Here are the developed policies and guidelines regarding the Imam for a mosque.
To be considered for the position of Imam at [Masjid Name], a candidate must demonstrate excellence in spiritual leadership, religious scholarship, and community engagement. The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:
Religious & Educational Qualifications đź“ś
Core Knowledge: A deep and comprehensive understanding of the Qur'an and Sunnah, including proficiency in Tafsir (Qur'anic exegesis), Hadith sciences, and Usul al-Fiqh (Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence).
Memorization: Memorization of a significant portion of the Holy Qur'an, with full memorization (Hafiz) being strongly preferred.
Formal Education: A Bachelor's degree or equivalent from a recognized Islamic university or institution is required. A Master's degree or Ph.D. in Islamic Studies or a related field is highly desirable.
Language Proficiency: Fluency in both Arabic (for religious scholarship) and English (for sermons, counseling, and community communication) is mandatory. Proficiency in other languages relevant to the community (e.g., Urdu, Somali) is a significant asset.
Professional & Personal Qualifications 🤝
Experience: A minimum of 3-5 years of experience serving as an Imam or in a similar religious leadership role within a North American context.
Communication Skills: Exceptional public speaking skills for delivering engaging and relevant Khutbahs (sermons). Strong interpersonal skills for counseling, teaching, and conflict resolution are essential.
Leadership: Proven ability to lead a diverse congregation, develop educational programs, and inspire community members toward spiritual growth and active participation.
Character: Must be of upstanding moral character, embodying the principles of Islam with humility, patience, integrity, and compassion.
Cultural Competency: A firm understanding of the cultural and social challenges facing Muslims in the United States, particularly in a community like Carmel, Indiana. Must be adept at youth engagement.
The process for hiring an Imam shall be transparent, professional, and consultative to ensure the selection of the most qualified candidate who best fits the community's needs.
Formation of a Search Committee: The Board of Directors (BOD) will appoint a diverse Imam Search Committee comprising members of the BOD, the Board of Trustees (BOT), and respected, active community members.
Job Description & Advertisement: The committee will draft a comprehensive job description and compensation package, which must be approved by the BOD. The position will be advertised widely through national Islamic organizations, academic institutions, and online platforms.
Application Screening: The committee will review all applications and shortlist candidates who meet the minimum qualifications.
Initial Interviews: The committee will conduct initial video or phone interviews with shortlisted candidates to assess their communication skills, general knowledge, and initial fit.
In-Person Visit: Top candidates (typically 2-3) will be invited for a weekend visit to Carmel. During this visit, the candidate will be expected to:
Deliver a Friday Khutbah.
Lead prayers.
Conduct a Halaqa (study circle) or lecture.
Meet with the BOD, BOT, and key community groups (e.g., youth, sisters).
Participate in a formal interview with the Search Committee.
Community Feedback & Reference Checks: The committee will solicit structured feedback from the community regarding the visiting candidates. Concurrently, thorough reference and background checks will be conducted.
Final Recommendation: The Search Committee will deliberate and present a final candidate recommendation to the BOD for a formal vote.
Offer & Contract: Upon approval, the BOD will extend a formal offer of employment. An employment contract, reviewed by legal counsel, will be executed, detailing salary, benefits, duties, and terms of employment.
The Imam serves as the primary religious leader of the community. His authority is concentrated in spiritual and educational matters, and he works in collaboration with the elected leadership on administrative and strategic decisions.
Primary Authorities:
Religious Guidance: The Imam has the final authority on all matters of Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) and Aqeeda (creed) for the mosque's religious programming. He is the primary source for religious rulings and guidance for the community.
Pulpit (Minbar) and Prayer Leadership: The Imam has sole authority over the content of the Friday Khutbah and leads the daily and special congregational prayers (e.g., Eid, Taraweeh).
Educational Curriculum: He is responsible for developing, overseeing, and/or approving the curriculum for all Islamic educational programs, including weekend school, Qur'an classes, and adult learning circles.
Key Responsibilities:
Spiritual Leadership: Provide spiritual guidance and deliver inspirational sermons and lectures.
Pastoral Care: Offer confidential counseling and support to community members for spiritual, personal, and family matters.
Education: Lead classes, study circles, and workshops for various age groups.
Community Engagement: Represent the mosque in interfaith activities, with local media, and at civic events, in coordination with the BOD.
Ceremonial Duties: Officiate marriages (Nikah), funerals (Janazah), and other religious ceremonies.
A clear, respectful, and collaborative relationship between the Imam and the elected leadership is crucial for the success of the mosque.
Relationship with the Board of Directors (BOD):
The Imam's direct supervisor for administrative and employment matters is the President of the BOD or a designated liaison.
The Imam shall serve as an ex-officio (non-voting) member of the BOD.
He is expected to attend all regular BOD meetings to provide religious input on strategic decisions, report on his activities, and stay informed about the administrative and financial health of the organization.
The Imam provides a monthly report to the BOD detailing his activities, accomplishments, and upcoming program plans.
Relationship with the Board of Trustees (BOT):
The relationship with the BOT is primarily advisory. The BOT acts as the custodian of the mosque's long-term vision and assets.
The Imam may be invited to BOT meetings to provide consultation on major strategic initiatives, community vision, or long-range planning that impacts the religious character of the mosque.
The BOT serves as a resource and a body of senior counsel for the Imam, providing wisdom and historical perspective. In the event of a serious, unresolved conflict between the Imam and the BOD, the BOT may serve as a mediating body.
The primary spiritual leader of the community.
Qualifications đź“ś
A degree from a recognized Islamic university is required; a Master's degree or higher is preferred.
Full or significant memorization of the Qur'an (Hafiz).
Fluency in both English and Arabic is essential.
Minimum of 3-5 years of experience as an Imam in a Western context.
Strong public speaking, counseling, and interpersonal skills.
Primary Duties 🛠️
Lead the five daily prayers, Friday (Jumu'ah) prayer, and other special prayers (e.g., Taraweeh, Eid).
Deliver the Friday sermon (Khutbah) and other religious lectures.
Provide religious counseling and pastoral care for individuals and families.
Develop and oversee all religious and educational programs.
Represent the mosque in religious and interfaith forums.
Other Matters
Employment Type: Full-time, salaried, with benefits.
Reports to: Board of Directors (BOD).
Notes: Serves as a non-voting (ex-officio) member of the Board of Directors to provide religious guidance.
The senior administrator responsible for all non-religious, day-to-day operations.
Qualifications đź“ś
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, or a related field.
Proven experience in management, budgeting, and operations, preferably in a nonprofit setting.
Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
Proficiency in financial software, donor management systems, and office productivity tools.
Primary Duties 🛠️
Manage the mosque's daily operations, including finances, administration, and facilities.
Supervise all other non-religious staff (e.g., Youth Director, Office Administrator).
Implement the strategic plan of the BOD.
Oversee fundraising efforts, grant writing, and donor relations.
Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements.
Other Matters
Employment Type: Full-time, salaried, with benefits.
Reports to: Board of Directors (BOD).
A dynamic leader focused on the engagement and development of the community's youth.
Qualifications đź“ś
Bachelor’s degree in Education, Social Work, Islamic Studies, or a related field.
Demonstrable experience in developing and running youth programs.
Strong understanding of challenges facing Muslim youth in America.
Energetic, relatable, and able to connect with young people of various ages.
Must pass a comprehensive background check.
Primary Duties 🛠️
Create, organize, and lead a wide range of youth activities: spiritual (halaqas), social (outings, game nights), and athletic.
Establish a mentorship program connecting youth with positive adult role models.
Provide a safe and welcoming environment for youth at the mosque.
Serve as a primary point of contact and advisor for young community members.
Other Matters
Employment Type: Can be Full-time or Part-time, salaried.
Reports to: Executive Director.
The central point of contact for the mosque, managing front-office activities and administrative support.
Qualifications đź“ś
Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred.
Experience in an office administration or customer service role.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, email, and social media platforms.
Must be organized, professional, and welcoming.
Primary Duties 🛠️
Manage the mosque's main office, answer phone calls and emails, and greet visitors.
Maintain the community calendar and schedule facility rentals.
Assist with communications, including newsletters and website updates.
Process donations and provide administrative support to the Imam and Executive Director.
Other Matters
Employment Type: Full-time or Part-time, hourly or salaried.
Reports to: Executive Director.
Ensures the mosque is clean, safe, and properly maintained at all times.
Qualifications đź“ś
Experience in commercial cleaning, janitorial services, or building maintenance.
Knowledge of basic repair and maintenance tasks (e.g., plumbing, electrical).
Must be reliable, trustworthy, and able to work a flexible schedule.
Physical ability to handle cleaning equipment and perform manual labor.
Primary Duties 🛠️
Perform daily cleaning of all areas, with special attention to prayer halls, wudu (ablution) stations, and restrooms.
Set up and break down rooms for events and classes.
Manage inventory of cleaning and maintenance supplies.
Conduct routine inspections and perform minor repairs.
Coordinate with external vendors for major repairs or specialized services.
Other Matters
Employment Type: Full-time, hourly.
Reports to: Executive Director.
Notes: This role requires flexibility to work evenings and weekends, especially during Ramadan and for special events.
Here is a list of potential mosque service subcontractors, their qualifications, duties, and essential related matters to manage these relationships professionally.
Here are the most common services a mosque subcontracts, along with their specific duties and qualifications.
Mosque-Specific Duties:
Daily cleaning and sanitization of high-traffic areas, offices, and classrooms.
Specialized care for wudu (ablution) areas to manage water and ensure hygiene.
Proper vacuuming and deep cleaning of prayer hall carpets, especially given they are no-shoe zones.
Trash removal from all interior and exterior receptacles.
Stocking and refilling all restrooms and wudu area supplies (soap, paper towels).
Qualifications:
Experience cleaning large community centers or religious facilities.
Knowledge of appropriate cleaning products for different surfaces (carpet, marble, tile).
Fully insured (General Liability and Workers' Compensation).
Staff must have passed background checks.
Mosque-Specific Duties:
Regular lawn mowing, edging, and weeding to maintain a welcoming exterior.
Seasonal planting (e.g., flowers for Eid celebrations) and mulching.
Trimming of shrubs and trees to ensure clear pathways and visibility.
Parking lot maintenance, including sweeping and keeping entry/exit points clear.
Snow and ice removal from all walkways, entrances, and parking lot sections during winter.
Qualifications:
Licensed and insured commercial landscaping company.
Possesses their own professional-grade equipment.
Ability to provide a clear seasonal service schedule.
Mosque-Specific Duties:
Quarterly or semi-annual preventive maintenance on all heating and air conditioning units.
Regular filter changes to ensure air quality in high-capacity prayer halls.
Emergency service availability for major events (Fridays, Eid, Ramadan) in case of system failure.
Zoning system checks to ensure classrooms, offices, and the main hall are all properly regulated.
Qualifications:
Licensed, bonded, and insured HVAC contractor.
Certified technicians with experience in commercial-grade systems.
Good reputation and ability to provide emergency support.
Mosque-Specific Duties:
Providing a visible, professional, and courteous security presence during high-traffic times (Friday prayers, Ramadan nights, Eid).
Monitoring property via security cameras.
Managing parking lot flow and pedestrian safety.
De-escalating any potential disturbances calmly and professionally.
Liaising with local law enforcement (e.g., Carmel PD) as needed.
Qualifications:
Licensed and bonded security firm.
Guards must have state-required certifications and training (e.g., de-escalation, first aid/CPR).
Critical: All guards assigned must pass extensive background checks.
Experience providing services for houses of worship or community centers is highly preferred.
Mosque-Specific Duties:
Managing the internal office network, Wi-Fi (for staff and guests), and printers.
Maintaining and troubleshooting audiovisual (A/V) equipment in the main prayer hall (microphones, speakers, projectors) for sermons and lectures.
Overseeing live-streaming equipment and software.
Managing website hosting, email accounts, and data backup solutions.
Qualifications:
Proven experience in managed IT services for non-profits or small businesses.
Specific expertise in A/V and live-streaming systems.
Strong references for reliability and prompt support.
Mosque-Specific Duties:
Plumbing: Regular inspection and maintenance of high-use restroom and wudu area plumbing to prevent leaks and blockages.
Electrical: Inspecting and maintaining interior and exterior lighting (especially parking lots), emergency exit signs, and sound system wiring.
Available for on-call emergency repairs.
Qualifications:
Must be a Master-level, licensed, and insured contractor in their respective trade.
Carries full Workers' Compensation and General Liability insurance.
Experience in commercial or public-use buildings.
Hiring a subcontractor is only the first step. Managing them effectively is crucial for protecting the mosque's assets and community.
Before any work begins, you must obtain a Certificate of Insurance (COI) from the contractor that includes:
Commercial General Liability: Protects against property damage or bodily injury to a third party. A minimum of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate is standard.
Additional Insured: The policy MUST name "[Masjid Name] and its officers" as an "Additional Insured." This allows the mosque to be protected under the contractor's policy.
Workers' Compensation: Legally required for any contractor with employees. It protects the mosque from being sued if one of the contractor's workers is injured on your property.
Commercial Auto Liability: Required if the contractor will be driving vehicles onto the property for their work.
Policy: The mosque must have a policy requiring any subcontractor (or their employees) who will have regular access to the building or potential contact with children or vulnerable adults to undergo a background check.
Scope: This check should, at a minimum, include a national criminal history search and a check of the National Sex Offender Registry.
Consent: This must be done with the individual's written consent and in full compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
It's wise to provide major vendors with a simple one-page "Vendor Code of Conduct." This is not part of the legal contract but sets clear expectations.
Respectful Attire: While on-site, vendor staff must wear professional or uniform attire. Clothing must be modest and respectful of the religious environment.
Designated Areas: Staff must stick to their designated work areas and use assigned staff restrooms, not the public wudu or prayer areas (unless on break and using them for their intended purpose).
Personal Conduct: No smoking, vaping, or use of profanity on mosque property.
Cultural Awareness:
Prayer Times: Be aware that the facility will become very busy during the five daily prayer times, especially on Fridays.
Personal Space: Understand that some community members may prefer not to shake hands with members of the opposite gender for religious reasons. A polite nod and smile are always appropriate.
Main Prayer Hall: Entry into the main prayer hall should be coordinated with mosque staff, and shoes must always be removed before walking on the carpet.
Never rely on a handshake or simple invoice. A formal agreement should include:
Scope of Work: A highly detailed list of all duties, tasks, and frequencies.
Term & Termination: The start and end date of the contract, and the conditions under which either party can terminate the agreement (e.g., 30-day written notice).
Payment: The exact cost, payment schedule (e.g., Net 30), and to whom invoices should be sent.
Insurance & Indemnification: A clause legally requiring them to provide the insurance (as listed above) and to "indemnify and hold harmless" the mosque from any claims arising from their negligence.
Here is a framework for developing a list of potential mosque consultants, including their areas of expertise, qualifications, duties, and the process for engaging them.
Instead of a list of specific names, it is more effective to identify the type of consultant your mosque needs.
Governance & Strategy Consultant:
Specializes in nonprofit board development, strategic planning, and policy creation.
Ideal for helping a new board establish its structure or an existing board resolve conflicts and set a 5-year plan.
Fundraising & Development Consultant:
Expert in capital campaigns, donor relations, grant writing, and establishing sustainable fundraising models (e.g., endowments).
Ideal for planning a new building, an expansion, or moving away from purely donation-based operations.
Executive Search Consultant (Imam/Staff):
Specializes in the recruitment and hiring of senior-level nonprofit or religious leaders.
Manages the entire Imam search process, from drafting the job description to vetting candidates and negotiating contracts.
Legal & Compliance Consultant:
A lawyer or firm specializing in 501(c)(3) nonprofit law.
Focuses on bylaw reviews, conflict of interest, charitable giving compliance, and real estate transactions.
Financial Management/Audit Consultant:
A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or firm with nonprofit expertise.
Helps set up internal financial controls, performs external audits, or advises on complex financial matters (e.g., waqf or endowment management).
Security & Safety Consultant:
Often from a law enforcement or private security background.
Conducts vulnerability assessments of the building, develops emergency action plans (for fire, active threats, etc.), and trains staff/volunteers.
Youth Program & Community Development Consultant:
A specialist (often with a background in social work or education) who can assess the needs of the community's youth and help design effective, engaging programs.
Regardless of their specialty, any consultant you hire should possess:
Subject Matter Expertise: Demonstrable credentials in their specific field (e.g., CPA for finance, JD for legal, CFRE for fundraising).
Nonprofit Sector Experience: A proven track record of working with nonprofit organizations.
Cultural & Religious Competency: This is critical. The consultant must understand the unique structure of a mosque, Islamic principles, community sensitivities, and the challenges facing American Muslim institutions.
Objectivity: The ability to provide unbiased, data-driven advice, even if it challenges the board's current thinking.
Strong References: A list of other mosques or Islamic nonprofits they have successfully served.
Excellent Communication Skills: The ability to facilitate difficult conversations with the board, staff, and community members.
A consultant's duties are defined by a Statement of Work (SOW) but generally follow this pattern:
Assessment & Diagnosis:
Conduct a thorough review of the current situation (e.g., read all policies, interview board members and staff, survey the community).
Identify key challenges, weaknesses, and opportunities.
Reporting & Recommendations:
Deliver a formal report to the board that summarizes their findings.
Provide a list of clear, actionable recommendations.
Facilitation & Planning:
Lead the board and/s.taff through planning sessions to prioritize recommendations.
Help develop a strategic plan, new policy drafts, or a fundraising plan.
Training & Implementation (Optional):
Provide training workshops for the board, staff, or volunteers on new systems or policies (e.g., board governance training, fundraising training).
May provide short-term support to help implement the new plan.
Final Report & Handoff:
Deliver all final documents, plans, and materials.
Formally conclude the engagement, ensuring the board has a clear path forward.
Here is a step-by-step process for finding and hiring a consultant.
1. Define the Problem: Before you search, the board must agree on the exact problem you are trying to solve. (e.g., "Our fundraising is stagnant," not "We need more money.")
2. Create a Request for Proposal (RFP):
This is a formal document you send to potential consultants.
It should include:
A brief background of your mosque.
The specific problem and "Scope of Work" you need.
The desired timeline and deliverables.
The deadline for them to submit a proposal.
3. Identify Candidates & Solicit Bids:
Ask for recommendations from national Islamic organizations (e.g., ISNA, USCMO) or other large mosques.
Search for nonprofit consultants who list religious organizations as clients.
Send the RFP to 3-5 qualified consultants.
4. Review Proposals & Interview:
Form a small committee to review the proposals, which should include their approach, timeline, and fee.
Interview the top 2-3 candidates. Ask them to describe their experience with mosques specifically.
5. Check References:
This is the most important step. Call the other mosques they listed as clients and ask about their experience.
6. Execute a Contract:
Sign a formal contract or Statement of Work (SOW) that clearly defines:
The exact deliverables.
The total fee and payment schedule.
The timeline with key milestones.
Confidentiality clauses.
7. Appoint a Liaison:
Assign one person from the board (e.g., the President or committee chair) to be the consultant's single point of contact. This prevents confusion and ensures the project stays on track.