Consultation – the bridge to peace, discipline and success. The key to peace, discipline and right decision-making is consultation. The importance of consultation-based work at every level, from the family to society and the state, is immense. Working with consultation brings mental satisfaction, as well as Allah’s mercy. Consultation has been given special status in Islam. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) used to consult with his companions in every work of his and encouraged others to do the same.
Hazrat Ali (RA) once asked the Prophet (PBUH), ‘O Messenger of Allah (PBUH), if we encounter a problem for which the solution is not directly in the Quran and Hadith, what should we do?’ He replied, ‘You should all consult together and work together.’ Highlighting this importance of consultation, Allah Almighty says in the Holy Quran, ‘And consult with them in every matter. Then when you decide, put your trust in Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely on Him.’ (Surah Al-Imran: 159)
In this method of consultation of the Prophet (peace be upon him), we see that despite having the power to make a single decision on a matter, he would give priority to the opinions of everyone. As a result, every decision he took was very acceptable to the companions.
There is a beautiful method of consultation in Islam. Everyone, including the responsible person, will sit after performing ablution. The meeting will begin with the recitation of the Holy Quran. Then everyone will recite Durood and Masnoon Dua. The responsible person will start taking the opinions of everyone from the right side. There is usually less risk of making mistakes in decisions taken in this way, because the combined thinking of several heads is undoubtedly more effective and powerful than the thinking of one head. It helps to solve even difficult problems easily.
Therefore, we should work on the basis of consultation in real life, both individually and collectively. This not only leads to the right decision; but also increases mutual respect and harmony. Working through advice can bring special help from Allah Almighty and success in any endeavor comes easily.