A: Shura is one of the most important principles that both Muslim countries and communities have to follow. Muslim leaders and authorities have thus to care for Islamic Shura as it is one of the characteristics of the believers. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says: And those who answer the Call of their Lord [i.e. to believe that He is the only One Lord (Allâh), and to worship none but Him Alone], and perform As­Salât (Iqâmat­as­Salât), and who (conduct) their affairs by mutual consultation Allah (Glorified be He) also says: and consult them in the affairs. Accordingly, applying Shura with regard to matters for which there is no clear proof

is of great importance. However, Shura is not applicable when an affair is decided by an explicit text from the Qur'an or Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet). Shura is to be applied to issues whose ruling is unknown when they face rulers, communities, Islamic centers, etc. Shura is thus sought for knowing the truth, the way of its application, and the manner of calling people to it. Shura may be also applied for knowing falsehood, its proofs, and the way to repel it. Another important matter that should be noted is that Shura is the work of people of knowledge and insight and notable people who are aware of the conditions of the society. Only such people are to cooperate and participate in Shura but not petty people, atheists, or those who are known for their forged creeds. Rather, Shura is to be practiced by notable people who are known for their sound minds, knowledge, favor, and insight on different conditions of people. People who practice Shura are thus to cooperate to attain the truth regarding issues for which no proof is available or that need care and insight to be applied or eradicated.