Most Muslims know that consultation (istişare) is a clear command in the Qur’an, a practice that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) never abandoned, a distinct sign of the Muslim community, a vital principle of Islamic governance, and therefore, a firm foundation of the religion. However, understanding its meaning, nature, process, etiquette, benefits, objectives, and purpose is not as easy as it may seem. Without knowing these aspects, the intended purpose of consultation cannot be achieved. Improperly conducted consultation sometimes becomes a mere formality, occasionally turns into a ritual performed for the sake of tradition, or even transforms into a mechanism for those in power to consolidate their authority. Hence, it is essential to thoroughly comprehend the purpose and objective of consultation as commanded in the Qur’an and to follow a process that reveals these objectives. First and foremost, there is a need to understand what consultation is.
(Since I have previously written about the place of consultation in the Qur’an and Sunnah in my article titled “The Principle of Shura in State Governance,” I will not delve into that topic again here.)
The term “istişare” (consultation) and its related terms “shura” and “meşveret” are all derived from the root “ş-v-r” in Arabic. The primary meaning of the verb “شار” (shara) is to collect honey from a beehive or to bring the honey hidden in a secret and concealed place out into the open. Another meaning of this verb is to test a livestock animal that is being offered for sale by riding it, assessing its gait, speed, strength, and endurance. (Tâj al-‘Arûs, 12/253) The common thread in the meanings assigned to this word and its derivatives is the concept of taking something from its place of concealment and making it visible. (DİA, “Şura”)
The technical meaning of the terms “istişare” and “meşveret” is closely related to their root meaning. According to the definition given by Ragıb al-Isfahani, it is the process of bringing forth the most accurate view through an examination and evaluation of ideas put forward. Therefore, consultation involves two steps: first, facilitating the expression of ideas and opinions held in people’s minds, and then, through discussion and evaluation, bringing forth the most accurate view.
To elaborate further, we can provide the following definitions of consultation: Consultation is the process of creating an environment where ideas can freely collide, leading to the emergence of the light of truth. Consultation is the means by which human beings, whose knowledge, reasoning, and experience are limited, and thus prone to making mistakes in solving complex problems, minimize the risk of error by benefiting from the ideas of others. Consultation is a mutual exchange of knowledge and experience. Consultation is the testing of one’s own views and ideas against the views and ideas of others. Consultation is the ability to see issues, problems, and matters from the perspective of others. Consultation is the comprehensive and in-depth examination of the strengths and weaknesses of expressed views, enabling the identification of the most accurate and sound views.
As can be understood from these definitions, consultation is much more than a mere counting of hands. Likewise, viewing consultation solely as a decision-making mechanism is insufficient. A consultation conducted solely to observe traditions or as a formality to fulfill formalities cannot truly serve its purpose. In a way, consultation is a practical and collective prayer, a source of blessings and prosperity. However, conducting consultation without adhering to the proper process for the sake of superstition cannot fulfill its intended function. Creating councils to inform and convey the agenda to participants may be necessary, but it should be known that this is not consultation. Furthermore, consultation is by no means a platform for gaining approval and endorsement of one’s own views from others. Those who view consultation as a means to evade responsibility, a cunning way to strengthen their individual opinions, or a forum for appeasement and reassurance are deeply mistaken.
To reiterate, consultation is the process of bringing forth the most accurate and sound view among the knowledge and opinions available on a difficult and complex matter by allowing them to be expressed, followed by mutual discussion and evaluation, and subjecting the presented evidence and justifications to comprehensive scrutiny.
For these two steps to be taken healthily, firstly, all obstacles preventing individuals from freely expressing their opinions in consultation must be eliminated. Secondly, during the discussion and evaluation of existing views, as much objectivity and fairness as possible must be maintained. To elaborate further, for a healthy consultation to take place, everyone participating in the consultative process should have an equal right to express their views, be able to present their proposals and objections freely, not feel pressured, and have their opinions met with respect, appreciation, and encouragement. During the debate on views, the focus should be on the reasonableness and strength of the views rather than the person presenting them, efforts should be made for the truth to emerge, a high level of fairness should be maintained, a constructive and respectful tone should be used, and disputes and polemics should be avoided.
In addition to all of this, it should not be forgotten that the quality of a consultation depends on the moral maturity and knowledge levels of the individuals participating in it. What will determine the quality of the consultation conducted is the moral maturity and knowledge levels of the individuals in the consultative assembly. Those who are morally modest, respectful towards others, open-minded, value different opinions, know how to compromise and yield when necessary, and have the necessary knowledge and experience regarding the matter under consultation are the ones who will do justice to the consultation. On the other hand, consultation conducted with individuals who are authoritarian, arrogant, inflexible, excessively self-confident, and dismissive of different ideas is destined to fail. Similarly, consultations led by individuals with limited intellect, knowledge, experience, and reasoning will not yield brilliant ideas.
The greatest benefit of a proper consultation conducted with the right individuals and adhering to the proper process is that it minimizes errors and increases the rate of accuracy. Especially in matters concerning the rights of the public, making correct decisions will prevent injustice and oppression. Another significant outcome of consultation is that it counters authoritarianism and one-person rule, ensures transparency and accountability, and values the opinions of others. Opening a matter to consultation and seeking the opinions of others also signifies valuing them, so consultation fosters feelings of love, friendship, brotherhood, trust, and mutual assistance among people. Moreover, those involved in the consultation process will embrace the topics discussed because they have contributed their ideas and input, and they will wholeheartedly support them.
In addition, individuals participating in consultation processes will learn to respect differences over time, increase their knowledge and experience, and enhance their ideas and perspectives. In a society where matters are managed through consultation, the burden on leaders will lighten, risks will be shared, a sense of unity will develop, conflicts and disputes will decrease, and backbiting and gossip will be reduced.
If leaders could fully understand the essence, function, and benefits of consultation, they would realize that it is not a burden but rather a great blessing, both for themselves and for the people they are responsible for. Similarly, when the governed understand this, they will do their best to have their views
