and practical experience in handling matters, calm deliberation, seasoned judgment, and freedom from haste. In addition, he must be upright in his religion, for whoever is not righteous cannot be considered trustworthy, even if he is intelligent, perceptive, and worldly-wise. If he lacks piety there is no good in him and he is unfit to be consulted, because an irreligious person may—Allah forbid—betray you, advising what brings harm or what holds no benefit, thereby spreading evil and corruption known only to Allah.

Assume, for example, that the man is openly dissolute, frivolous, and immoral; it is impermissible to seek his counsel, for that would lead you to ruin. Likewise, even if someone is pious, devout, and trustworthy, yet naïve, unfamiliar with how affairs unfold, or rash and inexperienced, you should still not be keen to consult him. A naïve person takes matters at face value and is unaware of what lies beneath the surface, while a hasty person may, through his impulsiveness, direct you toward something devoid of benefit.

Therefore, the adviser must combine expertise, sound judgment, and religious integrity. Allah, blessed and exalted, says: “Their affairs are a matter of consultation among them” (42:38)—that is, the collective matters that concern everyone, such as jihad, are to be decided by mutual consultation. Thus, when the ruler intends to declare jihad or undertake any public measure that affects the Muslims at large, he should consult them.