The highlight of this year’s Majlis-e-Shura UK was that Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah strengthen his hand, graced the occasion with his presence and addressed the house. The address being broadcast on MTA means that it is not only Majlis-e-Shura UK that was the addressee of Huzoor’s address but the whole Jamaat naturally becomes Huzoor’s direct audience.
As the name suggests, Majlis-e-Shura meets for the purpose of Mushawarat or consultation. The system of Shura dates back to the time of the Holy Prophetsa of Islam who, in accord with the Quranic injunction of
وَ اَمْرُهُمْ شُوْريٰ بَيْنَهُمْ
“…and whose affairs are decided by mutual consultation…”
always consulted the believers or a representative group of believers in a variety of matters to do with the Jamaat and affairs of the state.
Majalis-e-Shura meet annually in every country to touch base, present issues that arise during the year, suggest solutions and propose plans for the betterment and progress of the Jamaat. The proposals are discussed and debated in sub-committees and later in the full-house, and consolidated proposals are then forwarded to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih for final approval and guidance.
It is then for Hazrat Khalifatul Masih to consider the proposals, but he is, as Head of the Jamaat and as Amirul Momineen, free to approve, reject and grant direction in the matters at hand. This too is in line with the Quranic injunction; as it is only he who receives direct guidance from the Allah the Almighty concerning the Jamaat and it is only he who can draw the best roadmap for the progress of the Jamaat.
In his address, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa reminded delegates of the great responsibility that they have been entrusted with as members of the Majlis-e-Shura. Putting aside any personal interests while presenting suggestions, ensuring that their proposal is, to the best of their knowledge, in the best interest of the Jamaat and that every word they say is based on righteousness should be the key motive behind their contributions towards the Majlis-e-Shura.
Huzooraa reminded the delegates that the funds of the Jamaat were raised only through the chanda (donations) that the Ahmadis pay – putting their own desires and wishes aside – and this means that every penny should be spent with utmost care.
Huzooraa said that those proposing budgets for their departments should bear this in mind that it is kept limited to necessities; those discussing and proposing approvals should remember the same. However, Huzooraa reinstated, that some departments have greater justified needs than others and their budgets should be considered with those essential expense heads in mind.
AMA UK
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa reminded the Majlis-e-Shura that Tabligh (propagation of Islam) was such a department where a lot of effort is required, and this means that they may require more funds to carry out their plans of propagating the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat, but also that Tabligh department – like any other department – should also take utmost care that the budgets are utilised with great care.
Huzooraa, mentioning the “The Messiah has Come” campaign (where messages are displayed on huge bill boards), stated that some were found to be of the idea that this might have a negative effect on the other initiatives being taken up by the UK Jamaat in terms of propagating the message of peace and love. Huzoor said that the message of the true Islam cannot be propagated without the mention of the Promised Messiah, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas. When Ahmadis in countries like Pakistan, Algeria and other Muslim states are offering huge sacrifices in the name of the Promised Messiahas, why should Ahmadis living in the West shy away from associating themselves with him.
Huzooraa appreciated the efforts of the New Ahmadis Department and guided them as to how better standards of tarbiyat (reformation) could be attained. Huzooraa said that the spiritual and moral standards of born Ahmadis should also be raised as this would have an automatic effect on the moral standards and tarbiyat of new members.
Huzoor concluded his address by leading the house in silent prayers. This was followed by dinner and the delegates and guests of the Shura were fortunate to have this dinner in the blessed presence of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih’s address can be accessed in full at www.mta.tv (search UK Shura 2018).