Ash Shura (Arabic: الشورى) is the 42nd chapter of the Quran. It consists of 5 Rukus and 53 verses. This Meccan surah takes its name from verse 38, which highlights mutual consultation in conducting affairs as a characteristic of true believers. The term Shura appears only once in the Quranic text, specifically in Q42:38. It has no antecedent prior to the Quran. The surah opens with the Muqatt’at letters حم, and the meaning of surah shura is The Consultation. The surah underscores that Allah has prescribed for Muslims the same religion that was ordained for all previous prophets. Believers are instructed to turn to Allah’s judgment when disagreements arise. The surah emphasizes Allah’s oneness, power, and wisdom while condemning the pagans’ faith in powerless idols. Both the conclusion of this surah and the beginning of the next stress that Allah has revealed the Qur’an.
Read colour coded Surah Shura with tajweed rules at Islamicsurah.com.
Following are the benefits of Surat Ash Shura:
اَللّٰهُ لَطِیْفٌۢ بِعِبَادِهٖ یَرْزُقُ مَنْ یَّشَآءُۚ-وَ هُوَ الْقَوِیُّ الْعَزِیْزُ(19)
The verse Quran 42:38 emphasizes the virtues of those who respond to their Lord, establish prayer, and conduct their affairs through mutual consultation (shura). It highlights a harmonious blend of spiritual devotion and practical governance within Islamic principles. Believers encourage decision-making through consultation by adhering to Allah’s commandments and maintaining regular prayer, emphasizing unity and collective wisdom. They are also instructed to spend from the sustenance provided by Allah, reflecting a balanced approach to personal and communal welfare.This verse not only promotes spiritual discipline but also underscores the importance of collaborative decision-making.
وَ الَّذِیْنَ اسْتَجَابُوْا لِرَبِّهِمْ وَ اَقَامُوا الصَّلٰوةَ۪-وَ اَمْرُهُمْ شُوْرٰى بَیْنَهُمْ۪-وَ مِمَّا رَزَقْنٰهُمْ یُنْفِقُوْنَ(38)
And [for] those who obey their Lord’s command, establish prayer, and their affairs are conducted by mutual consultation, and they spend from what We have provided them [in sustenance].
In the Holy Quran Surah ash shura para number is 25th.
Surah Ash-Shura translates to “The Consultation” in English.
Muslims have a fundamental right to Shura under the caliphate. They advise the caliph, who often seeks their opinions on various matters (As-Suyuthi, 2000). Even ordinary individuals freely express their views to the caliph, including correcting any mistaken opinions.