After the terrible defeat of the Muslims in the Battle of Uhud, when 70 companions were killed because some of the companions failed to follow the Prophet’s command in battle, Allah revealed ayat in Surat Aali Imran asking the Prophet to ask for forgiveness on their behalf and consult them in decision-making. Allah here is teaching both the Prophet and all Muslims an important lesson in leadership: that it is love not blind obedience that makes a great leader. A leader must not let scars fester. Seeking the opinion of those who have so gravely wronged him only increased the companions’ love, respect and loyalty for the Prophet. As Muslims we must never feel that we are above consultation and must adopt this beautiful legacy of the Prophet who was the least in need of the advice of other men, but who sought it because Allah, in his infinite wisdom, told him to do so.
