Masjid Al-Ikhlas

Governing By-Laws 

Article I

By-Laws:  Accepted as legal documentation by more than two-thirds (2/3’s) or unanimous agreement of members being present on the following meeting days:  October 2, 1988; October 9, 1988, October 16, 1988; October 8, 1993; June 23, 1995; April 29, 1996, February 15, 2004 and last amended on January 13, 2008.

Article II

These by-laws shall be binding upon the Shura Committee and all members of Masjid Al Ikhlas, now located at 25 Washington Terrace, Newburgh, New York 12550.  The mailing address for the Shura Committee will be:  Masjid Al Ikhlas P. O. Box 2117, Newburgh, New York 12550.

Article III

The congregation of members in good standing (attending regular meetings, supporting masjid initiatives, functioning within the guidelines of what is required by our faith and having honorable reputations) shall have the authority to vote on all matters affecting the masjid, masjid holdings, and all of its involvements such as:  vote of confidence for the Imam every four years, community direction, property transactions, members of the Shura Committee, etc.  Their 2/3’s approval indicated by raising the right hand occurring on regular meeting days shall be their vote.

The following components pertain to how one could become an Imam:  1. Election by the Islamic Community (the general masses).  2.  Appointment by the outgoing Imam.  3. Approved by a committee (such as the Shura Committee).    

According to the Qur’an and Sunnah (i.e. Shariah), the Imam is hereby granted that office for his lifetime with the stipulation that every four years ratification and affirmation (vote of confidence) be taken.  This lifetime office does not apply if the Imam deviates from the Noble Qur’an, the authentic Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAWS).  If he refuses to accept Shura (mutual consultation) with authenticated dahlil (evidence), the Shura Committee will convene to remove him from The Office of Imam according to the Qur’an and Sunnah regardless of how long he has been in office.

In the absence of the Imam, he will designate one of his assistants to be in charge.

Article IV

The congregation shall appoint the Shura Committee, which will act as a Board of Trustees.  Shura Committee members must be declared Muslims and have lifestyles of honorable Muslims established for a minimum of one year at Masjid Al-Ikhlas.  The Shura Committee members should be a balanced cross section of the community, whose outlooks transcend race, ethnicity, and culture.  Members must uphold the Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAWS).  No two family members can serve on the board at the same time.

Tenure:  Shura Committee members shall hold office for two or three years, at which time the congregation shall either elect new members or re-elect present Shura Committee members.  In any case, Shura Committee members shall be in good health, living sound Muslim lives, and performing well within the capacity of being  practicing, good Muslims,

Both Shura Committee members and members of the congregation may nominate someone for the position that has become vacant.  The nominee must then be presented at a proper convening of masjid members for approval.  As soon as a seat becomes vacant, community members will be made aware at least one week in advance of the next meeting.   Position should be filled within one meeting cycle.  Nominees must present their resumes to the Shura Committee and then the Imam will present nominees credentials to the community. 

Assignment of Duties:  The Shura Committee chairperson must assign specific duties to the members of this committee to assure that the aims and objectives of this committee are being met.  That is, a specific Shura Committee member may have the duties of assuring payment of utility bills along with and being responsible for the collection of mail or making upkeep and security inspection of masjid and masjid properties.  Further, the Shura Committee is to see that masjid and masjid properties are kept well and meet city and fire inspection codes as well as good property and sanitation standards.  Shura Committee members must assure that deeds and other important papers are kept in a safe deposit box at a bank.  Also, the Shura Committee must act as fact finders on an as needed basis.

The Shura Committee will be a functionary body insuring the proficient managerial and operational functioning of the masjid and its properties.

Age:  The Shura Committee should be capable of handling masjid business in a mature, rational and ethical manner. 

Number of Members:  The number of Shura Committee members shall be a minimum of seven (7) of which at least two (2) shall be women.  In addition, one shall be a youth representative between the ages of 15-18.  An alternate’s services will be utilized as well.  Alternates are expected to be present at each meeting.  However, an alternate’s services will be utilized only in the event of a regular Shura Committee member’s absence.  Five (5) Shura Committee members are sufficient for conducting business and establishing policy.  Three (3) members need to be present to start a meeting. 

As the Masjid Ikhlas’ religious leader and advisor, the Imam may attend Shura Committee meetings; however he is not an official member and, therefore, does not have a vote.

Article V

The Shura Committee is to make monthly reports to the masjid members by way of a bulletin and/or presentations.  The purpose of these reports is to keep the congregation informed of current Shura Committee transactions and to bring forth information and concerns surrounding various issues to be addressed by the congregation.  Shura Committee reports must be given in the common terms of the English language.  The Chairperson of the Shura Committee will keep the Imam abreast of all transactions and activities affecting the masjid.

Article VI

Overriding authority is had first by the Noble Qur’an and then by the authentic Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (SAWS).  Shura members will also consider the opinions of the Fiqh Councils of America:  The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA); The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) and The Mosque Cares (TMC).  Board members and the congregation must also respect the United Sates Constitution.  The congregation must act within the boundaries of the Noble Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah.  The Shura members and the congregation will adhere to the sound advice and decisions of the courts of the land as well as all civil and right-minded people without regard to race or national origin.

Article VII

Regular Meetings:  The Board, by resolution, may provide the time and place for holding regular meetings without other notice than such resolution.

Special Meetings:  Special meetings of the Shura committee may be called by any two members.  The persons calling the special meeting may fix the place for holding any special meeting of the Shura called by them.  Notice of special meetings shall be given at least twenty-four (24) hours or one (1) day prior to said meeting.  Notice shall be in writing and must be given personally, e-mailed, or mailed to each Shura member at his or he home or business address.  The notice shall contain the time and place of the meeting along with the topic to be discussed.  Preference should be given to holding meetings at the Masjid.

Meeting Attendance:  It is expected that all Shura members be present at scheduled meetings.  Any board member having three (3) or more unexcused absences will be asked to resign.  Unexcused absences have been defined as a person who has not contacted the chairperson by zhur time of meeting day.  The chairperson will follow up with members regarding their intentions to remain a part of our Shura committee.  A Shura member who is present at a meeting (at which time some action on a matter is taken) shall be presumed to have assented to the action taken unless his or her dissent shall be communicated and entered in the minutes of the meeting.

Article VIII

Power of the Shura Committee to Act:  The Shura committee can initiate any action deemed necessary to facilitate the business of the Masjid.  The Shura committee shall act as a unit and a majority vote will be the deciding factor in any and all matters pertaining to the Masjid.

Article IX

Amending said By-Laws:  Amendment to said by-laws must be approved or ratified by two-thirds (2/3’s) majority of Masjid members in attendance on the day that the monthly report is scheduled.  Copies of said by-laws are to be made to members of the Masjid congregation at its regular meeting.