Faith and Frustration: Seeking Balance After the Ballot

Finding balance after the ballot requires grounding ourselves in the values of our faith

Shayk Ibad Wali

As a Muslim in America, my hope for this election was that it would expand the political diversity within our democracy. Some Americans, like me, wished for the Green Party to reach the 5% vote threshold, securing federal funding and breaking the two-party dominance. Yet, as the results came in, it became clear that those aspirations fell short, leaving many who yearned for political alternatives with a sense of frustration and sadness. Even those who voted within the two-party system—Democratic or Republican—are expressing a range of emotions post-election, including celebrities, influencers, and athletes. In some families, the divide is evident, with some celebrating while others mourn the results, all under one roof.

American Muslims cast their votes, despite feeling disillusioned by both major parties, which have neglected the growing violence in Gaza and the rising Islamophobia at home. The election served as a reminder that Muslim voters, like all Americans, seek authentic engagement and real solutions to their concerns—whether it’s safeguarding vulnerable communities at home or ensuring consistency in global policies.

Islam teaches us to find balance and maintain resilience during uncertain times. The Qur'an reminds us that we must place our trust in God's wisdom, even when political disappointments arise. The story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) offers profound guidance in this regard. Betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery, Yusuf faced false accusations and years of imprisonment—experiencing profound injustices at the hands of those closest to him and a system that seemed indifferent to truth and fairness.

Yet Yusuf's unwavering faith in God and his commitment to being among His faithful transformed his trials into a path toward extraordinary leadership. His trust in God’s plan reminds us that patience and perseverance amid hardship often lead to unforeseen opportunities. When Yusuf came to power and was reunited with his brothers, he forgave them, demonstrating the power of mercy and reconciliation, as he said in the Qur'an: 'No blame will there be upon you today. Allah will forgive you; and He is the most merciful of the merciful' (Qur'an, 12:92).

Similarly, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) embodied this same spirit of mercy and forgiveness during the conquest of Mecca. Despite years of persecution, forced migration, and the tragic loss of his family and companions, upon return, he chose to forgive his adversaries rather than seek revenge. He echoed the words of Yusuf, offering forgiveness to those who had wronged him, saying, 'No blame will there be upon you today. Allah will forgive you; and He is the most merciful of the merciful.'

These powerful stories offer timeless lessons in responding to adversity with grace, patience, and forgiveness. In a time when the political landscape feels more polarized than ever, the example of Yusuf and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) reminds us that, though the political divide may seem insurmountable, our faith calls us to embody mercy, understanding, and dignity toward others, regardless of their political beliefs or affiliations. Just as these great leaders forgave those who wronged them, we too can move forward with compassion, refusing to be consumed by division, and instead fostering unity through respect and empathy for all.

The Qur’an calls us to be bearers of mercy. God’s mercy, as the Qur'an declares, “encompasses all things.” Just as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was “sent as a mercy to the worlds,” we too are called to embody that mercy in our actions. This means working toward the common good, advocating for the oppressed, and striving for harmony even in divisive times.

Many Muslims turned out to vote this season with these principles in mind, driven not only by civic duty but by a desire to prevent harm to vulnerable communities. In the face of potential policies that may target immigrants, marginalized groups, or activists speaking out against injustice, our collective responsibility is to transcend political and ideological divides, seeking common ground and mutual understanding.

In this post-election period, frustration may linger, but Islam offers us a perspective rooted in patience, faith, and proactive engagement. Our ultimate reliance is on God’s wisdom, and through unity, persistence, and a commitment to our values, we can respond constructively to the challenges ahead. Finding balance after the ballot requires grounding ourselves in the values of our faith, which we share with people of all faiths around us. By doing so, we transform disappointment into an opportunity to align our actions with our principles and shared faith values, striving for a better future for all, regardless of who sits in the Oval Office.

This piece was written by Shayk Ibad Wali, Senior Muslim Advisor of the One America Movement.