so engaging in political activity right now is nothing but a distraction! While we do not deny its legitimacy, we do believe in a sequence that is both Sharʿi and logical: we begin with creed, follow it with worship, and then with conduct—correcting and nurturing each stage. Only after that will the day inevitably come when we enter the realm of politics in its proper Sharʿi sense, for politics simply means managing the community’s affairs. And who manages those affairs? Not just any Zayd, Bakr, or ʿUmar who sets up a party, heads a movement, or directs a group. This responsibility belongs exclusively to the wali al-amr (the legitimate ruler) to whom the Muslims have pledged allegiance. He alone must understand the political reality and administer it. When the Muslims are not united—as is our situation today—each wali al-amr undertakes that task within the limits of his authority.

As for us occupying ourselves with matters which—even if we mastered them completely—would bring us no benefit because we lack the power to implement them and hold no authority over the ummah, that is sheer futility. Consider, for instance, the ongoing wars against Muslims in many lands: what good is it to inflame Muslim fervor about them when we do not control the jihad that must be directed by a responsible imam to whom allegiance has been given? Such activity is fruitless. We are not saying it is not an obligation; rather, we say it is a duty whose time has not yet come.