Digital Shūrā in ‘Islamic Governance’: Expanding the Political Space in the Fifth Domain

Abstract

Shūrā, or consultation, is an Islamic tradition broadly defined as a consultative approach by a leader to a unit of politically elected, or appointed, representatives to secure naṣīḥah (counsel or advice) in governing a polity. In the Qur’ān, two verses are key – “...and seek their council in all affairs” (Sūrah Ali ‘Imran: 159), and “...[for those] whose affairs are settled by mutual consultation” (Sūrah ash-Shūrā: 38).3 Shūrā is an important custom left behind by the Prophetصلى الله عليه وسلم, who “...emphasised the importance of collective and democratic decision making.”4 This consultative governance approach has led to notable victories for the Islamic polity, including the famous Trench War. In the battle, Salmān al-Fārsī successfully raised the unorthodox idea of digging trenches around Madīnah to the Prophetصلى الله عليه وسلم. The Prophetصلى الله عليه وسلم approved the strategy and the Muslims won the battle. This anecdote illustrates that by expanding the political space to allow people to input different ideas, the Prophetصلى الله عليه وسلم and hisصلى الله عليه وسلم companions secured the best solution to an issue. Moreover, the anecdote also shows that everyone, regardless of their background, has gems of wisdom that can solve various issues, provided that authority, accountability, and power of decision-making remain with the leader or state. As such, Shūrā is gaining ascendency in ‘Islamic Governance’, a governance system which deploys Islamic ideals, values, and principles to protect and promote collective maṣlaḥah (social benefits) and prevent mafsadah (social ills).5,6