CSS Islamiat | Shura is a Cornerstone of Islamic Governance
The following question of CSS Islamiat is solved by Aqsa Noor under the supervision of Howfiv’s Islamiat coach, Miss Ayesha Irfan. She learnt how to attempt 20 marks question and essay writing from Sir Syed Kazim Ali, Pakistan’s best CSS and PMS English essay and precis teacher with the highest success rate of his students. This solved question is attempted using the pattern taught by Sir to his students, who have scored the highest marks in compulsory and optional subjects for years.
Outline
1-Introduction
2-Institutionalisation of Shura in Public Administration during the life of the Holy Prophet PBUH
- Shura in Political Affairs
- Dialogues during the Constitution of Medina
- Appointment of officials and governors
- Consultation during the Treaty of Hudaibiya
- Shura in Military Expeditions
- The battle of badr
- The battle of Uhud
- The battle of khandaq
- Shura in diplomatic affairs
- Expedition of Tabuk
- Negotiations with world leaders
3-Critical Analysis
4-Conclusion
Answer to the question
Introduction
Shura is the cornerstone of Islamic governance. Holy Prophet institutionalised the consultation in every matter as it ensures inclusivity, the rule of law, justice, accountability, and transparency in the system, enabling the true spirit of good governance. Moreover, it inculcates confidence among citizens to participate in political, military, diplomatic and administrative matters. The Holy Prophet’s life is core evidence to witness the real execution of shura. Moreover, His life is full of exemplary events that provide a complete roadmap for the statesmen, bureaucrats, politicians, and leaders to come. Additionally, the Holy Prophet’s consultation with his companions during the times of Badr, Uhud, Khanda, and Meesaq e Madina is praiseworthy. It encapsulates the notion that the Holy Prophet never discriminated among his companions and laymen at the time of consultation; rather, he engaged them in socio-political and administrative discourse. Given that, he encouraged the people to participate in state affairs. Thus, the life of the Holy Prophet is a true depiction of a leader.
Institutionalization of Shura in Public Administration during the life of the Holy Prophet PBUH
Shura in Political Affairs
- Dialogues during the Constitution of Medina
Meesaq-e-Medina (constitution of Medina) is the first constitution of the Muslim Ummah, laying the foundation of the core Islamic state, ensuring good governance, and setting the cornerstone of the socio-political and economic system of Medina, the city. It aims to unite Muslims and Jews, establish a peaceful coexistence, eliminate social stratification, ensure social justice, harmony, and collective security, ease tensions between adversaries, and protect the property, wealth, honour, and lives of citizens. Indeed, the agreement was formulated by the Holy Prophet (SAW) with the consultation of his close companions, such as Hazrat Abu Bakar RA, Hazrat Umar ibn al-Khattab RA, and Hazrat Ali RA. It is considered a hallmark in the history of Arabia, strengthening communal ties and uniting them under the title of Brotherhood. Thus, the document ensures peace and prosperity throughout the Muslim world.
- Appointment of government officials and governors
Holy Prophet (PBUH) is considered a remarkable statement due to his scrupulous policies in the formulation of laws. He not only taught accountability, transparency, and inclusivity but also executed them during his lifetime. For instance, the Prophet consulted companions in appointing officials and governors, such as the Governor of Yemen, Muad Ibn Jabal RA, Amr Ibn al-As RA, leader and administrator of Oman, Zayd Ibn Thabit RA, record-keeper, Abdullah Ibn Rawaha RA, tax-collector. Allah says in the Quran, “Who respond to their Lord, establish prayer, conduct their affairs by mutual consultation, and donate from what we have provided for them”. Al-Quran (42:38). The Quran highlights the significance of mutual consultation and its application in our daily lives. Thus, the Holy Prophet’s PBUH practices are an absolute paradigm for dealing with public affairs.
- Consultation in the Treaty of Hudaibiya
Furthermore, Sulh e Hudaibiya is one of the most successful treaties in the life of the Holy Prophet PBUH, reflecting his exceptional leadership qualities as an administrator, as it not only stopped the bloodshed but also prevented a possible deadly war for 10 years. The event took place in Hudiabya, where Quraysh stopped the Holy Prophet and his companions from performing Umrah. In critical times, He (PBUH) consulted his companions on whether to fight or negotiate. Hazrat Abu Bakar RA advocated for peace. However, Hazrat Umar RA strongly opposed it, believing that the treaty was not in their favour. Nevertheless, the Holy Prophet saw the situation critically and understood the expediency behind the treaty, thereby signing it. Allah states in the Quran, “So pardon them, ask Allah’s forgiveness for them, and consult with them in conducting matters. Once you make a decision, put your trust in Allah. Surely Allah loves those who trust in Him”. Al Quran (3:159). This ayat signifies the importance of making decisions and leaving them in the care of God-all knowing. Hence, the Holy Prophet signed the Treaty of Hudaibiya due to its far-reaching impacts on Arabian society and the Muslim world.
Shura in Military Expeditions
- The battle of badar
Holy Prophet not only acquired consultation from his companions in political affairs, but he also made decisive moves in the military expeditions with their advice. Those combined actions brought an imperative change in the course of warfare strategies. For instance, when Muslims came to know that the Quraish enemy was marching towards them, the Holy Prophet called the Ansar and the Muhajirin for collective advice. Sa’d ibn Mu’adh, a leader of Ansar, said, “O Prophet of Allah, we believe in you and we testify that you have brought the truth. We have given you our pledge to hear and obey. So proceed, O Messenger of Allah, to what you have been commanded. By Allah, if you were to march into the sea, we would march into it with you. Not a single man of us will stay behind.” Stated by Ibn Hisham, Sirat Rasul Allah. Furthermore, Habab ibn al-Mundhir, an experienced commander in warfare, suggested relocating the place of Badr to a place which is closer to a water supply and farther away from enemies. Moreover, the decision regarding war captives was also finalised after consultation with Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) and Hazrat Umar (RA). Therefore, it demonstrates that the essence of Shura was fully realised even in the most critical events- the battle of Badr.
- The battle of Uhud
After the Battle of Badr, Quraish intended to retaliate against the Muslims in the Battle of Uhud. Holy Prophet consulted senior Companions such as Abdullah ibn Ubayy, a senior companion, who advised him to fight from Medina; however, the young companions urged the Prophet PBUH to confront Quraysh outside Medina. Moreover, the Holy Prophet decided on the Mountain of Uhud for the battle as per the majority consensus. Muslims initially won the war; however, a few archers left their positions, leading the Quraish to counterattack. Nevertheless, the Holy Prophet PBUH not blame them or express aggression. Allah says in the Quran, “They would have certainly abandoned you. So pardon them, ask Allah’s forgiveness for them, and consult with them in ˹conducting˺ matters. Once you make a decision, put your trust in Allah. Surely Allah loves those who trust in Him”. Al- Quran (3:159). The ayah was revealed immediately after the setback of the Battle of Uhud, which significantly sheds light on the importance of deliberation and also comforts the hearts of the Holy Prophet and Muslims, who have been in shock physically, mentally, and emotionally. Therefore, it is evident that Shura remained an unprecedented model of core Islamic governance even in difficult times.
- The battle of khandaq
The battle of Khandak is another remarkable achievement which shows that the Shura plays an indispensable role in achieving the desired goals. For instance, when the Holy Prophet came to know that the Quraysh army was advancing towards Medina, he contacted the Ansar’s Mahajirin and his close companions to gather opinions regarding the war strategies. However, Salman Farsi, a military man trained in Persia, advised the Holy Prophet to dig the trench around the city of Medina to stop the rivalries from returning to the city and to avoid major war casualties and confrontations. It demonstrates that Muhammad (PBUH), being the Prophet of God, head of state and military strategist, did not impose his decisions unitarily during the sensitive times. Instead, he gathered everyone for collective decisions. Thus, the Holy Prophet institutionalised consultation in the socio-religious, political, and military framework of Medina, bridging the gap between executives and residents by bringing them under one roof.
Shura in diplomatic affairs
- Expedition of Tabuk
Furthermore, the expedition of Tabuk underscores the prominence of the Holy Prophet’s strategies as a public administrator and a military strategist. The event took place when the Romans were advancing towards Arabia to contain the spread of Islam. However, the Holy Prophet announced the expedition publicly and consulted with companions and other residents of Arabia, asking them to donate generously to the Holy cause. As per his command, Hazrat Usman donated 300 camels and gold, and Hazrat Abu Bakr gave his all wealth. Moreover, around 3,000 Muslims marched towards Tabuk but could not find any Roman army. The event is considered a hallmark in the political, military, and diplomatic history of Islam. As no direct battle took place, however, the Holy Prophet gained significant dominance in the north. This was possible due to the Muslims’ deterrence, robust leadership qualities, collective decision-making, and financial contribution. Hence, the success of the expedition is solely defined by the collective efforts of Muslims, which converted a hard expedition into a comforting one.
- Negotiating with the world leader
After the series of consecutive achievements as an administrator and uniting the Muslims and Non-Muslims in a single community (Ummah), the Holy Prophet (PBUH) continued to preach the message of Islam beyond the borders of the Arabian Peninsula. He wrote letters to the King and foreign leaders, such as the king of Abyssinia, the great ruler of Persia, the great ruler of Rome, governor of Bahrain, inviting them to embrace Islam and leave polytheism. Though his life was full of obstacles and challenges, he never lost hope. With his courage, he changed the destiny of not only Arabia but also the entire Muslim Ummah. Undoubtedly, his administrative and diplomatic engagements sent a clear message of dedication, resilience and perseverance.
Critical Analysis
Certainly, the Holy Prophet laid the foundation of strong Islamic governance, ensuring justice, integrity, and public welfare. Nowadays, Shura is compared to modern-day democracy. However, being a democratic country, our society still lags in achieving the fundamentals of democracy, where consultation from people is welcomed regardless of their age, colour, or religion. Moreover, the essence of shura is often missing in our country due to political elitism, personal whims and wishes of politicians, unnecessary security measures, and weak accountability. Moreover, Pakistan practices Shura at the executive level, while direct consultation with common people is still absent. Nevertheless, the increasing political participation by citizens can significantly help revive the true spirit of shura.
Conclusion
As a public administrator and statesman, his vision transcended the territorial boundaries, for he used to see things beyond their limitations. He could analyse the repercussions of an event even before it could happen. Moreover, He fulfilled all the norms and protocols of a public administrator by including the advice of his companions, wives, Muslims and Non-Muslims in every crucial and critical matter. Furthermore, the implementation of shura in all domains of life shows a humanitarian attitude of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) as characteristic of the administrative theory and its practice in Islam.
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