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The importance of consultation within
a family August 19, 10:25 PM · Sadia Raheem - Miami Muslim Women's Examiner ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Relationships in Islam are based on cooperation between the members. In the context of the family, the husband is the leader (Qawwam) of the family as defined by Allah (Quran 4:34). However, the power of this leader, like that of all other Islamic leaders, is bound on the one hand by the Quran and Sunnah, and on the other by Shura or mutual consultation - amruhum shura bainahum (Quran 42:38). 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 Ummah 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 brought up in small doses 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 and then talk with him about it 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 sayin and 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 Suggest that "Family Meeting" or "Family Circle" is a better title for family Shura since "Shura" feels too serious. Also suggest that this forum should include discussion of any topic from the Quran, Sunnah and how it applies to current affairs. Nonverbal communication Shura is about communicated 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 is an Adab (etiquette) 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 (Maybe peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) 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 and 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. 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 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 and finally, Reward a good idea. It takes patience, understanding and self control to really create an enivronment cohesive to open consultation among families. Sometimes we all have to remember that these are the people of whom Allah swt has given us to provide not only love, but complete well being. When your atmosphere becomes unstable it is most likely due to miscommunication. Keep your channels open and inspire your family members to do the same. Inshallah with the Quran and Hadith we can all fulfill our obligations as well as learn continuously how to do each deed with intention of Allah swt. Copyright 2009 Examiner.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Author Sadia Raheem is an Examiner from Miami. You can see Sadia's articles at: "http://www.Examiner.com/x-20898-Miami-Muslim-Womens-Examiner" Print http://www.examiner.com/x-20898-Miami-Muslim-Womens-Examiner~y2009m8d19-The-importance-of-consultation-within-a-family |
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