The System of Mushawarat in Jama'at-e-Ahmadiyya — Page 28
T he S ystem of M ushawarat in J ama ‘ at - e -A hmadiyya During the time of Hadrat ‘Umai*3, Majlis-e-Shura was convened only to discuss important matters, but there was also a body consisting of eminent Companions which would meet in the Prophet’s Mosque to deliberate upon routine matters. Hadrat ‘Umar1 3 would update the mem bers regarding the situation in different provinces and if there was any issue worthy of deliberation he would in vite their opinions on it. It was in such a meeting that the question of levying tax ( Jizyah) on the Majusls was first taken up. ‘Allama Al-Baladhurf, a famous Islamic histo rian, has described this meeting as follows: A committee consisting o f Muhajirin used to meet in the Prophet’s Mosque in the presence o f Hadrat ‘Umar13. He would discuss with them numerous matters which came to him for decision. One day Hadrat ‘Umar” said: “I can not figure out what to do about the Majusis. ” ‘Abdur Rahman bin ‘A u fa stood up and said: I testify that the Holy Prophet5 2 did say, “They should be dealt with on the same principle as the People o f the Book. ” ]Fatuh-ul~Baldan, part 1, p. 383] U sual M ethod for C onducting M ajlis - e -S hura The usual procedure for conducting Majlis-e-Shura at the time o f Hadrat ‘Umar1 3 was that someone would go around calling people to the mosque, and they would all gather there. Hadrat ‘Umarra would offer two rak ‘as of prayer, and then make an elaborate speech about the matter under consideration. He would then invite people to offer their suggestions. [Tarikh Tabri, p. 2574] 28