Flowers for the Women Wearing Veils - Volume II — Page 43
43 Important Directives for Lajna Ima’illah ( Ha z rat Khalifat - ul - Masih II r a issued several important directives rega rding Lajna Ima’illah in the previous year’s Maj lis - e - Mushawarat, which have been documented in the reports of the Majlis - e - Mushawarat. ) These guidelines are noted below : In March of 1929, there were l engthy debates on whether women should be given the right to voice opinions at the Majlis - e - Mushawarat [ a ssembly of Jama'at representative s for mutual consultation ] , but no decision was reached. In the Mushawarat of 1930, the matter was again presented. After listening to arguments in favor and against, Ha z rat Khalifat - ul - Masih II ra ca me to a decision , which is presented below for the ben e fit of all Lajna Ima’illah. Although, it was considered temporary at the time, this decision was made permanent a t the 1932 Mushawarat. At the 1941 M ushawarat , Ha z rat Khalifat - ul - Masih II ra advised that from then on , Lajna would have a representative present at the Shura , whose duty it would be to present the Lajna’s point of view at every opportunity. This decision is also presented below. Women’s Right to Opinion - Majlis - e - Mushaw a rat : March 31, 1948 “The truth of the matter is that just as men are given mind s and wisdom , so are women. And where it is instructed that man seek knowledge; after accepting all these teachings, to say that a woman’s voice should be kept locked up , is very wrong. ” Women’s Right to Representatio n - Majlis - e - Mushaw a rat : April 12, 1930 “I make th e following temporary decision regarding the representation of women. W herever Lajna is established , they should register themselves, which mean s that they should take the approv al for their Lajna from me. Those who are approved with my permission will receive the agenda for the Mushaw a rat. They may send their opinion in writing to my private secretary. When I decide regarding these matters, I