"Never be self-opinionated. As long as there are customary seniors, consult with them. In the absence of customary seniors, consult with contemporaries. In their absence, consult with juniors. I have said: "customary" because o­nly Allah Ta'ala knows who is truly great."

(Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi)

Consultation (Shuraa) is an incumbent requirement of the Sunnah. Shuraa does not obligate o­ne to accept the advice tendered. The o­ne who seeks advice is free to act as he deems best. Sometimes even a child will proclaim rectitude. The barkat of Shuraa brings success to the course of action adopted.

Shuraa does not mean the establishment of a committee along western ideas. In the Islamic system of Shuraa there is no formality. The Qur'aan commands:

"And, consult with them in affairs."