A Structured Approach to Decision-Making in Islam
By Imam Didmar Faja November 1, 2024
In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful.
In our lives, we constantly face choices, both large and small. Islam provides a structured and balanced approach to decision-making, emphasizing planning, consultation (mushawarah), and placing our trust in Allah (tawakkul).
Today, let us explore key principles in Islam that guide us toward effective and thoughtful decision-making.
1. Planning and Commitment
Effective decision-making begins with clear planning and commitment. In Islam, this involves setting a process and aligning it with Islamic teachings. A few crucial points should be considered:
Aligning Your Process with Islamic Teachings
A fundamental step in decision-making is ensuring that your intentions and actions align with Islamic principles. Ask yourself: “Is this in line with Islam? Is it permissible or not?” Clarifying this at the outset is crucial to making ethical and spiritually sound decisions.
Be Relevant and Considerate
Consider the context of your decision. Is it the right time and place to act? Our decisions often impact others, so think about the possible effects. Are they positive or negative?
Additionally, we live in a multicultural society, so how culturally sensitive are you in making this decision? Being mindful of the surrounding context not only ensures relevance but also strengthens acceptance among those affected.
Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was a master at tailoring his advice to the situation, time, and individual in front of him, showing deep consideration for others. This compassion made each of his companions feel uniquely valued.
For example, `Amr ibn al-As (RA) reported:
“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) appointed me as the commander of the army in the Dhat-us-Salasil expedition. I came to him and asked, ‘O Messenger of Allah, who is the most beloved person to you?’ He replied, ‘Aisha.’ I asked,
‘And among the men?’ He said, ‘Her father (Abu Bakr).’ I said, ‘Then who?’ He replied, ‘Then `Umar ibn al-Khattab.’ He then named other men. So I remained silent for fear that he would place me last among them.”
(Sahih Muslim, Hadith 6472)
This narration shows that `Amr felt he was among those dearest to the Prophet, due to the warmth and respect the Prophet (ﷺ) extended to each companion.
Additionally, Abdullah ibn Amr (RA) narrated:
َعَنْ عَبْدِ اللهَِّ بْنِ عَمْرٍو قَالَ: وَصْفُ رَسُولِ اللهَِّ صلى اله عليه وسلم فِي التَّوْرَاةِ: “لَيْسَ بِفَظٍّ وَلَا غَلِيظٍ
وَلَا سَخَّابٍ فِي الْأَسْوَاقِ وَلَا يَجْزِي بِالسَّيِّئَةِ السَّيِّئَةَ وَلَكِنْ يَعْفُو وَيَصْفَحُ”.
He is not severe, harsh, or loud in the marketplaces, nor“ does he repay evil with evil; rather, he forgives and pardons.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
The Prophet’s gentle, thoughtful manner made his decisions easier for others to accept and emulate.
2. The Importance of Consulting Others
Consultation, or mushawarah, is essential in decision-making. The Quran commands the believers:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللهََّ وَكُونُوا مَعَ الصَّادِقِينَ
O you who have believed, fear Allah and be with those who“ are true.” (Surah At-Tawbah, 9:119)
وَاصْبِرْ نَفْسَكَ مَعَ الَّذِينَ يَدْعُونَ رَبَّهُم بِالْغَدَاةِ وَالْعَشِيِّ يُرِيدُونَ وَجْهَهُ
وَلَا تَعْدُ عَيْنَاكَ عَنْهُمْ
And keep yourself patient with those who call upon their Lord“ in the morning and the evening, seeking His pleasure, and do not let your eyes pass beyond them.” (Surah Al-Kahf, 18:28)
Allah instructs the Prophet (ﷺ) to consult with his companions:
فَبِمَا رَحْمَةٍ مِّنَ اللهَِّ لِنتَ لَهُمْ وَلَوْ كُنتَ فَظًّا غَلِيظَ الْقَلْبِ لَانفَضُّوا مِنْ
حَوْلِكَ فَاعْفُ عَنْهُمْ وَاسْتَغْفِرْ لَهُمْ وَشَاوِرْهُمْ فِي الْأَمْرِ فَإِذَا عَزَمْتَ
فَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللهَِّ إِنَّ اللهََّ يُحِبُّ الْمُتَوَكِّلِينَ
It is out of Allah’s mercy that you, ˹O Prophet,˺ have been“ lenient with them. Had you been cruel or hard-hearted, they would have certainly abandoned you. So pardon them, ask Allah’s forgiveness for them, and consult with them in
˹conducting˺ matters. Once you make a decision, put your ”.trust in Allah. Surely Allah loves those who trust in Him (Surah Aal-Imran, 3:159)
Consulting fosters unity and respect, making people feel valued and responsible for the decision’s outcome. Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) often consulted his companions on critical issues, including battles like Badr, Uhud, and Khandaq, setting a profound example of shared responsibility and teamwork.
It is also vital to surround oneself with wise, ethical advisors. The Prophet (ﷺ) emphasized the trustworthiness of those consulted, as Abu Hurayrah (RA) reported:
« الْمُسْتَشَارُ مُؤْتَمَنٌ » : عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى اله عليه وسلم قَالَ
”.The one whom advice is sought from is to be entrusted“ (Sunan Abu Dawud, Hadith 5128; Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 2822; Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 3745)
Consultation not only brings valuable insights but also reinforces accountability and dedication among those involved.
3. Trust in Allah (Tawakkul)
After thorough planning and consultation, we must place our trust in Allah. Trusting Allah is an acknowledgment that, while we have put in our best effort, He alone controls the outcome.
Allah instructs:
فَإِذَا عَزَمْتَ فَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللهَِّ إِنَّ اللهََّ يُحِبُّ الْمُتَوَكِّلِينَ
Once you make a decision, put your trust in Allah. Surely“ Allah loves those who trust in Him.” (Surah Aal-Imran, 3:159)
Reliance on Allah brings peace and contentment, allowing us to accept the outcome with patience and gratitude. This trust enables us to surrender our worries, knowing that Allah’s wisdom surpasses our understanding.
In conclusion, Islam provides us with a comprehensive approach to decision-making: align with Islamic teachings, consult with trusted individuals, and finally, rely on Allah. By
following these steps, we fulfill our responsibility and can rest assured, knowing that we have placed our trust in the One who knows all.