From: jodar@aludra.usc.edu (Nicholas Jodar)
Newsgroups: soc.religion.islam
Subject: Ettiquette of 'Al-Shura'....
Keywords: Al-Shura
Date: 1 Oct 92 21:01:53 GMT
Reply-To: jodar@aludra.usc.edu (Abdul Qadir)
Organization: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Originator: gwydion@wookumz.gnu.ai.mit.edu

Assalaam 'Alaikum, Brothers and Sisters in Islam...

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.