Consultation, or shura, is a fundamental leadership technique in Islam. You consult with the experts, and you implement it, and you close the issue.
Shura means consultation. It also means the consulted group. Shura is a fundamental technique in leadership. The Prophet (صلي الله عليه وسلم), the best and most knowledable and noble of people, practiced shura with his companions–and who knew better than he? How can the rest of us believe we don’t need shura?
Abu Hurayrah (radiallahu ‘anh) said: I never saw someone who seeks consulation of his comrades more than the Prophet (صلي الله عليه وسلم).
How does one consult properly? Follow these steps inshaAllah:
- Clear your heart. Remember, no matter how much you know, shura benefits you inshaAllah. Remember, the Prophet (صلي الله عليه وسلم) made shura with his companions.
- Consult with your Lord. Ask Allah (سبحانه وتعالى). Pray two rakaat of istikhara. Who knows the solution to all your problems better than He?
- Consult the experts. Seek those proficient in the field in question and consult with them. Explain the situation. Listen to their opinions. Even if you find only one other person suitable, consult them.
- Be wary of consulting all people. Remember, if someone doesn’t have something, they can’t give it to you. That includes knowledge and advice. Don’t ask your barber how to fix your computer.
- Concede to antagonists. If you know some people provide an opposing view point, include them in your discussion. They often provide you with important details you may overlook.
- Consult anyone who will implement your decision. The people who carry out your decisions may become your biggest enemies when you ignore their concerns, especially if they disagree with your decisions.
Aim for a consensus if you can.
Decide. If Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) blessed you with consensus, run with it. If not, be tough, and make a decision. If there’s an overwhelming majority opinion, run with it inshaAllah–even if you personally disagree with it.
Stick with it. Close the topic of discussion. ****Do not let people open it again–they need to respect your authority, and you don’t want the issue to drag on and on and on forever every time someone thinks of something new. If you re-open it, be very, very sure it’s for a good reason.
May Allah bless our ummah with a proper understanding and implementation of shura, ameen.