From: ys3359@csc.albany.edu (Yazmasterj)
Newsgroups: soc.religion.islam
Subject: Re: Ettiquette of 'Al-Shura'....
Keywords: Al-Shura
Date: 3 Oct 92 16:11:43 GMT
Organization: State University of New York at Albany
Originator: gwydion@wookumz.gnu.ai.mit.edu

In article <28813@life.ai.mit.edu> jodar@aludra.usc.edu (Abdul Qadir) writes:
# *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


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