Articles |
Shura in
the family:
why we need it, how to do it
by Abdul Malik Mujahid
Reprinted from Soundvision.com
Gender relations in Islam are not based on male-female competition
as is seen in a number Western societies today. Rather, this relationship
is based on gender cooperation. (Quran:
4:32).
In the context of the family, the husband is the leader (Qawwam)
of the family as defined by God.
However, the power of this leader, like that of all other Islamic
leaders, is limited on the one hand by the Quran and the Prophet's teachings,
and on the other by Shura or mutual consultation - amruhum shura bainahum
(Quran
42:38). Shura in this verse is mentioned by God as one of the essential
characteristic of a believer along with prayers and justice.
The Muslim family, therefore, like all other Muslim institutions,
formal or informal, must be run with mutual consultation.
One major cause of problems in the Muslim society today is the
absence of Shura. The Shura process, if adopted as a personal behavior
and nourished by the family as a way of life, will benefit the Ummah in
the long run.
Some Guidelines for Informal Shura
Informal Shura is like talking to each other. It may happen at
any place and at any time. Here are some examples of informal Shura and
tips you can use:
- Listen attentively: no TV shows, games, books or newspaper
should be in your way if your spouse or child wants to talk to you
- Shura doesn't have to be about family affairs: mutual consultation
in the family could be about any topic. It was the advice of Umm Salamah,
the wife of Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him and may
Allah be pleased with her, which the Prophet followed when Muslims were
reluctant to obey him at the end of Hudaybiyah
- A serious topic could be introduce gradually if Shura is not
the norm of the family
- Many women are afraid of bothering their husbands with "domestic"
stuff. But take some time to think about how you'd like your husband
to contribute.
- Spouses should brief each other about work, neighborhood, Masjid,
and each other's activities. Mutual information is necessary for mutual
consultation
- A family calendar will help tremendously for family time and
Shura. In family meetings, go over next month's dates (teacher conferences,
games, next family meetings etc.). A large month-by-month calendar in
the kitchen, next to the phone may work well.
- A family leader must encourage Shura by being positive. If
your wife or children are afraid of your reaction, they will not participate
in Shura.
Shura in a restaurant: Spouses may meet each other everyday
without ever actually discussing issues. Set a time to go out and talk.
Walking Shura: What about an evening walk to discuss a
topic?
Formal Shura
Formal Shura is a process to reach an agreement on an issue of
mutual interest. Everyone should participate in Shura with an open mind.
Some pointers on how to do this are:
- Begin the Shura with Allah's Hamd, Sana and Salawat
on our Prophet
- you have to be willing to sacrifice your opinion if it is not
accepted even if you are sure of its soundness
- Learn the details of the topic under consultation before you
speak
- Listen attentively to what others are saying
- Be respectful in discussing each other's point of view
- Remember that the process of Shura involves abiding by what
is agreed upon
- Involve all children in the formal Shura of the family. They
come up with brilliant ideas
- Avoid being defensive or sarcastic. Be rational and reasonable
- Make Dua (supplication) for Barakah (blessings) in your decisions
at the end
Consider a name change
My children suggest that "Family Meeting" or "Family Circle" is
a better title for family Shura since "Shura" feels too serious.
They suggest that this forum should include discussion of any
topic from the Quran, Sunnah or current affairs.
Nonverbal communication
Shura is about communicating effectively, both verbally and non-verbally.
Here are some basic pointers on nonverbal communication:
- Frank and clear conversation with Taqwa (God consciousness)
is the key for success (Quran 33:70)
- Nonverbal criticism (gestures, silent treatment etc.) can cause
more problems then we normally realize
- Clearly communicate what you mean. Don't expect your spouse
or others to magically read your mind, then be disappointed when they
don't
- Nonverbal communication, however, works well in a show of love,
thanks, or appreciation. Nevertheless, verbalizing it when you really
mean it is better
Criticism is a type of Shura as well
Shura does not just entail basic discussion and positive comments.
It can also include criticism.
However, it should be remembered that there are some etiquettes
of giving input and feedback in Islam. Some of these are:
- Check your motives (Niyyah) first before opening your mouth.
You should be giving constructive criticism only to help someone, not
to make yourself feel better than others
- Make Dua for yourself and the person you are approaching before
you actually do it
- Think beforehand and choose appropriate words
- Don't sound critical, condescending, or judgmental
- Timing is important: don't do it when the fight is on
- Criticism is best received when done one on one
- Remember the Prophet said "A Mumin (believer) is a mirror to
another Mumin." So just state what you see. Don't exaggerate.
- Keep in mind that your information or even your conclusions
may be wrong
- Listen to the explanation attentively and accept it even if
it is partially correct in your view
- Avoid debating the point
- Know when to stop. Don't drag out the discussion if it's not
going anywhere
Just as it's important to know how to give criticism, it's crucial
to know how to receive it. Here are some etiquette suggestions:
- Thank the person who considers your improvement important enough
to help you with his/her thoughts.
- Welcome the feedback. Ask advice about how it could be improved
- Explain if there is any misunderstanding
- Admit mistakes
- Bad timing should not deter you from listening and benefiting
- The person criticizing should not be stopped because of location,
language, or manners.
- Do not turn the table and start criticizing that person in
the same sitting.
- Make Dua for the person who is criticizing you.
Involving children in Shura
Children are intelligent, thinking beings who have much to contribute
to discussions. Too often, parents dismiss the opinions and thoughts of
their kids, thinking their youth and inexperience mean they are too young
for Shura. Not so.
Doing Shura in the family helps kids learn how to communicate
effectively in a safe, comfortable environment. Parents need to remember
that their love is crucial in raising their children, but it's not enough
to raise a well-adjusted, happy child. Communication is the key for successful
development.
Here are some tips to help you encourage your kids to communicate
effectively and participate in Shura in the family:
- When they are very young, get them into the habit of talking
with you about their day and their feelings
- Shura is among the choice characteristics of a Mumin. (Quran
42:38) Inculcate it early on. (My youngest child sits down during family
Shura with a pen and paper and takes notes, although he doesn't't know
how to write)
- Children should be full participants of any formal or informal
Shura in the family unless the issue at hand has to be between the father
and mother exclusively
- Children open up informally more than formally. Two minute
sound bites from them in a car may provide more important insight into
what they feel than forced conversation
- Children love to ask questions. Answer their questions with
one of yours: "what do you think?" Think of their questions as the start
of a two-way conversation (mutual Shura may pop in any time).
- Let children come up with solutions. Instead of giving advice,
ask "so what would you like to do about this?" or "How do you think
this should be handled?"
- Delegate an area of responsibility to your child instead of
adopting a " do this, do that" style of communication with them.
- Avoid electronic overload: TV,
stereos, computers etc. are a convenient way for kids to close off from
their parents. Set rules for TV (check out these
21 tips by the author that can help you do this)
- Keep your sense of humor. Laughing won't undermine your authority
or sabotage the lessons. Rather, it will enhance your capacity to communicate
- Respect children's opinion
- Carefully listen to what your kids say without being judgmental
or critical
- Reward a good idea
More resources on related topics
There are several articles and essays on Sound Vision's website
about parenting, the
husband and wife relationship, and education.
A detailed version of this paper will also be put there, insha Allah,
in future.
Sound Vision has a set of three video documentaries about the
Muslim Family on sale. The set includes: the
Ideal Muslim Husband (the Prophet) and Hijab. Read about the proper
listening in the shura.
Khurram Murad's lecture: Saving
Our Children in America has excellent advice for parents.
Related themes to study from the Quran and Sunnah are: Maroof,
Munkar, Sabr, Tawakkul, Anger, Brotherhood, Gheebah, Zann, Tongue.
Related Quranic verses to study: 49:9-13; 41:34; 49:6; 20:43-44;
2:44; 61:2-3; 5:2; 3:110; 9:71; 9:67; 16:125; 31:17-19; 7:199.
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