The Prophet infact both advocated the practice of consultation and engaged in the practice himself. However, Muslims remain largely unaware of the importance and value of al-Shura with scholars remaining somewhat undecided as to whether it is obligatory or not and what matters call for consultation. In a modern context al-Shura has been associated on one level with democratic participation in a decision making process, with qualification particular to the Qur’an and the Sunnah. This has fired up debate with critics challenging the notion of equating al-Shura with democracy. Unfortunately, according to the author, although much has been written on the subject, in reality it has been at best ineffectively applied and at worst heedlessly ignored. This has serious consequences for the Muslim world mired as it is in political authoritarianism whose intrinsic aspects are also reflected destructively in the private sphere. As such, concludes the author, consultation should be adopted as a way of life for all Muslims to protect their interests and as a tool for reconstruction and reform. Much of the book explores ways in which the principle can be introduced, institutionalized and applied in Muslim society and common life. In doing so the author addresses the subject from some intriguing new angles and gives insight into areas hitherto little, if at all, examined.
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