The System of Mushawarat in Jama'at-e-Ahmadiyya — Page 403
T he S ystem of M ushawarat in J ama ‘ at - e -A hmadiyya blessing but a matter o f concern. Thus the Holy Prophet8 * said that the presence o f differences is a source o f bless ings, and not their absence. This obviously does not mean that quarrelling and infighting is a blessing. Had this been his purpose, he would have said, i. e. , differences are a blessing; but what he did say was which means that differences, which re main within the system prescribed by Islam, are a blessing, and that difference and submission must go hand in hand to ensure the success o f a Jama'at. So, I be lieve that we need to modify this regulation o f the Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya in a way that caters for both as pects o f the matter. This, I believe, is the proposal that w ill serve us best. I have already expressed my opinion in this matter before the consultation. M embers M ust E xpress their H onest O pinions Some people at times object that there is no point in con sulting the members after the Khalifa has expressed his opinion, because the members feel bound to follow the opinion o f the Khalifa, even if they do not agree with it. But I believe that this is necessary for the proper training o f the Jama'at. I believe that members o f the Jama'at should develop an attitude whereby, despite their resolve to submit to the decision o f the Khalifa, they should ex press their honest opinion without being influenced by anyone, even if it is a Prophet who has asked them for it. It is on record that the Holy Prophetsa would at times express his own opinion before seeking advice from others. This was because he believed that his Companions would not be influenced by anyone and would express their own honest opinion. I too at times express my opinion before asking others for theirs, but I do this to highlight various 403