[Seriegn Bamba may be right in that, if one becomes a politician, it will
be difficult to attain the pleasure of God Almighty. Since it evident for all to
see the that, lying, double talking, killing, corruption, nepotism, lack of
care, manipulation, creating wars, false imprisonment all exist today.
It is
imperative therefore, we all be careful before entering into politics, yes the
glamour and titles are appealing, but the judgment in the hereafter is sure to
happen.] Suntou Bolonba Touray.
Suntou, the question that came to my mind is "should I rely on Sheikh
Bamba's opinion on Politics or who should engage in it, and how to attain the
pleasure of God Almighty.?" Sheikh Bamba, I declare is the ultimate politician
and he would share as much were he to appreciate the meaning of the word.
Also, Suntou, why do you ascribe all these ills to politics or
politicians????? Except for lack of care, which is the purview of the
care-giver, they seem to me to be crimes to which everyone has equal access -
politician or no politician. What do you think?
Haruna.
In a message dated 4/24/2009 12:44:00 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
Friday,
24 April 2009
SERIEGN BAMBA'S THOUGHTS ON POLITICS
Once in a
conversation with close Friend of mine whilst at high school, Seriegn Bamba's
view on politics dominated the talk. There was an event taking place in
Pipeline area, i believe it was organised by PDOIS. The discussion went on to
politics and should people in our day get involve in it.
The bitter truth
is that, politics nowadays is seen as a means to get material wealth and
status. People go into politics to be famous and also earn a decent way life.
The Salary for politicians even in poor countries is considerable high and the
privileges that comes with it is even greater. The temptation therefore to be
political and seek public office is ever attractive. Some may be in it to
change the conditions of the people, but what means or methods will they use
to achieve that end?
However, for men and women of faith, of ethics and
contemplative mind, should politics be an avenue to seek glory in life?
The
responsibilities that goes with holding public office is very high. In fact,
Islam discourages the active seeking of public office. Some jurist commented
that, "whoever seek public office, do not give it him, rather look for the
best person amongst you, who is God fearing and upright."
The problem
with that pronouncement is very far reaching in our modern age. Democracy is
shape such that, you have to present yourself to the people, for you be their
representative. The doctrine of power to people or lies with people act as a
leverage for politicians. If they do wrong, they don't get elected the next
time they put themselves forward for election. In reality, those this work?
especially in countries with high level of illiteracy.
The Late famous
Senegalese Scholar of the Sufi order, Sheik Amadou Bamba or Seriegn Bamba was
said to have once contemplated about the legitimacy of Muslims entering
politics. I will hasten to add that, i have not come across any manuscript
that authenticate the claims by Serign Bamba. It was Narrate by a man who has
serious passion for Seriegn Bamba's life.
The narration is that, Seriegn
Bamba was asked about the validity for one engaging in politics. The answer he
gave is very controversial and difficult for people in our era to accept.
Seriegn Bamba writes in Arabic and therefore must have written the word
POLITICS in Arabic alphabets. They said after attempting to write the word
POLITICS, he couldn't find any suitable word for the whole word.
He tried
very hard to find a proper word to no avail. Then he analysed the actions and
conduct of politicians of his day combined with the inability to find suitable
words for POLITICS. He said "the decision i will gave is hard based on the
fact that, there is no proper word available in spelling POLITICS." He went
on, "that alone borders on the fact that, this profession is not acceptable as
it will involve deception and UN-Godly activities".
As stated earlier, the
verdict of Seriegn Bamba will be hard to us today to rationalise, what
practice today is, some people get together and form a party, Give a name to
party, prepare a manifesto, seek for funding and register the party. The
process includes selecting a leader and an executive and thereafter, commence
campaign with beautiful slogans and making numerous promises.
The act
of presenting a leader who may have been selected by a handful of people, all
with ulterior motives, do the people in reality have any say who the country's
leader should be since all the contending political party have nominated their
own leader? Do the people have the choice of saying, we don't want any of the
leaders, we want a certain person to come and rule us?
Again, will the
politician fulfil the promises made to the people? Will he/she treat every
citizen equally? Will He/she protect the lives of the people actively? Will
the politician have any serious concern for the people he/she is ruling in
terms of well-fare and basic life needs? etc.
Seriegn Bamba may be
right in that, if one becomes a politician, it will be difficult to attain the
pleasure of God Almighty. Since it evident for all to see the that, lying,
double talking, killing, corruption, nepotism, lack of care, manipulation,
creating wars, false imprisonment all exist today.
It is imperative
therefore, we all be careful before entering into politics, yes the glamour
and titles are appealing, but the judgment in the hereafter is sure to
happen.
Suntou Bolonba Touray
www.suntoumana.blogspot.com
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