The System of Mushawarat in Jama'at-e-Ahmadiyya — Page 35
Chapter II M ushawarat D uring the T ime of T he P romised M essiah ^ F irst M ajlis - e -M ushawarat of the J ama ‘ at Mushawarat is one o f the basic guiding principles which the Holy Quran has laid down for the establishment of the ideal Islamic society. It says: “And whose affairs are decided by mutual consultation. ” (Al-Shura, 42:39) One of the fundamental objects o f the Ahmadiyya Jama4at is to establish the institution o f Mushawarat in conformity with true Islamic values and unblemished by any sort o f interpolation. In keeping with the practice of the Holy Prophetsa, the Promised Messiah3 5 would always consult his Compan ions on important matters, both individually and collectively, as and when required. An important in stance o f collective consultation was witnessed during the first Jalsa Salana that was held in December 1891. Since the Jama4at was very small at the time, and only 75 members were present in the Jalsa, it was not consid ered necessary to hold separate sessions for Jalsa and for Mushawarat. The Promised Messiah35, therefore, used the occasion of Jalsa for Mushawarat as well. This occa sion is considered the first Majlis-e-Shura o f the 35