Shura in Islam: Concept and Importance

We cannot in any way touch upon the Islamic political system without talking about one of the main advantages of this system. Islam has brought about a great and a magnificent human principle, namely the principle of shura or mutual consultation.
Surah “Ash-Shura”, a chapter in the Noble Qur'an, was named after that principle. This indicates the importance of this principle in all matters of Muslims.
Although scholars differ over the mechanism for the implementation of this principle in terms of being optional, preferable or obligatory, they are unanimous on the need to realize it among Muslims (1) as per Allah’s saying: (And consult them in affairs (of moment)) (Aal `Imran 3:159).

The Concept of Shura
Shura is to seek the opinion of knowledgeable people. In other words, it is to poll the opinion of the nation or its representatives over its issues (2). Therefore, Muslims took shura as one of the principles and bases of governance. Mature Muslims elect those who they deem worthy of power and governance.
What stresses this fact is that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) did not leave a written text, nor did he name his successor. Rather, he left it up to consultation among Muslims. Abu Wa'il said: It was said to `Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him): "Won’t you name your successor? He said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) did not name his successor, so I will not. However, if Allah wants good for people, He will make them choose the best from among themselves, as He made them choose the best after their Prophet died.” (3)

Importance of Shura
Shura is one of the basic fundamentals of the Islamic political system. It extends further to include all the affairs of Muslims. Thus, the Islamic state might have preceded the modern democratic systems with regard to the necessity of unanimity over choosing the one who runs its affairs and cares for its interests, something which stresses the value and effectiveness of unanimity among Muslims.



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