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Is Shura (consultation) in Islam binding or instructive, and why did Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him) not apply it in the issues of those who withheld zakat and the appointment of Usama ibn Zayd to lead the army if it is binding?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

Consultation (Shura) is an important pillar in the Islamic system, and it is obligatory upon the Imam according to the majority of scholars, based on the Almighty's saying: "And consult them in the matter." Verses have indicated the legitimacy of consultation in matters concerning the family, tribe, and nation. The Malikis and a number of scholars have affirmed the obligation and generality of Shura for rulers, and that the Imam should consult people of knowledge and religion regarding complex matters of the nation. After consultation, the Imam must weigh the opinions and choose what is closest to the Qur'an and Sunnah and most in line with legitimate interests, whether it is the opinion of the majority or the minority, and he is not obligated to take the opinion of a specific group.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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