During the expedition of Banu al-Mustaliq, the leader of the hypocrites, Abdullah ibn Ubayy ibn Salul, accused Hazrat Ayesha, the Umm al-Momineen (may Allah be pleased with her), of an immoral act. This severe accusation nearly created a storm of distrust and suspicion in Medina. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) consulted Usama ibn Zaid and Ali ibn Abi Talib (MAPH) regarding the possibility of separating from Ayesha. He then went to the mosque and addressed the people, saying, “O Muslims, who will excuse me regarding this man who has troubled me greatly? By Allah, I know nothing but goodness and righteousness about my wife, and I have seen nothing reprehensible in her.” Subsequently, Surah An-Nur was revealed, affirming Ayesha’s innocence and declaring her purity. As a result, the hypocrites and accusers faced defeat and despair.
Consultation and the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah:
During the expedition of Hudaybiyyah, when the Prophet (PBUH) reached the area of Ghadeer Al-Ashataat, it was reported that the Quraysh of Mecca had gathered tribes to prevent the Muslims from entering the Kaaba. The Prophet (PBUH) asked, “O Muslims, advise me on what we should do now. Is it appropriate to attack the Quraysh families who are their allies?” Abu Bakr (MAPH) replied, “We have come to visit the House of Allah with pure intentions, and we should proceed as such. If anyone tries to stop us, we will fight them.” This consultation eventually led to the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah.
Consultation and the Captives of Hawazin:
In the Battle of Hunayn, approximately six thousand people from the Hawazin tribe were taken captive. After returning from the siege of Ta’if, the Prophet (PBUH) stopped at Ji’ranah, awaiting the Hawazin tribe’s conversion to Islam so that their wealth and captives could be returned. However, they delayed coming. Consequently, the spoils of war were distributed among the Muslims. Later, the Hawazin came to the Prophet (PBUH) expressing regret. He convened a council and said, “I am willing to free their captives. Any among you who wishes to free them may do so voluntarily. If anyone does not, I will compensate them.” The people agreed, saying, “We free them willingly.” The Prophet (PBUH) then instructed, “Inform your leaders of this decision.” After the representatives returned and confirmed the general agreement, all captives were freed.
Consultation Regarding Mu’adh ibn Jabal (MAPH):
When Mu’adh ibn Jabal (MAPH) was appointed as the governor of Yemen, a consultative council was formed. The members expressed their views, and after careful deliberation, Mu’adh (MAPH) was chosen for the position.
The Importance of Consultation (Shora):
Imams Bukhari, Abu Dawood, and Tirmidhi (may Allah have mercy on them) emphasized the importance of consultation by dedicating chapters to this topic in their works. Imam Bukhari titled his chapter:
“The Command of Allah: And those who have been guided by consultation among themselves and take counsel in matters.”
This chapter underscores that consultation is essential for decision-making and uncovering the truth.
Jalaluddin Suyuti (may Allah have mercy on him) also dedicated a chapter titled “The Obligation of Consultation” in his book Al-Khasais Al-Kubra. This chapter emphasizes that it was obligatory for the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to consult others regarding non-revealed matters.
As the final prophet, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) established consultation as a virtuous practice, making it a model for the Muslim community. He taught Muslims to consult scholars and jurists in various matters and to use independent reasoning (ijtihad) to derive rulings.
Consultation in the Era of the Rightly Guided Caliphs (Khulafai Rashidun):
After the Prophet’s (PBUH) passing, the principle of consultation continued under the Rightly Guided Caliphs (MAPH). During the caliphates of Abu Bakr As-Siddiq, Umar ibn Khattab, Usman ibn Affan, and Ali ibn Abi Talib (MAPH all), consultation remained a fundamental principle. For example:
1. Abu Bakr was elected as the first caliph through a consultative gathering at Saqifah Bani Sa’ida.
2. Abu Bakr often sought advice from the Sahaba when faced with challenges, stating, “Let the resolution be after consultation and decisions after extensive deliberation.”
3. If he did not find clear guidance in the Quran or Hadith, he would gather knowledgeable Sahaba to consult them before making decisions.
For instance, in a case involving inheritance for a grandmother, Abu Bakr (MAPH) consulted the Sahaba. When a hadith on the matter was confirmed by Al-Mughirah and Muhammad ibn Maslamah (MAPH), he implemented it with great satisfaction.
During his caliphate, Abu Bakr also sought public approval for decisions, such as accepting three dirhams daily from the state treasury as his stipend. When his health declined, he consulted senior Sahaba about appointing Umar as his successor, ensuring consensus before making the final decision.
Through these examples, it is evident that the Rightly Guided Caliphs upheld consultation as a governing principle, promoting intellectual freedom and political fairness within the Muslim Ummah.
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