Cairo News
Long-banned Organization Comes to Power “BY Lojine Gamal”
A few weeks ago, millions of Egyptians gathered with unprecedented anticipation to hear the final results, which were followed by both ear-splitting fireworks as well as heart-wrenching tears. After defeating Ahmed Shafik by a margin of 4%, the Muslim Brotherhood's candidate, Mohamed Morsy El-Ayyat, was declared Egypt's first post-revolution president.
To be honest, most of us didn't like the fact that the competition came down to these two. After tasting the Muslim Brotherhood's betrayal on the 28th of January, and with Shafik being the ousted president's prime minister, thus being considered part of the old regime, both of them were bad choices. But the weird thing is, most people thought Shafik was the better choice.
Since Morsy was the MB's "spare" candidate, we don't know his personal opinions. All we know is that he stands for peace & equality and that he believes in whatever the Muslim Brotherhood believes in. Yet, he announced before that he would "crush" Shafik's followers, and declared that Gaza will be Egypt's new capital; so much for peace. And no matter what the MB say, most people believe they will never really treat us as equals, non-muslims and women will always be second class citizens for them.
Some countries, such as Russia, class the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorists, so these ties will be severed. They might use our resources to fight their own battles and financially assist Hamas. We all had these fears, that is why most people preferred Shafik.
But people also believed that Shafik had blood on his hands, and if he became president then the victims would've died for nothing and that it would mean the revolution had failed.
Anyway, Morsy's victory was not a shock. The Muslim Brotherhood are organized, and they know how to use people's needs. They bought thousands of votes, they threatened, and they cheated in lots of way.
Aside from that, there's been talk about the Supreme Council of Armed Forces making a deal with the Muslim Brotherhood, though what kind of deal is it, we're not sure. But Morsy winning the elections is probably part of it.
On the bright side, the MB have sky-high expectations to live up to and they want to prove themselves, and only yesterday Egypt won 17 milliard pounds in the stock market which is a first ever since 25th January 2011. So, hopefully, Morsy won't disappoint his followers and will prove the others wrong. And for now, all we can do is stand united and support our new president.
Lojine Gamal
A Government of the People, By the People, For the People “By Laila Khaled”
For the first time in its long History, Egypt had held its first democratic elections and the people chose a president. The new elected president of Egypt is unknown to most Egyptians but was elected because he was not a military person. Mohammed Morsi, an active member of the Muslim Brotherhood party is the new president of Egypt. Some Egyptians are skeptical about his ability to rule such a large ancient nation with its diverse culture and different religions. Others are very optimistic and hoping for a better future for this great country of ours.
Morsi, at the age of 62 with no experience in domestic or international affairs is the new president of Egypt, a country that for many years was the front runner in Middle Eastern and international politics. The question that lingers and is on every Egyptian’s mind “ will he be able to manage? How will he manage? Will he let go of his Islamist ideas or will he force them on people?
With new changes, come uncertainty and hope, Egyptians especially Copts and women are uncertain of whether the Muslim brotherhood party will be able to influence the political and the social life in Egypt, or will they live and let live? Some Egyptians are thinking of leaving the country for fear of oppression under an Islamic regime. I personally think that Egypt will prevail and we will enjoy a prosperous period because any smart ruler must take in account the Christian population and the different backgrounds of the Egyptian population. I think Egypt needs a president who would fill up the gaps of the last 2 years between the government and the public, a president with plans to fix what is wrong not break what is currently working.
Laila Khaled
Islam as a ruling system “By Amr Tarek”
Some of us believe that religion and politics are one and the same in Islam. Some Muslim nations tend to think that Islam is a complete system of life and politics and is very much a part of Muslims collective life. Now that the Muslim brotherhood won the presidential elections in Egypt, will Egypt become an Islamic country; if yes … is Islam pliable for our modern world, if no… what type of political system will Egypt adapt?
To develop and understanding of Islam as a ruling system, we need to analyze how does it work “politically”. A detailed discussion of the Islamic political system would be desirable, but we have to content ourselves with its basic principles, main features, advantages and disadvantages. Note: this article discuss the Islamic ruling system in general not the system that will be applied in Egypt by Muslim brotherhood.
What is Islamic political system?
1. Sovereignty of God’s voice: Sovereignty means the source of power. In Islam, Allah (God) is the source of all powers and laws it is Allah who knows what is good and what is bad for human beings, his say is final. Mere humans cannot change god’s laws. Some verses of the Qur’an “the Muslim holy book” "As for the thief -male and female, chop off their hands. It is the reward of their own actions and exemplary punishment from Allah. Allah is Mighty, Wise." (Translated from Qur’an). According to Islam, this order is unchangeable by any parliament or any government which claims itself to be Islamic, There are many more laws in the Qur’an concerning human’s daily life. the question we need to ask ourselves will such law be applicable in modern day life?
2. The Ruler “President/Monarch is god’s (Vicegerent). Man is the vicegerent, the agent or the representative of God’s voice on earth (translated from Qur’an). In the political sense, Caliph (president or ruler in Arabic language) means that human beings should implement the will of Allah on earth as His deputy or agent. As Allah’s agents, human beings will carry out the will of God’s instruction on his behalf as a trust (Amanah). Caliph is only an agent of god and is always expected to behave as his master wants him to behave.
3. Legislation by Shura (Consultation).Is lam teaches how governments should run or make decisions. It mandates Shura. To make legislation and decisions, governments must consult the people representatives or the people themselves. This is an important part of the Islamic political system. There is no scope for despotism in Islam. The Qur’an and the Sunnah will be the basis of legislation in Islam.
4. Accountability of government. The Islamic political system makes the ruler and the government responsible firstly to Allah and then to the people. The ruler and the government are elected by the people to exercise ‘powers on their behalf. The ruler shall have to work for the welfare of the people according to the Qur’an and Sunnah. According to Islam , a ruler is a servant of the people. Any ordinary citizen of an Islamic state has the right to ask any questions on any matter to the ruler and the government.
5. Independence of judiciary. In the Islamic political system, the Judiciary is independent of the Executive. The head of the state or any government minister could be called to the court if necessary. They would be treated no differently from other citizens. The Qur’an has many injunctions about justice. One of the main functions of the Islamic state is to ensure justice to all citizens. The ruler and the government have no right to interfere in the system of justice.
6. Equality before law. The Islamic political system ensures equality for all citizens before the law. It does not recognize any discrimination on the basis of language, color, territory, sex or descent. Islam recognizes the preference of one over the other only on the basis of “Taqwa” (piety or fear of God). One who fears Allah most is the noblest in Islam.
What Islamic political system is not?
1. Monarchical:
· Ruling is not hereditary and Caliph is chosen by Muslims
· Caliph has no special privileges
· The Caliph is accountable and can be punished by law if found guilty
· He is not the symbol of the Ummah (nation) where he owns and does not rule nor is he a symbol who rules and runs the affairs of the people and country as he pleases.
· He is not the source of legislation rather he has to implement Islamic rules (Shar’a Allah) whether he likes it or not
2. Republican:
· The Sovereignty belong to the Allah not the People
· Neither the Ummah nor the Caliph has the right to legislate
· The Caliph is bound to adopt rules for the constitution and cannons that are extracted from Qur’an and Sunnah
· Though Ummah has the right to elect the Caliph but they do not have the right to remove him as long as he implements god’s laws.
· The system does not determine the Caliph term of office. This is rather determined by his implementation of god’s laws.
3. Imperial:
· Each region is considered an indivisible part of the State.
· Ruling authority and systems are same for all regions
· Same laws for all citizens throughout the state with no distinction of race, language or creed. Non-Muslim citizens have the full rights and duties that a Muslim citizens has.
· It does not make the regions under its rule into colonies, areas of exploitation, nor a source of wealth funneled back into the central region for its own benefit
4. Federal:
· Shape of ruling is that of unitary not federal. The states have no autonomy in ruling, economy, military or so like whatsoever
· Funds are spend equally on subjects of states, regardless
· The Caliph is the one who appoints army commanders, the head of a state, finance and economy officials, judges and everyone whose duty is to rule
Now the question remains… will Islam work as a ruling system for Egypt? This you will have to help me with… to discuss this further. Please post your comments and let’s discuss it.
Amr
A few weeks ago, millions of Egyptians gathered with unprecedented anticipation to hear the final results, which were followed by both ear-splitting fireworks as well as heart-wrenching tears. After defeating Ahmed Shafik by a margin of 4%, the Muslim Brotherhood's candidate, Mohamed Morsy El-Ayyat, was declared Egypt's first post-revolution president.
To be honest, most of us didn't like the fact that the competition came down to these two. After tasting the Muslim Brotherhood's betrayal on the 28th of January, and with Shafik being the ousted president's prime minister, thus being considered part of the old regime, both of them were bad choices. But the weird thing is, most people thought Shafik was the better choice.
Since Morsy was the MB's "spare" candidate, we don't know his personal opinions. All we know is that he stands for peace & equality and that he believes in whatever the Muslim Brotherhood believes in. Yet, he announced before that he would "crush" Shafik's followers, and declared that Gaza will be Egypt's new capital; so much for peace. And no matter what the MB say, most people believe they will never really treat us as equals, non-muslims and women will always be second class citizens for them.
Some countries, such as Russia, class the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorists, so these ties will be severed. They might use our resources to fight their own battles and financially assist Hamas. We all had these fears, that is why most people preferred Shafik.
But people also believed that Shafik had blood on his hands, and if he became president then the victims would've died for nothing and that it would mean the revolution had failed.
Anyway, Morsy's victory was not a shock. The Muslim Brotherhood are organized, and they know how to use people's needs. They bought thousands of votes, they threatened, and they cheated in lots of way.
Aside from that, there's been talk about the Supreme Council of Armed Forces making a deal with the Muslim Brotherhood, though what kind of deal is it, we're not sure. But Morsy winning the elections is probably part of it.
On the bright side, the MB have sky-high expectations to live up to and they want to prove themselves, and only yesterday Egypt won 17 milliard pounds in the stock market which is a first ever since 25th January 2011. So, hopefully, Morsy won't disappoint his followers and will prove the others wrong. And for now, all we can do is stand united and support our new president.
Lojine Gamal
A Government of the People, By the People, For the People “By Laila Khaled”
For the first time in its long History, Egypt had held its first democratic elections and the people chose a president. The new elected president of Egypt is unknown to most Egyptians but was elected because he was not a military person. Mohammed Morsi, an active member of the Muslim Brotherhood party is the new president of Egypt. Some Egyptians are skeptical about his ability to rule such a large ancient nation with its diverse culture and different religions. Others are very optimistic and hoping for a better future for this great country of ours.
Morsi, at the age of 62 with no experience in domestic or international affairs is the new president of Egypt, a country that for many years was the front runner in Middle Eastern and international politics. The question that lingers and is on every Egyptian’s mind “ will he be able to manage? How will he manage? Will he let go of his Islamist ideas or will he force them on people?
With new changes, come uncertainty and hope, Egyptians especially Copts and women are uncertain of whether the Muslim brotherhood party will be able to influence the political and the social life in Egypt, or will they live and let live? Some Egyptians are thinking of leaving the country for fear of oppression under an Islamic regime. I personally think that Egypt will prevail and we will enjoy a prosperous period because any smart ruler must take in account the Christian population and the different backgrounds of the Egyptian population. I think Egypt needs a president who would fill up the gaps of the last 2 years between the government and the public, a president with plans to fix what is wrong not break what is currently working.
Laila Khaled
Islam as a ruling system “By Amr Tarek”
Some of us believe that religion and politics are one and the same in Islam. Some Muslim nations tend to think that Islam is a complete system of life and politics and is very much a part of Muslims collective life. Now that the Muslim brotherhood won the presidential elections in Egypt, will Egypt become an Islamic country; if yes … is Islam pliable for our modern world, if no… what type of political system will Egypt adapt?
To develop and understanding of Islam as a ruling system, we need to analyze how does it work “politically”. A detailed discussion of the Islamic political system would be desirable, but we have to content ourselves with its basic principles, main features, advantages and disadvantages. Note: this article discuss the Islamic ruling system in general not the system that will be applied in Egypt by Muslim brotherhood.
What is Islamic political system?
1. Sovereignty of God’s voice: Sovereignty means the source of power. In Islam, Allah (God) is the source of all powers and laws it is Allah who knows what is good and what is bad for human beings, his say is final. Mere humans cannot change god’s laws. Some verses of the Qur’an “the Muslim holy book” "As for the thief -male and female, chop off their hands. It is the reward of their own actions and exemplary punishment from Allah. Allah is Mighty, Wise." (Translated from Qur’an). According to Islam, this order is unchangeable by any parliament or any government which claims itself to be Islamic, There are many more laws in the Qur’an concerning human’s daily life. the question we need to ask ourselves will such law be applicable in modern day life?
2. The Ruler “President/Monarch is god’s (Vicegerent). Man is the vicegerent, the agent or the representative of God’s voice on earth (translated from Qur’an). In the political sense, Caliph (president or ruler in Arabic language) means that human beings should implement the will of Allah on earth as His deputy or agent. As Allah’s agents, human beings will carry out the will of God’s instruction on his behalf as a trust (Amanah). Caliph is only an agent of god and is always expected to behave as his master wants him to behave.
3. Legislation by Shura (Consultation).Is lam teaches how governments should run or make decisions. It mandates Shura. To make legislation and decisions, governments must consult the people representatives or the people themselves. This is an important part of the Islamic political system. There is no scope for despotism in Islam. The Qur’an and the Sunnah will be the basis of legislation in Islam.
4. Accountability of government. The Islamic political system makes the ruler and the government responsible firstly to Allah and then to the people. The ruler and the government are elected by the people to exercise ‘powers on their behalf. The ruler shall have to work for the welfare of the people according to the Qur’an and Sunnah. According to Islam , a ruler is a servant of the people. Any ordinary citizen of an Islamic state has the right to ask any questions on any matter to the ruler and the government.
5. Independence of judiciary. In the Islamic political system, the Judiciary is independent of the Executive. The head of the state or any government minister could be called to the court if necessary. They would be treated no differently from other citizens. The Qur’an has many injunctions about justice. One of the main functions of the Islamic state is to ensure justice to all citizens. The ruler and the government have no right to interfere in the system of justice.
6. Equality before law. The Islamic political system ensures equality for all citizens before the law. It does not recognize any discrimination on the basis of language, color, territory, sex or descent. Islam recognizes the preference of one over the other only on the basis of “Taqwa” (piety or fear of God). One who fears Allah most is the noblest in Islam.
What Islamic political system is not?
1. Monarchical:
· Ruling is not hereditary and Caliph is chosen by Muslims
· Caliph has no special privileges
· The Caliph is accountable and can be punished by law if found guilty
· He is not the symbol of the Ummah (nation) where he owns and does not rule nor is he a symbol who rules and runs the affairs of the people and country as he pleases.
· He is not the source of legislation rather he has to implement Islamic rules (Shar’a Allah) whether he likes it or not
2. Republican:
· The Sovereignty belong to the Allah not the People
· Neither the Ummah nor the Caliph has the right to legislate
· The Caliph is bound to adopt rules for the constitution and cannons that are extracted from Qur’an and Sunnah
· Though Ummah has the right to elect the Caliph but they do not have the right to remove him as long as he implements god’s laws.
· The system does not determine the Caliph term of office. This is rather determined by his implementation of god’s laws.
3. Imperial:
· Each region is considered an indivisible part of the State.
· Ruling authority and systems are same for all regions
· Same laws for all citizens throughout the state with no distinction of race, language or creed. Non-Muslim citizens have the full rights and duties that a Muslim citizens has.
· It does not make the regions under its rule into colonies, areas of exploitation, nor a source of wealth funneled back into the central region for its own benefit
4. Federal:
· Shape of ruling is that of unitary not federal. The states have no autonomy in ruling, economy, military or so like whatsoever
· Funds are spend equally on subjects of states, regardless
· The Caliph is the one who appoints army commanders, the head of a state, finance and economy officials, judges and everyone whose duty is to rule
Now the question remains… will Islam work as a ruling system for Egypt? This you will have to help me with… to discuss this further. Please post your comments and let’s discuss it.
Amr