ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Leading The Ummah Chapter 9: Consultation In Islam No doubt, through consulting with others many personal and social problems can be resolved. The combination of two thought patterns acts like the coming together of two wires of different charges which gives light to the environment.

Since consultation has a significant effect in resolving problems, the Holy Quran orders the Prophet (S) to consult with others in finding solutions: ﴿ وَ شاوِرْهُمْ فِي الأَْمْرِ فَإِذا عَزَمْتَ فَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ الْمُتَوَكِّلِينَ﴾ “And make counsel with them in the affair; so when you have decided, then place your trust in Allah; surely Allah loves those who trust” [^1] In another verse, God describes the religious and faithful people in the following manner: ﴿وَ الَّذِينَ اسْتَجابُوا لِرَبِّهِمْ وَ أَقامُوا الصَّلاةَ وَ أَمْرُهُمْ شُورى بَيْنَهُمْ وَ مِمَّا رَزَقْناهُمْ يُنْفِقُونَ﴾ “And those who respond to their Lord, keep up prayer, who consult among themselves, and who give out (to the poor) part of what we have given them” [^2] Thus, both wisdom and narrations combine to indicate the sensitive position and the significance of consultation.

It is better for Muslims to make use of this great Islamic command which is the very basis of prosperity and social improvement. The Prophet used to advise people to have consultation. He himself made use of it frequently. In the Holy War of Badr, prior to his confrontation with the enemy, he consulted with his followers: “Tell me your views concerning the combat with Quraish. Shall we advance? Shall we confront the enemy?

Or shall we return back?” The leaders of the Muhajirin (Immigrants) and the Ansar (the Prophet's close followers) presented two differing views; but the Prophet accepted that of the Ansar[^3]. In the Holy War of Badr the elders believed, that they must stay in Medina in order to defend the strongholds, by throwing arrows and stones from the strongholds and rooftops of their houses. But the youth preferred confronting the enemy outside the city. The Prophet adopted the second view[^4].

In the Holy War of Khandaq (ditch) the Prophet convened a military council and accepted Salman's proposal of digging a ditch around the vulnerable areas of Medina and carried out his suggestion. [^5] In the Holy War of Taef, the Prophet, in accordance with suggestions by some of the military officers, changed the location of their headquarters [^6].

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