MUTUAL CONSULTATION
Seek Wisdom from Others
ONE of the teachings of the Quran is shura, which means mutual consultation. The Quran inculcates the spirit of shura amongst believers, so that they may decide upon all issues by discussion and counseling. In the chapter Al-Shura (Mutual consultation), this principle—placed in the context of virtues which will entitle believers to God’s beneficence—is mentioned as “those who conduct their affairs by mutual consultation and spend out of what We have provided for them”. (42: 38)
What is consultation? Consultation means the act of discussing something with somebody before making a decision. Consultation is not an isolated habit. The willingness to engage in it results directly from qualities like modesty, sincerity, caution and the spirit of learning. Without these qualities, no one can engage sincerely in consultation. Belief in God brings with it all these virtues and makes one absolutely sincere in all aspects of life. It is this sincerity as well as modesty that compels a believer not to decide upon anything without first consulting others.
The best form of consultation is that in which one seeks others’ advice, while endeavoring to share experiences. Consultation is important, not just for the individual but also for society. As far as the individual is concerned it is through consultation or discussion that he develops his personality. Consultation makes one a better person and a society comprising individuals of this kind becomes a wise society.
The habit of consultation creates a degree of trust between the different members of society. Mutual trust and the spirit of cooperation is essential for building a good society, and consultation is a vital part of that process.
In such a society people trust and help each other. Indeed, the society becomes like a family. Here consultation does not only mean addressing major issues. Issues of that kind no doubt warrant consultation but more important is personal consultation. Everyone needs others’ advice even in matters of daily life. The habit of consultation creates a degree of trust between the different members of society. Mutual trust and the spirit of cooperation is essential for building a good society, and consultation is a vital part of that process.
Consultation in one sense is a ‘give and take’ culture. When you discuss an issue with someone, it is not simply a verbal exchange. During a discussion you take something from the other and also give something to the other.
Fruitful consultation has two conditions attached to it. One precondition for effective consultation is that both the parties should have open minds. The other condition is that both parties should be ready to accept opinions on their merits and without bias. It can be conducted between the rich and the poor, between seniors and juniors, between the educated and the uneducated, between the young and the old or between men and women. This all-encompassing nature of consultation makes it fruitful to the ultimate extent.