Consultation - Shura
The Islamic principle of mutual consultation in decision-making that ensures wisdom and inclusion.
Shura (الشورى) is the practice of mutual consultation praised in the Quran: 'And those who conduct their affairs by mutual consultation.' Allah commanded even the Prophet (PBUH) to consult with his companions. Shura recognizes that collective wisdom often exceeds individual judgment and that people affected by decisions should have voice in making them. It creates buy-in, reduces errors, and develops leadership. From family decisions to governance, shura represents Islam's participatory ethic. Surah 42 of the Quran is named Ash-Shura, The Consultation, after this principle.
And those who have responded to their Lord and established prayer and whose affair is consultation among themselves.
Umar ibn al-Khattab established shura as a principle of governance, famously consulting widely before making important decisions and accepting correction from commoners.
Quran
Written about in
- What Islam says about community
Decisions are to be reached by mutual consultation. The verse places it beside prayer in its description of how believers conduct their affairs.
- What Islam says about what to say and what to leave unsaid
Silence is not the default everywhere. Shura makes consultation a named duty, the Prophet himself was commanded to consult his companions, and Surah 42 is named after the practice. In a decision that affects other people, saying nothing is a failure rather than a virtue.