Shura Proposals And Election Guidelines

ALC 2025

What is the Purpose of Shura?

Objective of Shura

“Always remember that the principal objective and goal of Majlis-e-Shura is to formulate proposals that serve to fulfil the divine mission of the Imam of the Age, the Imam Mahdi, the Promised Messiah^(as), who was sent to revive the noble and glorious teachings of the Holy Prophet^(sa) and to spread the message of Islam to all corners of the world. Therefore, as members of the Majlis-e-Shura, it is your duty to present your sincere recommendations to the Khalifa [Caliph] of the time who serves as the spiritual father of the entire Jama’at.”

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-Khalifatul Masih V to the Majlis-e-Shura UK 2022 on Sunday 22nd of May 2022

What Makes a Good Shura Proposal?

Some Things to Consider

• Is it within the scope of Majlis Ansarullah?
• Does it require a Constitutional Change?
• Has it already been discussed in Shura?
• Can this be implemented directly?
• Is it already a responsibility?
• Can the Qaid execute that task?
• Does it require deliberation, planning, budget, etc?
• If a solution already exists, does it really need deliberation?

Shura Proposal (Example 1)

Shura Proposal (Example 2)

National Calendar of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community suggests that the first weekend of every month should be utilized by the local auxiliaries for their activities. It will be more cost effective, and productive if Khuddam, Lajna, and Ansar can choose one Saturday or Sunday for their activities. If an auxiliary decides to organize an Ijtimā or some other event, then the other two auxiliaries may utilize other day of the weekend for their monthly program.

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Shura Proposal (Example 3)

Rising costs of long-term care (LTC) in the U.S. have become a significant

concern for many individuals and families (including our senior Jamaat

members). The aging population, increasing longevity, and the high costs

associated with institutional care, in combination with the lack of adequate

savings and insurance for many, have contributed to this issue. Many Jamaat

members are either experiencing it or worry about their aging parents and

themselves later on in life. What can we do as a community?

Election Guidelines

Which Offices Require an Election?

• Sadr
• Naib Sadr Awwal
• Naib Sadr Saf-e-Dom
• Nazim-e-Ala
• Zaim
• Naib Zaim
• Local Umumi
• Shura Delegate
• Nominated Shura Delegate
• Shura Observer

Quorum Challenges

• What is quorum for election meeting? 1st Attempt? 2nd Attempt? 3rd Attempt? 4th Attempt? 5th Attempt?
• If a Majlis has a Tajnid of 50; 10 have not paid jamaat chanda; 10 have not paid Ansar chanda. What is the quorum (1st attempt)?
• How many days before the election should the “Notice of Election” be made public?
• What constitutes “a serious effort” to inform members of the election?

Conducting Zaim Election

• Who can preside over Zaim elections?
• Can a Zaim preside over an election?
• What should the presiding officer do in the case of a tie?
• Cast the tie-breaking vote
• Interview both candidates to see who will best serve the Majlis
• Recommend the candidate with the longer beard
• Simply add comments for each candidate

Shura Elections (1)

• How many Shura delegates are granted to each Majlis?
• If a Majlis has a Tajnid of 50; 10 have not paid jamaat chanda; 10 have not paid Ansar chanda. How many delegates can they elect?
• Who should conduct Shura Elections?
• Why is a Zaim allowed to conduct Shura Elections?

Shura Elections (2)

• The requirements for Shura delegate are much more relaxed. For example, chanda is not a consideration, a 2-hour beard is acceptable, etc.
• Can the presiding officer nominate a name?
• Can the presiding officer second a name?
• Can the presiding officer cast a vote?

Election Process for Sadr

• Every Majlis needs to hold election for Sadr and Naib Sadr Saf-e-Dom
• Between July-August (Shura is November)
• Propose Names from anywhere in the USA
• If more than one name is proposed, voting determines nomination
• All names are verified and submitted to Huzoor
• Once Huzoor approves names, they are eligible for election
• If local name is not on the approved list, local needs to hold another election to pick a name from the list
• Local Shura delegates (including Zaim) must vote for this person

Election: Naib Sadr Saf-e-Dom

• What is the age requirement for nominating a name?
• Can the nominated person reside in another Majlis?
• What if we nominate/elect someone who doesn’t meet eligibility requirement?
• How many names can a Majlis submit for nomination?
• Is it true that National Amila makes recommendations about who should be considered for Naib Sadr Saf-e-Dom?

General Election Guidelines

• Sometimes there is no good candidate, especially in small or medium Majalis. Should you boycott the election to send a message to National Amila? Why or why not?
• A person was in attendance at the start of the election, but immediately fell ill and went outside for some fresh air. Can he call the presiding officer to cast his vote?
• Is it permissible to speak in favor of a candidate?
• Only among your close friends
• Only when sharing your thoughts with the presiding officer
• Only during the election before the voting

Election Eligibility

• A member paid his Wasiyyat, JS, and Ansar Majlis dues, but didn’t pay his Ijtima dues. Is he eligible?
• Before the start of COVID19, a member was disciplined by the jamaat. He was pardoned after only 3 months. Is he eligible for elections in 2025?
• A member was disciplined in 2001, was forgiven in 2003, was disciplined again in 2021, was forgiven in 2024. When will he be eligible to hold office? 
• If a person’s Wasiyyat was canceled by Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya, how long must he wait until he is eligible to either vote or hold office?