Ash-Shura (الشورى)

42. Ash-Shura (الشورى)

Meaning: The Consultation

Total Ayahs: 53

Place of Revelation: Mecca

Summary

Surah Ash-Shura establishes consultation (shura) as a divine principle for human affairs. It resolves theological disputes about revelation by affirming all prophets taught Tawheed. The Surah contrasts Allah's absolute knowledge with human ignorance, while prescribing forgiveness over retaliation to elevate social conduct.

Core Message

Collective wisdom reflects divine guidance. All revelations share a unified source. Mercy supersedes vengeance in building societies.

Benefits

The Prophet (PBUH) implemented its consultation principle (42:38) in governance. Its recitation cultivates wisdom in conflict resolution. Scholars consider it a charter for Islamic democracy.

Famous Verses

42:11 "فَاطِرُ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ..." - 'Originator of the heavens and earth...'
42:30 "وَمَآ أَصَـٰبَكُم مِّن مُّصِيبَةٍۢ فَبِمَا كَسَبَتْ أَيْدِيكُمْ..." - 'Whatever misfortune befalls you is because of what your hands have earned...'
42:40 "وَجَزَٰٓؤُا۟ سَيِّئَةٍۢ سَيِّئَةٌۭ مِّثْلُهَا..." - 'The recompense for an evil is an evil like thereof...'

Moral Lesson

Consultation prevents autocracy. Personal trials may reflect divine correction. Justice permits equivalence, but forgiveness excels.

Divine Attributes

Al-Hakeem (The All-Wise), At-Tawwab (The Acceptor of Repentance), As-Samee' (The All-Hearing)

Keywords

Shura Principle Revelation Unity Divine Knowledge Forgiveness