The Shura From the beginning, the Shura was not an elected or representative body. It consisted in effect of a few topmost men. It was more a Council of Elders of the pre-Islamic days than a parliament. Since its meetings took place in the mosque, less important persons also could take part in it. Such presumptuous spirits were only few and the earlier Caliphs tolerated them. It is certain that under the first two Caliphs the most important leaders of
S.A.Q Husaini, Arab Administration, P 88
466 Political and Cultural History of Islam the revolution were constantly consulted. Under Usman (Rad.A) even this assemblance of a council disappeared. His relatives were his chief advisers, and on one important occasion he called for a conference of the Governors, rather than the parliament of the faithful, during his government of al-Hijrat, Umar II established a •council and consulted it on all important affairs of the province. When he succeeded to the office of the Caliphate, he endeavoured his best to get as many of the best men among scholars and divines around him as possible. But his reign was so short and eventful that he would not accomplish anything definite in this direction.
