The Effectiveness of Syura in Islam The term syura is a noun from the word al-mushawaratun or watashawurun which is derived

from the Arabic word shawara. Syura is to seek the opinion of knowledgeable people. According to Abu Ali al-Tabarsi, the syura is: a dialogue intended to obtain the truth. Al-Asfahani said,it is "extracting an opinion as a result of consulting one another". Ibnu alArabi also defined syura as "a meeting on a matter on which each one seeks the advice of another". Contemporary Muslims scholars like Abd al-Khaliq al-Duri, have defined syura as, to evaluate the opinion of experienced people in certain affairs so as to direct us to the position which is closest to the truth. We cannot touch upon Islamic political system without talking about one of its main advantages. Islam has brought a great and magnificent human principle, namely the principle of Syura. It is the basic fundamental of the Islamic political system. Moreover, a Surah (chapter) in Quran was named after this principle. It is called Syura. This indicates the importance of this principle in all the affairs of Muslims. Therefore, Muslims took syura as one of the principles and bases of governance. This is an agreement that Syura has to do with a group of Muslims called the people of Syura (people of power and decision or Ahlul Halli wa al-Aqdi). Those people have some qualities, such as justice, knowledge, and wisdom. So, it can be said that they are the scholars, leader and dignitaries. Mature Muslims elect those who they deem worthy of power and governance. What stresses this fact is that the Prophet (peace be upon him) did not leave a written text, nor did he name his successor. Rather, he made it up to consultation among Muslims. Abu Wail said: It was said to Ali Ibn Abi Talib: Dont you name your successor?, He said: The Messenger of Allah did not name his successor, so I will not. However, if Allah s.w.t wants good for people, He will make them choose the best from among themselves, as He made them choose the best after their Prophet died. One of the most prominent examples that demonstrate the superiority of the principle of Syura over modern mechanisms and methods of electing a ruler, is what we witnessed in the reality of the selection of Uthman Ibn Affan as 4th Caliph. When Umar al-Khattab was stabbed and about to die, the companions asked him to name his successor, but he refused. However, he named six

of the Prophets companions who the nation was unanimous over their goodness. Thus, Umar wanted to awaken the principle of Syura among Muslims. He said: Choose from among those people who the Prophet said the People of Paradise. The six men: Uthman, Ali, Abd al-Rahman, Said, Zubayr Ibn al-Awwam, and Talhah Ibn Ubaidillah. So choose a man among them. If they choose one, support him. After Umar al-Khattab death, the six-member Syura council convened. It was given three days to settle. They settled the issue safely, as they selected Uthman Ibn Affan. This is the evidence of the greatness of Syura in the Islamic system based on the respect of the freedom of choice. The people of Medina agreed on Umars nomination. This nomination was not coercion on the nation. Then, the advisory board members agreed on the nomination. Those advisory members are candidates at the same time. They selected Uthman. However, their selection was not the only criterion in the investiture of Uthman, as all residents and visitors of Medina were consulted over this matter. Thus, the entire nation, represented in al-Ansar and al-Muhajirin paid unanimous allegiances to Uthman. We should point out that the system of Islamic Syura is different from the democratic systems. Democracy stipulates that the rule should be assumed by people, and they should draft their own constitution and laws. In order for people to assume legislative authority, set laws, and separate between authorities, general authorities are held to select a group of individuals who are able to monitor all authorities. Those elected individuals have the right to depose ministers and bring officials to account, including the head of state. The system of Islamic Syura has a different perception. Syura in Islam is based on the fact that rule is Allahs rules revealed to the Messenger of Allah. Scholars are the people of power and decision. They come at the top of the people of Syura. Given Allahs rules, scholars have nothing to do in their consultations but to work diligently to prove the text, understand accurately, and draw systematic plans for application. In fact, the Islamic Syura, makes domination for Allah only. It prioritizes Allahs rules over any other provisions and legislation. This leads to the emergence of men living in the company of Allah and fearing Him honestly. Therefore, Syura is one of the greatest contributions of Muslims to the human civilization.