The challenge of decolonizing governance remains a key  issue in many countries of the Global South. Most colonial-era political systems imposed centralized decision-making mechanisms that exclude local voices and undermine democratic participation. Shura, the Islamic principle of consultation, provides a strong counterpoint to such structures by way of its inclusivity and shared decision-making. Shura has been part of political thought and practice in Indonesia and Pakistan two countries with large Muslim populations but its application is very different in each context¹. The study of the role of shura in both these countries reflects how this principle can help bring about a change in governance systems by making them more participatory, accountable and connected to the people they serve.

Shura: A Traditional Islamic Model of Governance

Shura is a cardinal principle in Islam emanating from the holy Quran and the sayings of the prophet Muhammad. It calls for mutual consultation in decision-making where no single ruler or individual should unilaterally arrive at decisions. The Quran says "And those who have responded to their lord and established prayer and whose affair is [determined by] consultation among themselves" (Surah Ash-Shura, 42:38). It calls for a governance system where decisions emerge from collective deliberation with a feeling of transparency and accountability. While associated with early Islamic governance shura has been an essential aspect of modern politics especially in countries trying to remove colonial structures for more inclusive and participatory models.

Shura in Indonesia: Islam within a Secular Framework

Indonesia is a very interesting case of how shura works being a Muslim-majority country with a secular constitution. Indonesia's political system is formally secular though in fact Islamic values immensely influence local governance especially in areas with a very strong Muslim population. Shura is not institutionalized at the national level, but is evident in local decision-making processes. This is seen for example in village councils holding consultations with religious as well as communal leaders. These forms of grassroots participatory practices represent the Shura in principle-if anything that is even more informally².

It is at the local level that shura finds its place especially in Indonesia's diverse and pluralistic society. Though the structure of government in the country is secular the population being Muslim in majority still draws from Islamic principles like shura to guide communal life. This hybrid system combining Islamic values with a secular political structure shows that shura can work full well in a context where Islam is not an official state ideology.

Shura in Pakistan: Islamic Governance in a Secular System

In Pakistan, shura is more formally enshrined in the country's political system given its status as an Islamic republic. The constitution of Pakistan contains provisions in conformity with Islamic governance one of which is the principle of shura. But the application of shura in the country has been very uneven largely because of political instability and the centralization of power. The political system in Pakistan although always leaning towards the use of Islamic principles has had its processes consistently being hurt by authoritarian rule and military interventions. Applications of shura have remained limited to advisory roles given to religious scholars who carry little weight in formal structures of decision-making³.

Despite these difficulties there is potential for shura to play a more important role in Pakistan's governance. Islamic values have deeply imprinted the democratic processes of the country and the re-assertion of shura would contribute significantly toward making decision-making more inclusive and transparent. But that is possible only if Pakistan overcomes its political instability and develops a far stronger democratic culture.

Comparing Shura in Indonesia and Pakistan

While both Indonesia and Pakistan have shared Islamic traditions, this highlights the different ways in which Islamic governance principles are applied to shura. In Indonesia shura was part of a secular political system thus reinforcing local democracies without national institutionalization. On the other hand Pakistan as an Islamic republic enshrines shura in its laws but political turmoil only has allowed it to be an incomplete practice. The comparison shows how the role of shura in governance varies with the broader political and social context.

Decolonizing Governance: Shura’s Role in the Global South

The Global South continues to grapple with governance systems often imposed through the legacy of colonial rule, which favored centralized, autocratic decision-making. It is in this respect that Shura offers a powerful alternative. a conception of decision-making that is consultative, inclusive and community based⁴. Indonesia and Pakistan while very different countries illustrate ways in which shura can be mobilized across political systems to offer pathways to more democratic and inclusive forms of governance. By adopting shura, countries of the Global South may inch their way toward decolonizing governance, moving away from top-down approaches and toward more participatory, accountable system⁵.

In this respect the potential of Shura to decolonize governance is highly relevant today given the quest by countries of the Global South to reshape their political systems in ways that reflect local values and needs. Moving from the colonial-era structures shura can help create governance systems that are more responsive to the people and more anchored in the values of the societies they serve. The experience of Indonesia and Pakistan is that the challenge is there yet shura has the potential of being a powerful tool in pursuing more inclusive democratic governance.