wisdom of meetings

Islam greatly exhorts the practice of Mashwara (mutual-consultation) in all matters of importance. Whether relating to individual issues, matters relating to the home, matters relating to the community or a country, Islam emphasizes the importance and great benefits of Mashwara. This meritorious practice of great benefit is strongly encouraged by the Quran and Hadith.















MASHWARA AND ISTIKHARAH TWO INGREDIENTS FOR SUCCESS

All Muslims must strive to bring alive this vital practice in all facets and matters of their individual and collective lives. Whenever any issue of importance arises; before making any decision, always resort to

1. MASHWARA

2. ISTIKHARAH

We have been informed by the most truthful of men, Rasulullah s.a.w. in one of his gems of wisdom: "He who resorts to Istikharah will not be at a loss; and he who resorts to Mashwara will never regret."

Furthermore, we have been commanded by Allah s.w.t. in the following aayah

"And make Mashwara (consult) with them in affairs (of importance). Then when you have firmly decided, have trust on Allah. Verily Allah loves those who have trust (in Him)" – al imran 03:159

Lessons from this aayah:

1. Rasulullah s.a.w. was not really in need of the views and consultation of the Sahabah r.a., because he was educated and taught directly by Allah s.w.t. through Wahyu. Allah Ta'ala could have guided him to the correct decision even without mutual consultation. Yet we find the Quran has instructed even Rasulullah s.a.w. to resort to Mashwara with his companions. This alone speaks volumes on the importance of Mashwara.

2. What is the reason for Rasulullah s.a.w. consulting and making Mashwara with his companions? In order to emphasize the importance of Mashwara, he practically carried it out and showed them the ways and etiquette of Mashwara. In this manner the importance and method of Mashwara was embedded in the minds of the Sahaba r.a. and thus this practice gained prominence and priority in the life of the Sahaba and those that followed their ways.

3. Islam has always advocated the policy of adopting the means first and then trusting upon Allah - Tawakkul. "Tie the camel first, then trust upon Allah." This is the true concept of Tawakkul from Quran and Hadith. It is this same principle as far as Mashwara is concerned; first adopt all the means: Consult, collect all the views and deliberate on the issue at hand from all angles, then take the decision and leave the rest to Allah Ta'alla- thereafter trust on Him alone.

4. Although this aayah is directed to Rasulullah s.a.w.in the first instance, it applies to all Muslims in general by way of implication. By directing Rasulullah s.a.w. firstly towards this command, it emphasizes the importance of Shura in the life of a Muslim, whose affairs of life pivot around Mashwara.

May Allah grant all Believers this great quality.