Shura
Shura - “Consultation: Etymologically, the word “shura” (شورى) is derived from the Arabic root “شور” (sh-w-r), meaning “to consult” or “to take counsel.” In Turkish, shura is also referred to as “şura.”
Qur’anic Foundation
Shura is based on Quranic injunctions, specifically in the context of Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) relationship with his followers. Two significant verses underscore its importance:
- Qur’an 3:159: “…And consult them in the matter. And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah…”
- Qur’an 42:38: “…Who conduct their affairs by mutual consultation…”
These verses establish a prophetic model of leadership through consultation, underscoring the value of collective decision-making in Islamic governance.
Historical and Modern Perspectives
Over time, shura has evolved in its interpretations and applications, splitting along ideological lines:
- Liberal Interpretation: Modern, liberal scholars argue that shura forms the foundational basis of democracy within an Islamic framework. It points to the sovereignty of people in electing representative leaders who act in public interest.
- Conservative Interpretation: For conservative thinkers, shura must incorporate the principle of God’s ultimate sovereignty. Here, shura should prioritize the implementation of traditional Islamic law (Sharia) while consulting.
Books for Further Studies
Delve deeper by reading:
- “Islamic Political Thought” by Erwin I. J. Rosenthal
- “Democracy: Modern Islamic Perspectives” by John L. Esposito and John Voll
- “Consultation And Coercion” by Khalid Yahya Blankinship
Takeaways and Conclusion
Shura encapsulates the spirit of Islamic consultative governance. By blending divine commandments with pragmatic steering through collective advisement, shura upholds the core Islamic value of community participation:
- Consultation reflects a significant virtue deriving from prophetic traditions.
- Modern Implementation with roots in classical interpretation adapt to contemporary democratic practices, subject to varying viewpoints on divine versus people’s sovereignty.
Ultimately, Shura embraces hybridity: respecting divine commandments while remaining valuable in modern political structures.
