In The Name of
Allah, The Most Merciful, The Most Beneficent
CONSTITUTION AND
BYLAWS
OF THE
ISLAMIC CENTER
OF BLACKSBURG, ICB
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ARTICLE I:
NAME AND NATURE
The name of the organization shall be ISLAMIC
CENTER OF BLACKSBURG (ICB). The ICB is a NON-PROFIT religious
organization which is registered with the Internal Revenue Services,
IRS, Tax ID Number 54-1531118.
ARTICLE II:
AIMS AND PURPOSES
The purpose of the organization is to please
ALLAH (SWT) by obeying His commands. It shall invite to all that is
good, enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong according to
Qur'an and Sunnah. Toward this end, the ICB shall;
a.
Establish an Islamic Center in Blacksburg. The
Center is to provide facilities for Islamic worships for the area
Muslims, including a Mosque, a Muslim School for Children and
adults, as well as facilities for community activities. The
facilities are to include a center for Islamic Da’wa in which
Islamic lectures, workshops, literature, etc. are made available to
the greater area community.
b.
Create an Islamic environment for the Muslim
community in Blacksburg where brotherhood and equality with no
discrimination among its members form the basis for all functions.
c.
Help Muslims to understand and practice Islam based
on Qur'an and Sunnah.
d.
Conduct religious, educational, social and other
activities according to Islam.
e.
Promote unity and joint action among Muslims.
f.
Endeavor to make Islam known to Non-Muslims.
ARTICLE III:
BASIC LAW
The following items constitute the BASIC LAW
which is unchangeable partially or completely.
SECTION 1. CRITERIA FOR THE
ORGANIZATION MEMBERS
a.
Their belief should be based on Qur'an and Sunnah
according to the methodology of the people of Sunnah and Jama'ah,
i.e. the four main Matha'hib; Hanafy, Maliky, Shafi'iy, and Hanbaly,
and other Muslims who base their understanding exclusively on Qur'an
and Sunnah of the prophet Muhammad (SAW) and the Sunnah of the four
rightly guided Caliphs (Abu-Bakr, Omar, Othman and Ali (may Allah
(SWT) be pleased with all of them).
b.
They should be of good Islamic conduct.
c.
The membership shall be immediately revoked if a
member does not comply with the criteria mentioned in 1.a and 1.b.
SECTION 2
Any Islamic Law, Shar'i, issue or matter in
the ICB is not a subject to be voted upon. It is to be referred
exclusively to the Imam of ICB for a verdict, see Art. XVI. If the
Imam is absent, it is to be referred for a verdict to the ICB Fiqh
council formed of three Fiqh scholars who fit the criteria mentioned
in 1.a and 1.b above. The choice of the three fiqh scholars is to
decided by the Shurah Council as detailed in Art. VIII, Sec. 3.
SECTION 3
All decisions and recommendations of the
organization should be within the framework of Qur'an and Sunnah
according to the methodology of the people of Sunnah and Jamma'ah.
All committees and councils of the ICB will
endeavor to ensure that decisions are reached through careful study
of relevant issues, gathering information from appropriate sources,
input from the committees and other ICB members, and debating the
issues in the various committees and councils meetings. Unity of
the Muslims and their active participation in the ICB activities and
functions should be sought in all decision making processes.
SECTION 4
The North
American Islamic Trust (NAIT) Inc. has the authority to
intervene to ensure/enforce compliance with the Basic Law.
ARTICLE IV:
NATURE & AFFILIATION
SECTION 1
The Islamic Center of Blacksburg shall be a
non-profit organization. No profit shall incur to the benefit of
any individual connected with the organization except in
consideration for services rendered.
SECTION 2
The Islamic Center building estate is the
property of the North American
Islamic Trust, NAIT. All the assets of Islamic Center are to be
transferred to NAIT (or other
Islamic Waqfs as seen by the ICB Shurah Council) in case the ICB is
to be dissolved (may Allah (SWT) forbid).
ARTICLE V:
MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 1
Any Muslim aged 16 years or more, whose
belief is according to Qur'an and Sunnah as stated in the ICB’s
Basic Law, who endeavors to practice Islam as a total way of life,
and lives in Blacksburg or the locale of the New River Valley of S.
W. Virginia, may become a member if he accepts the Constitution and
Bylaws of ICB.
SECTION 2
Any Muslim as specified in Art. V, Sec. 1,
who is interested in ICB membership, shall submit an application.
The application shall be reviewed by the Executive Committee.
Approved applicant shall become a member upon payment of annual
membership dues.
SECTION 3
The Executive Committee may suspend or expel
a member after appropriate hearing or reinstate a former member on
such terms and conditions deemed appropriate by it. The membership
shall be revoked by the Executive Committee if at any time a member
is found to be non-complying with the Basic Law.
ARTICLE VI:
ORGANIZATION
SECTION 1. GENERAL BODY
It shall consist of all members.
SECTION 2. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
The Executive Committee shall conduct the
affairs of ICB, coordinate the work of the different ICB Committees,
as well as implement the decisions of the Shurah Council.
SECTION 3. SHURAH COUNCIL
The Shurah Council shall oversee, guide, and
direct the work of the Executive Committee and all other Committees
of ICB. It shall appoint the Executive Committee President, ICB
Imam, and select the scholars of the ICB Fiqh Council. It shall be
responsible for electing new Shurah Council members. It shall have
the final decision regarding amendments to the ICB Constitution and
Bylaws, potential dissolution of ICB, integration with other
entities, and other ICB identity-related issues.
ARTICLE VII:
GENERAL BODY
SECTION 1. COMPOSITION
It shall consist of all ICB active members.
SECTION 2. FUNCTIONS
a.
To participate in ICB activities and functions.
b.
To volunteer to serve on ICB committees.
c.
To provide feedback and input to ICB officers and
committees.
SECTION 3. MEETINGS
a.
The general body shall meet at least once a year.
b.
Meetings shall be called by the Chair of the Shurah
Council or the President of the Executive Committee.
c.
Special meeting shall be called within two months by
the President of the Executive Committee when formally requested by
one third of the general body members.
d.
The meeting shall be presided by the President of the
Executive Committee.
e.
The members shall be informed about the time and
place of a meeting at least 14 days in advance.
f.
The presence of 40% of the members in the first
meeting and 30% in an adjourned meeting shall constitute a quorum.
g.
The recommendations reached in a quorum meeting are
to be submitted to a special meeting of the Shurah Council for
discussion and appropriate action.
ARTICLE VIII:
SHURAH COUNCIL (MAJLIS ASH-SHURAH)
SECTION 1. COMPOSITION OF SHURAH COUNCIL
a.
The Shurah Council shall consist of 5% of total
membership of ICB but at any time the minimum number of its members
shall be 3 and the maximum number 9.
SECTION 2. QUALIFICATIONS FOR SHURAH COUNCIL MEMBERS
a.
New members are appointed to the Shurah Council by
the current members of the council.
b.
A Shurah Council member must be a Muslim aged 20
years or more, who has been a member of ICB, and has served more
than one year as an ICB committee chair.
SECTION 3. FUNCTIONS OF SHURAH COUNCIL
The Shurah Council shall,
a.
Meet at least twice a year and when called for
special meetings.
b.
Call for a special meeting of the Shurah Council when
necessary.
c.
A Shurah Council meeting is deemed necessary if one
third of the total Shurah Council membership vote in favor of such a
meeting.
d.
Appoint the President of the Executive Committee.
e.
Approve guidelines for the Executive Committee and
other committees.
f.
Approve annual activity plan and annual budget.
g.
Approve any changes to annual activity plan and
annual budget if needed.
h.
Select the names of fiqh scholars whenever required
(see Art. III Sec. 2).
i.
Appoint IMAM for the Islamic Center and support him
by means mutually agreed upon.
j.
Election of new Shurah Council
k.
Approve Constitution and Bylaws amendments (except
the Basic Law).
l.
Discuss potential dissolution of ICB, integration
with other entities, or similar issues and take appropriate
decisions.
SECTION 4. PROCEDURES OF SHURAH
a.
The Shurah Council shall elect its own Chair.
b.
A Shurah Council seat shall be considered vacant if
the membership of a Shurah Council member in ICB is suspended, or
revoked, or a member; i) formally resigns, ii) leaves the area
continuously for six months or more, or iii) fails to attend three
consecutive meetings of the Shurah Council without being excused.
c.
A list of runner-ups for Shurah Council membership
shall be made at each annual election. In case of a vacancy, the
next runner-up shall be appointed to fill the vacancy on the Shurah
Council for the remaining term of the council.
d.
Meetings shall be called and presided on by the Chair
of the Shurah Council.
e.
The members shall be notified about the time and
place of a meeting at least two weeks in advance.
f.
The presence of three-fourth of the total membership
of the Shurah Council in the first meeting and two-thirds in an
adjourned meeting shall constitute a quorum.
g.
Shurah Council decisions are reached through careful
study of relevant issues, gathering information from appropriate
sources, input from the committees and other ICB members, and
debating the issues in the Shurah Council meetings.
h.
Unless specifically required otherwise by the
constitution and bylaws, the decisions in a Shurah Council meeting
are to be made by a two-thirds majority.
i.
A three-fourth majority of the total membership of
the Shurah Council is required for approval of amendments to the
Constitution and Bylaws and to register a vote of no confidence
against any of the members of the Executive Committee.
j.
A three fourth majority of the total membership of
the Shurah Council is required for approval of decisions related to
potential dissolution of ICB, integration with other entities, or
similar issues.
k.
All the Shurah Council decisions are final.
ARTICLE IX:
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
SECTION 1. COMPOSITION OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
a.
The Executive Committee shall consist of i)
President, ii) Vice President, iii) Treasurer, iv) Cultural &
Religious Activities Committee Chair, and v) Da’wa Committee Chair.
b.
The President of the Executive Committee shall be
appointed by the Shurah Council.
c.
The President of the Executive Committee shall
appoint the two other members to the Executive Committee; namely,
the Vice-President and the Treasurer.
SECTION 2. QUALIFICATIONS FOR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
MEMBERS
Members of the ICB Shurah Council are
eligible to become members of the Executive Committee.
SECTION 3. FUNCTIONS
a.
Conduct the affairs of the ICB.
b.
Implement decisions of the Shurah Council.
c.
Coordinate activities of different committees.
d.
Process membership applications.
e.
Determine annual membership dues.
f.
Appropriate funds for various committees, activities
and projects as part of the annual plan and annual budget as
approved by the Shurah Council.
g.
Ensure the registration of a student organization at
Virginia Tech.
h.
Maintain coordination and full cooperation with the
student organization.
SECTION 4. PROCEDURES
a.
The Executive committee shall meet as often as
necessary to conduct the affairs of the ICB.
b.
The decisions of Executive committee require approval
by at least majority of its members.
c.
An Executive Committees seat shall be considered
vacant if the membership of an Executive Committee officer in ICB is
suspended or revoked or an officer i) formally resigns, ii) leaves
the area continuously for four months or more, or iii) fails to
attend three consecutive meetings of the Executive Committee without
being excused by the President.
d.
A vacancy in Executive Committee shall be filled by a
new officer appointed by the President.
SECTION 5. President
The President shall be the executive officer
and responsible for:
a.
Appoint Chairs for Standing and ad-hoc Committees of
ICB.
b.
Directing and coordinating activities of all
committees so as to achieve the aims and purposes of ICB.
c.
Calling and presiding over the meetings of the
Executive Committee, the Shurah Council, and the general body.
d.
Reporting on the status of the ICB at least annually.
e.
Being the main spokesman, representative and
correspondent for the ICB in external affairs.
f.
Preparing an annual plan of activities for ICB and
presenting it to the Shurah Council.
SECTION 6. Vice President
The Vice President shall be responsible for;
a.
Assisting the President in directing and coordinating
activities of all committees so as to achieve the aims and purposes
of the ICB.
b.
Assuming the responsibilities of the President in his
absence.
c.
Preparing the agenda for the Executive Committee,
Shurah Council, and general body meetings.
d.
Keeping the minutes of the Executive Committee,
Shurah Council, and general body meetings and presenting the minutes
of previous meetings for approval.
e.
Notifying the members about the time and place of a
meeting.
f.
Keeping the ICB registered and in compliance with
state and US laws.
SECTION 7. TREASURER
The Treasurer shall be the Chair of the
Financial Committee and shall be responsible for;
a.
Maintaining the records of all financial
transactions, systematic upkeep of the books, checks, receipts,
writing disbursements and banking reconciliation.
b.
Prepares the annual budget proposal of ICB.
c.
Preparing and presenting a quarterly report on
finances to the Executive committee
d.
Being responsible for matters related to all
financial matters.
ARTICLE X:
STANDING & AD-HOC COMMITTEES
SECTION 1. STANDING COMMITTEES
The ICB shall have the following standing
committees:
Standing Committee List is given in the
appendix at the end of this document.
SECTION 2. AD-HOC COMMITTEES
Ad-hoc Committees may be appointed by either
the Executive Committee or the Shurah Council whenever it deems
necessary.
SECTION 3. PROCEDURES
a.
All committees shall work within the guidelines and
supervision of the Executive Committee.
b.
At the beginning of each year/semester, each
Committee Chair shall develop an annual/semester plan for his/her
committee activities. These plans shall be presented to the
Executive Committee for approval.
c.
Committee plans and guidelines must be approved by
the Executive Committee before implementation.
d.
Periodically, joint meeting between the Executive
Committee and Committee Chairs shall be held to discuss committee
plans and guidelines and monitor progress.
e.
Committee Chairs have the authority to execute
approved plans and will work with other Committees to ensure
coordination of work and to avoid conflicts.
f.
Changes to the approved plans and guidelines of
committees must be approved by the Executive Committee before it can
be implemented.
ARTICLE XI:
FINANCES
SECTION 1. REVENUES
The ICB shall be financed by membership dues,
income, donations and contributions. The Executive Committee may
accept any donation or contribution in any form and from any source
as long as it is consistent with the principles of Islam and
purposes of the ICB.
All funds collected or donated for a specific
cause or project shall be used only for that cause or project unless
specifically released by the donor(s).
SECTION 2. ANNUAL BUDGET
An itemized annual budget for ICB must be
developed by the Executive Committee and approved by the Shurah
Council. Changes in Expenditures exceeding 20% or $200, whichever
is smaller, of the budget of any of the items requires an approval
of the Shurah Council.
SECTION 3. ACCOUNTS
All accounts shall be interest free. If
approved by the Shurah Council money may be invested in investments
which satisfy Islamic criteria.
SECTION 4. ACCOUNTING SYSTEM
An accounting system for ICB must be
developed by the Treasurer and approved by the Executive Committee.
SECTION 5. FISCAL YEAR
Fiscal year shall be Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 of
each calendar year.
SECTION 6. AUDIT
The ICB accounts shall be audited once a
year. The results of the audit shall be reported by the Treasurer
to the Shurah Council by March 1 and made public after a review by
the Shurah Council.
ARTICLE XII:
ELECTIONS OF NEW SHURAH COUNCIL MEMBERS
SECTION 1. DATE OF ELECTIONS
The elections shall be held in April of each
calendar year. The date and time of elections shall be decided by
the Shurah Council.
SECTION 2. ELIGIBLE TO VOTE
All members of the ICB Shurah Council as well
as those who have previously served on the Shurah Council are
eligible to vote.
SECTION 3. COMPOSITION OF ELECTION COMMITTEE
An Election Committee shall be appointed by
the Shurah Council at least 45 days before each election. Members
of the Executive Committee and the Shurah Council can not be members
of the Election Committee.
SECTION 4. DUTIES OF ELECTION COMMITTEE
The Election Committee shall:
a.
Prepare a list of members eligible to vote. The list
shall be ready at least 30 days before an election.
b.
Determine number of Shurah Council seats to be filled
(see Art. VIII Sec. 1).
c.
Contact each person qualified to be a Shurah Council
member to find his willingness to serve as a Shurah Council member
and prepare ballots listing candidates.
SECTION 5. ELECTION PROCEDURE
a.
The election committee shall conduct elections as
follows;
b.
There shall be no nominees for membership of the
Shurah Council.
c.
Each voting member shall be provided a ballot
containing names of all persons qualified and willing to be Shurah
Council members.
d.
Each member shall vote for candidates of his choice.
e.
Candidates getting the most votes shall become Shurah
Council members.
f.
In case of a tie, the person who is the oldest in age
shall become the Shurah Council member.
g.
A list of runner-ups shall be prepared for filling
any vacancies during the term of the Shurah Council.
ARTICLE XIII:
CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS AMENDMENTS
SECTION 1
The
basic law can not be amended.
SECTION 2
All proposed
amendments should be signed by ten members or 10% of general body,
whichever is greater, two members of the Executive Committee, or two
members of the Shurah Council, and submitted in writing to the
Chairman of the Shurah Council, or the President or the Vice
President of the Executive Committee.
SECTION 3
After receipt of a proposed amendment(s), the
Chairman of the Shurah Council or the President of the Executive
Committee shall call a meeting of the Shurah Council within four
weeks to appoint an ad-hoc committee(s) to study the proposed
amendment(s).
SECTION 4
The ad-hoc committee(s) shall study the pros
and cons of the proposal and report its findings to the Shurah
Council. After the ad-hoc committee(s) reports its findings, the
Shurah Council shall discuss and vote on the proposal. An
affirmative vote by at least three-fourth or a difference of three
votes, whichever is greater, of the total membership of the Shurah
Council is required for the amendment to be adopted.
ARTICLE XIV:
DISSOLUTION
If a situation arises which makes dissolution
of the ICB inevitable, a special meeting the Shurah Council to which
all past Shurah Council members are invited to study the situation
and take the dissolution decision if necessary. The Shurah Council
shall handle the process of the dissolution. It shall make
arrangements to meet all liabilities and transfer remaining assets
to NAIT (or other Islamic Waqfs as they see appropriate).
ARTICLE XV:
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 1. INTERPRETATION OF CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS
In case of ambiguity or conflict between
different sections of the constitution and bylaws the interpretation
of the Shurah Council shall prevail.
SECTION 2. ADOPTION OF CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS
The Constitution and Bylaws shall be adopted
after it has been approved by the Shurah Council. After the
Constitution and Bylaws has been adopted by the Shurah Council it
shall be presented to the general body within one month. This event
declares the opening of the ICB organization for membership.
ARTICLE XVI: IMAM
Imam
referred to in Article III, Section 2 should be formally educated in
Fiqh. If there is no ICB Imam, three Fiqh scholars chosen by the
Shurah Council will be consulted on all Fiqh issues.
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