Consultation (Shura) is defined as "seeking the
opinion of those qualified to give it" or as "consulting the nation
or its representatives on matters of public concern." It can also be
defined as "a collective intellectual effort aimed at adopting a common
position on a political, social, economic, or other issue." Consultation
is a political obligation, and neglecting it is considered a political sin. It
is closely linked to the reality of Muslims and is of paramount importance in
all aspects of their political, legal, economic, social, and educational lives,
both at the public and family levels. Its importance at the legal level is
evident in ensuring that laws and legislation originate from the nation within
the framework of Islamic law so that people will respond to them and strive to
implement them without resentment or discontent. In this sense, consultation is
binding on everyone, rulers and ruled alike. The ruler cannot act unilaterally
in public affairs, and the community cannot remain silent regarding matters
that affect its interests. Consultation (Shura) is not limited to the political
sphere alone but extends to the social sphere as well. Its practice in the
social sphere makes it a formidable barrier against tyranny in all its forms
and makes its eradication from the political sphere extremely difficult due to
its deep-rooted presence in society.
Consultation (Shura) is mentioned in the Quran in
two places. The first is in Surah Ash-Shura, in the words of God Almighty: “And
those who answer the Call of their Lord [i.e. to believe that He is the only
One Lord (Allah), and to worship none but Him Alone], and perform As-Salat
(Iqamat-as-Salat), and who (conduct) their affairs by mutual consultation, and
who spend of what We have bestowed on them” (Surah Ash-Shura: 28). In Surah
Al Imran: “And by the Mercy of Allah, you dealt with them gently. And had
you been severe and harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from you; so
pass over (their faults), and ask (Allah's) forgiveness for them, and consult
them in the affairs. Then when you have taken a decision, put your trust in
Allah; certainly, Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him).” (Surah
Al Imran: 159). It is noteworthy that Surah Ash-Shura is a Meccan surah,
meaning that the command to consult was given before the establishment of any
political entity for the Muslims. This demonstrates the importance of
consultation in the Islamic system. In Surah Al Imran (a Medinan surah), the
verse on consultation was revealed after the Muslims' defeat at the Battle of
Uhud. In this battle, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) accepted
the majority opinion that called for leaving Medina to fight the polytheists,
adhering to the principle of consultation established by Islam in Surah
Ash-Shura. It is noteworthy that although following the majority opinion to
leave the city to fight the polytheists was considered one of the causes of
defeat, the Quran commanded Muslims to consult with one another and not leave
it to the opinion of an individual or a minority. Islam made consultation the
foundation of family life, as God Almighty says, "And if they both desire
weaning through mutual consent from both of them and consultation, there is no
blame upon either of them. And if you wish to have your children nursed by a
substitute, there is no blame upon you as long as you give payment according to
what is acceptable. And fear Allah and know that Allah is seeing what you
do." (Quran 2:233); and the foundation of broader social life, as God
Almighty says: "And their affair is [conducted by] consultation among
themselves" as a practical statement for Muslims and a divine command to
the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) when matters went
against nature, as God Almighty says, "And consult with them in the
matter." Consultation is binding on the leader, on the general Muslim
public, and on the family in all aspects of life, so that matters proceed with
satisfaction and conviction, without coercion and tyranny that destroys the
country and oppresses the people.
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