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Moral Principles and Norms of Legislators… M. M. Chegini & F. Pourkeyvan (81
trustworthiness can be maintained in ensuring that decisions are well-
complex political environments. guided and conducive to growth. In
Consultation contrast, relying on one’s own
An important ethical responsibility of unchecked opinions can lead to
parliamentarians is to seek destruction, as Imam Ali warns,
consultation from knowledgeable “Whoever relies on their own opinion
individuals on various matters. While alone will be destroyed” (Ibn Abi al-
consultation is beneficial for Ḥadīd, 2005, p. 500).
everyone, for parliamentarians, it is Among various public officials,
not only a moral virtue but a duty. parliamentarians bear a unique
Given their influential role in responsibility that requires frequent
decision-making, seeking expert consultation. Unlike other government
advice is essential for making well- roles, which are more specialized,
informed choices. parliamentarians must make decisions
In Islamic teachings, Shura on a wide range of national issues
(consultation) is highlighted as a key political, economic, military, and
characteristic of believers. The Quran cultural. Given the breadth of their
in Surah Shura describes believers as legislative and supervisory duties, no
those who respond to their Lord, matter how knowledgeable an MP
establish prayer, and whose affairs are may be, they cannot possess all the
decided by mutual consultation (The information required to make fully
Quran, 42:38). Additionally, many informed decisions. Therefore,
Ḥadīths emphasize the importance of consulting experts and specialists is
consultation. Imam Hassan Mojtaba critical for MPs to fulfill their
states that any group that consults is responsibilities effectively and in the
guided to the path of growth and best interest of the public.
guidance (Sobhani, 2001, p. 154). Although consultation is a key
This teaching is reinforced by the principle in Islamic governance, its
advice of Amir al-Mu'minin, who practical implementation can be
urged his governor Malik Ashtar to challenging. For example, in times of
consult with scholars and wise crisis, the need for swift decision-
individuals to make the best decisions making may conflict with the time-
in governance (Sharīf al-Raḍī, letter consuming nature of consultation.
No. 53). Such consultations are vital Additionally, in some political
because they allow leaders to draw on systems, consultation may be limited
the wisdom and experience of experts, by bureaucratic structures or political
hierarchies.
