The System of Mushawarat in Jama'at-e-Ahmadiyya — Page 412
T he S ystem of M ushawarat in J ama ‘ at - e -A hmadiyya correct to say that the Shura is a permanent body which acts or reacts in contrast to Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya. The Shura only gives advice, and that, too, when the Khalifa asks for it in keeping with the Divine command. So, when friends offer any advice they do so in compli ance with the commandment o f God, and they give priority to the requirements o f the Jama'at and do not con sider themselves a permanent body. Therefore, the very question as to whether we can make a decision or not, is wrong. The Shura does not make decisions like other as semblies. If by ‘w e’ you mean the Shura, and we consider the fact that this institution works under the Khalifa and he alone can ask people for advice, and it is he alone who makes the decision, the question would become: Does the Khalifa have the right to reject or modify any rule o f Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya? It is wrong to raise this question because the Khalifa is the higher authority and he has the authority to amend any rule o f Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya. So this question should not trouble anyone. ” ^Report Majlis-e-Shiira 1943, pp. 19-21] Hadrat Khallfatul Masih IIIrh also shed light on this im portant question during Mushawarat 1967. Hudur endorsed an important explanatory note by Maulana ‘Abul ‘Ata Jalandharf3, which accompanied the report o f a sub-committee, and read it out in his concluding ad dress. The note was as follows: “Let it be clear to all individuals and Jama'ats that only a Prophet or Imam has the right to consult the people. The Holy Quran says: According to the Shariah, it is the prerogative o f the Imam to seek advice in whatever manner, and from whomsoever he wishes. 412