“…and consult with them (your companions) in the matter” (Quran)
The principle of consultation is a much related issue to the topic of democracy. There are many verses of the Qur’an and Hadiths of the Prophet (peace be upon him) dealing with this issue. It was a principle constantly exercised by the noble companions of the Prophet in their illustrious rule of justice which lasted close to 40 years.
God Almighty stated in the Qur’an describing the people of paradise:
“And those who have responded to their Lord and established the prayers and whose affairs are determined by consultation among themselves, and from what We have provided them, they spend” (ِِAsh-Shura 42:38)
And He, the Almighty, addressed his speech to his Prophet Muhammad and Muslim leaders specifically and the mankind in general saying:
As he was commanded, the Prophet Muhammad consulted his companions on numerous occasions throughout his Prophethood.
It is said:
The heavy majority of Muslim jurists teach us that consultation and considering the recommendations of those qualified to give them is obligatory; however it is not obligatory upon the leader to execute recommendations of others.
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