Muslim (Sunni)
18 and above
Pays dues. Dues must be in line with the economic situation of the community (suggest $100 to $500 a year for a family). Provide an alternative to dues for people who cannot afford them (like volunteering 50 hours per year)
Meet residency requirements, which are usually state, county, or city-based (depending on the size of the community). Must follow the state of primary residence, ID, or where taxes are filed
Agrees to abide by the bylaws/policies
Never limit your membership to a specific ethnic background. This encourages discrimination or tribalism, and neither is Islamic
No prohibited acts
Types: based on status
Student: full-time school or college/university student, single, supported by parents, up to age 26
Adult, not a student, and over 18
Family, spouses, children under 18, children 18-26 who are students as above
Honorary: examples
Years of membership: 25
Years of service: 10
Achievement in programs and services
Donation: a certain amount (>10k or >20K) every year for a certain number of years (5 or 10)
Levels: based on the level of donation and meant to encourage people only. Otherwise, all rights and privileges should be the same regardless of the donation level.
Supporter: Adult $100 Family $300
Sustainer: Adult $300 Family $1000
Anchor: Adult $1000 Family $3000
Pillar: Adult $3000: Family $10,000
Must attend at least 50% of general assemblies
Must vote at least 50% of the time
Must volunteer in at least one program or service per year
Must be a community network seeker
Must be a community network mentor if nominated
Must pay the membership dues at least at the supporter level
Must follow bylaws and policies
Must not perform a prohibited act
Bylaws:Â
Only members should have the right to change bylaws (changes are suggested by community members, BOD, and BOT, and prepared by BOD/BOT in a very transparent process and then presented to the community to be voted on by the members).Â
It is not a good idea to allow BOD or BOT to change bylaws without members' consent (most likely, they will change them in a way that keeps power in the hands of a few people only)
Voting:Â
Members should have 1-2 years of membership before being able to vote.Â
Never allow new members to sign up and vote soon after that.
You can even require a minimum of volunteerism and attendance at the general assembly to be able to vote.
Running BOD:
Members should have 3-5 years of membership before they can be eligible to run for a position on the BOD, so that the community will know them better.
You may require 1 year of service on one of the BOD committees
You may require a certain amount of volunteerism
You may require a certain amount of donations
Limit how many consecutive times a member can run for the same board (2 or 3 times). After that, a break for 1-2 terms is needed before running again. This prevents concentration of power and dictatorship.
A member cannot be on more than one board at the same time
Employees of Masjid (and preferably their immediate family members if the community is large enough) cannot be on any board
Running for BOT:
Members should have 10 years of membership plus other qualifications (donations, volunteerism, serving on committees or BOD) to be eligible to run for a position on BOT
Limit how many consecutive times a member can run for the same board (2 or 3 times). After that, a break for 1-2 terms is needed before running again. This prevents concentration of power and dictatorship.
A member cannot be on more than one board at the same time
Employees of Masjid (and preferably their immediate family members if the community is large enough) cannot be on any board
Progams
All members should be eligible to register for programs unless the program is advanced and requires pre-qualifications
Services
All members should be able to sign up for the offered services equally
Equal opportunity
Protection of civil rights
Network of brotherhood
There are two ways to fill positions: election vs appointment
In a starting masjid stage, it is ok to appoint the first board till things are stable (BOD for 3 years and BOT for 7 years)
The advantages of an election are:
Representation of the community, newer ideas, and fairness. The disadvantages include nasty politics and the selection of less qualified people.
The advantage of an appointment is:
If it's done correctly, you would choose the most qualified person for the position you need. The disadvantage is that it is often not done correctly, and influential people appoint their allies, leading to the concentration of power and corruption.
Best to combine both election and appointment by:
Having people serve for 1-2 years on a committee before they can run for the board
Have some candidates run for a specific position based on their qualifications and expertise (like people with financial experience would run for the treasurer position). The rest of the positions can be prominent.
Add required qualifications for candidates, such as expertise, education, years of service, donations, and volunteerism
Outside neutral election service or group
Membership, voting eligibility, and candidacy eligibility are decided according to the bylaws and reviewed by an independent group and not based on the selection of the BOD or BOT
An election is better divided into two steps: nomination and election
Use mail-in ballots or secure online election or in-person booth ballots, but never run a public election
Ask candidates to present their bios and agendas, then hold a public forum for introduction and questions
No lobbying or favorite groups/lists allowed, as it creates backstabbing, lies, exaggerations, labeling, division, tension, hatred, defamation, and control of aggressors
All documentation of member registration, eligibility, ballots, and steps must be documented objectively and stored in a way that prevents tampering
Every election should be audited afterward by a neutral group
DOD and BOT model
BOT was appointed for the first time in 6 years
9-13 members and diverse
a 6-year term (permanent positions are definitely not recommended; it will lead to stagnation and concentration of power)
Staggered elections of 2-3 every 2 years, so each member ends up staying about 6 years. Not having the same people for 6 years helps prevent major disruptions and the formation of alliances and concentrations of power.
Primary function of BOT: property decisions (sale, purchase, rent, build) and dissolving BOD if BOD went off mission. BOT should not be able to change bylaws, pick which members are eligible for election (they can only certify a list prepared by an independent group based on bylaws), and definitely must not lobby or develop election lists during the election. This should be the most honest, neutral board in the community.
Property decisions require a 2/3 majority. Otherwise >50%.
Both BOD and BOT work should be subject to internal and external audit
Again, I recommend other requirements like serving on the BOD first, donation (based on income), volunteerism, education, and expertise
The General Assembly (GA) is the highest governing authority of a mosque, consisting of all its eligible, registered members. It is the primary mechanism for the leadership (the Board) to be accountable to the community and for the community to participate in the most important decisions of the organization.
Think of it as the mosque's annual "shareholders' meeting," where the members review the organization's health, elect its leaders, and set its future direction.
The main purposes of a General Assembly meeting are:
Accountability: To hold the Board of Directors and leadership accountable for their performance and stewardship of the mosque's resources.
Transparency: To present the mosque's annual financial reports, including the results of an internal or external audit, to the entire membership.
Governance: To elect new members to the Board of Directors and to approve or remove existing ones.
Strategic Direction: To vote on major organizational decisions, such as amending the bylaws, approving a major purchase (like new property), or dissolving the organization.
Engagement: To provide a formal platform for members to ask questions, voice concerns, and propose resolutions for the good of the community.
Annual General Meeting (AGM): The General Assembly must meet at least once per year. This is the most common and essential meeting.
Special General Meetings: A special GA can be called outside of the annual schedule to address an urgent, major issue, such as a vote of no confidence or an emergency proposal. These are typically called by the Board or by a significant percentage of the members (e.g., 25%) via a formal petition.
Here is a typical policy and procedural framework for governing a mosque's General Assembly, as would be defined in the organization's bylaws.
Definition: Only "members in good standing" are permitted to attend, speak, and vote at a General Assembly.
Good Standing: This is typically defined as a member who has paid their annual dues, has been a registered member for a minimum period (e.g., 6 months), and adheres to the mosque's code of conduct.
Requirement: All eligible members must receive a formal written notice of the General Assembly.
Timeline: The notice must be sent within a specific timeframe, typically no less than 21 days and no more than 60 days before the meeting date.
Contents: The notice must include the exact date, time, location, and a full agenda of items to be discussed and voted upon.
Definition: A "quorum" is the minimum number of voting members that must be present to conduct official business (like holding elections or passing a vote).
Requirement: This number is set by the bylaws (e.g., "30% of all voting members" or "100 members," whichever is less).
If Quorum is Not Met: The meeting cannot proceed with any binding votes. It may be adjourned, and a new meeting must be called.
A typical Annual General Meeting (AGM) agenda includes the following:
Call to Order: The Board President or Chair officially begins the meeting.
Opening: Qur'anic recitation and a brief reminder (naseeha).
Approve Agenda: Members vote to accept the agenda as presented.
Approve Previous Minutes: Members vote to approve the minutes from the last General Assembly.
President's Report: The Board President presents an annual report on the mosque's accomplishments, challenges, and strategic vision.
Treasurer's Report: The Treasurer presents the annual financial statements and the report from the auditors. This is a critical accountability step.
Committee Reports: Brief reports from key committees (e.g., Interfaith, Education).
Old Business: Addressing any motions or issues carried over from the previous meeting.
Elections: The Election Committee (an independent body) takes over to conduct the election for open Board of Directors seats.
New Business: Members can propose and vote on new resolutions. This must often be submitted in writing in advance of the meeting.
Adjournment: A formal motion to close the meeting.
Voting Rights: Each eligible member in good standing receives one vote.
Proxies: Most mosque bylaws do not allow "proxy voting" (letting someone else vote on your behalf) to ensure that only present and engaged members make decisions.
Motions: Formal proposals for a vote are made using parliamentary procedure (like Robert's Rules of Order) to keep the meeting orderly. A member "makes a motion," another "seconds" it, and then the matter is opened for discussion, followed by a formal vote.
Passing a Vote: A "simple majority" (50% + 1) is typically needed to pass most motions. Major changes, like amending the bylaws, require a "supermajority" (e.g., a two-thirds or 75% vote)
Here is a policy on prohibited acts for mosque members, which can be adapted and incorporated into your organization's bylaws or code of conduct.
This policy outlines the code of conduct expected of all members of [Masjid Name] and the procedures for disciplinary action, including suspension or dismissal from membership. Our goal is to protect the spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being of the community and to ensure the mosque remains a safe, welcoming, and sacred space for worship and community activities.
Membership in [Masjid Name] is a privilege. Any member who commits, attempts to commit, or aids others in committing any of the following acts on mosque property or in connection with any mosque-sponsored event is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including immediate dismissal.
A. Major Violations (May Lead to Immediate Dismissal)
Violence and Threats: Any act of physical violence, assault, or any verbal or written threat of violence or harm directed at another person.
Weapons: Possessing, carrying, or using any firearm or other dangerous weapon on mosque property, with the sole exception of authorized and uniformed law enforcement or designated, on-duty security personnel.
Harassment or Abuse: Any form of harassment (verbal, physical, or sexual), bullying, or intimidation directed at a member, guest, staff, or child.
Theft or Vandalism: Stealing, damaging, defacing, or destroying any property belonging to the mosque or its members and visitors.
Illegal Activity: Engaging in any activity that is illegal under local, state, or federal law, including the possession or distribution of illicit drugs.
Financial Misconduct: Embezzlement, fraud, or misuse of mosque funds, donation boxes, or assets.
B. Serious Disruptions (May Lead to Warning, Suspension, or Dismissal)
Discrimination: Engaging in hateful speech or discriminatory behavior based on race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, or disability.
Disrupting Worship or Programs: Intentionally and repeatedly disrupting prayers, lectures, classes, or other official mosque programs in a disorderly or aggressive manner.
Promoting Division (Fitnah): Actively spreading slander, backbiting, or malicious gossip that is intended to create significant discord and division within the community.
Misrepresentation: Falsely claiming to represent the mosque or the Board of Directors to the public, media, or other organizations without authorization.
Repeated Violations: Persistently violating other mosque policies (e.g., code of conduct, visitor policy, etc.) after receiving formal written warnings from the Board.
[Masjid Name] is committed to a fair and reasonable process before terminating a member's privileges. The Board of Directors (BOD) will adhere to the following procedure for serious violations that may lead to dismissal.
Step 1: Formal Complaint
Any member, staff, or visitor who witnesses a major violation should submit a formal written complaint to the Board of Directors. The complaint should be signed and include the date, time, location, and a detailed description of the incident.
Step 2: Board Investigation
The BOD, or a disciplinary committee appointed by the BOD, will promptly investigate the complaint. This may include interviewing the complainant, the accused member, and any witnesses.
Step 3: Written Notice of Intent
If the investigation finds credible evidence of a major violation, the BOD will send the accused member a formal Written Notice of Intent to Dismiss. This notice will be delivered in writing (via certified mail or email) and must include:
A clear statement of the specific prohibited act(s) the member is accused of.
A summary of the evidence supporting the accusation.
The date and time of a hearing, to be held no less than 15 days from the date of the notice.
Step 4: Member Hearing
The accused member has the right to a hearing before the Board of Directors (or its committee) to respond to the allegations. The member may:
Appear in person to present their case.
Submit a written statement in their defense.
Be accompanied by another member (not acting as legal counsel).
Step 5: Final Decision
After the hearing (or if the member fails to respond to the notice), the Board of Directors will meet in a private session to deliberate.
A decision to dismiss a member requires a two-thirds (2/3) supermajority vote of the full Board.
The final decision will be communicated to the member in writing within seven (7) days.
The decision of the Board of Directors is final.
Immediate Suspension: The Board of Directors reserves the right to immediately suspend a member's access to the mosque property and all its activities, pending the outcome of the full disciplinary procedure, if their continued presence is deemed an immediate threat to the safety or well-being of the community.