Implementing Shura Proposals

Shura in Quran [42:39] And those who hearken to their Lord, and observe Prayer, and whose affairs are decided by mutual consultation, and who spend out of what We have provided for them

Progress of the Community When a Shura proposal is approved by the Khalifa of the day and is introduced in the Community, then it is the duty of the representatives to see if it is being properly implemented or not. If they fail to keep an eye on this they are not fulfilling their obligation and even if they get away with it in this world by making excuses, Allah shall definitely hold them to account. Huzur (atba) said vigilance to ensure the decisions are implemented facilitates progress of the Community; it creates a clear advancement, a clear awakening. Friday Sermon March 24th, 2006

Key to Success  It should be further noted that once a Shura proposal has been approved by me then the next step is of course implementation.  In terms of the members of the National amila if recommendation of the Shura is approved in relation to their respective departments then it will be their duty to work towards its implementation and to achieve this they will have to make detailed policies and plans of action.  In light of these policies, the regional or local office bearers should seek to follow whatever guidance or instructions they receive from the centre. Every single person whether part of national, regional or local teams must work with honesty and integrity and supplicate before Allah and seek his help.  These are the keys to success and these are the keys to attaining Allah’s blessings. Khalifatul Masih 5th (aba) address to Shura UK 2013)

Honor The Trust To the representatives Huzur (aba) said their responsibility is not just for the two or three days of the Shura conference but for the whole year until the next set of representatives are chosen. Therefore they need to continually self-reflect; they ought to be sincere worshippers of God who stands firm on taqwa and when no clear guidance is found in the Holy Quran or the Sunnah, they seek Allah's guidance through prayer. These representatives are chosen by means of positive inference therefore they have an obligation to honor the trust. Friday Sermon March 24th, 2006

Office Holders Office-holders need to demonstrate excellent model in civility and morals so that people replicate the high standards. Regarding obedience to the Khalifa, if they are not fully attentive in implementing what is required then they could be imperceptibly viewing the decision of the Khalifa in negative light. Friday Sermon March 24th, 2006

Responsibility of Shura Delegates Similarly, those Shura delegates who are not office bearers should remember that they are members of Shura not just for one or two days but for the entire year.  Consequently, it is also their responsibility to make sure that work is being done in accordance with those recommendations that the Shura passed and which were later approved by Khalifatul Masih.  They should keep an eye on whether their respective Jama’ats are implementing the decisions that have been made.  If they feel that there is any weakness in this then they should inform their local president or office bearers.  If after taking such a step they see their local office bearers are still not paying any attention then to fulfill the requirements of honesty, they should send a report to National Amir.  If even then they do not get an adequate response from National Amir then they should write to me and inform me of their concerns.  Khalifatul Masih 5th (aba) address to Shura UK 2013

Unconditional Obedience Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib (ra) used to say that he held many opinions and also shared them with the Khalifa of the time. However, if his opinion was not accepted, then he did not even think about it and demonstrated perfect obedience. Perfect obedience alone will help us attain the level enjoined by God and His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be on him). One who takes Bai’at should instill this thinking and should prove it through practice. More than anyone else, this standard of obedience should be exhibited by office-holders from the top level to the bottom. Friday Sermon June 6th, 2014

2016 Approved Shura Proposal In 2016, Majlis-e-Shura deliberated on the following: “Despite previous efforts, marital disputes continue to surface. Majlis-e- Shura should highlight reasons and develop a comprehensive program to promote the culture of Islamic marital harmony.” One of the recommendations approved by Huzur (atba) was the following: The National Tarbiyyat Department should develop an interactive presentation for a workshop (to be conducted in the presence of a Jamaat President or Missionary) that allows both genders to simultaneously learn the art of marital harmony from the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (sa). Personal case studies should be discussed by successful couples to teach and inspire the youth. Presenter should give a 2-3 minute introduction as to why are we discussing this topic. The audience must understand that Huzoor (aba) has approved this Shura recommendation. 9

Your Role as Tarbiyat Secretary Tarbiyat Secretaries play an important role in the implementation of Shura proposals. You do not have to act alone in implementing these proposals, but you can: (i) discuss the Shura proposal locally in the Local Islahi Committee meeting and develop a plan to implement it; (ii) discuss it in the local Aamla meeting and seek the help of other Aamla members in implementing the proposal; (iii) arrange a program of Friday Sermons on the topic of the Shura recommendation; and (iv) you can also arrange a general meeting or presentation/workshop on the Shura recommendation topic. Please review/follow-up that Shura proposals are being implemented locally, and what progress is being made in this regard. Conduct a survey if needed, or gather data. Report progress in monthly reports. Either verbally during your presentation, or in the presentation itself, you can also highlight that establishing a Tahir Academy is also a Shura proposal and Tarbiyyat Secretaries should monitor the implementation of this as well.

Discharging the Trust How many Jamaat’s have held a Marital Harmony workshop? Was the material useful? How can the Tarbiyat department help you locally in implementation of the Tarbiyat proposal? Establishing Tahir Academies is also an approved Shura proposal.