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IIIT Books-In-Brief Series is a valuable collection of the Institute’s key publications written in condensed form to give readers a core understanding of the main contents of the original.
Muslims remain largely unaware of the importance and value of the Qur’anic principle of al-Shura (mutual consultation) and the significant role it can play in the advancement and reform of Muslim society. In this work, the author attempts to introduce and examine key meanings and practices of al-Shura, trace its historical evolution, and explore ways in which the principle can be introduced, institutionalized and applied in Muslim societies. There is no doubt that al-Shura has been sidelined throughout the Muslim world and the reasons for this are both historically and politically complex. In the opinion of the author, although much has been written on the subject, in reality it has been at best ineffectively applied and at worst heedlessly ignored.
Professor Mohammad Hashim Kamali
Founding Chairman & CEO, International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies, IAIS, Malaysia
The tide of popular protest against dictatorship that is currently sweeping Arab countries is evidence at once of the failure of participatory and consultative governance and an opportunity in the meantime for them to reclaim their all but lost heritage that is so germane to their own culture and Islam. Al-Raysuni’s timely contribution unfolds the place of al-Shura in the scripture, juristic and historical precedent as well as the manner of its revival in contemporary Muslim polities. His focus on pragmatic issues and the lines of convergence between al-Shura and democracy he has highlighted, make this a particularly interesting reader on the subject.
Dr. Abdelwahab El-Affendi
Coordinator, Democracy and Islam Programme, Centre for the Study of Democracy, University of Westminster
