Ahmadiyyat - The Renaissance of Islam — Page 278
278 AHMADIYY AT discussions points constantly arise bearing upon the true appreciation of moral and spiritual values. At the conclusion of the discussion of each item the Khalifatul Masih sums up the points that arise in the course of the discussion and pronounces upon them, furnishing the needed guidance on every point. On the advice tendered by the Council and the recommendations submitted by it the Khalifatul Masih nor- mally announces his decision at the end of his observations, but sometimes reserves the matter for further reflection. He generally accepts the advice tendered or the recommenda- tions made by a majority of the Council, but if he is of the view that the advice or recommendation ignores or runs counter to some principle the upholding of which is an obligation that can not be contravened, he sets forth an exposition of the principle involved and rejects the advice or recommendation or announces his acceptance in a modified form which is not open to objection on principle. Every session of the Council proves a most exhilarating experience for the participants on account of the opportuni- ties of moral and spiritual training that it affords for every participant. The discussions in the Council are carried on at a very high level and compare very favourably with the pro- ceedings and discussions 'of other bodies of a comparable character outside the Movement. Every section of the Community is organized in an Associ- ation for the purpose of proper training in the exercise of moral and spiritual values and marching forward towards the achievement of the purposes of the Movement. The Majlis Ansarullah (Association of the Helpers of God), is composed of all male members of the Movement over the age of 40 years. The Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya (Associ- ation of the Servants of Ahmadiyyat), is composed of all male members of the Movement between the ages of 15 and 40 years. Atfalul Ahmadiyya (Children of Ahmadiyyat) is com- posed of male children between the ages of 7 and 15 years. Lajnah Ima Allah (Association of the Handmaidens of God) includes all female. members of the Movement above the age.