Ettiquette of 'Al-Shura'....
Nicholas Jodar
The following is a short description of the Etiquette for
conducting the Shura ('Group Consultation') according to Islam.
Whenever the Amir wishes to consult his followers regarding
matters which need to be made, (which is often), he calls them
(or their representatives) together for the Shura.
The following article is based upon my memory of the Etiquette
for Al-Shura, and my therefore may contain inaccuracies. I ask
those knowing more than I to correct any such mistakes, as the
knowledge of how to conduct our affairs according to Allah (AWJ)
and his Rasul (SAW) is of the utmost importance. I have used
'Imam' (religious leader) in the description, but 'Amir' (leader)
may be substituted as applicable.
May Allah (AWJ) bring us closer to 'Himself' in our practices,
that we may fulfill the duties of the Ummat to 'Him.'
Amin.
-AQ
[I beg Allah's forgiveness for my weakness and insufficiency in ]
['His' service, and I ask for his protection from Shaitan and ]
[from my own Desires. None can protect me except Allah. If I ]
[have made any errors, I beg Allah to bring them to my attention]
[so that they may be corrected. If I have made none, then it is]
[only through the Grace of Allah and all praise is due only to ]
['Him.' This article may be copied and distributed freely. ]
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*ETIQUETTE FOR CONDUCTING AL-SHOURA*
BASICS:
-All worldly concerns are put on hold and all nefs are left at
the door. One is holding Shoura before Allah (SWT) and should
be thinking of the best way to serve the Ummah and Allah (SWT).
-Everyone sits in a circle in the posture of attentiveness.
-The Imam (or shoura) selects one person to explain etiquette.
-After the etiquette of Shoura is explained, Shoura begins.
-When the Imam decides Shoura is over, the group disassembles.
DURING SHOURA:
-Correct posture during the commencement of the Shoura is
kneeling (as in Qa'dah Akhira). One may change posture later as
one becomes uncomfortable, but should always appear attentive.
-One speaks only when the Imam asks one to speak, and only to the
extent that one is asked to speak. (ie. Answer the question
asked of you. Period.)
-One may raise their hand if they wish to speak. If the Imam
wishes, they will call on you to speak. Otherwise, remain
silent. One's comments should be only on the topic directly at
hand, in any case.
-If asked for an opinion, one says 'Audzu billahi min ash Shaitan
nir ajeem' and 'Bismillah,' and gives one's best opinion. One
should be careful to avoid thinking of one's own interests, or
another's, rather than the good of the Ummah.
-If one is not asked for their opinion, one remains silent and
attentive.
-If one is asked to do something by the Imam, one should say
'Inshallah.' It is one's duty to do as directed by the Imam.
-If one is asked to do something by the Imam that is beyond one's
capabilities, (eg. to ask one's daughter a question when one
doesn't have a daughter), one should get permission to speak and
then remind the Imam of that limitation. If the Imam repeats
their request, one says 'Inshallah,' and does one's best to comply.
-If the Imam utilizies one's opinion in making a decision, one
should say 'Astaghfirullah' in one's heart. We know that we are
weak and ignorant, and that we cannot express ourselves well, so
we beg Allah (SWT) to forgive us and to make things turn out for
the best DESPITE our opinion being used.
-If the Imam does NOT utilize our opinion, we should say
'Alhamdulillah' in our heart, for Allah (SWT) knows best.
(That, and we would have been held accountable for the results
stemming from our advice....)
-The Imam may choose to ask the entire group for an opinion, some
of them for an opinion, or none of them for an opinion. After
consulting those the Imam chooses to consult, (if any), the Imam
makes a decision. The evidence/advice is weighed, the Imam
seeks Guidance from Allah (SWT), says 'Auzu billahi min ash
Shaitan nir ajeem' and 'Bismillah,' and gives their decision.
This decision is final and may only be changed by the Imam.
-If one must leave the Shoura for any reason whatsoever, one
raises one's hand and waits to be called upon. After being
called upon, one requests permission to leave and gives one's
reason for leaving. The Imam then decides whether one is allowed
to leave or not.
AFTER THE SHOURA:
-The Shoura disassembles in an orderly fashion, without an undue
amount of noise, and those present proceed with their duties.
-If one has questions in regard to the discharging of their
duties, one does one's best to find the answer. If one is unable
to work it out on one's own, or with the help of fellow muslims,
one seeks direction from the Imam. (In other words, the Imam
should not be mobbed after the Shoura by those with questions.)
-Those representing groups must pass on details of the
proceedings to their constituents as soon as possible.
-Matters decided by the Imam are not subject to discussion. They
have already been decided and should be carried out accordingly.
If problems or unforseen circumstances arise, the Imam should be
informed of such and may call another Shoura.
*REMEMBER*: The Shoura was given to us through the Prophet (SAW)
by Allah (SWT). Allah (SWT) has promised us that 'He' will be
involved in the decision-making process and that whatever results
there are, good or bad, will be of 'His' choosing. While we have
no control over Results, we are responsible for conducting our
affairs in the manner given to us by Allah (SWT) and trusting in
'Him' to take care of us, 'His' Ummah.
Yazmasterj
# *ETIQUETTE FOR CONDUCTING AL-SHOURA*
#
#
# BASICS:
#
#
# -All worldly concerns are put on hold and all nefs are left at
# the door. One is holding Shoura before Allah (SWT) and should
# be thinking of the best way to serve the Ummah and Allah (SWT).
#
# -Everyone sits in a circle in the posture of attentiveness.
#
# -The Imam (or shoura) selects one person to explain etiquette.
#
# -After the etiquette of Shoura is explained, Shoura begins.
#
# -When the Imam decides Shoura is over, the group disassembles.
#
#
# DURING SHOURA:
#
#
# -Correct posture during the commencement of the Shoura is
# kneeling (as in Qa'dah Akhira). One may change posture later as
# one becomes uncomfortable, but should always appear attentive.
#
# -One speaks only when the Imam asks one to speak, and only to the
# extent that one is asked to speak. (ie. Answer the question
# asked of you. Period.)
#
# -One may raise their hand if they wish to speak. If the Imam
# wishes, they will call on you to speak. Otherwise, remain
# silent. One's comments should be only on the topic directly at
# hand, in any case.
#
# -If asked for an opinion, one says 'Audzu billahi min ash Shaitan
# nir ajeem' and 'Bismillah,' and gives one's best opinion. One
# should be careful to avoid thinking of one's own interests, or
# another's, rather than the good of the Ummah.
#
# -If one is not asked for their opinion, one remains silent and
# attentive.
#
# -If one is asked to do something by the Imam, one should say
# 'Inshallah.' It is one's duty to do as directed by the Imam.
#
# -If one is asked to do something by the Imam that is beyond one's
# capabilities, (eg. to ask one's daughter a question when one
# doesn't have a daughter), one should get permission to speak and
# then remind the Imam of that limitation. If the Imam repeats
# their request, one says 'Inshallah,' and does one's best to comply.
#
# -If the Imam utilizies one's opinion in making a decision, one
# should say 'Astaghfirullah' in one's heart. We know that we are
# weak and ignorant, and that we cannot express ourselves well, so
# we beg Allah (SWT) to forgive us and to make things turn out for
# the best DESPITE our opinion being used.
#
# -If the Imam does NOT utilize our opinion, we should say
# 'Alhamdulillah' in our heart, for Allah (SWT) knows best.
# (That, and we would have been held accountable for the results
# stemming from our advice....)
#
# -The Imam may choose to ask the entire group for an opinion, some
# of them for an opinion, or none of them for an opinion. After
# consulting those the Imam chooses to consult, (if any), the Imam
# makes a decision. The evidence/advice is weighed, the Imam
# seeks Guidance from Allah (SWT), says 'Auzu billahi min ash
# Shaitan nir ajeem' and 'Bismillah,' and gives their decision.
# This decision is final and may only be changed by the Imam.
#
# -If one must leave the Shoura for any reason whatsoever, one
# raises one's hand and waits to be called upon. After being
# called upon, one requests permission to leave and gives one's
# reason for leaving. The Imam then decides whether one is allowed
# to leave or not.
#
#
# AFTER THE SHOURA:
#
#
# -The Shoura disassembles in an orderly fashion, without an undue
# amount of noise, and those present proceed with their duties.
#
# -If one has questions in regard to the discharging of their
# duties, one does one's best to find the answer. If one is unable
# to work it out on one's own, or with the help of fellow muslims,
# one seeks direction from the Imam. (In other words, the Imam
# should not be mobbed after the Shoura by those with questions.)
#
# -Those representing groups must pass on details of the
# proceedings to their constituents as soon as possible.
#
# -Matters decided by the Imam are not subject to discussion. They
# have already been decided and should be carried out accordingly.
# If problems or unforseen circumstances arise, the Imam should be
# informed of such and may call another Shoura.
#
#
# *REMEMBER*: The Shoura was given to us through the Prophet (SAW)
# by Allah (SWT). Allah (SWT) has promised us that 'He' will be
# involved in the decision-making process and that whatever results
# there are, good or bad, will be of 'His' choosing. While we have
# no control over Results, we are responsible for conducting our
# affairs in the manner given to us by Allah (SWT) and trusting in
# 'Him' to take care of us, 'His' Ummah.
I would like to know what the source of this code of etiquette is. I
mean where was it first documented. I don't understand a few things.
First of all the kneeling position. Attentiveness and respect are one
thing but one kneels only to Allah. Secondly the opinion that Allah is
present at all decision making. Is it then proposed that the Imam is
in contact with Allah or can in some way communicate with Allah? This
method worked for the Prophet who had regular visits from the Angel
Gabriel however no one else after him has such an advantage. Thirdly,
what is the size of the community we are talking about here. Is the leader
in direct contact with all the population of his community? If not, how
is he supposed to make an informed decision if the representatives may
only answer questions posed by him but not volunteer any information?
Lastly, what happens in the case of an unjust leader? Are there any
provisions for this?
Salaam
Yasmin
**************************************************************************
* * *
* Yasmin Sohrawardy * "Only Nixon can go to China" *
* * *
* Internet: ys3...@csc.albany.edu * - Ancient Vulcan *
* * Proverb *
**************************************************************************
Nicholas Jodar
>In article <28...@life.ai.mit.edu> jo...@aludra.usc.edu (Abdul Qadir) writes:
>#
># *REMEMBER*: The Shoura was given to us through the Prophet (SAW)
># by Allah (SWT). Allah (SWT) has promised us that 'He' will be
># involved in the decision-making process and that whatever results
># there are, good or bad, will be of 'His' choosing. While we have
># no control over Results, we are responsible for conducting our
># affairs in the manner given to us by Allah (SWT) and trusting in
># 'Him' to take care of us, 'His' Ummah.
>I would like to know what the source of this code of etiquette is. I
>mean where was it first documented.
It is the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW), and is detailed under
the structure of Islamic government.
>I don't understand a few things.
Well, I'll do my best to answer your questions, but I would like
to emphasize (again) that I am not an ulama (Scholar), and that
my knowledge of Islam is minute and incomplete.
>First of all the kneeling position. Attentiveness and respect are one
>thing but one kneels only to Allah.
Not that kind of kneeling....
The 'kneeling' I mentioned is a particular sitting posture
adopted by the Prophet (SAW) and the Sahabi (RAA). It is the
posture one adopts at the commencement of any lecture,
discussion, Shura, etc. My own opinion is that it connotes the
seriousness of what is being spoken of.
>Secondly the opinion that Allah is
>present at all decision making.
Specifically, Allah (SWT) is present at those meetings of
individuals who seek His Guidance, and helps them to find the
course of action through Hadaiya.
>Is it then proposed that the Imam is
>in contact with Allah or can in some way communicate with Allah?
No. See above.
>This
>method worked for the Prophet who had regular visits from the Angel
>Gabriel however no one else after him has such an advantage.
Yet there are occurrences every day, by countless muslims, where
they have asked Allah (AWJ) to help them do what is best, and the
results speak for themselves. Our human vision is limited to the
visible, here and now, but Allah (AWJ) has no such restrictions.
>Thirdly,
>what is the size of the community we are talking about here.
Anytime you have three or more muslims, there should be an Amir.
>Is the leader
>in direct contact with all the population of his community?
Depends on the size.
Larger Shuras (eg. for the entire U.S.) consist of the Amirs of
the Amirs of the Amirs of the general populace. And they, in
turn, select the best amoung them to represent them. In effect,
the entire populace is present or otherwise represented.
>If not, how
>is he supposed to make an informed decision if the representatives may
>only answer questions posed by him but not volunteer any information?
First off, the Amir is selected as the best amoung the Shura to
lead. His qualities MUST INCLUDE:
-Knowledge of Islam
-Ability to Lead
-Physically Sound
-Piety
-Wisdom
The one who excels in these qualities is chosen by the others to
act as Amir. Once he has been given this responsibility, it is
necessary for him to seek the advice and information available to
his followers whenever necessary. (All of them, not just their
leaders.) If a problem comes up which he demands expertise in
something, he simply asks, 'Who knows someone for this task?'
You seem to have glossed over the etiquette of volunteering
information.... Whoever has something of import to add to the
discussion simply raises their hand and waits to be called upon.
It is also customary for the Amir to ask if anybody has anything
to add before a decision is reached.
>Lastly, what happens in the case of an unjust leader? Are there any
>provisions for this?
Of course there is.
According to what little I know, the people follow the Amir, even
if they disagree with him, as long as he does not step outside
the Shariat. As soon as he leaves Islamic Law, however, he is to
be corrected. If he does not accept such correction, then he is
to be removed from office, and a new Amir selected.
The simplest way to do this is by appealing to the Amir's Amir.
If this person doesn't correct matters, you appeal to HIS Amir,
and so on, all the way up to the Khalifa. (Although it should
never have to go that far....) Removing the Khalifa is slightly
different.
For a Khilafa (Islamic State), the Amir of which is the Khalifa,
the main governing Shura, representing everybody under the
Khalifa, is called the Majlis Al-Shura. (A little bit like the
combined Congress of the U.S.) There is a specific procedure for
controlling the Khalifa, and since my memory of it is foggy, I
won't go into much detail here. Suffice it to say that the
success of an Islamic system is based partly on the adherence of
the muslims within it to the Shariat.
Does that answer your question, or have I made things more
confusing?
Assalamu 'Alaikum,
-AQ
[I beg Allah's forgiveness for my weakness and insufficiency in ]
['His' service, and I ask for his protection from Shaitan and ]
[from my own Desires. None can protect me except Allah. If I ]
[have made any errors, I beg Allah to bring them to my attention]
[so that they may be corrected. If I have made none, then it is]
[only through the Grace of Allah and all praise is due only to ]
['Him.' ]