Commentary

Building Better Relations between Spouses, Parents and Children
By Abdul Malik Mujahid

In view of the challenges faced by the Muslim community, it is critical that Muslims work harder on strengthening family ties, as family is the basic unit of a community. Individuals without this support at home will find their faith and resilience at risk in these difficult times. This article offers one key ingredient in building better relationships, especially between spouses, as well as parents and children.
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 Qur'an and the Prophet's teachings, and on the other by Shura or mutual consultation - amruhumshurabainahum (Qur'an 42:38). Shura in this verse is mentioned by God as one of the essential characteristics of a believer, along with prayers and justice.
The Muslim family, therefore, like all other Muslim institutions, formal or informal, must be run by mutual consultation.
One major cause of problems in Muslim communities 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 staring at the phone, watching television, playing games, reading books or newspapers. Give your spouse or child their full attention if they want 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 after the Treaty of Hudaybiyah was signed.
A serious topic could be introduced gradually if Shura is not the norm of the family
Some 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 more updated version of this could be using Google Calendar to sync schedules.
A family leader must encourage Shura by being positive. A husband need to remember that if his wife or children are afraid of his reaction to their comments and opinions, 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 once suggested that "Family Meeting" or "Family Circle" is a better title for family Shura since "Shura" feels too serious.
They also recommended that this forum should include discussion of any topic from the Qur'an, 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 (Qur'an 33:70)
Nonverbal criticism (gestures, silent treatment etc.) can cause more problems than 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 what they approached you about 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 (Qur'an 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 anytime)
Let children come up with solutions. Instead of giving advice, ask, "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: phones, laptops, television, etc. are a convenient way for kids to close off from their parents. Set rules for to limit 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 opinions
Carefully listen to what your kids say without being judgmental or critical
Reward a good idea.

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