The System of Mushawarat in Jama'at-e-Ahmadiyya — Page 26
T he S ystem of M ushawarat in J amac at - e -A hmadiyya Siddiq® always presented matters o f importance before eminent Companions and tried to reach a consensus. He always kept the wise and experienced Companions close to him. No institution o f Shura was yet in place, as would be in the time o f Hadrat ‘Umar®, but Hadrat Abu Bakr® always invited eminent Muhajirin and Ansar and sought their opinions in important matters. F ormal E stablishment of M ajlis - e -S h O ra When Hadrat ‘Umar® became the second Khalifa, he continued to act in compliance with the Divine injunc tion [And their affairs are decided by mutual consultation ], and made arrangements for regular consultations in all matters relating to the Islamic state. He established an all-encompassing institution of Majlis- e-Shura which ensured the stability o f the Islamic sys tem o f government, and showed what a truly great administrator and thinker he was. He would always de cide important matters after due deliberation and proper consultation in Majlis-e-Shura, which comprised of prominent and exceptionally brilliant people. The Holy Quran has laid down the basic principles for Mushawarat, but it does not put forward any particular procedure as to how it should be held. It leaves it to the Muslims o f every time and age to determine a system which suits their requirements and also conforms to the example set by the Holy Prophetsa. Whatever form Mushawarat may take, the aim is to reach decisions with consultation, so that unity can be assured among the 26