Consultation: Thinking with others

Surah 42:38 mentions that believers conduct their affairs by consultation among themselves. Consultation creates space to listen to different information and experiences. Talking to reliable people who are suitable for the subject does not eliminate the responsibility of the decision; it can contribute to a more informed assessment.

Surah 42:38 describes a community that responds to the call of their Lord and performs prayer as conducting their affairs by consultation among themselves. Here, consultation appears more as a quality of communal life than just a one-time gesture of courtesy. Listening to others opens up space for their knowledge to truly be integrated into the decision-making process.

When choosing a person to consult on a subject, one must consider not only closeness but also their knowledge of the subject and their reliability. For example, in an educational choice, the experience of those who know that field can be evaluated together with family circumstances. Hearing different opinions does not mean we are obliged to implement them all at the same time.

Consultation is not about loading our decision onto someone else and withdrawing completely from the outcome. Understanding the grounds we take into account and re-evaluating our view when necessary is part of the responsibility. In an environment where people feel unheard, it is necessary to first strengthen the opportunity for dialogue and asking questions.