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Islamic System of Mutual Consultation and its Significance
Definition
Sometimes a person comes across such circumstances in life which baffle him. He debates about doing or not doing a certain thing. As he is unsure at that moment and can’t decide what should he do? In such circumstances, sharia instructs to get a consultation from a wise well-wisher or the one with the expertise or insight about the concerned matter. In short, a person must not just rely on his own intellect or understanding before coming to a conclusion. He must observe patience and make the final decision after mutual contemplation and consultation and have faith in Allah. This process of deliberation and seeking experts advise on a particular matter is called mutual consultation.
Importance of Consultation:
It is very important to follow the system of mutual consultation to live a virtuous, triumphant and prosperous life. Undoubtedly, mutual consultation results in well-being, auspiciousness, progress, development and Allah’s benevolence. There is no harm or shame in it. As Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) said;
مَاشَقٰی عَبْدٗ بِمَشْوِرِۃِ وَمَا سَعِدَ بِاِ سْتِغْنَاءِ رَأیٍ- ( قرطبی /161 4)
Explanation: “No one ever lose or get disappointed by mutual consultation. Also no one gains any benefit by not mutually consulting”. (al-Qurtubi / 4161)
At another occasion Prophet Mohammad said;
اَلْمَشْوَرَۃُ حِصْنُ مِنَ النَّدَامَۃِ وَاَمْنٌ مِنَ الْمَلَامَۃِExplanation: Mutual consultation is a fort against humiliation and the saviour from reprehension. (Adab-e-Duniya-o-Walidain)
Above mentioned Hadiths conclude that a person must consult the concerned people before proceeding in a particular matter. Because if he does not consult and fails afterwards then people taunt and rebuke him. Sometimes an ongoing process of rebuking continues which results in shame and humiliation. However, had he consulted the expert before proceeding in his matter then he would not have failed. This is because Allah opens more ways in path of success for a person by virtue of mutual consultation. However, if one does not achieve expected result even after mutual consultation then he does not have to face embarrassment. Since not only his but the wisdom and recommendation of expert had also gone into the decision of that matter. In this case Allah certainly has a better plan for him.
Consultation Guides Towards Prosperity:
Ali ibn Abi Talib said;
اَلْاِسْتِشَارَۃُ عَیْنُ الْہِدَایَۃِ وَ قَدْ خَاطَرَ مَنِ اسْتَغْنٰی بِرَأیِہ
Meaning: Consultation is the absolute righteousness. One who contents on his own wisdom endanger himself.
Hence concluded that mutual consultation is a very conspicuous act. In fact, it is guidance towards the right path which leads to success and well-being of an individual. As long as the system of mutual consultation exist, mischief, depravity and awry cannot make their way in the society. Eventually, this will lead society towards peace and prosperity.
Mutual Consultation Brings Ease and Progression:
The holy Prophet (pbuh) said; “When your matters are decided after mutual consultation among you then it’s better to remain alive. However, when your rulers become the worst, rich become miser and your matters get in the hands of women then it’s better to burry yourself then to live.” (Ruh ul Ma’ani) According to the current affairs only those educational and religious institutions progress more who make their policies with mutual consultation. As such institutions are free of any external or internal evil or mischief. However, when an institution or government is run by family or dynasty system then it does not last very long. As it follows the family succession system which does not give the right of opinion to people. Rather it is hereditary even if the successor is ineligible for the ruling position. Resultantly, this generates millions of problems. Thereafter, roguery and corruption swamp the whole city rather country. The dynasty system prevailed in the pre-Islamic era which destroyed and divided the families and tribes. Consequently, the immoral deeds flooded the society and there was no one to desist or stop it. As people were not worried about any accountability. They were free to do anything and everything. Resultantly, this gave birth to thousands of immortal deeds like adultery, alcoholism, robbery, looting, massacre etc.
Islam Introduced the Concept of Mutual Consultation:
Islam marked an end to dynasty and introduced the system of mutual consultation. Not only that Islam in many ways explained the significance of this system. In fact, it became the special virtue of the Muslims. As Allah says in Sura ash-Shurah;
وَالَّذِیْنَ اسْتِجَابُوْا لِرَبِّھِمْ وَاَقَامُوا الصَّلوٰۃَ وَاَمْرُھُمْ شُوْرٰی بَیْنَھُمْ وَمِمَّا رَزَقْنَھُمْ یُنْفِقُوْنَ ۔
Meaning: 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 (Allah) bestowed on them. (42:38)
Basically, this verse outlines the characteristics of the Muslims. Here, one of the characteristics described is the mutual consultation. To elaborate, this verse instructs to get the consultation of the adept in important matters. Undoubtedly, faith and obedience to Allah distinguishes the true believers. Allah addressed this trait of the true believers in the first part of the verse. It describes their obedience towards the orders of Allah and His Prophet. Then the verse addresses the trait of mutual consultation which indeed proves its significance. That is why mutual consultation had become part and parcel of the Companions of Prophet, particularly the Caliphs.
Mutual Consultation is the Sunna of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh):
Examples of Prophet Mohammad Seeking Consulting from his Companions:
Prophet Mohammad consulted his Companions about the prisoners of the battle of Badr. He consulted whether to release the prisoners after taking a sum of money or kill them.
In the battle of Uhad, Prophet consulted if Muslims should defend from inside Medina or from the outskirts. Majority of the Companions suggested to defend from the outskirts of Medina, hence holy Prophet approved it.
Similarly, Prophet Mohammad consulted in the battle of Khandak (Trench) and treaty of Hudaybiyyah. Not only that, but he also consulted Companions about what way to adopt to call Muslims at time of prayer.
In addition to the above examples, history is full of many other times when Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) consulted his Companions.
Allah’s Consultation to Angels About Adam:
When Allah manifested Adam, He consulted angels to get their opinion. The detail of this consultation is available in sura Al-Baqarah, verse 30. In fact, Allah does not need to consult the angels or anyone else. Allah just wanted to introduce the concept of consultation and its significance in the human beings. Hence, the creation must follow the Creator!
Practice of Consultation in the Present Era:
Sadly, nowadays like other good deeds practice of Sunna of consultation has also vanished from our society and lives. Consequently, leaving a dreadful impact on the society. For instance, people fail in their matters despite all the efforts, hard work and trials leading to depression and devastation. One can see uproar and disturbance everywhere on individual and congregative level.
Many times, people regret of not consulting after they have faced failure and loss. But there is not point of repenting then as it is too late to undo the damage. Actually, we need to develop the habbit of seeking consultation before making decision in important matters. This will make our hard work productive and fruitful. Indeed, by mutual consultation we obey Allah and His Prophet (pbuh). Moreover, it benefits in thousands of religious and worldly matters. Hopefully, the Sunna of mutual consultation emerge in the lives and society of Muslim Umma.
In What Matters We Do Not Need to Consult?
Now the question arises that whom should be consult? And in what matters should we consult?
In this regard remember that we do not need to consult about the already set matters of sharia. Also, the matters already declared mandatory or forbidden by Islam are out of question. For example, there is no need to ask if one should offer prayer five times a day or not. As the answer is obvious in Quran and Hadith. Similarly, no need to ask if one must perform pilgrim or not and pay zakat or not. As Allah has already set rules for these obligatory prayers in the sharia law. So, one must always follow sharia in these matters. However, one may consult about their procedure or way to perform them.
Similarly, there are few things forbidden in sharia. For example, adultery, alcoholism, robbery etc. Therefore, one does not need to consult in these matters as well. One must always stay away from such forbidden acts.
Who Should We Consult?
Ali ibn Abi Talib said that I asked Prophet Mohammad; what should we do after you if we come across a matter that is neither answered in Quran nor Hadith?
Prophet Mohammad said; for such matters gather the pious people of Islamic jurisprudence and make decision after consulting with them. (Musarif al-Quran 2/220)
One must consult not only in religious but also in financial, social, communal and individual matters.
Counselor Must Be Expert in the Concerned Field
One should consult an expert in the concerned field. A person who has either experienced the matter or has complete know how of the matter. That being said, one must consult a perspicacious religious scholar in the matters of the religion. Similarly, in the spiritual matters one must reach out to a spiritual guide. Rather, a perfect spiritual guide who is the absolute light of guidance and the man of Divine Essence. Correspondingly, for the treatment of any physical ailment and disease one must consult a good medical doctor.
In short, depending of the nature of the matter one must consult the experienced person expert in the concerned field. Because without experience only intellect cannot result in the success. Therefore, before seeking consultation make sure that person is both intellectual and experienced in the concerned matter. A person missing either one of the aforementioned qualities cannot be a good counselor.
Significance of Consultation:
The holy Prophet (pbuh) said;
اِسْتَشِیْرُوْا ذَوِی الْعُقْوْلِ تُرْشَدُوْا وَلَا تَعْصَوْہُمْ فَتَنْدَمُوا
Meaning: You will succeed if you consult the wise. However, opposing them can result in humiliation. (Musnad-e-Shahab 673)
Abdullah ibn Ahsan advised his son Mohammad ibn Abdullah in the following words;
“Save yourself from the advice of the ignorant even if he is your well-wisher. Just like you save yourself from the enmity of the wise.” (al-Mudkhal 6/29)
An unexperienced and unwise person does not qualify to be a consultant. Always consult the person who is experienced and intellectual about the matter in question.
Difference in the Consultative System and Democracy:
There is a major difference in the consultative system of Islam and democracy. The former looks upon on the eligibility or worthiness of the individual while the later just looks at the popularity. Democracy elects that party as the ruler who gets the most votes even if the voters are crazy and senseless. That is why, the democratic system is a very destructive. This system does not consider the intellect and wisdom of the candidate.
Contrary to democracy, Islam follows the consultative system. According to this system decisions are made after consulting the intellectual and experienced expert individuals. That’s why Prophet Mohammad preferred the suggestion of Abu Bakr and Umar ibn Khattab over the majority of other Companions. Prophet Mohammad used to address to both Abu Bakr and Ali:
Meaning: “When both of you agree on a certain opinion then I do not disagree. (Musnad Ahmad)
This concludes that the Islamic sharia gives more weight to intellect and insight of an individual than to the majority.
Attributes of the Counselor:
Select such person for consultation who is not only religious and pious but is also fearful of Allah. The person who does not fear of accountability in the court of Allah must not be trusted for consultation. As scholars say, notice if the consultant is sympathetic and kind towards others. Importantly, if he is insensitive, jealous or malicious towards the person seeking consultation then do not ask for his advice. Also notice if he is pious in terms of his thoughts and reflection. Additionally, keep in mind that an emotional person’s advice is not reliable. Finally, do not seek consultation from a person who has a personal benefit in the concerned matter. In short, the person seeking consultation must choose his counselor wisely otherwise it could result in loss instead of benefit.
Duties of the Counselor:
The counselor has the following responsibilities towards the person seeking consultation:
1- Complete Understanding of the Matter:
He must have a complete understanding or insight of the matter in question otherwise do not consult. If he does not have knowledge about the matter, he must honestly address his ineligibility to the person seeking advice. This will not disgrace or affront him rather Allah will reward him for his honesty and kindness. Additionally, this will also build his trust and reflect his honesty to the person seeking advice. Contrarily, nowadays people give their opinions in all matters regardless of their intellect. They just want to counsel others even if they do not have any knowledge or experience about the matter. Regardless of the fact that it may result in the loss of the person seeking advice. Truly, this is against their integrity.
2- Consultation Should be Unbiased:
After deliberation and reflection, the counselor must give an honest and unbiased advice. As it is the duty of the counselor to consider advice as the right of his fellow. The person who intentionally gives wrong advice or consultation has in fact breached and is called a sinner. According to a Hadith;
Explanation: “It is deceitful toward your fellow brother if you consulted him something other than what you think will benefit him.” (Musnad Ahmad)
3- Keep the Secrecy of the Matter:
It is the duty of the counselor to keep the concerned matter a secret. He must not disclose it to other people. Since this is the secret between the consultant and the person seeking consultation. Holy Prophet (pbuh) said;
Explanation: “A consultant is trustworthy.” (Tirmidhi)
The counselor must fulfil his duty of counseling with complete honesty. People do not keep secret these days which is one of many afflictions of the present society. This results in fights, enmity and estrangement. Therefore, need of the era is that people fear from Allah, have social harmony and unity.
Example from Prophet’s Life:
Bareera (ra) was married to Moghees (ra). Bareera used to be a maidservant. When she was liberated, Holy Prophet gave the sharia order. Meaning she had the choice to either stay married to Moghees or get divorce. Bareera was not happy with her husband, therefore, she decided to separate from him. However, her husband loved her, so he tried to convince her to stay but she did not agree. Finally, he requested Prophet Mohammad to talk to her in his favour. When Prophet Mohammad gave his suggestion to Bareera, she asked;
“O Prophet of Allah! Is this your suggestion or order? As if it is your order, then I cannot dare to refuse.”
On this Holy Prophet responded; “This is just a suggestion not an order.”
Bareera then replied; “In that case I am free. My life is hard with him therefore, I would like to separate from him.” Holy Prophet agreed to her decision. (Mushrikah- 276)
Indeed, Holy Prophet is the best counselor. Since, it was just a suggestion, therefore, Bareera decided not to agree and Prophet Mohammad was not upset about it.
The above-mentioned Hadith is very educative for the present era. Since, now a trend has been set to enforce personal opinion on others. This has led to inundation of mismanagement and malpractice everywhere. Therefore, one must consider one’s opinion ordinary and not the ultimate decision so the other person can get maximum benefit.
No Limit of Age in Consultation:
Any individual who has all the attributes of consultation like intellect, honesty, piousness, experience etc. is eligible to provide consultation. Either that individual is young or old. The age of the counselor does not matter as long as he/she meets all the aforementioned requirements. For example, Umar Ibn Khattab often made decisions on consulting Abdullah ibn Abbas who was younger than him. This verifies that there is nothing wrong in consulting your young fellows. Moreover, we can also consult our family. The following incidence from the life of Prophet verifies it;
On the treaty of Huddaybiah when Muslims were forbidden to continue Umrah, Prophet Mohammad ordered everyone to take off Ihram. However, the Companions were a little reluctant. Therefore, Holy Prophet consulted his wife Ume Salma about the matter. She suggested; the Companions have zealous emotions at the moment, therefore don’t worry about their response. If holy Prophet take off his Ihram the Companions will follow.” This suggestion worked and following Holy Prophet, the Companions also took off their Ihram.
Ume Salma was Holy Prophet’s wife and younger than him but at the time of need he consulted her.
Conclusion:
The crux of the discussion is that one must mutually consult in all important matters. Since, this is the order of Allah, Sunna of Holy Prophet and the way of the Faqr. Moreover, consultation lead to the auspiciousness and Divine grace in the concerned matter.
Lastly, I pray Allah to grant us the ability to mutually consult each other in religious as well as worldly matters. Moreover, may we always be honest in giving opinion and consultation to others. (Ameen)
This article was published in the issue of January 2019 Mahnama Sultan-ul-Faqr Lahore (monthly Urdu magazine of Tehreek Dawat-e-Faqr). The Urdu title of the article is ‘Islam ka Mashawarati Nizam aur Ahmiyat’. Originally written by Mohsin Saeed Sarwari Qadri and translated in English by Fatima Noor Sarwari Qadri. If you wish to read it in Urdu, then please visit the following link:
https://www.mahnama-sultan-ul-faqr-lahore.com/january-2019-islam-ka-mashwarati-nizam-aur-ahmiyat/
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