What is the ruling on a group that has appointed an amir, and are they obligated to consult him?

The questioner : There are only two questions... If there is a group and it has an amir, is this amir obligated to practice shura (consultation)?

The Shaykh : Is this amir obligated to practice shura (consultation)?

The questioner : Yes.

The Shaykh : You are asking if this amir is obligated to practice shura (consultation).

The questioner : I mean, if there is a group and it has an amir, is this amir obligated to practice shura (consultation)?

The Shaykh : He is obligated to practice shura (consultation), and he is not obligated to practice shura (consultation). If he is convinced by their advice, he must adhere to it, unless he adheres to his own knowledge. Is this amir knowledgeable about the Shari'ah? The calamity of this world is the amirs; in every country there is an amir.

The questioner : ...The people gave me [this task]. Someone said to me, "Put these questions to..."The Shaykh : And I am doing this work, this work.

The Shaykh : And I will answer you.

The questioner : I mean, if there is shura (consultation) from the Book and the Sunnah, meaning they agree on one statement, is it permissible?

The Shaykh : No, my brother. The amir in Islam consults the people of opinion and knowledge around him. Then, after consulting them, he either acts on their advice or acts on his own opinion and ijtihad (independent legal reasoning). There is a modern expression that asks: Is shura (consultation) binding or advisory? The answer is that it is advisory, not binding. Do you understand me?

The questioner : Yes.

The Shaykh: The

The questioner : It is not binding.

The Shaykh : Do you understand me, my brother? May Allah guide you.

The questioner : Yes.

The Shaykh : Bring up another one.