What is the role of Shurah in an Islaamic state?

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. We ask Allaah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.

Consultation is such an important matter that Allaah ordered His Prophet and the rulers after him to consult the people of opinion and experience; they should not make a decision in any given matter without consultation.

Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): {And consult them in the matter.}[3:159].

Allaah further says (interpretation of the meaning): {And those who.. established prayer and whose affair is [determined by] consultation among themselves.}[42:38].

Thus the Prophet used to consult his companions saying: "Advise me, O, People!" [At-Tirmithi] despite the fact that revelation came down to him. The rightly-guided Caliphs after the Prophet also used to consult the senior companions.

Allaah knows best.