Conversations about Masjid Leadership 2: Finding the Right Imam

16 Comments

1. Pingback: Conversations About Masjid Leadership: Finding the Right Imam

2. 

   Imam Zia Sheikh

   June 21, 2011 at 2:37 AM

   Thanks for the favorable mention guys…appreciate it :-)

   Reply
3. 

   A. of the Salikeen

   June 21, 2011 at 10:54 AM

   I think the cape is a must.
   :)

   Jazakum Allah Khair for the video

   Reply
4. 

   Abdullah

   June 21, 2011 at 9:17 PM

   Does welcoming and accessible mean he bends over backwards and attends every party and function in town. What I have observed is those who are “welcoming” do not know where to draw the line. They will attend marriage functions in halls where there is all types of fitnah going on and he wouldn’t even turn his face away, let alone leave the place of sin.

   So how does a person become welcoming?

   Reply
5. 

   Abdullah

   June 22, 2011 at 12:04 PM

   Good video and thanks for removing one of my other comments.

   Reply
6. 

   ahmed

   June 22, 2011 at 5:53 PM

   jazakum Allahu khairan for an excellent discussion once again.

   Some questions:

   – Since it’s been seen that the usual “Islamic Studies” / “Sharia” degree may not be the best background for a generalist imam, what might that best background be theoretically? What makes a good community leader?

   (this brings up a very interesting side discussion as to what would be the ideal degree for an imam. Contemporary Islamic studies degrees are too academic and too focused on certain theological and jurisprudential issues as opposed to mentoring and counseling. Perhaps we need to brainstorm on this…)

   – What has been your experience as to Imam compensation offers? Are we starting to get close to the point that a young person could realistically consider such a position vs some other degree-requiring profession?

   – I’ve seen several masajid now where there is no Imam, or no full-time Imam, and almost all of the programs are run purely by volunteers, including Jumua khutbas. I’m really not sure what to make of this. Any comments or feedback on this trend?

   Reply
   • 

     ibnabeeomar

     June 30, 2011 at 12:24 AM

     best degree: they need some sort of islamic background, but again it depends on the role they’re playing. a larger community will need a senior or resident scholar who has an advanced islamic degree. a general community leader would probably need to be well versed in islamic studies and probably have a secular degree in management, communications, psychology, counseling etc.

     imam offers = getting huge for the right people. if someone got focused on developing themselves for that, it could be an extremely solid career option

     those communities that dont have anyone should really start investing in their core volunteers. send your khateebs to khateeb training [coming from qalam institute new years weekend], or send them to islamic intensives that are taking place in the US. they should also invest in sending them to leadership workshops and things of that sort. often times these are ppl volunteering on the side, and can take a couple of weeks here and there from their jobs and start getting some development. its not an idea solution, but if you have, say 4-5 competent guys who are level headed, and growing/developing, you can still have a strong community

     Reply
7. 

   sara

   June 25, 2011 at 9:13 AM

   Assalamua alaikum

   I get it, but not…also. Too many egocentric people are scrambling to be Imams. It doesn’t require a Ph.d. but it does require an extremely sound ground in Islamic History, Fiqh, Arabic and English and a solid grasp of the issues facing American Muslim communities, American culture, social service systems and general laws. These things, in 90% of people, require a formal education both in Islam, and a useful field in America. In addition, the personality must be suited to the position which means humility, true fear of Allah, empathy, and strength of conviction at the bare minimum. These are, unfortunately, among the rarest qualities in the Muslim Ummah.

   Sara

   Reply
8. 

   sara

   June 25, 2011 at 9:21 AM

   Salaams,

   I forgot to add that our mosque is looking for an Imam, but run completely on volunteers. Why? Can’t find anyone qualified who doesn’t have his own agenda. Is anybody out there?

   Benefits: forces us all to self-eduate more about Islam, keeps it real

   Drawbacks: no authority or legitimacy in eyes of brothers and sisters who insist on misbehaving and flaunting it as understandable or allowable in Islam, misleading others and often harming their love ones.

   Reply
   • 

     ahmed

     June 26, 2011 at 12:35 PM

     Can’t find anyone qualified who doesn’t have his own agenda
     

     as salaamu alaikum,
     Can you explain this, i don’t quite follow what this means. What kind of agendas?

     jazaky Allahu khairan,

     Reply
   • 

     newboy1331

     June 26, 2011 at 6:38 PM

     Can’t find anyone qualified who doesn’t have his own agenda
     

     Yeah, I also don’t get what you mean by this. I think most people who think this are quite paranoid, as if everyone has their own agenda is out to get them.

     Reply
   • 

     Talib Ilm

     June 28, 2011 at 6:40 PM

     Salam,
     Where is your mosque? Can you please provide contact information.
     I know an American Imam who might be exactly what you are looking for.

     Reply
     • 

       sara

       June 29, 2011 at 8:25 AM

       Salaam,

       I would love to leave contact information–is there a way to do this without making it public?–I could give you my husband’s, or the Amir’s. Can those who run the sight send you our email if I give permission?

       Reply
9. 

   youcef

   June 26, 2011 at 12:12 PM

   In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

   thanks you for the video
   youcef

   Reply
10. 

    AbdulQ

    June 27, 2011 at 4:47 AM

    Awesome video mashallah, very informative!

    I once sat with a masjid administration that almost hired an Imam based purely on his parental lineage. lol, that was a close one, inshAllah, I can pass on this video.

    Reply

11. Pingback: Conversations About Masjid Leadership: Finding the Right Imam | Muslim Strategic Initiative