The System of Mushawarat in Jama'at-e-Ahmadiyya — Page 418
T he S ystem of M ushawarat in J ama ‘ at - e -A hmadiyya P roposals R elating to H adrat K hal I fatul M ashi This delicate issue first came up for discussion in 1926. The question being discussed was whether the Shura can take up a proposal in which Khallfatul Masih is asked to tour certain Jama'ats for the purpose o f D acwat Ilallah. There was a long discussion in which the majority were in favour o f such proposals being presented, while a few thought that it would amount to restricting the Khalifa and was even contrary to his dignity. Here we reproduce some extracts from Hudur’s decision which he made af ter listening to both points of view: “This is a very unusual proposal both with regard to its nature and the varied reaction it has invited. There are currently 105 votes in favour o f the proposal and 75 against. When the resolution was presented, some dele gates spoke against it and it seemed as if everyone was against it. But when some people started speaking in fa vour o f it, it seemed as if everyone was o f the same view. Thus the balance continued to tilt one way and the other, and it was difficult to say where the people’s emotions would lead them. I believe that, instead o f deliberating upon the matter in a cool and logical manner, as should have been done, members allowed their emotion to dominate them and the discussion that ensued was con sequently based on emotions rather than on thought and reflection. Some objectionable words used by some dele gates also show that they were being led by emotions, and the cool and calm that is peculiar to believers had left them for a time. I hope that in future members w ill con trol their sentiments and w ill not use words that are undesirable and cause rift among people. 418