From: jodar@aludra.usc.edu (Nicholas Jodar)
Newsgroups: soc.religion.islam
Subject: Re: Ettiquette of 'Al-Shura'....
Summary: Questions and Answers....
Keywords: Al-Shura
Date: 10 Oct 92 22:28:02 GMT
Organization: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA


In article <1992Oct3.161143.7198@sarah.albany.edu> ys3359@csc.albany.edu (Yazmasterj) writes:

>In article <28813@life.ai.mit.edu> jodar@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.'                                                         ]