Author: Muhammad Dawood Yusufi Eshaqzahi
Islam and Democracy (Part 38)
Holding Shura Sessions During the Caliphate of Umar al-Faruq (RA)
For every important matter, a Shura session was convened immediately. No issue or matter was implemented without consultation and the views of the noble Companions (RA). At that time, two powerful groups among the Muslims, namely the Muhajirun and the Ansar, were regarded as the leaders of Arab society. All Arabs considered them their representatives; therefore, the presence of both groups in Shura sessions was considered essential. The Ansar were also divided into two tribes, Aws and Khazraj, and the presence of representatives from both tribes in the Shura was considered necessary.
1. Members of the Consultative Council and Its Method of Formation
Although it is not possible to name all its members, it is clear that the presence of Uthman ibn Affan, Ali ibn Abi Talib, Abdul Rahman ibn Awf, Muadh ibn Jabal, Ubayy ibn Kab, and Zayd ibn Thabit (RA) was considered essential in this council.
The procedure for convening these sessions was that a caller would announce: «الصلاة جامعة» Translation: “Let everyone gather for the congregational prayer.” When the people gathered in the mosque, Umar al-Faruq (RA) would personally come to the mosque, perform two rakahs with the congregation, then ascend the pulpit, deliver a sermon, and afterward present the matter under discussion. [1]
2. Convening Shura Sessions
For ordinary and routine matters, the opinion and decision of the consultative council were sufficient. However, when an important issue arose, a general assembly of the Muhajirun and Ansar was immediately convened, and the matter was examined and resolved through the members of the council.
For example, after the conquest of Iraq and the Levant, some of the noble Companions insisted that military forces should be stationed throughout all the conquered territories.
For this purpose, a large meeting was held. In addition to the Muhajirun and Ansar, ten prominent tribal leaders attended as members of the consultative council: five from the tribe of Aws and five from the tribe of Khazraj.
The meeting continued for several consecutive days, and those present freely and independently expressed their views and opinions without fear or restriction.
Umar al-Faruq (RA) said in part of his speech: “I have placed no burden or responsibility upon you except that I have made you partners with me in the trust entrusted to me concerning your affairs. In reality, I am also one of you, and I never want the people to follow only my opinion and desire.” [2]
In 21 AH, the Battle of Nahavand took place. The Persians prepared themselves for war as a result of strong ethnic and linguistic sentiments. The Muslims believed that, in such an important matter, the Caliph himself should be present on the battlefield as commander. Therefore, a large meeting was convened to consider this matter.
Uthman ibn Affan, Talhah ibn Ubaidullah, al-Zubair ibn al-Awwam, and Abdul Rahman ibn Awf (RA) stood up one after another and expressed their views. They were all in agreement and said, “We do not consider it appropriate for the Caliph to personally participate in the battle.” Afterward, Ali (RA) also expressed his opinion and supported their views.
Ultimately, based on the majority opinion of the noble Companions, it was decided that the Caliph would not participate in the battle.
Likewise, matters such as military expenditures, administration of the affairs of the caliphate, relations and trade with other tribes, determining the rate of taxes on commercial property, and other affairs were, as clearly recorded in Islamic historical sources, approved by the consultative council after extensive consultation.
To be continued…
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[1] Zendagi-ye Faruq al-Azam Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA), p. 240.
[2] Abu Yusuf, Kitab al-Kharaj, vol. 15, p. 146.
