Al-Shura

This ground-breaking monograph in Islamic Studies is written by an academic scholar from Muhammad V University, at Rabat in Morocco, who teaches the Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence and Law. The book is written entirely on the basis of Arabic sources and can claim originality of approach and interpretation. The author presents the raison d’être of al-Shura in these words: ‘the word al-Shura (lit. Consultation or mutual consultation ) is of Qur’anic origin. Although the Prophet Muhammad and his Companions used the principle of Consultation in social, religious and Political life, the Muslims today remain largely unaware of the importance and value of the Shura (consultation). And scholars remain somewhat undecided as to whether it is obligatory or not and what matters call for consultation’. The author claims that the application of Consultation is heedlessly ignored by the Islamic Ummah. In order to address this heedlessness regarding the value and importance of Consultation (Shura) and to increase public consciousness regarding this fundamental aspect of Islam, the author suggests that consultation be adopted as a way of life for all Muslims to protect their interests and as a tool for reconstruction and reform.