The System of Mushawarat in Jama'at-e-Ahmadiyya — Page 100
T he S ystem of M ushawarat in J ama * at - e -A hmadiyya Maj lis-e-Mushawarat 1922, which was the first step in the establishment o f this regular institution, is of great sig nificance in the history o f the Jama'at. O f particular importance is the inaugural address delivered by Hadrat Khallfatul Masih Hra on that occasion, in which he high lighted the aims and objectives of Majlis-e-Shura—the Islamic system of consultation—the etiquette to be ob served, the responsibilities of the participants, the method o f deliberating upon the Agenda and the significance of the Shura’s decisions. This address definitely serves as a charter for the system o f Shura in the Jama'at. It is a river flowing with knowledge, wisdom and reflection, and is evidence o f his superior qualities, which must be present in a great reformer. Here I will reproduce some extracts from that address, which should suffice as an introduction to the institution of Shura in Jama'at-e-Ahmadiyya. Speaking of the importance o f Shura, Hudur™ said: “First o f all I would like to tell you about this Majlis, which was previously called Conference. From the Holy Quran we learn that it should be the practice o f Muslims to i. e. decide their affairs through mutual consultation. Consultation is very useful and essential, and nothing worthwhile can be accomplished without it. The puipose o f this Majlis, in a few words, is to bring together members o f the Jama'at and to discuss with them matters relating to the progress and strengthening o f the Jama'at, so that the work can be facilitated and members made aware o f the needs and requirement o f the Jama'at. This is the essence o f Majlis-e-Shura. ” [Report Majlis-e-Shura 1922, p. 3] 1 0 0