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IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, MOST BENEFICENT, MOST MERCIFUL The Constitution of Muslim Association Forum, Ireland (MUSLAF) 163 South Circular Road, Dublin, Ireland. Preamble All thanks and praises belong to Allah (SWT), The Lord and Sustainer of the Worlds. We testify to the Sovereignty of Almighty Allah as the source of all powers and laws and we also testify to the Prophethood of the holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as the last and the seal of all Prophets. We propose to promote and propagate the Islamic faith to people of all walks of life, as revealed by the Holy Qur’an and peacefully practiced amongst ourselves, in harmony with our neighbours and the society; to be at peace with all mankind irrespective of their faith, sect, creed or religious belief. As vicegerents of the Almighty on earth, we earnestly believe Allah’s Guidance is guaranteed through the holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). NAME The name of this organisation shall be Muslim Association Forum (MUSLAF), Ireland, referred to in other sections of this Constitution as “the Association”.

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Page 1: The Constitution of Muslim Association Forum, Ireland file2 Address - 163 South Circular Road, Dublin 8. The adopted motto for this organisation shall be “Believers are the protectors

IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, MOST BENEFICENT, MOST MERCIFUL

The Constitution of

Muslim Association Forum, Ireland (MUSLAF)

163 South Circular Road, Dublin, Ireland.

Preamble

All thanks and praises belong to Allah (SWT), The Lord and Sustainer of the Worlds. We

testify to the Sovereignty of Almighty Allah as the source of all powers and laws and we

also testify to the Prophethood of the holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as the last and the

seal of all Prophets. We propose to promote and propagate the Islamic faith to people of all

walks of life, as revealed by the Holy Qur’an and peacefully practiced amongst ourselves, in

harmony with our neighbours and the society; to be at peace with all mankind irrespective of

their faith, sect, creed or religious belief. As vicegerents of the Almighty on earth, we

earnestly believe Allah’s Guidance is guaranteed through the holy Prophet Muhammad

(PBUH).

NAME

The name of this organisation shall be Muslim Association Forum (MUSLAF), Ireland,

referred to in other sections of this Constitution as “the Association”.

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Address - 163 South Circular Road, Dublin 8.

The adopted motto for this organisation shall be “Believers are the protectors of each

other” – Qur’an 9, Verse 71.

MISSION STATEMENT –To propagate correct Islamic creed

AIMS & OBJECTIVES

The following shall be the main objectives of this Islamic organisation:

1. To follow the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah of RosuluLlah (SAW).

2. To engage in and support charitable activities and endeavors.

3. To support any institution or group of people that is willing to pursue goals similar to

ours but lacking the required capacity.

4. To promote, foster, encourage and sustain religion of Islam.

5. To teach and encourage spiritual empowerment of individual members through

supplication and dhikr.

6. To organise religious activities such as lectures, debates/symposia, naming

ceremonies (Aqeeqoh), weddings (Nikkah), funerals (Janaazah) and other spiritual

needs of our members.

7. To inculcate the spirit of goodness and unflinching faith in accordance to the

teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).

8. To promote and support youth affairs and youth development in the community.

ARTICLE I

MEMBERSHIP & REGISTRATION

Part A

The membership of this Association is open to the following:

1. A Muslim of good character who is sane.

2. Anyone that is ready to accept the Islamic Faith.

The Executive Committee must ensure that, there is a membership form, which must be

completed by every member including the online registration where applicable. This will

contain details of each member, the address and other relevant information. The general

Secretary shall keep a record of information in a safe place (Confidentiality).

Part B

A member of the Association shall:

1. Uphold the teachings of Quran and Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), fear Allah

and be pious.

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2. Attend meetings and events regularly - See Bye law for details.

3. Pay the monthly due and yearly subscription and any other levy as at when due and must

be up to date in his/ her financial commitment- See Bye law for details.

4. Contribute spiritually and morally to the objectives, well-being and growth of the

association.

5. Members should be willing to Propagate and invite people to Islam (Da’awah).

6. Be willing to accept in good faith appointments or selections whenever called upon to

serve in the association.

7. Every member is highly encouraged to seek and acquire Islamic knowledge to facilitate

the practice of his /her faith.

8. Freely share the acquired Islamic knowledge and other technical skills within the

association.

N.B - The above no 1 & 3 are of the most important core /compulsory parameters to

define a person who is termed an active member of MUSLAF.

Part C

The criteria for qualification as honorary member of the Association are as follows:

a. Any member who had stayed outside Ireland continuously in excess of 12 calendar

months.

b. Members who, by virtue of location, deemed honorary member can be subject to

reactivation in the event of subsequent return to Ireland.

c. Renowned philanthropic Muslims who have contributed to the growth of Islamic faith

and prepared to support the association.

d. Where an existing active member meets (a) and (b) above, he/she shall be deemed

honorary member.

e. Honorary members are not allowed to vote in the decision makings of the Association.

Part D

Membership can be terminated by the following circumstances:

● Voluntary withdrawal or resignation of a member.

● Apparent disregard towards the tenets of the Islamic Faith without any remorse

(At-Taubah).

● On the advice of the disciplinary Committee.

● Gross misconduct and financial misappropriation (Ref. ARTICLE X11 for details).

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● Death.

ARTICLE II

SOURCE OF FINANCE

Part A

The primary source of income for this Association shall be from the following;

● Monthly and ad-hoc contributions from members.

● Voluntary gifts and donations from Halal sources.

● Proceed from Islamic gatherings and sales of items.

● Government grants and other grants excluding interest related (usury) and lotto

funding.

● Other Islamic sources agreed by the current Executive officers.

● All sources of income shall be adequately verified to be Islamically lawful before

being accepted unless it is not possibly available.

Part B

Expenditure Mandate

The Executive Committee is collectively responsible for the disbursement of the

Association’s fund. Therefore, it has the power to set up auditory and control measures on

all expenses; by officers, committees or both. The Ameer has the responsibility to approve

expense attached to the imprest system (Petty Cash). Any expense exceeding €500 and up

to €5000 requires the approval of the Executive committee, and any expense in excess of

€5000 must be referred to the general house.

Accounts

● The Association shall operate a current account with a bank approved by the

Executive Committee.

● The Financial Secretary/Treasurer shall operate a petty cash account of €500 only

at any given time. Any surplus fund shall be deposited into the Association’s bank

account(s).

The following accounts shall be submitted by the Financial Secretary/Treasurer on

quarterly basis;

● Income & Expenditure accounts,

● Balance Sheet,

● Relevant notes to accounts.

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Finance Committee shall read on quarterly basis its summary of financial report at

the Joint sittings.

ARTICLE III

For effective management of the Association’s affairs and to enhance the achievement of

its objectives the following officers shall be responsible for the management of the

association;

1. Ameer

2. Ameerah

3. General Secretary

4. Assistant Secretary (F)

5. Financial Secretary/Treasurer

6. Assistant Financial Secretary/treasurer (F)

7. Social/Welfare Secretary

8. Assistant Social/Welfare Secretary (F)

9. Ex Officio member

10. Auditor (Non-Executive Independent External Entity)

Part A

Powers and Limitations

11. The Executive Committee (officers 1 to above only) shall be the management

committee for the Association, suitably aided by Ex Officio member and Head

Missioner who shall act in advisory capacity to execute special duties. The Executive

Committee is the highest authority committee where policy statement, decision and

action matters. Members of the Executive Committee shall sit for a period of two

years, commencing one month after the election. This one-month should be regarded

as a period of transition from the outgoing Executive to the new Executive. Its

decisions are binding and final upon members and all other committees. Such

decisions can only be overruled by two-thirds majority of all members present at

the general meeting or any meeting of the general house called for the purpose of

rescinding such Executive decision. Signatures of 50% of the total membership must

be obtained in order to call a special general meeting for any purpose. To form a

quorum at a general meeting where any important decisions are to be made, a

minimum of 66% or 2/3 of members in attendance.

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The Executive Committee

1. Shall consist of the above–named eight elected officers and one elected ex-officer.

2. Ameer shall chair at all Executive sittings, in whose absence the General Secretary

acts. If the General Secretary is not present, the ex-officio shall act on his behalf.

3. This committee must operate as a team for the sake of Allah (SWT).

4. Decisions must be taken democratically and a simple majority of the members of the

Executive present shall carry the vote.

5. The presence of six Executive members or 60% of total number of Executive should

be enough to form a quorum at any sitting.

6. The Ameer (or his representative) shall abstain from voting except when there is

deadlock. The advisory members of the Executive Committee shall be non-voting

members of the Committee.

7. Any member of the Executive shall be able to call a meeting by serving timely

notification to the Ameer and the General Secretary.

8. This Committee reserves the right and power to inaugurate sub committees,

nominate, select or appoint members of the group to any position they deem fit.

9. Shall regulate and administer its affairs without interference from third parties, no

matter how influential.

10. This committee (with Board of Trustee) shall be regarded as being the Charity

Trustees as defined by section 97 of the Charities Act 1993.

11. The Executive Committee headed by Ameer shall be at all time coordinates all our

halaqoh or association meetings except spiritual aspect by the Da’awah Committee.

ARTICLE IV

Part A- Ameer

Nominee for this position must have been male member of the general house and regular

attendant for a minimum of one-year.

The post of the Ameer should be regarded as first among equal and shall attract the

following duties;

1. Act as the spiritual head until the head missioner emerged (Ref. to Part K, Article V

and VI).

2. Be responsible as the administrative head of the association.

3. Act as the head and co-ordinator of the Executive and at general meetings.

4. Uphold the tenets of Islam to pursue the objectives of the Association.

5. Signatory to the Association bank account(s) and other official documents.

6. Request the General Secretary to call Executive meetings. Has the deciding vote in

a deadlock vote.

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7. Maintain an open style of administration by allowing other officers to contribute

fully to the management of the group affairs.

8. Frequently report to the general house and particularly reading of the annual report

at the general meetings

9. Must present report of the Executive tenure at the end of his tenure

10. Delegate duties to other officers as and when deemed fit. He has the power to

report any contravention of the constitution by any member.

Part B- Ameerah

Nominee for this post must have been female members of the general house and regular

attendant for a minimum of one-year.

The post of the Ameerah shall attract the following duties;

1. Act as the head and co-ordinator of the sisters’ wing of the Association.

2 Uphold the tenets of Islam to pursue the objectives of the Association.

3 Ameerah shall liaise with the other female Executive members and a report

forwarded to the Executive.

4 Organise events for the sister’s wing.

Part C – General Secretary

Nominee for this post must have been male members of the general house and regular

attendant for a minimum of one-year. The duties of the General Secretary shall be as

follows;

1. To call meeting upon request by the Ameer.

2. To Compile and keep the register of the group membership.

3. To be the official signatory for the entire Association correspondence.

4. To be in charge of preparing the agenda for the Executive meetings, general

meetings and special general meetings in consultation with the Ameer

5. To be responsible for the issuing letters of appointment, suspension and other

instrument of office to appointees.

6. To be the custodian of the Association’s Constitution, seal, documents, property and

information.

7. To be responsible for day-to-day reporting of the Association’s affairs to the

committees, officers and the general house at all times.

8. To take minutes at all meetings, have the power to delegate any duties to the

assistant when the need arises.

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9. Shall undertake any other duties assigned to him by the Executive Committee or the

general house.

10. To deputise for the Ameer whenever the need arises.

11. Act as the Public Relation Officer

The duties of the Public Relations Officer shall be as follows:

1. Shall be responsible for circulating letters and invitations

2. Work closely with the Ameer and the General Secretary to establish and maintain

contact with other Muslim organizations.

3. To be responsible for informing the Association and the Executive about the

presence of visitors/guest at all gatherings

4. To be responsible for positive promotion of the Association’s image

5. To be responsible for issuing and signing press releases after it has been sanctioned

by the Executive Committee.

6. Shall assist the Mission Board in the collection of religious literatures from local

and overseas donors.

PART D –Assistant Secretary

Nominee for this post shall be female member of the general house and regular attendant

for a minimum of one-year.

The duties of the Assistant General Secretary shall be as follows;

1. To issue letters, arranging meetings and taking minutes at such meetings in the

absence of the General Secretary.

2. Shall assist the General Secretary in any other administrative duty delegated to her

and executing his duties.

3. To assist the General Secretary as the public relation officer

PART E – Financial Secretary/Treasurer

Nominee for this post shall have been member of the general house and regular attendant

for a minimum of one-year.

The duties of the Financial Secretary/Treasurer shall be as follows;

1. Shall follow established practice and proper procedure in payment of cash and

settlement of bills on behalf of the association.

2. Shall be responsible for record keeping and updating in terms of monies received

and disbursed on behalf of the Association.

3. Shall be responsible for maintaining the Association’s money in an approved bank(s).

4. Shall keep bank documents and correspondence on the Association’s behalf.

5. Must submit all records and documents to internal and external auditors whenever

necessary.

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6. Shall be one of the signatories to the Association’s bank accounts.

7. Shall maintain a monthly cash box (not exceeding €100) for emergencies.

8. Shall receive all monies collected on the Association’s behalf immediately.

9. Shall be the chairman of the Finance Committee.

10. Shall inform the Association on all financial matters and must also inform the

Executive Committee and the general house of the financial state of the Association

at all times.

11. Be assigned other duties as and when the need arises.

Other Duties includes;

1. To collect monies on behalf of the Associations at all occasions.

2. To collect and maintain a comprehensive record of monthly contributions from

members including donations, levies and grants.

3. To assist the Treasurer in maintaining financial documents and records.

4. He must work closely with the treasurer in order to accomplish financial targets

such as fund raising activities

5. Keep an up-to-date account of the Association’s income and expenditure

6. Responsible for the sale of Islamic journals, tapes video and other materials

7. Shall maintain monthly imprest (not exceeding €500) for exigencies. All other sums

of monies shall be paid directly to the association account(s).

PART F – Assistant Financial Secretary

Nominee for this post shall have been female members of the general house and regular

attendant for a minimum of one-year.

Her roles are similar under the Financial Secretary/Treasurer but must act in assistant

capacity.

PART G – Social/Welfare Secretary

Nominee for this post shall be member of the general house and regular attendant for a

minimum of one-year.

The duties of the Welfare Secretary shall be as follows:

1. Shall maintain a register containing a list of names, contact phones, email and

addresses of all members.

2. To ensure that the register is signed each week by members in order to follow up on

absenteeism.

3. Shall contact members and establish reasons for their absence

4. Shall keep records carefully and report to the Executive Committee whenever

necessary.

5. Shall be the chairman of welfare committee.

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6. Shall see to the general well-being of all members.

7. Shall review the membership list for update on yearly basis.

Other Duties includes;

Nominee for this post must have been members of the general house and regular attendant

for a minimum of one-year.

The duties of the Social Secretary shall be as follows:

1. To be responsible for provision of food, refreshment and Islamic

entertainment/educational programme at gatherings of the Association.

2. To account to the Executive Committee for all the expenses incurred in the

provision of food and refreshment.

3. To advise the Executive Committee on all matters of social nature.

4. Must exercise all powers given to the Social Committee.

PART H - Assistant Social/Welfare Secretary

Nominee for this post must have been female member of the general house and regular

attendant for a minimum of one-year.

Her roles are similar under the Social/welfare Secretary but must act in an assistant

capacity.

PART I –Ex-Offico Member

There shall be an Ex-offico member, who must be any member of the preceding Executive

Committee. His duties shall be as follows:

1. To assist the Executive Committee in duties which are not undertaken by any

member of the Executive (special duties).

2. Share the wealth of experience acquired in previous elected position with the

present Executive committee.

3. Swiftly assume the role of any missing Executive officer where necessary.

PART J – Internal Auditor

Nominee for this post shall be member of the general house and regular attendant for a

minimum of one-year.

The duties of the internal auditor shall be as follows:

1. Shall be a non-Executive independent person/body.

2. Shall be responsible for monitoring and supervising the Association ‘s finances

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3. Shall have the power to seek and scrutinize financial documents and records at any

time of the year.

4. Shall ensure that all necessary books of accounts are maintained.

5. Shall set up or advise the Finance committee to set up (for review) necessary

internal controls to safeguard our assets.

6. Shall recommend to the Executive Committee solutions to financial problems.

7. Shall prepare annual audit report of the Association’s finances at the end of each

financial year.

8. Shall work in conjunction with appointed external auditors.

9. To ensure procedural compliance as it relates to each elective position.

Financial Reporting Officer/Compliance - Non Executive Post

Part K- Head Missioner

This office shall be the only full-time position in the Association and the appointed person

for the position shall be employed as a paid staff of the Association. Adverts shall be

published to attract the most suitable candidates in terms of Islamic and contemporary

education, experience and other suitability criteria specified by the Executive Committee at

the time of recruitment.

The Head Missioner is the spiritual leader of the Association and he is responsible for the

teaching, guidance, maintenance and enforcement of religious matters to the whole

members of the Association. In order for these goals, which are the main thrust of the

Association to be achieved, other missioners, which shall be members of the Association of

at least one year regular membership shall be elected to work in the Mission Board. This

committee of Missioners, headed by the Head Missioner, shall be called the Mission Board.

In this light, the Head Missioner is a representative of the other missioners in the

Executive Committee. His duties shall be as follows;

i. Shall be the Association’s Imam.

ii. To advise the Executive Committee and the whole house on Islamic religious

matters within the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and the Hadith of the Prophet

Muhammad (PBUH), and within the limitations of the consensus of the Islamic

Imams, Scholars and Jurists.

iii. To participate in lectures, symposia, debates, marriages, naming ceremonies and

other religious committees of the group.

iv. Shall be responsible for the teaching and spiritual guidance of the Association’s

membership.

v. Shall carry out extra duties assigned by the Executive Committee.

vi. Shall carry out the duties of organising and operating a functional Modrasa

(Arabic school for children and adult).

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As the religious leader he would be expected to be and held accountable for being God-

fearing, knowledgeable, of good character, humble and lead a good example for the

others to emulate.

ARTICLE V

Mission Board

The Mission Board is the spiritual committee of the Association. It is the source of all

religious, spiritual and Islamic cultural initiatives. It is the nucleus around which all other

initiatives and objectives of the Association shall be based. As an integral committee of the

Association the qualification to be fulfilled by its members are as follows:

i. Male and female members of the Board should have sound knowledge of the

Qur’an and the Hadith.

ii. Must be seen to be committed to the cause of the Islamic faith.

iii. Must be of good character and of shining example worthy of emulation.

The appointment of the Head Missioner and the nominations of other members shall be by

the resolution of the Executive Committee. In extreme cases the general house shall

participate, through balloting, in electing the Missioners.

i. It is the responsibility of the Executive Committee to appoint or nominate

members who have fulfilled the above conditions into the Mission Board.

ii. Any member of the Association who also fulfils these conditions and is not

selected may apply to become member of the Mission Board, if there is a

vacancy. Such a member needs signatories of any ten regular members and a

sixty percent vote of the general house.

iii. It is the responsibility of the Executive Committee to advertise for the position

of Head Missioner and, or any other Missioner, subject to the approval of the

Executive Committee.

ARTICLE VI

In the event that a Head Missioner has not been appointed, a Da’awah Committee shall be

constituted, to perform the duties of the Mission Board in a temporary capacity, and a

member amongst them shall be elected as the Head using the following process.

i. Shall convene a special meeting to unanimously elect one of its members as Head.

ii. Otherwise will be selected by four-fifths majority of the Executive Committee

membership.

iii. As at last resort, a two-thirds majority of the special general meeting will be

sufficient to elect the leader.

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Duties of the Mission Board

The duties of the Mission Board shall be as follows:

i. To provide a collective leadership for the Association’s religious and spiritual

objectives.

ii. To organise and coordinate lectures, symposia, debates and workshops on

Islamic matters.

iii. To educate, teach, guide, motivate, and inspire the Association’s membership on

the Islamic faith.

iv. To organise religious knowledge and Qur’anic classes for both adult and children

members of the Association.

v. To uphold and adhere strictly to the principles of the Islamic faith in all affairs.

vi. To advise the Executive and the general house on matters of religious

importance such as press releases and public commitments.

vii. To be responsible for the spiritual obligations at all gatherings and ceremonies

organised by the Association.

viii. To maintain and run effectively the Association’s mosque whenever it is

established.

ARTICLE VII

Welfare Endowment fund

General

MUSLAF shall henceforth establish and operates a special fund account ‘the endowment

fund’ and shall be administered by the Executive.

The fund will cater for any urgent and genuine financial assistance of any form emanating

from an ‘active member’ of the Association.

By extension, such a fund shall also be made available for drawdown if a member is deceased

and it is difficult for the family to raise finance or the ‘shortfall’ after MUSLAF has

fulfilled its own obligatory part as detailed below (see Janaazah endowment section).

For the purpose of this section, the term ‘shortfall’ shall be the difference in monetary

terms between the actual janaazah endowment fund paid out by MUSLAF and the total or

estimated cost for a Muslim burial at the time of death.

Financial assistance to member

An active member in need of assistance shall:

● Be a MUSLAF member for duration of 2 years prior to application.

● Be a subscription paying member with arrears not more than 3 months at the time of

seeking for such financial assistance.

● Forward an application detailing purpose of seeking assistance, amount required,

when the money is needed, witness (es) to the circumstance(s) that lead to the

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financial request, repayment plan, etc., to the Ameer for presentation to the

Executive for deliberation.

● An emergency meeting must be conveyed if the nature of the request demands such

after initial appraisal by Ameer.

● The Ameer shall maintain confidentiality of information on the matter and only to

the Executive at the meeting conveyed for such deliberation.

● The Executive shall be fair and equitable in their deliberation with the fear Allah in

arriving at the best decision for the member.

● Where the inability to repay the loan amount is obvious, such a member shall be

denied of the loan with a detailed explanation in a letter sent to such member.

● No member of the Executive should be seen or heard to discuss freely with anybody

the affairs tabled before them in this matter.

● Disciplinary measure, warning, suspension and summary dismissal from office can be

issued to any Executive member who is proved to have violated this trust.

● The financial assistance that can be approved by the Executive must not be more

than €750 only.

● MUSLAF as an entity has no jurisdictional power to approve any amount in excess of

€750 jointly with the Executive.

● Any application denied with the applicant dissatisfied, such member can seek for

redress by an appeal at the Executive level, if denial continues, such member can

forward query to the grievance/conflict resolution committee for consideration.

However, if denial continues, such member can refer his case to the general house

where the decision of the house final.

● Approval of financial assistance is subject to financial and economic buoyancy of

MUSLAF itself as this takes priority. Such approval must not jeopardise the going

concern of MUSLAF in any way.

● Member is only permitted to request financial assistance at anytime.

● The repayment period allowed for such assistance is 6 months. No one is allowed to

be granted an extension except in some critical circumstances which must be

critically reviewed. Consideration for extension shall be at the discretion of the

Executive and such power is not exercisable for more than additional 2 months

extension.

● The general house has power to request the Ameer and Executive to lay before it

the management of the fund.

● An approval in principle is proposed that an initial sum of €10,000 be allocated to the

sub account head ‘the financial assistance endowment fund’ to cater for this

requirement subject to a Committee review and report back to the General House on

its modalities of establishing a separate a/c

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● No money should be removed from the Secretariat or any administrative A/C for

the Endowment as earmarked.

Janaazah Endowment Fund

Death is an inevitable entity and will descend without prior notice. In the event of demise of

any ‘active’ member of MUSLAF, an endowment fund shall be drawdown towards the

Janaazah service of the deceased to the amount of €1,000. Any shortfall to the total

expenses of the Janaazah shall be borne by the deceased family, relatives and friends.

The amount paid toward the funeral by MUSLAF shall be deemed a non-refundable ultimate

welfare package for our beloved departed member.

Eligibility to drawdown from Janaazah Endowment Fund

● Be a MUSLAF member for duration of 2 years prior to application and be active on

the membership list.

● Must have contributed morally, financially and technically while he/she was alive.

● Must be resident in Ireland at the time of death.

● Where an Adult eligible member was residing in Ireland at the time of death, he is

entitled to €1,000 for funeral in addition to MUSLAF Janaazah service of washing,

shrouding and burying. Where the deceased was an eligible child or teenager below

age 16, he will be entitled to €750 only.

● Where an Adult member was residing in Ireland at the time of death but not ‘active

member’, he/she shall be entitled to €500.

● Where an Adult eligible honorary member was residing outside Ireland for a

continuous period in excess of 12 months but not up to 36 months before his/her

death, such member will be entitled to €500 including MUSLAF Janaazah services

where feasible. Where the deceased was an eligible child or teenager below age 16,

he will be entitled to €350 only.

● Any Adult eligible honorary member who resides outside Ireland in excess of 36

months prior death, he/she will be entitled to only MUSLAF Janaazah services

where feasible, but no monetary entitlement. Same holds for a child or teenager

under age 16 in similar circumstance.

● Where the deceased member is not eligible to the fund, MUSLAF shall pay out only

€250 to support the family.

● Where the amount contributed by MUSLAF under this fund is insufficient to cover

the burial cost and difficult for the deceased family to raise money, they can avail

of the financial assistance endowment fund having satisfied those conditions stated

above.

● Overall, MUSLAF shall be responsible for the Janaazah services of washing,

shrouding and burying of all the members as detailed above unless otherwise stated

by the deceased prior to his/her death.

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ARTICLE VIII

Term of Office

All elected members of the Executive Committee shall serve for a period of two years for

each term in office. The Head Missioner shall have a renewable contract of 2 years, subject

to suitability for continued employment. Other members of the Mission Board shall have the

same tenure as members of the Executive Committee that inaugurates them.

Duration of Sub-Committee

The duration of all sub-committees with the exception of the Mission Board shall end at the

time allotted to it by the Executive Committee or simultaneously when the Executive

Committee disbands.

Sub Committee Bye laws

All sub committees can enact bye laws in accordance with the Quran, Hadith and the

association’s constitution with the Executive permission (job description) in order to

effectively carry out their responsibilities at all times.

ARTICLE IX

Part A

Sub Committees

The following sub-committees are recommended to be inaugurated by each Executive

Committee to support and assist it in the smooth running of the Association’s activities.

Additional sub-committees may be formed as the need arises. All acts and proceedings of

any sub-committee shall be fully and promptly reported to the Executive Committee which

has the full authority over all sub-committees.

● Finance Committee

● Social & Welfare Committee

● Hajj Committee

● Constitution Review & Amendment Committee

● Reconciliation & Disciplinary Committee

● Business Development Committee

● Electoral Committee (Shura)

● Secretariat Committee

● Da’awah Committee

● Children Affairs/ Education Committee

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Part B

Board of Trustees

This Committee shall be constituted as defined by section 97 of the Charities Act 1993.

i. This committee shall consist of not less than 3 members but no more than 7

members

ii. Appointment shall be based purely on merit and individual contributions to the

Association.

iii. Appointed BOT must have been an ordinary member of MUSLAF for 5 years.

iv. Serving period and if re-elected to the Board are for a period of 5 years each

with a maximum of 2 term limit.

v. In addition, all members elected to this committee shall be expected to meet

the same criteria, which apply to the election of any member of the Executive

Committee.

vi. At a special meeting of this committee it has the responsibility to appoint one of

its members as Chairman of the Board.

vii. Members elected into this committee can only be removed by a two-thirds

majority of the general house.

Duties and Responsibilities of Trustees

i. Members of this committee shall hold to trust all real properties and interest

therein on behalf of the Association.

ii. The trustees shall have power to approve on recommendation of the Executive

to purchase, take on lease, hire or otherwise acquire and hold on any land,

building or any tenure and real property in trust on behalf of the whole

Association.

iii. All benefits or profits accrued from any of the above must be declared in

writing and documents lodged with the Executive must be given back to the

Association.

iv. Trustees shall not convey, let out, or otherwise dispose of any property of the

Association without resolution of the Executive Committee.

v. A register of Trustees, stating their names, addresses, and other vital details

shall be kept by the General Secretary.

vi. Trustees must sign the annual financial report of the Association.

vii. Trustees can act as fundraisers for the association with the directive of and be

accountable to the Executive Committee.

viii. Trustees shall have power to operate trust account on behalf of the Association.

ix. Trustees shall have the power to be signatories to such accounts held on behalf

of the Association and such accounts are subject to scrutiny by the Executive

Committee and audited by appointed auditors, internal and external.

x. Trustees shall have the responsibility to the advice and guide the Executive

Committee.

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xi. Any Trustee can be assigned any duty as deemed fit by a simple resolution of

the Executive Committee.

Part C

Guideline/Procedure/ Mode of Operation- Children Committee

Administrative

● This Committee in line with the Constitution is responsible in whatever decision or

work delegated to it by the Executive Committee who appointed them into office.

● The Committee shall on resumption appoint a Secretary by majority vote/agreement

of members available at the sittings.

● Members must be present at all venue meetings and adhere strictly to widely agreed

meeting times.

● Meeting shall be held at least once in a month and emergency meeting can be called

by the Chairman.

● Collective decisions must be made known after deliberation and on majority basis.

● Any disagreement between members must firstly be sorted by within whole

Committee themselves.

● And if unresolved be directed to the Executive Committee for review.

Responsibilities

● Shall be responsible for preparing and providing Islamic lectures and lecturers for

children and Teenagers of varying age groups.

● Shall manage an arm for the affairs of the Teenagers and Young Adult of MUSLAF

with the permission of the Executive committee.

● This arm shall be called MYL (MUSLIM YOUTH LEADERS), see below bye laws for

the management of MYL.

● Shall provide comprehensive syllabus for the children, youth and Teenagers on other

social or educational fields.

● Providing events venues and Maintain meeting venue in suitable and conducive state,

e.g. Summer Camp, Annual Youth Conference etc.

● Effective running of crèche for children during the course of meetings in

collaboration with Social Committee.

● Shall be responsible for all the above duties whenever the Association is

participating jointly with other groups that concerns children areas.

● Shall be responsible for preparation, distribution of food and refreshments at all

sittings of the group with approval of Executive Committee.

● Budgetary provision should be sent to Executive Committee as early as possible for

review and approval.

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● This Committee shall be assisted by Social Secretary or report directly to the

Executive Committee for urgent and necessary advice for smooth running of

children affair.

i.

Resignation

● Any member who wishes to resign must inform the head of the Committee (The

Chairman) who will in turn liaise with the concerned party or parties as primary step

to resolve the issue. If unresolved need to call an emergency meeting of the whole

committee

● The Chairman to inform the Executive Committee within 24hrs through the General

Secretary.

● If unresolved need to call an emergency meeting of the whole committee

● Flexibility and Mutual Respect should be the watchword.

● Progress reports to be submitted and meeting held with Executive every 3 months

from date work commenced.

● Contact Executive Committee for advice or assistance on any issue not clear to the

Committee

BYE LAWS GOVERNING MYL

Aims and objectives of MYL (MUSLIM YOUTH LEADERS)

1. To serve as a nurturing arm and direct recruitment platform for the mainstream

organisation.

2. To serve as a vehicle of development from Adult-youth to Adulthood.

3. To provide a safe place where young people can meet on a regular basis and express

their minds.

4. To fully integrate young people into the curricula of the association.

5. To provide Islamic education to young people through programmes and activities

which enhance their Islamic knowledge, personal and social development.

6. To serve as a bridge to network and affiliate MUSLAF Youth with other Islamic

youth in Ireland.

Management of MYL

1. It shall be nurtured and managed by the Children Committee of MUSLAF through

appointed representatives.

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2. MYL shall elect its own working or Executive committee (comprises of the

coordinator, secretary etc) through the process of Shura to be managed by the

chairman of children committee or his representative.

3. A working committee shall spend one year in office and may continue for another

year on the advice of the majority members of MYL with the full knowledge of the

chairman of children committee.

4. Young people from 18 years of age shall automatically be members of MYL.

5. An individual shall seize to be MYL member and automatically migrate to the

mainstream organisation once he/she gets married. And shall be given a period to

migrate at his/her given time and or a combination of items 4 and 5.

Part D

Finance Committee

The duties of this committee shall be as follows:

i. Fundraising responsibilities, fund distribution and appropriation as approved by

the Executive Committee

ii. The management of general finances matters- receipts and expenditures.

iii. Responsibility to determine annual contribution of members, and recommend

such to the Executive Committee.

Composition

Consist of five members who are as follows: Ameer, Financial Secretary & Treasurer,

Auditor and a Missioner. This committee shall be chaired by the Financial

Secretary/Treasurer.

Part E

Social & Welfare Committee

i. Shall be responsible for preparation, distribution of food and refreshment at all

sittings of the group.

ii. Maintain meeting venue in suitable and conducive state.

iii. Effective running of crèche for children during the course of meetings

iv. Shall be responsible for all the above duties whenever the Association is

participating jointly with other groups. This committee is headed by the Social

Secretary.

Part F

Business Development Committee

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Terms of reference to be decided by the Executive Committee.

Part G

Electoral Committee (Shura Committee)

i. Shall be responsible for the organisation of elections (or by-election) for the

Association.

ii. Must be inaugurated at least one month before the slated date of election and

ceases to function one month after the election.

iii. Shall be responsible for scrutinizing potential candidate and announcing of

candidates nominated or seeking to be elected.

iv. Shall assess suitability of candidates based on the principles of Shura.

v. Must not only be fair, but must be seen to be fair and just in all its proceedings.

The Committee’s entire proceedings must be written down and file for other

purposes.

vi. Shall be responsible for the announcement of election results, immediately after

the counting of the ballot papers. This must be done not more than two hours

after such elections.

vii. The Shura Committee shall be given independence and flexibility to be able to

select the right candidate where the position requires a particular skill not

present in the people nominated.

Composition

This Committee shall consist of the following members appointed, selected or elected,

at a special meeting of the Executive and Mission Board.

This committee shall have 5 members, 2 of which should be missioners and 3 from the

general house. Members must be of impeccable character. All sittings must be

conducted openly and records must be kept. Make recommendations to the Executive

for final ratification.

Any Shura member can be considered for an elective position provided he or she has

met the criteria set for such position. This candidate must immediately resign from the

Shura appointment before the announcement of the Executive offices including the

inauguration of the new Executive.

Part H

Secretariat Committee

● Shall be responsible for finding a suitable secretariat for the association, either by

option of rent, leasehold or outright purchase.

● Shall be involved in the day to day running of the Association Mosque/Secretariat.

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● Shall work in conjunction with the Mission Board.

● The Committee shall be responsible and must be able to carry out the Associations’

functions as recommended by the Executive from time to time.

Part I

Reconciliation/Disciplinary Committee

This committee shall operate by the following guidelines:

i. Allegation must be thoroughly investigated before conclusions are drawn.

ii. Such allegation must be proved beyond reasonable doubt to be true. Where

necessary, witnesses must be called or documentary evidence must be supplied.

iii. In case of minor offences, members shall be given warning which must be

recorded in the Association’s disciplinary book and stringent penalties must be

avoided.

iv. Suspension, fine or removal shall only be applied in matters of gross misconduct

such as theft, fighting, misappropriation of funds, assaults on fellow members

and any other behaviour unbecoming of a good Muslim.

v. Any member of the Executive found to be grossly irresponsible or incompetent

could be removed from office by two-third majority at a special general meeting

upon the recommendation of both the Executive and Reconciliation/Disciplinary

Committee.

vi. Matters of corruption, gross misconduct, mismanagement or embezzlement of

the Association’s money shall warrant immediate return of the instrument

charged and, if necessary, the law of the land shall be applied.

vii. Where a member or serving Executive or committee member is affected by any

of the above misdeed, such must exclude himself/herself in further dealing to

avoid prejudice until a final decision is made on the incidence.

viii. Where there are sufficient evidences to suspend, the period of suspension shall

not be lower than one month and not exceeding 6 months.

Composition

This committee shall have 5 members, 2 of which should be Missioners and 3 from the

general house. Members of the committee must be of impeccable character. All sitting must

be conducted openly and records must be kept. This committee shall submit recommendation

to the Executive at the end of its sitting for final ratification.

ARTICLE X

Resignation Procedure

MUSLAF shall ensure members elected or nominated into any position, be it in Executive

Committee or Sub Committee capacity, adhere strictly to the basic norms enshrined in the

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Quran and Sunnah and also in the association’s constitution (as amended to date). This is

imperative considering the mutual trust that the office bestow on its occupier and the

attendant responsibilities and mannerism expected to be displayed by such occupier (Al -

Amaana).

Where the circumstance of the office holder changes and there is need to resign from

his/her elected position, he/she must follow the association’s due process as detailed below.

Resignation due to grievance/dispute

● Where resignation is resulting from dispute or general grievance over a matter, the

office holder should consult the Quran and Sunnah and exercise extreme patience.

● At all times, members are expected to demonstrate exemplary behaviour to emulate

our Noble Prophet Muhammed (saw).

● He/she shall not result to anger as a way of addressing the issue but rather follow a

more robust approach for dialogue.

● He/she shall ensure all avenues of dispute settlement are fully exhausted before

tendering any letter of resignation i.e. Reconciliation Committee.

● An aggrieved office holder shall inform Ameer (verbally or in writing) who must as a

matter of urgency avail of all best approaches to resolving the matter amicably.

● Where the matter cannot be resolved at this stage, then Ameer shall summon an

emergency meeting of the Executive within 2-5 days and table the matter before it

for deliberation.

● A three man panel committee is set up by the Executive to review the matter and

revert back within one week to the Executive in another emergency meeting.

● If deem fit, the Executive could engage the reconciliation/grievance/dispute

resolution committee to review the matter and report back to the Executive.

● If unresolved, then a meeting of the general house is called with Ameer intimating

the house of steps already taken prior to escalation.

● The decision of the general house is final on the matter.

● Where the grievance/ dispute emanates at the committee level, the chairman shall

anchor the resolution of the matter. If unresolved at the committee level, then such

matter is referred to the Ameer and ultimately the Executive for deliberation who

must follow the due process detailed above.

Resignation due to other reasons

● A letter of resignation shall be forwarded to the Ameer who will direct such letter

through the secretary general to the Executive committee for deliberation.

● The reason for resignation and effective date must be stated in the letter.

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● A reasonable notice period of at least a month should be given to such sudden

resignation.

● Ameer shall acknowledge the receipt of the letter and put forward for further

review of the Executive.

● An emergency meeting of the Executive must be summoned within 2-5days to

deliberate over the resignation and revert back to the office holder.

● Before accepting the letter of resignation, the exiting office holder must handover

all documents and properties of MUSLAF in his possession to the Ameer.

● The Executive shall summon the general house to a meeting to discuss such

resignation and re-election or re-appointment of another member to the post that

has become vacant.

● However, where such resignation is at the committee level, the chairman of such

committee shall acknowledge the receipt of the letter of resignation and forward it

to the Executive through the Ameer for deliberation.

● The Executive body shall follow the due process detailed above without summoning a

meeting of the general house. Replacement of such office holder shall be dealt with

at the Executive level.

ARTICLE XI

Code of Conduct

● Meetings shall be held at Association’s Secretariat or any other venue decided by

the group or its Executive Committee.

● Members are expected to be modest in their dressing, language and whatever they

do, for “Modesty brings nothing but good” (Bukhari & Muslim).

● Members are enjoined to be regular and punctual at all meeting.

● The command for order shall be “Salu ala nabiy ‘l Karim” and the respose shall be

“Sallallahu Alehi wa Sallam”.

● Members are enjoined to abandon rancour, side talks, or any other type of

misbehaviour.

● Members are enjoined to always act on the prophetic statement that: “Not one of

you believes until he/she wishes for his/ her brother/sister what he/she wishes for

him/herself” (Muslim & Bukhari).

● Teaching of the Islamic faith: “To make it known and clear to mankind and not to

hide it” (Qur’an 3:187).

ARTICLE XII

Part A

Annual General Meetings

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Annual general meetings shall be called at the end of each Muslim calendar year or this

could be fixed to coincide with the end of the month of Ramadan. The Executive Committee

shall have right to call these meetings. It is at these meetings that the Ameer gives his

opening speech, stewardship report and financial report by the officer concerned.

Part B

Special General Meetings

This type of meeting is normally called when there are deadlock issues that cannot be solved

harmoniously within the Executive, the mission board and other committees. It can be called

under the conditions mentioned earlier in the limitations of Executive powers above. Its

other duties will be as follows:

● The dissolution of the Association.

● Discipline of Executive Members who have erred in their responsibilities

● The appointment of Head Missioner and other missioners but only when there

is deadlock.

● Dissolution or/and checking the powers of Executive Committee, the Mission

Board or any of the sub-committees.

● Setting up of other branches of the Association elsewhere.

● In the event of any stalemate that cannot be resolved.

ARTICLE XIII

Amendments, Checks and Reviews of Constitutional Powers

The general house shall reserve the sole responsibility of altering, amending or inclusion of

any necessary constitutional provision and shall also reserve right to check and control the

excesses, or unpopular decisions, taken by either the Executive Committee or Mission

Board.

The constitution would be due for amendment every 5 years or as deem necessary by the

general house.

Decisions of this gravity must only be taken at special general meetings conveyed solely for

constitutional issues. For such decisions to be effective the following rules must be

fulfilled:

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● Any member or group of members, including elected officers wishing to

propose or raise a constitutional point must give four week notice to the

general house.

● Such proposals must be supported or signed by 75%, or three-quarters of

registered members.

● An ad hoc Constitutional Review Committee must be inaugurated to oversee

the whole affairs of amending the constitution and supervise its adoption.

● In order to pass any amendment or rescind an Executive or Mission Board

decision at this general meeting a two-thirds majority of votes of registered

members is required.

ARTICLE XIV

Dissolution of the Association

Dissolution of the Association shall be guarded by the provision of Article XII except with

the settlement of outstanding debts and renunciation or donation of assets to charities, i.e.

a mosque and Islamic educational institution or towards a charitable Islamic cause.

ARTICLE XV

Interpretation and Enforcement of this Constitution

The content of this Constitution shall be interpreted in plain English and in accordance with

the Oxford English Dictionary. It is binding on every member of the Association from 28th

April, 2018.

ARTICLE XVI

1. Income and Property

The income and property of the body shall be applied solely towards the promotion of the

main object as set forth in this constitution. No portion of the body’s income and property

shall be paid or transferred directly or indirectly by way of dividend, bonus or otherwise

however by way of profit, to the members of the association. No officer shall be appointed

to any office of the association paid by salary, fees, or receive any remuneration or other

benefit in money or money’s from the association. However, nothing shall prevent any

payment in good faith by the Association of:

a) Reasonable and proper remuneration to any member of the association (not being an

Officer) for any services rendered to the association.

b) Reasonable and proper rent for premises demised and let by any member of the

association (including any Officer) to the association.

c) Reasonable and proper out-of-pocket expenses incurred by any Officer in

connection with their attendance to any matter affecting the association;

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d) Fees, remuneration or other benefit in money or money’s worth to any Company of

which an Officer may be a member holding not more than one hundredth part of the

issued capital of such Company.

2. Winding – up

If upon the winding up or dissolution of the association there remains, after the

satisfaction of all its debts and liabilities, any property whatsoever, the same shall, in

accordance with section 92 of the Charities Act 2009, not be paid to or distributed among

the members of the association, but shall be given or transferred to another association

whose objects are similar to the main objects of the association, which other association

also meets the requirements of ours, such association to be determined by the members of

this association at or before the time of dissolution, or in default thereof by the

Commissioners of Charitable Donations and Bequests for Ireland, or the Charities

Regulatory Authority, when established, and if and so far as effect cannot be given to such

provision, then to some charitable object.

3. Additions, alterations or amendments

No addition, alteration or amendment shall be made to or in the provisions of this

Constitution for the time being in force unless the same have been previously approved in

writing by the Revenue Commissioners.

4. Keeping of Account

Annual audited accounts shall be kept and made available to the revenue Commissioners on

request.

Ameer………………………………………………. Gen. Secretary……………………………………

Date……………………………….. Date………………………………

Second Amendment

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This Constitution was amended on 29th April, 2018 and ratified by the general house.

Chairman Constitution & Amendment Committee …………………………………………..

Date…………………………..