Importance of Consultation (Shura’iat) in our life شورائیت کی اہمیت

 

Importance of Consultation (Shura’iat) in our life شورائیت کی اہمیت

No human being is infallible. We need advice and suggestion from experts to reach to a better conclusion. Islam insists its followers to consult on all matters governing their social, economical & political life.

Arabic word used for Shura is derived from the root word Sh-W-R  ش و ر

 شَارَ الْعَسَلَ  (shaaral asal): took the honey out of the hive and collected it.

 اَلْمَشَارُ  (al-mash_aar): the hive out of which the honey is taken.

 اَلشَّوْرُ  (as-shaur): the honey which is taken out of the hive.

Ibn Faris says it basically means to make evident or present, and to take something away.

 شَاوَرَ  (shawar),  مُشَاوَرَۃً  (mushawarah),  تَشَاوَر  (tash-awar): to consult mutually, to get the gist of others_ opinions and arrive at a conclusion {R}. Hence it means deposition of the thoughts, opinions etc. so that the opinions may lead to some conclusion. (Lughat ul Quran by Allama Ghulam Ahmed)

If it is taken to mean honey itself, then it would mean to collect all the honey from the hive. Thus consultation is a process of extracting honey (the knowledge) from all the flowers of the garden (scholars & Experienced people).

Ibn Khatir mentioned that in matters pertaining to collective muslims consultation is a must.

Allah has asked prophet Mohammed SAS to consult the Believers  وَشَاوِرہُم فِی الاَمرِ  3:159 

Similarly noble Muslims characters is explained that they are those who consult among themselves on collective issues وَأَمْرُ‌هُمْ شُورَ‌ىٰ بَيْنَهُمْ  42:38.

This practice of Counselling was fully adopted during the period of first four caliphs which is known as Khilafatur Rashida.

Quran gives an example that even in family matters such as feeding of child, the matter to be discussed and agreed mutually  وَتَشَاوُرٍ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْهِمَا ۗ وَإِنْ أَرَدتُّمْ أَن تَسْتَرْضِعُوا أَوْلَادَكُمْ 2:233; giving due rights and importance to all the parties involved

Prophet Mohammed SAS used to say that Consultation is made mercy for my Ummah (Nation). (Bayhaqi).

As when all the concerned are consulted they have the feeling of ownership in the decisions taken and they will do their best to implement it.

Though Prophet was in direct guidance from Allah and he doesn’t need any consultation as such but those who were around him says (His Wife Hazrat Ayesha RA Says) I have never seen some one doing consultation more than prophet himself. (Tirmidhi)

Prophet Mohammed SAS used to trust his aide so much that he used to say to Abu Bakr & Umar that if both of you agree on some thing than I will not go against it. (Ahmed)

He even use to take advices from youth and other companions

Benefits of Counselling

Prophet Mohammed SAS said one who seek counsel will not be devoid of Truth (Tafseer Qurtubi) and the one who work on his own thoughts mostly will not be satisfied soul.

In another narration Prophet SAS said that A person who after consultation decides to do or not to do something then Allah will guide him towards the right and better path. (Bayhaqi). Proper consultation give an inner peace of mind and steadfastness to the person.

Prophet SAS said in long hadith that best period among you will be when your matters are been resolved with mutual consultation. (Mishkat) and the worst period will be the quite opposite to the same.

In which matters Consultation to be done

Those matter in which the guidelines from Quran and sunnah is clear then no consultation is required; however, in the matter where specific details pertaining to situation is not available then Muslims should seek consultation among themselves. This is contrary to western belief of Democracy where they believe no divine guidance is required and the human intellect has reached a level where it can decide on its own benefits.

Imam Jassas in his book Ahkam ul Quran lil jassais) Died: 12 June 981 AD, Baghdad, Iraq has clarified about the matters in which consultation is to be seek on the firm opinion of the learned scholars.

Who should be consulted?

In Tabrani its stated that consultation to be seeked from knowledgeable practicing scholars or subject experts.

Prophet SAS said to consult the wise people and follow their suggestion else will be a loser (Maa’rif ul Quran).

Counselling is Entrustment

In a important narration Prophet SAS said that المُستشارُ مُؤتَمَنٌ counselling is entrustment; a person should give advice considering it for himself Else it will be unfaithfulness & peculation.

Moreover he should keep the process of consultation a secret and shouldn't share with others.

Hazrat Umar RA states that لَاخِلَافَہَ اِلَّاعَنۡ مَشۡوَرَۃٍ  - (کنزالعمال Khilafah (Government ) doesn’t exist without counselling.

In the Golden age of Muslims the practice of Counselling was implemented and all the intellect will work for the betterment of the society and nation. when it start declining the nations downfall starts.

In view of the above the importance of counselling is understood to be a primary pillar in the society. Hence it should be adopted in family life, business, social life, political life Religious affairs etc. We can hope to see the fruits of collective brilliance in the society.

 

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