Okay, here's how those specific services can be incorporated into a comprehensive masjid social service program:
Food Pantry & Meals: (As previously mentioned) Regular distribution of groceries and periodic community meals (soup kitchen style).
Zakat & Sadaqa Distribution: (As previously mentioned) Confidential financial aid for rent, utilities, medical bills, and other emergencies, managed by a dedicated committee.
Welfare & Medicaid Navigation: Providing information and assistance to community members applying for government benefits like SNAP (food stamps), TANF (cash assistance), or Medicaid/Hoosier Healthwise. This involves helping them understand eligibility and navigate the application process, perhaps by partnering with local social workers or agencies.
Housing Assistance: Offering emergency temporary assistance (e.g., short hotel stays), referrals to local shelters or transitional housing programs, and potentially maintaining a list of affordable housing options or Muslim landlords.
"Community Swap" Events: Organize periodic events where community members can bring gently used clothes, household items, toys, or books to swap or donate to others in need, fostering resource sharing.
Counseling Services:
Pastoral Counseling: (As previously mentioned) Spiritual guidance from the Imam.
Professional Counseling: (As previously mentioned) Partnering with licensed Muslim mental health professionals.
Crisis & Suicide Prevention: Provide immediate spiritual support and urgent referrals to professional crisis hotlines (like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 988) and mental health services. Host awareness workshops on recognizing signs of distress and how to support loved ones. This requires trained professionals; the masjid's primary role is support and referral.
Abuse Support & Referral: Offer a confidential listening ear and referrals to specialized domestic violence shelters (like The Julian Center in Indianapolis) or child protective services. Provide educational workshops on identifying and addressing abuse from an Islamic perspective, emphasizing that abuse is haram (forbidden). Safety and legal reporting requirements are paramount.
Children Services Navigation: Assist families in finding resources for children with special needs, accessing educational support, or connecting with child welfare services when necessary. This is primarily an information and referral role.
Marriage & Parenting Support: (As previously mentioned).
Health Clinics & Education: (As previously mentioned).
Disability Support & Accessibility:
Masjid Accessibility: Ensure the masjid facility is accessible (ramps, accessible restrooms, designated prayer space).
Support Services: Provide resources like ASL interpretation for Friday Khutbahs if needed, large-print Qur'ans, or assistive listening devices.
Community Connection: Organize support groups or social events for individuals with disabilities and their families.
Referrals: Connect members with local disability advocacy groups and service providers (like Easterseals Crossroads or Bosma Enterprises for the blind in Indianapolis).
Refugee & New Immigrant Support: (As previously mentioned).
New Muslim Support: (As previously mentioned).
Job Search & Placement Assistance: (As previously mentioned) Resume workshops, job fairs, networking support.
Transportation Assistance: (As previously mentioned) Volunteer driver network for essential appointments and masjid events.
Prisoner Outreach & Re-entry Support:
Inmate Support: Coordinate visits (where permitted), send Islamic literature, and correspond with incarcerated Muslims.
Family Support: Provide support and resources for families of incarcerated individuals.
Re-entry Assistance: Offer guidance and referrals for housing, employment, and counseling to individuals returning to the community after incarceration, helping them reintegrate.
Funeral & Burial (Janazah) Services: (As previously mentioned).
Marriage (Nikah) Services: (As previously mentioned).
Implementing these services requires careful planning, dedicated volunteers (often needing specific training, like for crisis or abuse support), strong partnerships with local agencies, clear policies (especially regarding confidentiality and mandatory reporting), and potentially significant funding. The masjid often acts as a crucial first point of contact, providing immediate spiritual support and connecting individuals with specialized professional help.
Masjids can play a vital role in connecting community members with essential health services, often acting as a bridge between individuals and professional care providers, grounded in Islamic values of compassion and caring for the sick.
What it is: Periodic events (e.g., annually or semi-annually) held at the masjid offering free basic health screenings and information.
Services Offered: Typically includes blood pressure checks, blood sugar (glucose) screenings, BMI calculations, vision tests, dental checks, and distributing informational brochures on various health topics (e.g., heart health, diabetes management, cancer prevention).
How it Works: The masjid partners with local Muslim healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists) who volunteer their time. They may also partner with local hospitals (like IU Health North or Ascension St. Vincent Carmel), the Hamilton County Health Department, or other health organizations to provide resources and screenings.
What it is: A more structured, regularly scheduled clinic (e.g., monthly or bi-monthly) offering basic medical consultations, often targeting uninsured or underinsured community members.
Services Offered: Non-emergency primary care consultations, assessment of minor illnesses, basic wound care, medication review, and referrals to specialists or community health centers for ongoing care or complex issues. It's generally not equipped for emergencies, chronic disease management, or specialized procedures.
How it Works: Relies heavily on volunteer Muslim physicians, nurses, and administrative staff. The clinic operates within designated space at the masjid during specific hours. Partnerships with local health systems might provide support or pathways for referred patients.
What it is: Helping individuals who cannot afford necessary prescription medications.
Services Offered: This usually involves:
Referrals: Connecting individuals with Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs) offered by pharmaceutical companies.
Information: Providing resources on discount pharmacy programs (like GoodRx) or local low-cost clinics.
Limited Emergency Funds: Potentially using Zakat or Sadaqa funds, managed by a committee, to provide one-time assistance for critical medication costs after careful vetting.
How it Works: Requires knowledgeable volunteers or staff who can research and guide individuals through application processes for assistance programs. Direct financial aid is typically reserved for urgent, short-term needs.
What it is: Providing temporary relief for primary caregivers (often family members) who are looking after someone who is elderly, ill, or has a disability.
Services Offered: The masjid's role is typically coordination and support, not direct care provision. This can include:
Volunteer Matching: Organizing a network of trusted volunteers who can provide short-term companionship or basic supervision for the care recipient, allowing the caregiver a break.
Support Groups: Hosting support groups for caregivers to share experiences and resources.
Referrals: Connecting families with professional respite care agencies in the area.
How it Works: Requires a dedicated coordinator, careful vetting and basic training for volunteers (focusing on companionship, safety, and emergency contacts, not medical care), and clear communication with families about the scope and limitations of the volunteer service.
What it is: Assisting individuals who need non-medical help in their homes, particularly the elderly or those recovering from illness.
Services Offered: Similar to respite care, the masjid primarily acts as a coordinator and facilitator:
Volunteer Visits: Organizing "Friendly Visitor" programs where volunteers provide companionship, run small errands (like grocery shopping), or make check-in phone calls.
Meal Delivery: Coordinating volunteers to deliver meals occasionally, especially during illness or recovery (like post-childbirth).
Referrals: Providing information and referrals to licensed home health agencies for professional medical or personal care needs.
How it Works: Emphasizes social and spiritual support rather than medical assistance. Clear boundaries and safety protocols for volunteers are essential.
What it is: Addressing the mental and emotional well-being of the community within a faith-sensitive framework.
Services Offered:
Awareness & Education: Hosting workshops and Khutbahs (sermons) to reduce stigma, promote understanding of mental health issues (anxiety, depression, trauma), and highlight Islamic perspectives on emotional well-being, resilience (sabr), and seeking help.
Support Groups: Facilitating peer support groups for specific needs (e.g., grief support, parenting challenges, caregiver stress) led by trained facilitators.
Pastoral Counseling: Providing spiritual counseling and support from the Imam, who can offer Islamic guidance and encouragement.
Professional Referrals: Developing a vetted list of culturally competent Muslim mental health professionals (therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists) in the Indianapolis area for confidential referrals.
Partnerships: Collaborating with organizations like the Khalil Center or local mental health providers to offer on-site consultations or specialized workshops.
How it Works: Requires a multi-faceted approach involving education, spiritual support from leadership, and strong connections to professional resources. Confidentiality is paramount.
Masjids can serve as crucial hubs for connecting community members with legal information and resources, particularly concerning immigration and civil rights, though they typically facilitate access rather than providing direct legal representation.
Know Your Rights Workshops: Hosting sessions led by immigration attorneys or reputable organizations (like the ACLU or local immigration clinics) explaining rights during encounters with ICE or CBP, rights during visa interviews, and understanding different immigration statuses.
Information Sessions: Organizing presentations on specific topics like the naturalization process, pathways to obtaining a Green Card, DACA updates, or family-based visa petitions.
Referral Network: Maintaining a vetted list of qualified, low-cost, or pro bono immigration attorneys and accredited representatives in the Indianapolis/Central Indiana area. This is a key service β connecting people with trusted legal help.
Form Assistance (Basic): Offering limited help from trained volunteers (under attorney supervision if required) with filling out basic immigration forms, while being extremely careful not to engage in the unauthorized practice of law. Focus is on translation or explaining questions, not giving legal advice.
Know Your Rights Workshops: Partnering with organizations like the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Indiana) or the ACLU of Indiana to conduct workshops on:
First Amendment rights (free speech, religious practice).
Dealing with discrimination in employment, housing, or public accommodations.
Students' rights regarding religious expression and accommodation in schools.
Rights during airport encounters or interactions with law enforcement.
Incident Reporting Assistance: Providing a safe space and guidance on how to document and report incidents of hate crimes, bias, or discrimination to the appropriate authorities (police, EEOC, Department of Education) and advocacy groups (like CAIR).
Referral Network: Connecting individuals experiencing civil rights violations with CAIR-Indiana or other civil rights attorneys who can offer legal counsel and representation.
"Ask the Lawyer" Clinics: Organizing periodic pro bono clinics where volunteer Muslim attorneys offer brief, confidential consultations on various legal matters (family law, business, etc.).
Islamic Estate Planning Seminars: Hosting workshops on creating Sharia-compliant wills (Wasiyya), healthcare directives, and powers of attorney, often led by specialized attorneys. Referrals are provided for individual document preparation.
Family Law Information: Providing basic informational sessions on marriage contracts (Nikah), divorce (Talaq), and child custody issues, explaining both relevant Islamic principles and US legal processes. Referrals to culturally sensitive family lawyers are crucial.
Important Note: The masjid administration and volunteers must be very careful not to provide legal advice unless they are licensed attorneys. The primary role is educational and providing trusted referrals to qualified legal professionals. Partnering with established legal aid organizations and advocacy groups is essential for providing effective and responsible support.
Masjids, as 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations, can engage in non-partisan political advocacy focused on issues, legislation, and civic participation, but they are strictly prohibited from participating in partisan political campaigns for or against candidates. It's all about advocating for issues and policies, not candidates or parties.
Endorse or Oppose Candidates: Absolutely no endorsing, supporting, or opposing candidates for public office, either directly or indirectly. This includes statements from the pulpit (minbar), distributing campaign literature, or making contributions to campaigns.
Rate Candidates: Cannot rate candidates based on their positions on issues, implying endorsement or opposition.
Partisan Voter Registration/GOTV: Cannot conduct voter registration or get-out-the-vote (GOTV) drives that favor one candidate or party over another.
Establish a PAC: Cannot set up a Political Action Committee (PAC).
Violating these rules can jeopardize the masjid's tax-exempt status.
Masjids can engage in the following activities, provided they remain non-partisan:
Issue Advocacy & Limited Lobbying:
What: Educating the community and policymakers about issues relevant to the masjid's mission and values (e.g., religious freedom, social justice, poverty, refugee support, zoning laws affecting the masjid). This can involve advocating for or against specific legislation (lobbying).
How: Organizing educational forums, sending letters or emails to elected officials about specific bills, meeting with policymakers, joining coalitions to advocate on issues.
Limits: Lobbying must remain an "insubstantial part" of the masjid's overall activities. There are IRS rules defining "substantial," and masjids engaging in significant lobbying may need to track expenses and potentially file specific forms (making the "501(h) election" provides clearer guidelines but isn't required).
Non-Partisan Voter Education:
What: Educating the community about the voting process and current public policy issues in an unbiased way.
How: Hosting forums on issues (without mentioning candidates), distributing non-partisan voter guides that explain ballot measures or compare candidates' stances on a wide range of issues factually (without favoring any), sharing information on polling place locations and voting hours.
Non-Partisan Voter Registration and Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV):
What: Encouraging community members to register and vote.
How: Conducting voter registration drives, reminding people to vote, providing transportation to the polls β as long as these efforts are done without any reference to specific candidates or parties.
Non-Partisan Candidate Forums & Appearances:
What: Inviting candidates to speak at the masjid.
Strict Rules: To remain non-partisan, all legally qualified candidates for an office must be invited; the masjid cannot indicate support or opposition; questions should cover a broad range of issues and be fair to all candidates; each candidate must have equal opportunity to speak.
Educating Elected Officials:
What: Informing local (like Carmel's Mayor and City Council), state, and federal officials about the Muslim community, Islamic principles, and issues of concern.
How: Inviting officials to visit the masjid, participating in community meetings, providing information on the community's needs and contributions.
Individual vs. Organization: While the masjid cannot endorse candidates, its leaders (Imam, board members) can do so in their personal capacity, completely separate from their official roles, using their own time and resources, and making it clear they are not speaking for the masjid. This line must be carefully maintained.
Partnerships: Mosques often partner with advocacy organizations (like CAIR, USCMO affiliates, or local interfaith groups) that specialize in this work and understand the legal nuances.
Training: It's wise for masjid leadership to get training on the IRS rules governing political activity for 501(c)(3) organizations to ensure compliance.
Okay, here's the updated information incorporating those specific types of financial aid into the masjid's social services program description:
Masjids often serve as a crucial safety net, providing financial assistance to community members facing hardship. This role stems directly from Islamic principles of Zakat (obligatory charity) and Sadaqa (voluntary charity), emphasizing social responsibility and mutual support. Running these programs fairly and effectively is paramount to fulfilling this Amanah (sacred trust).
Masjids typically provide aid for basic, essential needs, funded by Zakat (for eligible categories) or Sadaqa (offering more flexibility). Assistance often targets:
Housing:
Preventing eviction through emergency rent or mortgage assistance.
Providing referrals to local shelters or transitional housing programs in cases of homelessness.
Potentially offering limited, temporary emergency shelter assistance (like short hotel stays) using Sadaqa funds.
Utility Bills:
Assisting with payments for essential utilities (electricity, water, gas) to prevent shut-offs, especially during extreme weather.
Food:
Operating a food pantry with non-perishable groceries and fresh produce.
Distributing grocery vouchers or gift cards.
Hosting periodic community meals open to all in need.
Health:
Helping cover costs for urgent, unaffordable medical or dental bills, prescriptions, or essential medical equipment. This often falls under Zakat for the needy or Sadaqa.
Debt (Gharimin):
Providing assistance, primarily through Zakat, to individuals burdened by overwhelming debt incurred for basic necessities, provided they are making efforts to repay and are not in debt due to extravagant spending or haram activities. This is one of the specific categories mentioned in the Qur'an for Zakat distribution.
Tuition Assistance:
Potentially offering limited aid, usually from Sadaqa funds, for educational expenses. This might include tuition for Islamic schools, essential job training programs, or sometimes even college, particularly if the education is crucial for the individual/family to become self-sufficient. (Using Zakat for tuition is debated among scholars unless it directly prevents someone from falling into poverty or is clearly "in the path of Allah" - fi sabillah).
Funeral & Burial Costs:
Providing financial assistance to families who cannot afford the basic costs associated with an Islamic funeral and burial (Janazah). This is a vital community support function, often covered by Sadaqa or specific community collections.
Other Emergencies: Covering costs for other essential needs like basic clothing (especially after a disaster), emergency travel, or critical car repairs needed for employment.
Fairness requires a standardized, objective, and compassionate process.
Dedicated Zakat/Welfare Committee: Appoint a confidential and trusted committee.
Clear Eligibility Criteria: Develop written guidelines based on need and Zakat rules.
Standardized Application Process: Use a consistent, confidential application form.
Confidentiality: Maintain strict privacy for all applicants.
Objective Review: Base decisions on criteria and documentation, not personal connections.
Appeals Process: Consider a simple review process for denied applications.
Effectiveness means the aid reaches the right people promptly and resources are managed wisely.
Needs Assessment & Verification: Require documentation (e.g., eviction notice, utility bill, medical invoice, tuition bill, funeral home quote, proof of debt). Conduct brief interviews.
Prioritization: Focus on urgent needs that prevent greater hardship (e.g., eviction, utility shut-off, essential medical care).
Direct Payments: Whenever feasible, pay vendors directly (landlord, utility company, hospital, school, funeral home). This ensures funds are used as intended and provides a clear audit trail.
Collaboration & Referrals: Network with other masjids, charities, and local agencies (like township trustees or community centers here in Hamilton County) to provide comprehensive support and avoid duplication. Refer applicants elsewhere if the masjid cannot meet the full need.
Record Keeping: Maintain secure, confidential records of applications, aid provided, and vendor payments for accountability.
Timeliness: Process applications and payments quickly, especially for emergencies like funerals or evictions.
Budgeting & Fundraising: Track Zakat and Sadaqa funds separately. Report regularly to the Board and communicate needs transparently to the community.
By implementing these fair and effective practices, a masjid can fulfill its religious obligation to assist those in need with dignity, accountability, and maximum positive impact across various critical life needs.
A masjid can provide a variety of family services, often acting as a spiritual guide, educator, facilitator, and connector to professional resources.
How: Masjids can facilitate introductions for marriage in a Sharia-compliant manner. This might involve:
A confidential matchmaking service where individuals (or their guardians/walis) submit profiles to a trusted committee or individual (like the Imam or a designated matchmaker).
Organizing family-oriented events where potential spouses and their families can meet in a supervised, appropriate setting.
Emphasizing the importance of involving guardians (walis) and maintaining Islamic etiquette throughout the process.
Goal: To help single Muslims find suitable spouses according to Islamic guidelines, focusing on piety, character, and compatibility.
How: The masjid serves as the primary venue for the Islamic marriage contract (Nikah).
The Imam typically officiates the ceremony, ensuring all Islamic requirements are met (offer, acceptance, presence of wali for the bride if required by the madhhab, two witnesses, and the mahr or dower).
The masjid provides guidance on the process, necessary documentation (often including civil marriage licenses as required by Indiana law), and the spiritual significance of marriage.
Link to Education: Often strongly encourages or requires couples to attend pre-marital counseling or education sessions before the Nikah.
How: Masjids offer workshops and classes focused on strengthening families based on Islamic teachings.
Pre-Marital Education: Covers Islamic rights and responsibilities of spouses, communication, conflict resolution, and financial management.
Marriage Enrichment: Seminars for married couples focusing on enhancing communication, intimacy, and spiritual connection.
Parenting Workshops: Provides guidance on raising children according to Islamic values (Tarbiyah), dealing with challenges at different ages, and positive discipline techniques.
Goal: To equip families with the knowledge and skills needed for healthy, stable, and Islamically grounded relationships.
How: The masjid provides initial support and connects individuals/families with appropriate help.
Pastoral/Spiritual Counseling: The Imam offers guidance based on the Qur'an and Sunnah for marital issues, family conflicts, grief, or personal spiritual struggles. This is primarily spiritual advice, not professional therapy.
Referrals: The masjid maintains a vetted list of licensed Muslim mental health professionals (therapists, psychologists) in the Indianapolis area for issues requiring clinical expertise (e.g., depression, anxiety, trauma, severe marital discord).
Crisis Support: In crises (e.g., suicidal thoughts, severe domestic conflict), the Imam provides immediate spiritual support and urgent referrals to professional crisis hotlines (like 988) or specialized agencies.
Goal: To provide spiritual comfort and connect community members with the appropriate level of professional care when needed, ensuring confidentiality.
How: The masjid's role is primarily guidance and attempting reconciliation, not legal processing.
Counseling: The Imam counsels couples considering divorce, reminding them of Islamic teachings on reconciliation and patience.
Mediation: Facilitating discussions, possibly involving elders or a committee, to explore reconciliation or, if divorce is inevitable, to discuss terms amicably according to Islamic principles (e.g., iddah, financial support, child arrangements).
Explaining Islamic Process: The Imam clarifies the Sharia procedures for Talaq (divorce initiated by husband) or Khul'a (divorce initiated by wife), emphasizing the rights of both parties.
Legal Referral: Strongly advising both parties to seek independent legal counsel for the civil divorce process, as the masjid cannot provide legal advice or representation.
Goal: To encourage reconciliation where possible, ensure any separation follows Islamic guidelines respectfully, and protect the rights of all involved, especially children.
How: The masjid provides guidance based on Islamic principles, emphasizing the child's best interests, but cannot determine legal custody.
Islamic Principles: Educating divorcing parents about the child's rights in Islam (Hadana) and the responsibilities of both parents, regardless of marital status. Emphasizing cooperation and minimizing conflict for the children's sake.
Mediation: Offering mediation specifically focused on co-parenting arrangements in light of Islamic values.
Legal Referral: Directing parents to qualified family law attorneys who understand Islamic sensitivities to handle the legal aspects of custody determination through the Indiana courts.
Goal: To guide parents towards child-centric co-parenting arrangements that align with Islamic ethics, while recognizing legal custody is determined by the state.
How: The masjid can offer guidance and support, particularly concerning orphans or minors needing care.
Islamic Principles: Educating the community about the high status and specific rules of caring for orphans (Kafala) in Islam, distinguishing it from legal adoption in the US. Explaining Islamic guidelines for appointing guardians for minors if parents pass away.
Resource Connection: Connecting families needing information on legal guardianship or foster care with local social services or legal aid organizations specializing in family law.
Goal: To ensure children are cared for according to Islamic principles and connect families with the necessary legal and social resources.
How: Masjids facilitate understanding and access to Sharia-compliant estate planning.
Educational Workshops: Hosting seminars led by qualified attorneys explaining the importance of having a will, the specific Islamic laws of inheritance (Fara'id), and how to create legally valid documents (like wills and trusts) that incorporate these requirements in Indiana.
Resource Provision: Providing sample templates (for informational purposes only) or lists of attorneys specializing in Islamic estate planning.
Referrals: Connecting community members with qualified legal professionals who can draft customized, legally sound wills and trusts.
Goal: To educate the community on their Islamic obligations regarding inheritance and help them create legally effective plans to fulfill those duties.
A masjid provides essential funeral services to ensure deceased Muslims receive proper Islamic rites (Janazah) with dignity and community support.
Service: The masjid typically coordinates or provides the facilities and trained volunteers (usually same-gender as the deceased) to perform the ritual washing (Ghusl) and shrouding (Kafan) of the body according to Islamic guidelines.
Process: This involves washing the body a specific number of times, perfuming it, and wrapping it in simple white cloths (Kafan).
Facilities: Many masjids have a dedicated room equipped for performing Ghusl. If not, they coordinate with local Muslim-owned funeral homes that offer this service.
Service: The masjid organizes and hosts the Salat al-Janazah, the communal funeral prayer seeking forgiveness for the deceased.
Process: It's a specific prayer performed in congregation, usually led by the Imam, consisting of takbirs (saying "Allahu Akbar") and supplications, without bowing or prostration. It's typically held in the masjid's prayer hall or sometimes at the graveside.
Announcement: The masjid informs the community about the time and place of the Janazah prayer to encourage attendance, as participating is a communal obligation (Fard Kifayah).
Service: While the masjid itself doesn't perform the physical burial, it provides guidance and coordinates with the family and cemetery to ensure the burial follows Islamic practices.
Process: This includes ensuring the deceased is buried facing the Qibla (direction of Mecca), usually without a casket (or in a simple, biodegradable casket if required by law/cemetery rules), and as soon as possible after death and the Janazah prayer. The masjid often provides volunteers to assist at the cemetery.
Service: Masjids handle cemetery needs in various ways:
Owning Sections: Some larger masjids or Islamic organizations purchase dedicated sections within larger, non-denominational cemeteries specifically for Muslim burials (e.g., Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis historically had sections).
Partnerships: The masjid may have arrangements with specific cemeteries that accommodate Islamic burial requirements.
Information: At minimum, the masjid provides families with information on local cemeteries that offer Muslim burial plots and explains the necessary procedures.
Coordination: The masjid administration often helps the family secure a plot and coordinates the burial time with the cemetery staff.
Service: If the deceased leaves behind minor children, the masjid (usually through the Imam or a social services committee) provides spiritual and ethical guidance based on Islamic principles regarding the care and guardianship of orphans or minors.
Process: This involves:
Explaining the high importance and reward of caring for orphans in Islam.
Clarifying Islamic guidelines on who might be preferred guardians (e.g., suitable family members).
Emphasizing the need to protect the child's well-being, Islamic upbringing, and inheritance rights.
Crucially, connecting the family with qualified legal professionals who can handle the necessary legal guardianship process through Indiana courts, as the masjid cannot provide legal advice or establish legal guardianship.
Goal: To support the family in ensuring the children's immediate and long-term welfare according to both Islamic values and legal requirements.