Islam_in_Focus_text

Muhammad himself, although wise, "infallible" and unself-
ish, was not above the maxim or an exception to the rule.
God instructs him in this way:
"It i s by the Mercy of God that you dealt
gently with t hem (your people). Were you
severe or harsh-hearted. they would have
broken away from about you. So pass over
their faults, and ask for (God's) Forgive-
ncss for them; and consult them in affairs
(of moment). Then, when you have taken a
decision, pul your trust (in Him)".
(3:159)
Enumerating the characteristics of the believers, the
Qur'an makes clear mention of mutual counsel as an article
of Faith.
"The believers are those who believe in
God and pul their trust i n their Lord, those
who avoid the greater crimes and shameful
deeds, and, when they are angry even then
forgive; those who hearken to their Lord,
and establish regular Prayer, and conduct
their affairs by mutual consultation, and
spend out of what We bestow on them for
sustenance (by way of charity); and those
who, when an oppressive wrong is inilict-
ecl on them. (are not cowed but) help and
defend themselves".
(42:36-39)