Ibrahim M Mead Ottawa, Canada Consultation and Condemnation of Despotism is a Moral Duty “Lima tastacgiluuna al sayiah qablal xasanah” (Ayah) “Why ye hasten on the evil in preference to the good!?” why ye not turn off evil with good for such there is the final attainment of the eternal home? For such there is goodness for all of us and there is success for Somaliland. This message goes to the present day administration of Somaliland which declined Consultation! Consultation is : a) in the Quran. b) It is in the sayings of the prophet. c) It is in the traditions of the “Saxaaba” d) it is in all just and democratic governments and societies. Those of us who are rejecting the Godly and noble call of Consultation are knowingly or otherwise: 1- against all the norms of a just and democratic governance 2- they are against the Quranic mercy and advice to mankind 3- they are against the Sayings of the prophet (scws) 4- they are against the traditions of “Saxaaba”(rc) 5- they are against our (Somaliland) own traditions 6- they are against the reasons why people gave their vote to them 7- they are against their own party manifesto and promises 8- they are against the reason why Somaliland was founded in the first place. When they are against all these godly virtuous deeds then what are they for? It seems that those who are declining Consultations of matters of national concern embraced “Despotic thinking. Imam Sadiq has said: despotic thinking binds man’s opinion with wrong matters. We saw that our selves, but unfortunately we are doing it! The Imam has also said: one who always sticks strictly to his own opinion gets destroyed” Imam Sadiq (R.C.) is said to have said: Never consult the one who recommends despotism Seeking advice is of much importance in Islam as well as in just and democratic governments and institutions. Notwithstanding the strong intelligence the prophet had and not withstanding the divine revelations, the Holy Prophet (s.c.w.s.) had received that he never needed any advice, Yet, in order to make Muslims realize the value of importance of counseling so that they may make it a part of their basic programme of life and, from another angel, with a view to increase the power of thinking in people, he used to call advisory councils for consulting Muslims in common affairs of enforcing divine commands. He was giving more importance especially to the views of wise person to such an extent that in some matters he even used to give up his own thought and accept that of the advisors. We find such examples in the battle of Uhad. It can be said that one of the factors causing the success of the Holy prophet (scws) in furthering the Islamic objects and aims was the consultation. Verses, sayings of the prophet and traditions of the “saxaba” must be our guide Amirul Momineen (RC.) says in one of his sermons: No support is more satisfying than consultation. As a matter of principle, those who carry on their important works with mutual consultation seldom fall in fault. On the contrary, people who are victims of the evil of despotism and who think that they never need anyone's advice, even if they are extraordinarily intelligent, make serious and dangerous mistakes resulting in great sorrow and pain. Apart from this, the mentality of dictatorship drags down the personality of man in the eyes of the people. They cause stagnation of thought, destroy capabilities and in this way they waste the greatest human faculty of a society. Despite possessing extraordinary power of thinking, the Holy Prophet (s.c.w.s.) used to consult his companions. The following traditions too point toward it: Islam emphasizes the importance and great benefits of “Shura”. This meritorious practice of immense benefit is strongly encouraged Islam greatly urges the practice of “Shura” (mutual-consultation) Islam emphasizes the merits of Consultation 1. In the Quran. 2. In the Hadith alShareef, 3. By the practical example of Rasulullah (sallallahu-alayhi-wasallam) 4. By the practice of the Sahaabah (Radiyallahu-canhum) and the Pious Elders of all eras TWO INGREDIENTS FOR SUCCESS All Muslims must strive to bring alive this vital practice in all facets and matters of their individual and collective lives. Whenever any issue of importance arises; before making any decision, always resort to 1. “Shura,” Consultation [Wadatashi] 2. “Istikharah.” We have been informed by the prophet of Allah (sallallahu-clayhi-wasallam) in one of his gems of wisdom: "He who resorts to “Istikharah” will not be at a loss; and he who resorts to “Shura” will never regret." Mr. Siilanyo will not regret if he consults with the founders and with the wise people. Conclusion it is a moral absurdity to reject Consultation when it comes to national issues when the fate of the nation is at stake. Only un-ambitious person might do this moral absurdity. That means a person who has no ambition for his country and for his country men. More over we have to recognize the dept every living Somalilanders owes for those liberated us and for those who found the lost 1st Republic of Somaliland of 1960 with their blood and treasure. On the other hand one may feel not sure to reason and expect rationale responses other then defensive insults from unreasonable people. This seems an unreasonable approach. I believe a staunch believer of Somaliland cause can reason with the unreasonable people running the affairs of Somaliland by showing them that they can not get away with the destruction of Somaliland. It is how one may reason with the unreasonable belly and pocket driven people Somaliland is safe only when every one of us is safe. If one of us is not safe none of us are save, because we live in one house and that is Somaliland house. We fought together, we died together, we buried our dead together. We survived together, we triumphed together and now we have to consult and cooperate. We have to live together. Why ye not turn off evil with good for such there is the final attainment of the eternal home? For such there is goodness for all of us and there is success for Somaliland. “Why we hasten on the evil in preference to the good?” Peace and prayers Ibrahim Mead