No person can encompass everything with knowledge or excel in understanding all aspects of life. Hence, seeking assistance from others in managing life's affairs is necessary. This manifests through seeking or offering opinions, which is referred to as practicing shura (consultation).
The Quran has emphasized the importance of shura in the life of a Muslim through various manifestations of its significance. This can be seen as follows:
Firstly: The name of a Surah in the Quran:
When examining the Holy Quran, one finds that Surah number 42 is named “Al-Shura.” This Surah is placed between Surah “Fussilat” and Surah “Al-Zukhruf.” The fact that there is a Surah named after shura indicates its importance, as nothing could be more significant than for the Quran to name a whole Surah after it.
Secondly: A foundational pillar for the Muslim community:
Surah “Al-Shura” was revealed in Makkah. It is known that the Quran revealed in Makkah focused on establishing religious beliefs and foundational principles for the Muslim character. Thus, the discussion of shura at the beginning of the Islamic call signifies its centrality in the various affairs of the Muslim community.
Thirdly: Commanding it in the Quran:
The command to engage in consultation is explicitly stated in the Quran. Allah says, “So by mercy from Allah, [O Muhammad], you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult them in the matter. And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him].” (Aal Imran: 159)
Fourthly: A characteristic of the believers:
The previous ayah confirms that Allah explicitly commanded shura, and another ayah affirms that shura is one of the characteristics of the believers. Allah says, “So whatever thing you have been given - it is but [for] enjoyment of the worldly life. But what is with Allah is better and more lasting for those who have believed and upon their Lord rely. And those who avoid the major sins and immoralities, and when they are angry, they forgive. And those who have responded to their lord and established prayer and whose affair is [determined by] consultation among themselves, and from what We have provided them, they spend. And those who, when tyranny strikes them, they defend themselves. And the retribution for an evil act is an evil one like it, but whoever pardons and makes reconciliation - his reward is [due] from Allah. Indeed, He does not like wrongdoers.” (Al-Shura: 36-40)
Fifthly: Practical applications in the Quran:
The Quran records several instances of shura being applied in various aspects of practical life, such as consultation between spouses, between a father and his son, among siblings, and between rulers and their subjects. Here are some examples:
- Shura between spouses:
The Quran highlights a scenario of disagreement between spouses regarding the weaning of an infant and guides them to the importance of shura to reach an agreement. Allah says, “Mothers may breastfeed their children two complete years for whoever wishes to complete the nursing [period]. Upon the father is the mothers' provision and their clothing according to what is acceptable. No person is charged with more than his capacity. No mother should be harmed through her child, and no father through his child. And upon the [father's] heir is [a duty] like that [of the father]. 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 of what you do.” (Al-Baqarah: 233)
- Shura between a father and his son:
The Quran narrates an instance of shura between a father and his son. Allah says, “And when he reached with him [the age of] exertion, he said, 'O my son, indeed I have seen in a dream that I [must] sacrifice you, so see what you think.' He said, 'O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, of the steadfast.'” (As-Saffat: 102) Allah revealed to Ibrahim in a dream that he should sacrifice his son Ismail. When Ibrahim decided to execute the command, he sought his son's opinion, illustrating the significance of consultation in a Muslim's life.
- Shura among siblings:
The Quran explains how the brothers of Yusuf consulted each other when they saw their father's love for Yusuf and plotted to get rid of him to gain their father's affection for themselves. Allah says, “Certainly were there in Joseph and his brothers signs for those who ask, when they said, 'Joseph and his brother are more beloved to our father than we, while we are a clan. Indeed, our father is in clear error. Kill Joseph or cast him out to [another] land; the countenance of your father will [then] be only for you, and you will be after that a righteous people.' Said a speaker among them, 'Do not kill Joseph but throw him into the bottom of the well; some travelers will pick him up if you would do [something].'” (Yusuf: 7-10)
- Shura between ruler and subjects:
The Quran depicts two instances of shura between ruler and subjects in the story of Prophet Sulaiman and the Queen of Sheba.
The first instance is when the Queen of Sheba consulted her nobles regarding the letter she received from Sulaiman. Allah says, “She said, 'O eminent ones, indeed, to me has been delivered a noble letter. Indeed, it is from Solomon, and indeed, it reads: “In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful, Be not haughty with me but come to me in submission [as Muslims].” She said, 'O eminent ones, advise me in my affair. I would not decide a matter until you witness [for] me.' They said, 'We are men of strength and of great military might, but the command is yours, so see what you will command.'” (An-Naml: 29-33)
The second instance is when Sulaiman consulted his troops after receiving the Queen of Sheba's gift. Allah says, “Solomon said, 'O assembly [of jinn], which of you will bring me her throne before they come to me in submission?' A powerful one from among the jinn said, 'I will bring it to you before you rise from your place, and indeed, I am for this [task] strong and trustworthy.' Said one who had knowledge from the Scripture, 'I will bring it to you before your glance returns to you.' And when [Solomon] saw it placed before him, he said, 'This is from the favor of my Lord to test me whether I will be grateful or ungrateful. And whoever is grateful - his gratitude is only for the benefit of himself. And whoever is ungrateful - then indeed, my Lord is Free of need and Generous.'” (An-Naml: 38-40) Despite being a king who commands and forbids, Sulaiman consulted his people and benefited from their consultation.
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