Adab al-Mufrad

Benefits and Issues:
➊ Allah, the Exalted, commanded His Messenger (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) to consult with the noble Companions (radi Allahu anhum) in his affairs. The purpose of this was to honor the Companions and to establish this Sunnah for those who would come after, otherwise the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) had no need for it, as Allah, the Exalted, guided him.
➋ This consultation should be in matters that are permissible and allowed, so that an easier path may be chosen. In matters where there are clear rulings from the Shariah, there is absolutely no need for consultation, just as our master Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (radi Allahu anhu) did not pay any heed to anyone’s consultation regarding fighting those who withheld zakah.
➌ Consultation is not necessary in every matter, as is understood from the tafsir of Ibn Abbas (radi Allahu anhuma), that Allah, the Exalted, commanded His Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) to consult in certain matters.
➍ The meaning of seeking consultation is by no means that it is now necessary to act upon it; rather, the ruler of the time or any person, after consulting, may proceed with whatever he deems appropriate. If someone’s advice is not acted upon, he should also not feel bad, because it is not possible to act upon every person’s advice.