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istashshāra
to counsel
استشار (istashshāra) is a Form X (tenth form) Arabic verb meaning 'to seek counsel' or 'to consult.' It describes the action of asking someone for advice or opinion on a matter, often implying a deliberate and respectful request for guidance. This verb is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts when discussing decision-making processes.
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استشار المدير موظفيه قبل اتخاذ القرار المهم.
Istashshāra al-mudīr muwazzafīh qabla ittikādh al-qarār al-muhimm.
The manager consulted with his employees before making the important decision.
يجب أن تستشير والديك في اختيار تخصصك الجامعي.
Yajib an tastashshīr wālidayk fī ikhtiyār takhassusik al-jāmi'ī.
You should consult with your parents about choosing your university major.
استشارت الطبيبة خبراء آخرين حول حالة المريض.
Istashshārat al-tabībah khubará' ākhirīn hawla hālat al-marīd.
The female doctor consulted with other experts about the patient's condition.
قررنا أن نستشير متخصصاً في هذا المجال.
Qararnā an nastashshīr mutakhassisan fī hādhā al-majāl.
We decided to seek the advice of a specialist in this field.
استشار الملك حكماءه قبل إعلان الحرب.
Istashshāra al-malik hukmā'ah qabla i'lān al-harb.
The king consulted with his wise advisors before declaring war.
In Arab culture, seeking counsel from elders, specialists, and respected community members is highly valued and demonstrates wisdom and humility. The concept is rooted in Islamic tradition, where the Quran encourages consultation (شورى - shūrā) in decision-making. This practice remains central to family dynamics, business decisions, and governance in the Arab world.
Remember that استشار is typically followed by a direct object (the person consulted) using the preposition 'مع' (with) or by listing the person directly. The verb can be used in professional, family, and formal contexts. Note that Form X verbs like this often indicate seeking or requesting an action, distinguishing them from simpler related verbs.
The Arabic verb استشار (istashshāra) is a Form X (tenth form) verb that means "to seek counsel," "to consult," or "to ask for advice." This verb is formed from the root ش-و-ر (sh-w-r), which relates to consultation and advice-giving. The tenth form adds the prefix 'ista-' which typically indicates seeking or requesting an action from someone else.
As a Form X verb, استشار follows the regular conjugation patterns of tenth-form verbs in Arabic. In the past tense, it is conjugated as follows:
In the present tense, the verb takes the form يستشير (ya-stashshīr), and it can be used with various tenses and moods to express different aspects of consultation.
The verb استشار is widely used in modern Standard Arabic (Fusha) and is commonly heard in news broadcasts, formal writing, and everyday conversation throughout the Arab world. It is typically used in the following contexts:
Professional Settings: In business and government, استشار is used to describe consultations with experts, advisors, and colleagues. For example: "The CEO consulted with the board of directors before implementing the new strategy."
Medical Context: In healthcare, this verb describes seeking medical advice. A patient might "consult a doctor" (استشار الطبيب) about their symptoms.
Family Decisions: In personal contexts, people use استشار when discussing asking family members for input on important decisions, such as career choices or major purchases.
Legal and Academic Matters: The verb is frequently used when seeking expert opinions on legal, academic, or technical matters.
The root ش-و-ر (sh-w-r) has given rise to several important related words:
In Arab and Islamic culture, seeking counsel is not merely a practical necessity but a valued virtue. The concept is deeply rooted in Islamic principles, with the Quran itself emphasizing شورى (shūrā - consultation) as an important aspect of decision-making. The Quranic verse "and their affairs are decided by mutual consultation" (42:38) establishes consultation as a fundamental principle in Islamic governance and community life.
This cultural emphasis on consultation continues to influence modern Arab society. Seeking advice from elders, respected community members, and specialists is considered a sign of wisdom and humility rather than weakness. In family contexts, consulting with parents and elders before making major decisions is a widespread practice that reflects both respect and adherence to traditional values.
Established phrases using استشار include:
When learning to use استشار, remember that it typically requires a direct object indicating who is being consulted. You can use it with the direct object alone or with prepositions like مع (with) or في (about). The verb carries a formal, deliberate tone, making it more suitable for serious discussions than casual conversation. If you want to express mutual consultation, use the Form VI alternative تشاور (tashāwar) instead.
The verb استشار represents an important concept in Arabic communication, reflecting the cultural value placed on seeking wisdom and counsel. Whether in professional, academic, medical, or personal contexts, mastering this verb allows Arabic learners to discuss decision-making processes and professional relationships with appropriate vocabulary and cultural awareness.