The System of Mushawarat in Jama'at-e-Ahmadiyya — Page 99
Chapter III O bjectives of M ajlis - e -S hura Although the Promised Messiah (as) had begun the system o f consultations in conformity with Islamic traditions during his lifetime, he had also given the glad tiding of Qudrat-e-Thdniya (Second Manifestation) which would continue to the last day. Accordingly, all the Khulafa, in their own time, have done remarkable work in strength ening this institution and establishing it on firm grounds. The evolutionary process which Mushawarat, as an insti tution, has passed through. during the time o f Hadrat Khalifatul Masih IIra is remarkable in the history of the Jama'at. The establishment o f the consultative process on permanent and sound basis is an achievement which points to a glorious future for the Jama'at. Through this institution, Hadrat Khalifatul Masih IIra inculcated the habit o f mutual consultations in the matters of the Jama'at, which consequently helped to sharpen and broaden their minds and created a culture of thought and reflection among them. It also gave them the zeal and enthusiasm to forge ahead. It is a most auspicious and blessed system which continues to open up new ways of progress for the Jama'at. Why did Hadrat Khalifatul Masih Hra feel the need to establish Mushawarat as a regular institution, and what was its significance and its aim in his eyes? To answer these questions, let us again turn to an extract from Sirat Fadl-e- ‘Umar. 99