Bylaws of the The Islamic Association of Fort Worth (January 1, 2016)

Bylaws of the The Islamic Association of Fort Worth (January 1, 2016) In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful ARTICLE I NAME 1. The name of the Masjid shura shall be decided by the Masjid shura with the approval of the (Executive Shura) Board of Trustees. 2. The permanent address of the Masjid (Local) shura shall be a property owned and operated by the Islamic Association of Fort Worth and approved by the Board of Trustees. 3. The center at 5747 Westcreek Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76133 shall be called the Dar Un-Noor Center. 4. The center at 6001 Chapman Rd, Watauga, TX 76148 shall be called Masjid Al-Sahaabah. The school at this location shall be called the Al-Sahaabah Islamic School. ARTICLE II PURPOSE The Board of Trustees may create a Masjid shura with specific objectives. The Board of Trustees will create, oversee and dissolve any Masjid shura when necessary. The following are the responsibilities and purpose for which Masjid shuras are to be created: 1. The Masjid shura will report directly to the Board of Trustees that has full rights to intervene in any decision when it is necessary. 2. Responsible for the day-to-day running of the facility / activities. 3. To acquire and maintain places, for the sole purpose of worship, education and other activities to fulfill the Commandments of Allah and Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (Saw). 4. To promote a better understanding of Islam in USA through Islamic knowledge. 5. To receive and maintain funds and apply from time to time, all or part thereof and the income therein for religious, educational, or humanitarian purposes. 6. Oversee employees of the IAFW. 7. Create, oversee and dissolve committees. 8. Schedule and coordinate activities of IAFW. 9. Upkeep of the physical property with all its assets and supplies. 10. Raise finances on behalf of IAFW and ensure expenses do NOT exceed income. 11. Any person, who feels that the school or any committee had not satisfactorily addressed his/her written complaint / issue / recommendation, may make a written request to the Masjid shura, who will decide on the issue. 12. To carry out any other activities to achieve above mentioned purposes. ARTICLE III SHURA STRUCTURE LOCAL / MASJID SHURA: Masjid shura shall be the governing body of a local facility or activity. The Masjid shura will appoint an Amir that must be approved by the Board of Trustees. This shura is to meet a minimum of once a month to review and discuss the affairs / responsibilities given by the Board of Trustees. The Amir will appoint volunteers to the positions of office bearers with consultation of the Masjid shura. There is no time limit for any office bearer. The Masjid shura may review / replace any office bearer at any mashura. The following are the office bearers: - Page 1

1. Amir 2. Secretary 3. Treasurer 4. Principal 5. Administrator 6. Fund raising coordinator 7. Facilities Manager 8. Other volunteers as required The members of the Local-shura and above office bearers will be selected from persons of good standing who practice the Qur an & Sunnah of the Prophet (S.A.W.). ARTICLE IV SHURA All the Shuras shall be conducted by the Amir according to the Sunnah etiquette of the Prophet Mohammed (saw) in Masjid/Musallah or any clean place at an appointed date and time. Etiquettes of Shura are as follows: 1. A Shura shall be started with the praise of Allah (such as a verse of Qur an or the dua of Shura). 2. The Amir may request one of the members to remind the majlis of the etiquettes of Shura or choose to do so by himself. 3. The Amir will go over the topics to be discussed. 4. The Amir shall consult all those present in the Majlis on each topic. 5. All opinions and decision should be given in the Shura according to the etiquettes. There should neither be any influence before the Shura or any criticism after the Shura (no pre or post Shura discussions). 6. The participating members shall sit in the Shura with the intention of serving Allah and should give his opinion to the best of knowledge for the betterment of the Muslim Ummah and not for his personal interest. Everyone should give his opinion direct to the Amir. 7. Participating members shall respect the opinion of others and shall not interfere or object to others opinion. 8. Further clarification or reasons behind an opinion may be sought through the Amir. It will be Amir s decision to proceed further or not. 9. The responsibility of the Amir is to accept the best decision for the community and ultimately the Ummah. The responsibilities of the participating members should be to help the Amir to carry out the decision made in accordance to the best of their abilities. The objective is to unite the community and to love each other for the sake of Allah. 10. Every participating member shall have the sincere belief that whatever decision made, is guidance from Allah. In case of a decision taken seemed not to have worked, the members shall not blame anyone for the consequences. 11. In the light of availability of new information, any decision made by the Amir can be re-discussed at a future meeting of a Shura. 12. Minutes of each Shura shall be documented. 13. The Shura shall be concluded by a dua. ARTICLE V DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS Amir Objective: To provide vision, leadership, coordinate all activities of the IAFW and ensure that decisions made are implemented as was decided. 1. Any person approved by the Board of Trustees can be appointed as Amir. 2. Ensure that all members of the shura and employees are performing their duties as expected of them. Page 2

3. Ensure that all operations are running as planned. 4. Prioritize all responsibilities, work and activities. 5. Get weekly status from each office bearers (May be verbal). 6. Assist Shura members that need help in their duties. 7. The amir may take over or delegate any task that any member is unable or unwilling to complete satisfactorily. 8. Responsible for the ascetics of the Masjid. This includes the choice of colors, brands, grades, design, etc. of materials, fixtures, appliances, furniture, supplies and other items. It also includes all artwork, frames, murals, decorations, ornaments etc. 9. Co-ordinate activities amongst the Shura. 10. Ensure that all activities and facilities are safe. 11. Understand the needs, and build good relations between the Shura, Imam and community. 12. Resolve any dispute within the Shura or between the Shura and outside persons. 13. The Amir, with consultation of the Shura will make all significant decisions. 14. Report any significant issues, unresolved issues, problems, missed deadlines and significant discrepancies to the Shura. 15. Responsible for getting capable people to participate in the activities of the IAFW. 16. Ensure that all participants (volunteers, worshippers, students, employees, etc.) are made to feel comfortable and welcome. Secretary Objective: To prepare, maintain, approve and control all documentation for the shura, employees, activities and facilities. 1. The original (where available) documentation is to be submitted to the Local-Shura by the 10 th of the next month for approval. 2. Copies of all documents must be kept on file. 3. Ensure that Mashura s are held regularly, as appropriate. 4. Set convenient dates and times for Mashura s and notify the relevant members. 5. Prepare and distribute copies of the agenda three days prior to the mashura. 6. Prepare and distribute copies of the minutes of all mashuras within seven days. 7. Collect, file, distribute or respond to all mail received. 8. Control all flyers, brochures, posters and information displayed on the notice boards. 9. Sign documents on behalf of the Shura with the permission of the Shura. All contracts, leases and legal documentation require the permission from the appropriate Shura. 10. Maintain register for all people on the payroll. 11. Ensure that no act or decision is made, that will jeopardize the legal status and the non-profit status of the IAFW. Treasurer Objective: Ensure that all financial commitments are complied with and financial records are maintained to audit and IRS standards. 1. These records (originals) are to be submitted to the Local-Shura by the 10 th of the next month for Audit. The Local-Shura must first approve these records. 2. Appoint deputy treasurers with approval of the Masjid shura. 3. Maintain the bank accounts. 4. Pay all expenses (including taxes, salaries, bills, etc) in a timely manner. 5. Make all bank deposits, payments and issue checks on behalf of the shura and all committees. 6. Payments to be made with valid receipts only. 7. Ensure that all monies are deposited into the bank account within 7 working days of receipt. 8. May keep up to $250.00 in cash for incidental expenses. 9. Notify the Amir well in advance in the event that the income may be less than the expenses for the month. 10. Identify ways to save costs. 11. Collect all rent and utility bills that are due. 12. Responsible for all financial correspondence. Page 3

13. Tax receipts must be mailed out on a monthly basis. 14. Assist in the purchase of all supplies and materials needed for the IAFW at the lowest prices available. Fund raising co-coordinator Objective: To raise sufficient money to meet all the expenses for the organization. 1. Arrange fund raising meetings. 2. Responsible for getting people to sign up for the direct deposit. 3. Responsible for raising money for projects, payment of debts and the running of the organization. 4. Follow up and keep track of pledges. 5. Ensure that all pledges are collected on time. Facilities Manager Objective: Maintain and upgrade the property and fixtures of the Islamic Center to a high level of cleanliness and functionality. 1. Ensure that any damage or malfunction to any building, appliance, fixture, etc on the property is repaired / replaced as soon as possible. 2. Ensure that all facilities are safe. 3. Conduct preventative maintenance. 4. Get bids for work that need to be done. 5. Any renovations or bid in access of $250.00 must have the approval of the Local-shura. 6. Ensure that the common areas are thoroughly cleaned at least once a week. The rest of the area must be cleaned whenever necessary. 7. The parking lot is kept clear. 8. The sprinkler system and landscaping is maintained. 9. Sufficient soap, paper towels, toilet paper, etc are available for use. 10. Responsible for all equipment, machinery, materials and supplies for the building. Social Co-ordinator Objective: Coordinate social activities with the community. (May include but not limited to Meals, Iftaar, Aqiqah, Nikah, Walimah, Janazah, Competitions, etc.) 1. Ensure that all activities and food are in compliance with the principals of Islam, and the constitution of the I.A.F.W. 2. Ensure that the organizers are aware of their responsibilities, and the respect of the Masjid. 3. Coordinate timing of the activity, so that it does not disrupt or conflict with any other activity. 4. Ensure that all activities are safe. 5. Ensure that the clean-up after the activity is completed promptly. 6. Ensure sufficient supplies, utensils, etc are available for use. 7. Review if the organizers need to pay a deposit, and if they need to bear all, or part of the cost of the activity, supplies, utilities and the cleanup. 8. Any activity that costs the Masjid in access of $100.00 must have the approval of the Local-shura. Masjid Administrator Objective: Ensure that all administrative, financial and legal records are collected and stored or recorded safely and accurately. 1. Person that is committed and reliable. 2. Work with the Shura to collect all financial, legal and administrative records and store or enter them into the system. 3. Communicate with the Shura, community and donors to collect any missing information. 4. Generate and distribute tax receipts to donors. School Administrator: - 1. Administrator must be: Page 4

a. Volunteer, appointed by the Masjid shura and to report to the Masjid shura. b. Cannot be a teacher to any program in the Islamic School. c. Be committed to the success of all programs without favoring one program over another. d. Be available in Masjid (minimum 75% of the time) according to the following schedule: i. Weekday evenings half-hour. ii. During weekend school - half-hour. 2. Appoint two volunteers (with approval of the Masjid shura) as Deputy Administrators. One deputy to be present to assist on weekday evenings and one deputy to be present during weekend programs. (Minimum 75% of the time, according to the need of the programs) 3. Appoint volunteers as Administrative Assistants, to be available as specified by the administrator. 4. Communicate with Principal / teachers. 5. Ensure that all students and teachers have necessary supplies, books, etc. 6. Setup / arrange classroom facilities and ensure that they are safe, functional, neat and tidy. 7. Arrange competitions, outings and functions. 8. Ensure that all programs / events are communicated to the community. 9. With consultation of principal, set-up class schedules and annual calendar of events. 10. Collect fees, document it, and hand of over to the treasurer for deposit in bank. 11. Award scholarships. 12. Purchase supplies with coordination of the treasurer. 13. Sale of supplies & books. 14. Provide treasurer with information to pay bills and salaries. 15. Recruit volunteers. 16. Raise funds to finance education programs. 17. Design and print proper forms. 18. Ensure that all required forms are filled out correctly and in a timely manner. 19. Communicate with parents if a. Any sickness / accidents / injuries to child. b. Changes in class timings, days, or schedules in a timely manner. 20. Keep centralized documentation of c. Registration information. d. Progress reports. e. Fees / donations / expenses. f. Student grades. g. Attendance of students and teachers and principals. h. Special needs of any student or teacher. i. Disciplinary documentation. j. Any accidents / injuries. k. Codes of conduct for principals, teachers and students. l. Complaints against principals, instructors, teachers, students and parents. m. Procedures for addressing complaints, enforcing discipline, expulsion of students, dismissal of teachers, etc. Principal: - 1. The Imam shall serve as the principal and be present for a minimum 75% of the programs. 2. Principal will report to the Masjid shura. 3. Shall appoint two volunteers (with approval of the Masjid shura) to the post of Deputy Principal. One deputy to be present to assist the principal during weekday programs, and one deputy to be present to assist the principal during weekend programs. (Minimum 75% of the respective programs) 4. Responsible for the day-to-day running of the school. Page 5

5. Shall appoint teachers and instructors as needed. 6. Responsible for the creation, running and termination of all educational programs. 7. Get guidance from experienced Ulema. 8. Communicate with administrator / assistants. 9. Ensure that the expectations of parents are in-scope they are met. 10. Co-ordinate education programs with other Masjids, schools, organizations, etc. 11. With the approval of the Masjid shura, communicate with educational programs in the community that are not part of the Masjid with a view to building relations or inviting them into the Masjid. 12. Setup / change / approve subjects, books and curriculum. 13. Appoint educators, teachers and students to classes. 14. Dismissal of teachers / educators and expulsion of students under their jurisdiction with valid evidence and proper procedures. 15. Evaluate and ensure that all teachers have proper knowledge and skill in teaching. 16. Setup fee structures with the agreement of instructors affected. 17. Oversee the attendance, punctuality and conduct of teachers and students. 18. Track progress of students. 19. Setup codes of conduct for teachers and students, hand over to the administration, and ensure that they are followed. 20. Define procedures for addressing complaints, enforcing discipline, expulsion of students, dismissal of teachers, etc. 21. Enforce appropriate discipline to students and teachers. 22. Communicate with parents if any disciplinary issues with any student. 23. Review the programs to ensure that they meet the needs of the deen and the community. 24. Resolve disputes between teachers, parents and students. Teacher / Instructor: - 1. Report to principal. 2. Be present for a minimum of 75% of the classes. 3. Create lesson plans. 4. Teach the lessons. 5. Plan, handout and grade homework. 6. Conduct quizzes and tests. Grade tests. 7. Arrange regular parent teacher meetings. 8. Participate in parent-teacher conference. 9. Enforce appropriate discipline to students. 10. Prepare appropriate documentation (Attendance, Progress reports, etc) and hand over to administration. 11. Will not permit the child to leave the premises without a family member or someone that the parent has approved. 12. Will not apply any physical punishment to any child. 13. To be present 15 minutes before the class starts until all children in his/her class have been returned to their parents/guardians. 14. Students are expected to be a good role model for the students to follow. Page 6

15. Teachers are expected to dress in an Islamic manner with modest long sleeved, loose fitting clothes. (Jilbaabs and hijaabs / burkhas are required for females) (Males are expected to wear an Islamic cap on the head.) ARTICLE VI NON-SHURA PARTICIPANTS Student 1. Students are expected to dress in an Islamic manner with modest long sleeved, loose fitting clothes. (Jilbaabs and hijaabs / burkhas are required for the girls) (Boys are expected to wear an Islamic cap on the head.) 2. The clothing must not be so thin that one can see through it. 3. Clothing with pictures, large writing or adverts are NOT permitted. 4. Students are not permitted to bring any valuables or toys to the Masjid / School. 5. Students are required to show respect to the teachers, administrators, parents and other students at all times. Parent 1. Parents must ensure that their children conform to the school codes. 2. Bring your children to class a few minutes early. Teachers will be available to receive the student s 15 minutes prior to start of each class. 3. Do not leave your children at the Masjid if none of the teaching staff are present. 4. Pick up your children once the class is over. Please arrange with the teacher if you are unable to do so on time. (Teachers are not permitted to leave the children on premises without a teacher, administrator, family member or someone that the parent has approved.) 5. Inform the teacher if your child will be absent from a class. 6. Do not call/telephone the teacher during class hours. (Unless in emergency). The teachers may be contacted before or after class hours. 7. Parents are to meet with teachers regularly to review the progress of the child. (Appointments may be set outside of the teaching hours.) 8. Inform the teacher of any special requirements of the child. 9. For any queries or recommendations, contact the principal, teachers or member of the PTA. Volunteers 1. Abide by, establish and represent all terms and conditions within the constitution and bylaws of the Islamic Association of Fort Worth. 2. Assist office bearers with their duties. 3. Get capable people to participate in the activities of the Masjid. 4. Report status of current duties that were assigned by the Shura. 5. Report all outstanding issues & missed deadlines and any significant discrepancies to the Shura. ARTICLE VII ISLAMIC SCHOOL Mission: To provide educational programs offered at the Masjid with a single administration, uniform approach, and a comprehensive vision, in the light of the Qur an and the prophetic Sunnah with guidance from the Ulema. Guiding Principles: Page 7

1. The school staff shall accord the highest priority to the interest of Islam in the light of Qur an and the prophetic Sunnah, and shall be guided by the madhab of the four illustrious imams. 2. The interests of the community in general and every individual in particular shall be accorded the next highest priority. This entails the selection of courses to the taught, material to be used, facilities to be used, and instructors to teach the courses shall be among best available within the limitations of the community. 3. To ensure that the educational programs are get the assistance they need. 4. To ensure that the students are benefiting from the programs. 5. To ensure a unified vision of educational programs, and that each program support the others. 6. To ensure that the educational needs of the entire community are met within the limitations of the Masjid. ARTICLE VIII ACTIVITIES Any activity permitted by the following will be allowed in the Masjid. 1. The Qur an. 2. The Hadith. 3. Any of the four recognized Mazhabs. 4. Consensus of the Ulema. (Ijma) Those engaged in the following activities will not be permitted to lead Salaat or conduct any program on Masjid property. 1. Vilify the Ambiyaa or Sahaabah. 2. Vilify part/s of the Qur an, Shariah or Sunnah. 3. Attack or condemn the Ulema. 4. Intend harm to the Muslim community or to the IAFW. 5. Misguide the Muslim community. 6. Create disunity in the Ummah. (E.g. refuse to make Salaam to Shura members or Muslims of the community, refusal to pray behind the recognized Imams.) In the event of a conflict of interest, following will be required. 1. Notify the Shura. 2. Recuse from the decision making process. ARTICLE IX MOTOR VEHICLES Motor Vehicles 1. No person may drive a Masjid vehicle without the express written permission of the Masjid shura. The Shura may change its decision without notice. 2. Vehicles are to be used exclusively for Masjid and school purposes. In the event of an emergency, the shura may agree that the vehicle can be made available for private use, the responsible person agrees to reimburse the IAFW at the full market rate as stated by the major rental car companies. 3. The driver agrees to update the logbook with all mileage. 4. It is the duty of the person using the vehicle to ensure that the vehicle is in SAFE running order and is free of damage before accepting responsibility for the vehicle. 5. Any person utilizing the vehicle (as a driver or passenger) agrees to do so at his/her own risk and will not hold the IAFW or its members responsible for any damage or loss that occurs thereof. 6. The driver is to provide a copy of his/her driver s license and vehicle insurance certificate prior to driving the vehicle. The Masjid insurance is to be utilized (for a specific person and duration) only with the express, documented, prior permission of the Masjid shura. Page 8

7. No person may drive the vehicle unless he/she has a valid drivers license AND vehicle insurance that will cover the Masjid vehicle. 8. The driver of the vehicle assumes full liability for the vehicle and is responsible for returning the vehicle undamaged and CLEAN. In the event the vehicle is damaged or any loss is incurred by the IAFW, the person who assumed responsibility for the vehicle shall bear the full cost of all claims, repairs, insurance deductible or any other cost the IAFW or its members may incur thereof. 9. It is the duty of the driver to familiarize himself with the rules and to ensure that all passengers agree to the rules prior to entering the vehicle. Terms of Employment: - ARTICLE X Duties, Responsibilities & Terms of Employment of Imam 1. Legal US resident with authorization to work in the US. 2. Have good communication and interpersonal skills, and be fluent in English. 3. Have an in-depth understanding of Qur an, Hadith and Tajweed. 4. Highly motivated, exercise punctuality and maintain regular attendance. 5. Display good conduct and be a good example to the community. 6. Maintain a good working relationship with both the Board of Trustees, and, the Masjid shura. 7. Report to a person appointed by the Masjid shura Center as well as a person appointed by the Board of Trustees. 8. The Imam will uphold the laws of the Qur an and Sunnah at all times as described in the constitution of the Islamic Association of Forth Worth. The Imam is to be a follower of one of the four recognized Imams, and, has have respect for the fiqh of all people of the Sunnah. 9. The Imam agrees to abide by, and uphold the constitution of the Islamic Association of Forth Worth at all times. 10. A thirty-day written notice from the Imam or the Board of Trustees can terminate this contract. 11. In the event that the Imam commits major sins or commits felony actions, this contract may be terminated immediately by the Board of Trustees. 12. This contract may be revised by mutual agreement of the Imam and the Board of Trustees. Responsibilities of the Imam: - 1. Assist in building, uniting and leading the community. 2. Establishing quality education to the community. This may include a. Oversee the Daily Madrasah, Tahfeez program, Weekend school and Summer School Program. b. Make the taalim, tarbiyah and instill the mizaaj of daw ah in the students. c. Co-ordinate regular programs and activities for the youth / children. d. The days and hours may be adjusted in consultation with the administration for the convenience of the students. Page 9

3. Responsible for the 5 daily Salaat, including the Janazah, Eid and Taraweeh Salaat. (Day off must be scheduled in co-ordination with the Masjid shura. Imam must arrange a suitable backup when unavailable. ) 4. Responsible for the daily taalim / durs program in the Musjid. 5. Invite outside guests to conduct programs at Islamic Center. 6. Be available for social services to the community (office time) for 10 hours per week that includes. a. Nikahs / Talaaq b. Individual Consultation c. Parent Child Counseling d. Marital Counseling e. Mediation and Arbitration for the community, etc. 7. Investigate Fatwa s on behalf of IAFW. 8. Engage in Daw ah that includes. a. Encourage people to come to the Musjid. b. Follow-up on Muslim Community. c. Visit the sick. d. Iinvite scholars from diverse back grounds that follow the Sunnah and the four respected imams. e. Oversee New Muslims classes as needed. f. Develop relationship with other Imams and community leaders. 9. Represent the IAFW in conferences, ijtimas, meetings, conventions, Annual Imam s conferences, etc. Reasonable expenses (Board, lodge & transport) will be reimbursed when valid receipts are provided. 10. Assist the Shura in raising funds for the IAFW, but is not required to be the primary fundraiser. 11. The Imam will not be responsible for the administration. He will however a. Make recommendations. b. Serve as an advisor to the Shura and any of its committees. c. Reject or reverse any decision of the Masjid shura or its committees in matters that do not conform to the Shari ah. d. Review and change the content of programs taught that is contrary to the Qur an or the Sunnah. 12. The Imam has full authority over the Musallah (e.g. decide who is permitted to lead the prayers or conduct programs, how they are to be conducted, etc.) but the Shura may make any recommendations. Disagreement resolution: - 1. The Imam and Shura have two distinct roles and responsibilities that must be respected by both parties. 2. In the case of a disagreement or dispute between the Masjid shura and the Imam, both parties must present their cases to the Board of Trustees who will arbitrate over the disagreement. In all instances, the decision of the Board of Trustees will be final. Page 10