Shura in the family:
why we need it, how to do it
Abdul Malik
Mujahid
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.(Qur'an: 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 (Qur'an: 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
- 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