Abstract
Implementation of Shura (Consultation) During the Caliphate of Umar Ibn al-Khattab
Umar ibn Al-Khattab has been the most mentioned figure in Islamic history of all
Islamic leaders after the Beloved Prophet of Islam (PBUH). One of the factors that made
him such a successful leader was his turning ‘shura’, the Arabic word for consultation,
into an official institution. The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) habitually consulted with his
companions on the issues other than the revelations and highly recommended this to his
followers. This situation continued in both Abu Bakr and Umar ibn Al-Khattab period.
However, this tradition, the foundations of which had been laid down by the Messenger
of Allah himself (PBUH), was systematized and implemented successfully during the time
of Umar ibn Al-Khattab, who consulted with those he trusted most on the matters of
public concern. The predominant view of the caliph was that leadership was not to be
regarded legitimate without an advisory council. The issues regarding the state affairs
were thoroughly discussed by the council members, and only after a consensus had been
reached could they be put into practice. In the council, the decisions were generally
made in accordance with the opinions of the majority, despite the fact that he accepted
the minority's view every now and then and implemented his own decision at other times.
After all, the final decision was with the caliph himself. Parenthetically, the core members
of the council were the notables from Muhajir, people of Mecca, and Ansar, people of
Medina. As for the issues concerning the general public, they were publicly discussed and
dealt with in the Masjid an-Nabawi.
Keywords
Islamic History, Administration, State Administration, Shura, Consultation, Umar ibn Al-Khattab.
