The verse “wa shāwirhum fī al-amr” (“And consult them in affairs” – Qur’an 3:159) is considered fundamental in clarifying the place of consultation (shūrā) in the Islamic political system. However, there is no consensus among commentators regarding the nature and function of this divine directive. The key issue is whether the consultation in this verse refers to the people’s genuine participation in the political decision-making process, or whether it is merely a symbolic and ethical approach aimed at honoring those addressed, strengthening social cohesion, or serving an educational purpose. Although exegetes have discussed the content of the verse, the contradictions among these interpretations have rarely been systematically examined.

The present study, employing a descriptive-analytical method, explores exegetical perspectives regarding the meaning of consultation in this verse. The findings indicate that four major approaches have emerged among commentators: The first view sees consultation as merely symbolic and non-executive;

The second regards consultation as real and as a way of honoring the Prophet’s companions;

The third considers consultation to be real and intended for the moral development of the Muslim community; The fourth (the normative view) emphasizes consultation as a genuine and decisive element in the policy-making of Islamic governance.Relying on the context of the verse, the divine tradition, semantic structure, the framework of Islamic governance, the importance of the people’s role, the practical conduct (sīra) of the Prophet and the Imams (peace be upon them) in decision-making through consultation, and the emphasis of Qur’anic verses and traditions on the necessity