28th October 2016 – Lecture at York University, Toronto, Canada

‘In terms of collective trusts, one important aspect is the duty of citizens to elect representatives of the state who they consider to be of the greatest value to their nation. When it comes to elections or nominations, a person should not vote automatically for his ally or party member, rather they should consider who is the most qualified and suitable for the task at hand. Thereafter, those who are elected and handed the keys to government or power should exercise their duties with honesty, integrity and justice. This teaching is the model of democracy that Islam champions. In every society, there are mutual trusts and obligations placed upon all people, and for the society to function successfully, it is necessary for normal citizens and the leaders to fulfil their responsibilities towards each other with true justice.’