a minor Shirk.

    The verse and the saying of Prophet imply that Islam, as an ideology, never encourages the giving of money for any kind if the motive is to influence individual or group to vote for the election or appointment of a particular candidate. 

	1. Written by This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it on 20-09-2007 09:14 - Registered
	nice article sir Panda.