Core Values

• It is very important to have this as the most important core value 

• It should be Sunni, mainstream Islam and allowing for cultural differences within Islamic guidelines

• It should guide the policies, programs, and planning

• It should also be used to resolve any disagreement

• Compassion, mercy and love must be the main theme of the masjid

• Everything should be done to make people love and care for each other even on the expense of other issues. This should be always a priority

• This does not only apply to the Muslim community but should be extended to the non-Mslim community as well.

The reality

• Muslims meet each other at masjid and say salam

• Often, they do not know the name of each other and anything else about each other

• Activities at the masjid are A-La-Cart like a YMCA

• Most family functions happen outside the masjid and between ethnic groups 

• Power struggle within the masjid administration often lead to alienation and divisions

The problem

• The community in most masjids do not have a system of knowing everyone, checking on them, knowing their issues, make them feel valued and part of a strong supportive community.

• Masjid administration often lacks a fair system of election and accountability

Solution: true brotherhood

• Respect: everyone is expected to be very courteous and respectful

• Inclusion and diversity: every Muslim is welcome regardless of ethnic background

• Justice and equality: all members have the same rights, responsibilities, opportunities and access

• Accountability: every member has a clear expectation, job responsibilities and objective performance evaluation

• Support and protection: every member should be well known and checked on regularly and supported through any difficulty

• Unity: no divisions or alliances are allowed. Community must always be one

• Organization: there must be a strong system that connect people so they may help, uplift and mentor each other

• Conflict resolution: there must be a body that would not leave any hanging conflict. This body should be able to resolve issues between members themselves, between members and the board and even between different masjids

• Every member must have a responsibilty to serve

• Every member must be given the equal opportunity to serve

• Programs must be organized in a way that allows plenty of volunteerism, cooperation, talents, and innovation

• Sevice must be recognized, appreciated and rewarded publically (based on objective performance evaluation)

• Service must be provided to members and non-members, to Muslims and non-Muslims

• Adequate structure, bylaws and policies

• Clear and non-conflicting rules

• Rules are to be followed by everyone equally (periodic independent audit will insure that)

• Everyone has a clear job description

• Disciplinary actions must be also clear, proportionate and equaly applied to everyone

• Equality in rights and privelages

• Equality in responsibilities

• Equality in evaluation, promotion and discipline

• Equality in opportunity and access

• Equality in represenation

• Bylaws and policies are clear and public

• Financial records and compensations are available for members to review

• Meetings are recorded, written (including who voted for what), and available for members to review

• Members attendance of meeting is allowed (except separtae small session for confidential matters)

• General assembley at least once a quarter with real disclosures, discussions and decisions

• Responsible people have a clear job description and there is an objective process for evaluation

• Performance records are also available to the members

• Internal and external audits are performed periodically (quarterly for and annually for external) and results are available to the members

• All records are safely kept in a way that does not allow tampering or violation of privacy

• All functions and positions have clear job describtion

• All functions and positions have a process of objective and independent performance evaluation

• All functions and positions have a process of objective and independent internal and external audit

• All evaluation of performance and audits are available to the members

• All decisions are documented in minutes and available to the members

• All positions placement and dismissal are based on elction, clear qualifications and performace evaluations mentioned above