“So which pair of shoes do you think will go better with your outfit tonight; the red, ankle-high sandals, or the golden flip-flops?”
The recipient of this question of mine is not some fashion-conscious diva. It is my seven-year-old daughter, who is getting ready for an extended family banquet.
She takes a minute to think, looking steadily at both pairs of shoes that I hold out in my hands. Then she tentatively points at the golden pair of shoes, and looks at me quizzically.
“Yes, they match your dress better. But if you plan on running around on the grass outside, your feet will get dirty in them,” I inform her rather matter-of-factly. I make it clear that the final decision is hers to make.
She nods, then looks at both pairs again. “How about if I don’t run around? I want to wear the golden ones…”
| On Shura in Islam - Mutual Consultation in the Family - The Power of Consultation - Democracy and the Concept of Shura - Do Muslims Need Shura Training? - Obedience within Loving Marriages |
The matter is decided. I smiled and told her to do as she wishes. She now knows that if she does end up soiling her feet, she will be responsible for that, as the decision and choice was finally given to her.
This sense of responsibility that was created in my 7-year-old child would not be present had I forced her to wear what I unilaterally chose for her, being in a position of authority over her as her mother, and if I’d dictated my decision to her - of which I possess the Islamic, legal right - without taking her opinion first.
The resultant accountability and responsibility, as well as the accompanying motivation and self-worth that any person feels when their opinion is sought and valued, even if they are a small child/a minor, is precisely the intended outcome and motive behind shura (consultation).
Consultation: A Part of Islam
God commands Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the Quran, to undertake consultation with his companions:
{It was by the mercy of Allah that you were lenient with them (O Muhammad), for if you had been stern and fierce of heart, they would have dispersed from around you. So pardon them, and ask forgiveness for them, and consult with them upon the conduct of affairs. And when you have resolved, then put your trust in Allah. Lo! Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him).} (Al-Imran 3: 159)
| Prophet Muhammad used to undertake consultation before important decisions, with his companions, as well as his wives |
Consultation is actually a pivotal part of Islamic ethics and social etiquette. It involves consulting other people before making a decision, and taking their opinions about it first. Whether this is done on a personal or communal level, it has many benefits attached to it. Prophet Muhammad used to undertake consultation before important decisions, with his companions, as well as his wives.
Even in the modern-day world, “consultancy” is a valued realm in almost every professional field. A consultant is usually an expert who has significant knowledge and experience in his particular professional career, who is available for people to seek advice from, usually in return for a fee. Boards of advisors in corporations and organizations also play a somewhat similar role.
God mentions consulting others in one’s affairs as a positive trait of righteous believers in another place in the Quran:
{And those who answer the call of their Lord and establish worship, and whose affairs are a matter of counsel, and who spend of what We have bestowed on them.}
(Ash-Shura 42: 38)
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