Ali Ibn Abi Talib - Volume 1 of 2

'Ali ibn Abi Tcilib 625
administration that prevented all aspects of negligence and
deviation.338
2.4.8. Taking part in decision-making
If we reread these texts of Amir al-Mu'mineen 'Ali (&) that
encourage consultation, we will find that the point of this
encouragement was to create participation in decision-making. There
should not be just one person who makes the decisions, whether that
person is a military leader, a financial leader, a manager or an official
in a position of responsibility in any field. Joint decision-making
usually leads to the correct decision,339 because many minds are
working together. It allows people with experience and knowledge to
contribute; the decision, which is based on comprehensive
discussion, will be agreed upon by many and thus will be closer to
being correct.340 Seeking advice and discussion guarantees success.
Amir al-Mu'mineen 'Mi (4) said: "Seek the advice of others, for
success lies in seeking advice."341
Amir al-Mu'mineen 'Ali (&) did not define a particular way
or style for consulting and seeking advice; rather he gave us a general
principle and told us about the benefits of applying that principle. No
field is exempt from the need for seeking advice; it is necessary in
evesy activity in a person's life and becomes even more necessary
when the activity involves or affects a group of people and not just
one individual. If we examine these sayings, we will see that the
correct decision comes as a result of exchanging ideas,34z and the
importance of lengthy and comprehensive discussion on the part of
those who are in charge of reaching the right decision will become