Our late 8th President of the Republic of Türkiye, Turgut Özal, greatly valued the late Galip Demirel, a retired governor and undersecretary who later served as a member of parliament. He was also our neighbor in Ankara, and we maintained a very close relationship. He was a sincere, wise, experienced, humorous, outspoken, and genuinely remarkable man. May Allah have mercy on them both.
While emphasizing the importance of collective wisdom—consultation (shūrā)—Brother Galip once shared the following story:
“When the first airplanes were being designed, the engineers would gather together, make their plans, build the aircraft, and then attempt to fly it. Yet every time, the plane crashed. One day, while they were discussing the problem once again, the tea server who regularly brought them tea had been quietly listening to their conversations. Since they could not find a solution, he finally spoke up and said, ‘Please forgive me for interrupting, but if you were to do it this way, I think the problem might be solved.’ The engineers took his suggestion seriously, applied it, and eventually succeeded in getting the airplane into the air.”
Whether this story actually happened or not, I cannot say. As the saying goes, “The lesson is more important than the literal event.” Even if such an incident never occurred, it beautifully illustrates an important truth: we should remain open to benefiting from the thoughts of anyone capable of sound reasoning, regardless of their position or status. It highlights the value of consultation and the power of collective wisdom.
By nature, human beings are not created to live in isolation. To survive, to develop, and to make sound decisions, we need the knowledge, experience, and perspectives of others. This reality forms the foundation of every social structure—from the family to the state, from a small workplace to international organizations. Throughout history, one of the defining characteristics of successful societies has been their willingness to listen to different opinions and to make use of collective wisdom.
Today, knowledge is expanding at an astonishing pace, technology is pushing beyond previous limits, and the problems facing humanity are becoming increasingly complex. In such a world, no one can realistically claim, “I know everything.” No matter how knowledgeable a person may be, it is impossible for one individual to see every aspect of every issue. Therefore, consultation is not merely a commendable moral virtue; it is also an indispensable method of making sound decisions.
Before the prophethood of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), while the Ka’bah was being rebuilt, a serious dispute arose among the tribes of Makkah over who should have the honor of placing the Black Stone (al-Hajar al-Aswad) in its proper place. The disagreement was so intense that it nearly escalated into war. Finally, they agreed that the first person to enter the Ka’bah would serve as the arbitrator. The first person to arrive was Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), whose honesty and integrity were trusted by everyone.
He spread a large cloth on the ground, placed the Black Stone in its center, and asked the chief of each tribe to hold one corner of the cloth. Together they lifted the stone, and when it reached the proper height, he personally placed it in its final position.
In this solution, there were neither winners nor losers. Everyone became part of the process, and everyone was honored. True leadership is not always about being the person who knows the most; sometimes it is about making everyone a partner in the solution.
The Qur’an describes one of the defining characteristics of believers with these words:
“Their affairs are conducted by mutual consultation among themselves.” (Ash-Shūrā 42:38)
In another verse, Allah Almighty commands the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him):
“Consult with them in matters of public concern. Then, when you have reached a decision, place your trust in Allah.” (Āl ‘Imrān 3:159)
One particularly remarkable aspect of this command is its timing. It was revealed after the Battle of Uhud. During that battle, the opinion of the younger Companions had been accepted, and the Muslims suffered heavy losses. Yet the Qur’an did not say, “Do not consult anymore.” On the contrary, it reaffirmed the principle of consultation. Even when consultation results in mistakes, valuing people’s opinions remains one of the strongest foundations of social unity and mutual trust.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) also emphasized the importance of collective wisdom when he said:
“The one who consults others will never regret it.”
There is another reality that supports this principle: no matter how intelligent a person may be, the intelligence of one individual can never equal the combined wisdom of two thoughtful people. For this reason, attaching great importance to consultation—at all times, in every place, and on every matter—and making it a regular part of life is of immense value.
Especially in our age, the world has truly become a global village. Thanks to the Internet and rapid transportation, people from different nations, languages, religions, and cultures are now in much closer contact than ever before.
For this reason, taking collective wisdom seriously, practicing consultation, and making it a way of life are of tremendous importance—not only for individuals, but also for the societies in which they live, for future generations, and ultimately for all of humanity.
Through consultation, the complex and intertwined problems of our time can be better understood and approached from different perspectives. New and creative solutions can be found. As a result, those who embrace this approach enjoy greater peace and satisfaction, while the societies in which they live become healthier, more harmonious, and more prosperous both materially and spiritually.
Consultation is not only essential in government and business; it is also one of the foundations of peace and happiness within the family. Asking children for their opinions in ways appropriate to their age strengthens their self-confidence. Likewise, when husband and wife consult one another before making decisions, the bonds of family become stronger.
A father may say, “I have the final word in this house.” Yet it is far better if he can say, “Everyone in this house has the opportunity to speak, and together we will arrive at the best decision.” More often than not, people are hurt not by the outcome of a decision itself, but by being excluded from the decision-making process.
Today, no major challenge—from artificial intelligence and climate change to economic crises and international conflicts—can be solved by the knowledge or experience of a single individual. Scientists collaborate across national borders through communication technologies such as Zoom. Physicians from different specialties consult with one another in multidisciplinary medical conferences to provide the best care for their patients. Companies develop innovation through interdisciplinary teamwork. Governments cooperate through international organizations and establish joint decision-making mechanisms. The future of our world appears to depend less on the mindset of “I” and increasingly on the spirit of “We.”
The greatest obstacle to collective wisdom is not ignorance but arrogance. The belief that “my own opinion is sufficient” impoverishes both the individual and society. A humble person, on the other hand, is never ashamed to learn from others, because he understands that truth may sometimes be found in the words of the very person we least expect.
Jalal al-Din Rumi(Mevlana) beautifully expressed this reality by saying, “One intellect is superior to another.” Our ancestors conveyed the same wisdom through their proverbs:
“The one who asks finds his way across mountains; the one who does not ask loses his way even on a flat road.”
“No matter how much you know, consult someone who knows.”
“One hand alone makes no sound.”
“A single stone does not make a wall.”
Consultation is more than simply exchanging ideas; it is an expression of respect for human dignity. Collective wisdom does not arise from the clash of different perspectives but from their complementing one another. When people in a society are free to express their thoughts without fear, when different opinions are welcomed, and when everyone feels that they are part of the solution, that society moves confidently toward the future.
We should never forget that great civilizations are built not only by brilliant minds but also by generous hearts that know how to listen to one another. Perhaps what humanity needs most today is not louder voices, but more attentive listeners.
Those who stubbornly insist, “My way is the only way,” who reject consultation and insist on acting alone, may not suffer the consequences immediately. Sooner or later, however, they are likely to fall into difficulties from which they cannot easily escape. In the end, much of what they have built may be lost for nothing. From an Islamic perspective, those who neglect the responsibility of consultation will not only bear its consequences in this world but will also be accountable for this responsibility in the Hereafter.
Therefore, while there is still time, let us recognize the value of collective wisdom in every matter, at every moment, and in every place. Let us make consultation a constant practice in our lives so that we may attain peace and success both in this world and in the life to come.
Isn’t that so?
What do you think?
