IN THE NAME OF ALLAH
THE MOST GRACIOUS THE MOST MERCIFUL
DALTON ISLAMIC
CENTER
CONSTITUTION
&
By-Laws

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1: THE CORPORATION NAME & GOALS ...................................................................................... 4
SECTION 1: THE CORPORATION'S NAME .............................. .. .............................................. ...................................... 4
SECTION 2: CODE ÜF CONDUCT: ........................................... .. ................................ ............. ... ................................... 4
SECTION 3: THE CORPORATION GOALS ............................... .... .... ............................................................................... 4
SECTION 4: THE CORPORATION ÜFFICE & ADDRESS ......... ... ... ........................................ ...... .................................... 5
SECTION 5: REGISTRA TION AND LEGAL PAPER .......................................................................................................... 5
SECTION6: AFFILIATION: ......... ...... ... ...................... ..... ................ .. .. .. .................. .. .............. ... ..... ..... ......... ...... .. .. .... .. 5
SECTION 7: LANGUAGE: ·· ······· ·· ... · .............................................................................................................................. 5
CHAPTER 2: MEMBERSHIP .................................................................................................................................. 6
SECTION 1: THE GENERAL MEMBERS .................................. .. .................................................. ...... ............................ 6
SECTION 2: THE ACTIVE MEMBERS (WITH ELECTION RIGHTS) .. ........................................... ..... ... ... ........................... 6
1. Generat Rutes & Purpose: ............................................. ........................................... ....... ....................................... 6
11. Active Membership Requirements: .............................. ...... ....................................... .. .......................................... 6
III. Privileges: ........................... ................................... ............. ........ .......................................................................... 6
IV. Fees: ............ ........... ........... ............... .......... .. .... .................. ........................................... ....... .............. ........... ....... 7
V. Termination & Withdrawal: ....................................................... .................................................. ......................... 7
VI. Reinstatement: ....... ..... ............ ....... ...... ............. ..... ... ........................................................ .................................... 8
SECTION 3: HONORABLE MEMBERS ........................ .. ....... ........... .... ...................... ............ .... .... ........... ...... ............... . 8
CHAPTER 3: ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE .................................................................................................... 9
SECTION 1: GENERAL VIEW: .. ... .. ........................................... .... .................................... ......... ................................... 9
SECTION 2: THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS: ................................ ... ............................................ .. ... ...... .......................... 9
I. Basie Rutes: .................... ............................................. ........................................... ....... ......................................... 9
II. Term of Office: ......... .......... .... ................................ ........................................................ .. ... .................................. 9
III. Compensation of the Board of Directors: ......................................................................................................... 10
IV. Duties & Responsibilities of the Board of Directors ...... .......................... .. ......... .... .......................................... 10
1. General Guidelines & Doties: ...................................................................... ................................................. .................... 10
2. The President Doties & Responsibilities ................................ .................... .. .................................................................... 10
3. The Vice President Doties & Responsibilities ................ .................... ............... ............................................ .. ................. 11
4. The Secretary Doties & Responsibilities ...................... .......... .. ...... ... .............. .. ....................................................... .. .... .. 11
5. The Treasorer Doties .............................................................................. ....................................................... .................... 11
6. The Director of Poblic Affairs Doties & Responsibilities .............................................................. .............................. .. 12
V. Action by consent/phone/email: ...................................... ................................ ............ ........................................ 12
VI. Accountabitity: ..................................................... ...... .... ................................ ............ ........ ................................ 12
Vil. Vacancies: ............................................................... ........ .............................. .. ...... .................. ....................... ... 12
Vili. Board of Directors Meetings ... ................... ...... ....... ..................................................................................... ... 12
1X. Termination from the Board: ................................ .......................................................................................... .. 12
X. Resignation: ......... ........... ................................................... .... ...... ............ ... ...... ........ ... .............. ....... ................... 12
XI. Dissolution ofthe Board of Directors: ...................... .. ........................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
XII. Temporary Board of Directors: ................................................................................ ........................................ 13
SECTION 4: SUB COMMITTEES: ............................................................................. ................................................... 13
CHAPTER 4: FINANCE: ........................................................................................................................................ 14
SECTION 1: DONATIONS & INCOME ............................... ............ .... ........................................ ...... .... ......................... 14
SECTION 2: TYPES OFACCOUNTS .................................. ......... .. ...... ....................................... .... ......... ...................... 14
SECTION 3: HANDLING FuNDS POLICY .................................................................................................................... 14
1. Generat Rutes: ............................................................. ... ........................................ ...... ...... ... ... ................... ..... .... 14
II. Allocation of funds: ..................... ....... ... ... ...... .............. ... ........... ......... .................. Error ! Bookmark not defined.
111. Authorizations of Withdrawa/s: ........................... ............................................. .. ....... .. ................................. .... 14
1V. Compensation: ...... ............. ............................................. ...................................... ............................................ .. 15
V. Investments: ....... .... .. ................ ............................. ........... ................................ ...... ............. .... ..... ........................ 15
SECTION 4: AUDITORS & ACCOUNTANTS: ..... ...................... ............ ................................... ..... ................................. 15
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SECTION 5: DISCLOSURE OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION: ........................................................................................... 15
SECTION 6: FuNDRAISING POLICY: .......................................................................................................................... 15
SECTION 7: RESTRICTED ACTIVITIES: ...................................................................................................................... 16
CHAPTER 5: ELECTIONS ..................................................................................................................................... 18
SECTION 1: BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION: ......................................................................................................... 18
I. General Guidelines: .................................................................................................................................... .......... 18
II. Election Committee .. ......................................................................................................................................... .. 18
Committee's Duties: ............................................................. ... ....................................... ... ..................................................... 18
IV. Announcement of Elections ............................................................................................................................... 18
V. Nomination .......................................................................................................................................................... 18
VI. Voting & Quorum .............................................................................................................................................. 19
Vil. The Election .... .................................................................................................................................................. 19
Vili. Vacancies: ....................................................................................................................................................... 19
SECTION 3: SUB COMMITTEEELECTIONS: ................................................................................................................ 19
CHAPTER 6: MEETINGS ...................................................................................................................................... 21
SECTION 1: MEETINGS 1N GENERAL: ......................................................................................................................... 21
SECTION 2: BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGS: ......................................................................................................... 21
SECTION3: GENERALBODYMEETINGS: .................................................................................................................. 21
I. Calling Jor General Body Meetings ...................................................................................................................... 21
II. Announcements of General Body Meetings: ...................................................................................................... 21
III. General Body Meeting Procedures ................................................................................................................... 22
III. General Body Meeting Objectives: .................................................................................................................... 22
SECTION 5: SUB COMMITTEE MEETINGS .................................................................................................................. 22
SECTION 6: VOTING lN GENERAL 1N ANY MEETING: ................................................................................................. 22
CHAPTER 7: GENERAL POLICIES: ................................................................................................................... 23
SECTION 1. THE lMAM POLICY ................................................................................................................................. 23
I. lmam Requirements: ............................................................................................................................................ 23
II. Imam Duties: ....................................................................................................................................................... 23
III. Imam Contracting Policy .................................................................................................................. : ................ 23
IV. Complaints against the lmam: ........................................................................................................................... 23
V. lmam's Termination ............................................................................................................................................ 24
SECTION 11. FACILITY USAGE POLICY ...................................................................................................................... 24
I. General rules: ....................................................................................................................................................... 24
II. Meetings: ............................................................................................................................................................. 24
SECTION 111. ANNOUNCEMENT POLICY ............................................................. ....................................................... 24
SECTION IV. MEDIA CONTACT POLICY ··························· ·························································· ······························· 25
SECTION V. COMMUNICATION POLICY .......... ................. ................................................. ........................................ 25
SECTION VI. RECORD KEEPING POLICY ............................................ ................................ ......................... ............... 25
SECTION VIi. CONSTITUTION INTERPRETATION POLICY ........................................................................... ............... 26
SECTION 111. COMPLAINT AND SUGGESTIONS POLICY: .............................................................................. ............... 26
SECTION IX. REAL ESTATES POLICY: ....................................................................................................................... 26
SECTION X. CONFLICT OF INTERESI: ....................................................................................................................... 26
SECTION XI. THE ICM BELONGINGS: ······························ ......................................................................................... 27
SECTION XII. FISCAL YEAR: .................................................................................................................................... 27
CHAPTER 8: THE OATH ....................................................................................................................................... 28
CHAPTER 9: CONSTITUTION AND AMENDMENTS ..................................................................................... 29
SECTION 1: CONSTITUTION ADOPTION AND ENFORCEMENT .................................................................................... 29
SECTION 2: SILENCE OF CONSTITUTION ................................................................................................................... 29
SECTION 3: AMENDMENTS: ...................................................................................................................................... 29
I. Proposing Amendments ........................................................................................................................................ 29
II. Adoption of Amendments .................................................................................................................................... 29
III. Quorums for Voting on Amendments ............................................................................................................... 29
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IV. Records of Amendments ................... .... ....... ........ .... ........ ................................................. .......... ........................ 29
SECTION 5: CONSTITUTION ADAPTATION SIGNATURES: ... ....... .. ........................................... ..................................... 30
CHAPTER 10: DISSOLUTION .............................................................................................................................. 31
CHAPTER 1: THE CORPORA TION NAME & GOALS
Section 1: The Corporation's Name
This Corporation will be called Dalton Islamic Center. It is established as a nonprofit, nonpolitical,
religious organization, located in The North Georgia area. The abbreviated name
shall be DIC.
Section 2: Code Of Conduct:
• We, the Members of DIC, accept Islam as a total way of life and pledge to endeavor
practicing it as such. We do hereby adopt and give ourselves this constitution.
? AU the affairs of the DIC shall be handled through Counseling, voting, discipline, and
organization.
• The DIC shall engage itself only in such activities that comply with Islam and the Islamic
princip les.
? The DIC shall engage itself only in such activities that comply with the State of Tennessee
laws and the United States Federal laws.
? This Corporation is open to every Muslim who says (I bare witness that there is no God but
Allah, and I bear witness that Mohammed is his/her messenger). Thus there will be no
division in the community due to the different schools of thought that Muslims follow;
arguments about the differences among these schools are strictly prohibited in this
Corporation.
? DIC stands firm against ali ideas that are based on nationalism, sexism, racism, or ethnical
beliefs.
• The DIC will follow the opinion of the majority of the Islamic School of thoughts and will
not favor any particular one.
? On all religious controversial issues the DIC will seek the opinion of three or more
prominent scholars selected by the Board of Directors, the scholar must at least hold a
recognized Islamic degree. The DIC shall not take a stand against any activity that has been
described by any of the appointed scholars as allowed (Halal).
• Males & Females are equally responsible to actively energize and lead the DIC activities
within the frame of Islam.
Section 3: The Corporation Goals
The goals of the DIC shall be to serve the best interests of lslam and the Muslims in The direct
area in particular and the United States of America in general by:
1. Providing and developing Educational, social, charitable, spiritual, cultural, and religious
services, events, counseling, and programs to serve the Muslims community in The Middle
Tennessee area under the shade of the Islamic teachings.
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2. Working on constructing, owning, establishing, and managing the facilities needed to better
provide the objectives and services stated above.
3. Teaching the principles, beliefs, and practices of Islam to the Muslims.
4. Firmly planting the Islamic teachings and behavior in the hearts of the children and youth
through education, teaching, and example.
5. Promoting unity and joint actions among the Muslims in general, and in The Middle
Tennessee area specifically.
6. Representing and serving the interest of Muslims in The North GA area, locally and
nationally.
7. Respecting the religious and cultural beliefs of others, promoting friendly relationships
between Muslims and non-Muslims, and working on spreading education and knowledge
about Islam among non Muslims in every way possible ..
Section 4: The Corporation Office & Address
? The principa! office for the transaction of activities and services of this corporation shall be
located at:
? DugGapRD.
? Dalton, GA 30720
? The Corporation may also have offices and activities at such other places as its activities and
services may require and as the Board may designate from time to time.
Section 5: Registration and Legal paper.
A member from the Board of Directors or any other person selected by the Board of
directors (a Registered Agent) shall make sure that all legal papers related to the DIC's legal
matters are kept up to date, including but not limited to: Registration in the State of Georgia
as a nonprofit organization, and with the state of Georgia treasurer for saies tax exempt
status. This person shall act as a contact person and a person in charge to insure such
compliance.
A copy of this constitution and any amendments shall be submitted to all govemment
agencies that require it.
Section 6: Affiliation:
? The DIC has no affiliation with any other organization at the time this constitution was put
forth.
• Any future affiliations must be approved by the Board of Directors and must have clear
objectives and code of conduct.
• All permanent or long term affiliations shall be approved by a simple majority of ali active
members as well as the board of directors.
Section 7: Language:
English shall be the official language for all cornmunications in the DIC. Other languages
may be used to conduct religious services and certain meetings as the corporation activities
may require.
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CHAPTER 2: MEMBERSHIP
All Muslims are strongly encouraged to participate in activities of the DIC. Their suggestions and
feedback are welcomed and encouraged at ali times.
Section 1: The General Members
• The Comniunity consists of every Muslim, in The North Georgia area, who bares witness
that Islam is his/her religion. Every member in the community has the right, and is
encouraged to attend and join any services, events, or activities the DIC offers, and has the
right to ask about ali community matters and social events within the guidelines of this
constitution and the activities rules.
• Furthermore, every member has the right to use the DIC facilities within the facility usage
rules, and has the right to enroll in any paid services the DIC offers including, but not
limited to, the school, only after paying the required fees.
• General members may receive communications, publications and updates about the ICM, by
mail or email if they elect to.
• These members hold no election or voting rights in any election or vote the ICM may hold.
Section 2: The Active Members (with election rights)
I. General Rules & Purpose:
• The active membership shall consist of members who satisfy the active membership
requirements, agree to abide by this constitution, and who are willing to work towards
accomplishing the DIC's goals.
• All legal dependents including children, live-in parents, and live-in "in laws" shall be
considered active members with a full paid family membership, BUT their names must be
submitted with the original or renewal application.
• Individual active members are free to belong or not belong to any other organization, and
are free in their political affiliations as long as it does not interfere or conflict with this
constitution.
11. Active Membership Requirements:
1. Must live in middle Tennessee area for the majority of the time.
2. Must be a Muslim. Non Muslim spouses of the active members may become honorable
(non-voting) members.
3. Must be ready to fully follow and abide by the constitution and the Boards' decisions, and
must belief in the goals of the DIC.
4. Must be 18 years or older.
5. Must fill and submit the membership form individually or within a family application„
6. Must pay the membership dues in full on time via the established payment methods.
111. Privileges:
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1. Active Members for a consecutive (continuous and current) 6 months, and who are at least
18 years old have full and exclusive voting rights in any election, meeting, or voting.
2. Active members for a consecutive (continuous and current) 12 months or longer, and who
are at least 25 years old are eligible to seek election and hold office.
3. Receive advance notice on most major activities when possible.
4. The right to attend Board meetings as an attendant person upon a written request and its
approval (no voting, discussion, or discussion rights).
5. The exclusive right to vote on issues brought to any general DIC meeting.
6. Free financial statement about the Islamic center upon request.
7. Monthly, quarterly, or annually communication about the corporation's updates and news
when possible.
IV. Fees:
• The fees must be a minimum of the following:
o $50 a month for families.
o $25 a month for individual members.
o $15 a month for families with one or both spouses as full time student(s).
o $10 a month for single student.
• Membership fees must be paid on a semiannual, annual, or monthly basis through the
method selected on the membership application form.
• Fees may be reduced for people with financial hardship; such a decision must be made by
the Board of Director's majority.
• Membership dues may be increased by a board's decision.
• All membership fees paid to the DIC are not refundable for any reason.
V. Termination & Withdrawal:
• Withdrawal from membership may be voluntary or may be decreed for failure to continue to
satisfy the membership requirements.
• Membership in the DIC may be automatically terminated by the Board for any of the
following reasons (A simple majority vote of the Board of Directors may be required for
such an action.):
1. lf membership dues or any part thereof, remain unpaid without proper justification for
60 days, after the member has been contacted. The terminated member may apply for
new membership.
2. Any member, who is proven to participate directly or indirectly in harming Muslims, or
undermining the mission, the goals, or the objectives of the DIC.
3. Any member who has been convicted of any felony or crime in a US federal, state, or
county court.
4. lf the person has made direct or indirect intentional efforts to discredit, tarnish and/or
defame the Quran, Islam, and/or our community.
• An inactive/terminated member may remain on the mailing/email list until he/she requests to
be removed.
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VI. Reinstatement:
?
?
Any member whose membership has been terminated can reestablish his/her membership
after fulfilling the membership requirements again, by submitting the membership form with
the appropriate fees including the overdue fees within 30 days of termination, otherwise a
new membership application will be required, and the new applicant will be considered a
new member.
Members who were terminated for reasons other than the fees must be approved by the
Board of Directors before their re-application is acceptable.
Section 3: Honorable Members
Honorable members are picked up by the Board of Directors to provide certain services to
the DIC, they have no voting rights, nor do they have to meet the membership requirements
or pay the fees.
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CHAPTER 3: ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE
Section 1: General View:
The corporation shall consist of the following structures:
1. The Board of Directors:
2. The Committees
3. The active members
4. The general body
Section 2: The Board of Directors:
I. Basie Rules:
• Unless otherwise specified is this constitution, all the board of director' s decisions are made
by a simple majority.
• Number of Directors: The Board of Directors consists of an odd number that can range from
5- 9 male or female members. The Board of Directors by a majority of two-thirds can decide
to increase or decrease the number of members within these limits before the next election.
• They must be elected from among the active members through the election process.
• Their positions may include at least President, Vice president, Secretary, Treasurer, and
Director of Public affairs.
• The DIC may invite any person to an DIC meeting in order to know the history of past
decisions and/or seek their views on the items on the agenda of the meeting. However, none
of the invitees shall have a right to vote on any decision.
• The Imam may not become a member of the board of directors.
• The Board's decisions are made based on at least the simple majority unless otherwise
specified in this constitution.
• lf the Board of Directors equally split in their vote on any matter, the president's vote
prevails in that matter.
• The individual positions within the Board may be decided by the Board members
themselves.
11. Term of Office:
• The term of office for the Directors shall be 4 years, staggered in such a way that new
Directors are elected or re-elected each two years.
• Each two years, half of the directors positions rounded to the lower number one election and
upper number the next election will become open for election.
• Term shall commence on the 1 st day of the new western year following the election, and
each Director shall serve for the term specified and until his/her/her successor has been duly
elected and qualified.
• No one who has served asa Director for 8 years continuously is eligible for re-election for a
period of one year.
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111. Compensation of the Board of Directors:
• The Directors shall not receive any salary or compensation for their services, but by
resolution of the Board of Directors a fixed sum of expenses of attendance, if any, may be
allowed for attendance at any meeting of the Board; but nothing herein shall preclude any
Director from serving the corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation
therefore.
• All matters related to the compensation paid by the DIC to employees, officers, and
Directors shall be determined by action of the Board of Directors.
IV. Doties & Responsibilities of the Board of Directors
1. General Goidelines & Doties:
All the assigned and non assigned responsibilities and duties listed below are not final, the
Board of Directors may add to those duties and responsibilities, they may also delegate their
assignments/responsibilities to a different Board member(s) or a non Board member as they see
t?t through their Board meetings.
All members of the Board, individually and collectively, shall endeavor to achieve the goals and
goals of the DIC. Towards this end they shall be responsible for, but shall not be limited to:
1. Setting interna! and external palicies and priorities for the DIC in the light of Quran and
Sunnah (action and sayings of prophet Muhammad peace be upon him), the Constitution,
local, state and federal laws, and contemporary needs.
2. Supervising and managing the overall corporation's track, finance, activities, and events,
and ensure that they are within the framework of the Constitution.
3. Finding ways and means of raising funds for the maintenance and the expansion of DIC ..
4. Consulting religious scholars when differences among members arise on the religious
matters as described in this constitution Chapter 1: Section 11.
5. Conducting outreach activities, and building relations with local, State, and federal Law
Enforcement Agencies as it applies.
6. Appointing Functional Committees, help them, supervise them, and act on their
recommendations and needs.
7. Appointing full-time or part-time staff and supervising their work.
8. Maintaining and managing the paperwork, all legal aspects, and record keeping of the DIC.
9. Conflict resolution among the community members.
10. Supervising and enforcing the implementation of this constitution.
2. The President Doties & Responsibilities
1n addition to what is stated in article I of this section, the President shall be responsible for:
• Calling and presiding over The Board of Directors meetings and General Body Meetings.
• Directing all activities of the DIC to achieve the goals of the DIC.
• Act as or assign an official representative and correspondent for DIC activities and for
interactions with lslamic, local, City, State, and Law Enforcement Agencies, etc.
• Appointing and assigning work to Board Members, with the Board's approval.
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• Temporarily assuming or delegation the responsibilities of any head of Committee if the
Head of Committee position becomes vacant.
• Establishing an efficient link between the DIC and active Islamic organizations.
• Any other duties as deemed necessary.
The President is not permitted to give his/her decision on any matter until it has been discussed
and voted on by the Board of Directors. Furthermore, he/she is not permitted to make any
decisions without consulting the rest of the Board of Directors members whether verbally or in
writing. All decisions made must be written down, signed, and filed in the next Board meeting
minutes.
3. The Vice President Duties & Responsibilities
In addition to what is stated in article I of this section, the Vice-President shall be responsible
for:
• The Vice President has the President' s duties in his/her absence; and he/she is obligated to
accomplish all the tasks assigned to him by the President.
• All aspects of the maintenance of the DIC facilities.
4. The Secretary Duties & Responsibilities
In addition to what is stated in article I of this section, the Secretary shall be responsible for:
• The Secretary must keep a log of all Board of Directors Meeting Minutes including ali
decisions made during those meetings.
• Keeping records of ali activities, memberships, forms, meetings, and items conceming the
DIC.
• The Secretary is responsible for the suggestion box and is to be the recipient of all
suggestions and complaints from the community members.
• The Secretary is also responsible for preparing a timetable schedule for the Board of
Directors meetings and distributing this schedule to the Board members prior to the meeting
in writing.
• Sending agendas at least a week prior to scheduled meetings when possible.
5. The Treasurer Duties
1n addition to what is stated in article I of this section, the Treasurer shall be responsible for:
• The Treasurer is responsible for all money matters and is to sign ali checks under the
financial guidelines.
• The Treasurer receives and deposits and donations. It is his/her duty to collect and count the
money dropped in the donation box, the amount and the donor' s name is then recorded and
deposited.
• Communicating the financial information to the DIC accountant and/or members.
• Providing a monthly financial statement and distributing it to the community.
• Sending an annual tax letter to all donors with their donation total for tax purpose.
• Satisfy and submit when needed ali IRS requirements, forms and record keeping regulations.
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6. The Director of Public Affairs Duties & Responsibilities
1n addition to what is stated in article I of this section, the Director of public affairs shall be
responsible for:
• The Director of Social Events is responsible for arranging all parties, picnics, weddings, and
festivals which the ICM conducts.
• He/she is responsible for all communication with the community members.
V. Action by consent/phone/email:
The Directors without a meeting can make Board's actions if the majority of the voting Directors
sign or verbally or electronically approve then sign a written consent to the action, such consents
must be filed with the next Board meeting minutes.
VI. Accountability:
• The DIC shall call at least one General Body meeting in a year to give an update of its
activities. 1n addition, a quarterly summary shall be available to all active members when
possible.
• Active members have the right to ask any questions about the DIC activities, and bring any
concerns or suggestions they might have to the Board.
VIi. Vacancies:
• lf one of the Board of Directors positions becomes vacant for any reason, it is the Board of
Director's duty to nominate and appoint a replacement from the active members who qualify
to a regular election, for the remainder of the term of the vacant position.
• Nomination should be by a board member and election of the nominee should be by a twothirds
majority vote of the Board of Directors.
Vili. Board of Directors Meetings
See Chapter 6: Section 3.
IX. Termination from the Board:
• lf any member of Board is not able to perform according to constitution, losses his/her
active membership for any reason, or fails to attend three Board meetings with no valid
excuse, the DIC Board with a two-thirds majority vote will terminate him/her from his/her
position.
• The active members can with a written petition signed by two-thirds majority revoke any
Board of Director' s position and terminate that person from the Board.
X. Resignation:
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Any Board member may resign by filing a written resignation notice with the Board either in
person, or by mail. If an assignment or employment contract existed, then the terms and
conditions of the contract will be enforced until expired.
XI. Temporary Board of Directors:
• The Board of Directors has the right to appoint a Temporary Board Of Directors in the
following situations:
o Transitional period.
o Upon establishing or reorganizing of the corporation.
o Upon any merger with other corporations
• The temporary Board is appointed and must perform according to this constitution till its
term is expired.
• The term of any temporary board shall not last more than 6 months.
Section 4: Sub Committees:
• The Board of Directors can assign several sub-committees and their managers to perform
tasks, which would aid in the achievement of the goals of the community.
• The assignment and tenure given to the sub Committee shall be precisely defined in a decree
from the Board of Director to the sub Committee. The rights and limitations shall be defined
in such decree and must be available to the active members to review.
• The committee establishment and at least the following must be clear and documented in the
meeting minutes:
o lts purpose and goals.
o Its annual or temporary budget.
o Its duration.
o Its rights and limitations if any.
o lts head (person in charge).
• Unless otherwise decreed by the board of directors the head of any committee has the right
to assign its members and set its rules.
• The committees must report their progress and finances to the Board on a regular basis.
• Unless otherwise stated any Committee shall have the right to have its own work structure,
and shall be allowed to continue its work uninterrupted until it is resolved by the Board of
Directors or the completion of the assignment for which it was formed.
• Any complaint against a committee must be handled by the committee unless submitted to
the Board of Directors directly.
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Islamic Ccntcr OfMurfa;csboro Cc)nstirution & By L:1\vs. V 1.00 14
CHAPTER 4: FINANCE:
Section 1: Donations & Income
o The active member's dues are considered a general fund.
o All donations are considered a general fund income unless otherwise specified by the donor.
o The DIC may accept unconditional contributions in any form, and from any source
consistent with the goals of the DIC, and state and federal laws.
o All donations shal1 be Jogged with the name of the donor, the date, and the amount donated.
o A letter with the person' s total donations should be mailed to the person at least once a year
by the 31 st of J anuary.
o No international wired donations are to be accepted at DIC.
o All international donations from individuals must be checked against the Office of Foreign
Assets Control sanctions database online before depositing funds.
o All international donations from non individuals must be checked with the Office of Foreign
Assets Control by calling the hotline number before depositing funds.
Section 2: Tvpes of Accounts
The Center shall maintain at least the following separate accounts:
1. General funds Account: for the general expenses. This account is supplied with funds
from the general income sources, donations, and membership fees.
2. Zakat/Charity Account.
3. Building / new project Account
4. Additional Accounts: The DIC can have other separate accounts to deal with any
community service or committee.
Section 3: Handling Funds Policv
I. General Rules:
? Unless otherwise authorized or deemed necessary, all bank transactions must be done by
check or Debit card regardless of what the amount is.
? For each additional account opened including sub-committee accounts, the Board of
Directors can assign an officer to manage that account, the officer must report his/her
financial decisions, income, and expenses, on a monthly basis to the Treasure, and he/she
must follow the general rules for handling money stated in this section.
? The treasurer or any other designated officer must record all their activities, and must
present a monthly expense and income report to the Board of Directors.
11. Authorizations of Withdrawals:
? The treasurer or a designated officer from the Board of Directors may sign all check issued
up to $1000 value.
? All checks over $1000 from all accounts must be pre approved by the Board of Directors;
the board is responsible for finding a mechanism to achieve this goal.
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Islamic Ccnwr Of Murfi-..;,esboro Constirution & Uy Laws. V l .00 15
? All checks over $1000 must be sign by the treasure and one other board member.
111. Compensation:
• All compensation must be approved by the Board of Directors and recorded in the minutes.
• A contract is needed for any recurring compensation over $500 a month.
• All housing allowances must be discussed each year and documented in the board of
directors' minutes.
IV. Investments:
The Board of Directors may invest the idle cash of the DIC in Islamic investments, the cash
must have been idle for at least a year and investments shall not exceed %50 of the total idle
cash, such action must be approved by at least two thirds of the board members, and one half
of the active members.
Section 4: Auditors & Accountants:
• The DIC Board can appoint one or more active members of the DIC, or a special
professional auditor, as auditors for the DIC accounts; the appointed members must have the
basie knowledge and understanding of accounting. The auditor(s) shall audit the DIC
account(s) and submit a report to the Board.
• All records of financial activities for all accounts handled by the DIC and all its sub
committees must be submitted and reviewed by a professional accountant at least once a
year, for legal compliance purposes, and to issue a professional financial statement, and
organize the financial records in a legally acceptable, and accessible manner.
Section 5: Disclosure of financial information:
• Any active members have the right to review financial statements upon a request.
• The Board of Directors or the treasurer must announce, post, or send a copy of a financial
report to all active members at least once a year.
• Any government legal entity shall have the right to review the DIC financial data when
needed and approved by the Board of Directors or ordered by a court order.
Section 6: Fundraising Policy:
1-Introduction:
• This policy voids all the palicies previously issued. It applies to all organizations and entities
that request(s) fund raising at Dalton Islamic Center (DIC) or at other facilities owned by
DIC. The goal of this policy is to control and provide guideline to all fundraising requests at
DIC
• This policy supersedes and cancels: Any document that provides information contrary to the
information contained in this policy.
11- Policies:
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Islamic Ccnter OfMurfrcesboro Constitution & lly Laws. V 1.00 16
1. All fundraising requests should be sent using fund raising application request form. No
fundraising would be accepted or approved through any other means.
2. AU applying organization must be based in the United States.
3. All applications must be sent at least 30 days prior to the requested day.
4. The following documents or copies of them must be submitted as will:
a. Incorporation paper of nonprofit status from the state in which it operate in.
b. The IRS EIN notification letter or a legal proof of an EIN number.
c. A copy of the last years 990 form (from the IRS) or an official financial statement
for at least 6 months.
5. The collected donations will be deposited in DIC accounts then a check for the total amount
will be mailed to the fundraising organization (the check will be written to the legal name of
the organization as provided in the legal documents).
6. DIC as the right to deducted $1000 or 10% of the collected amount whichever is greater to
cover its costs.
7. DIC allows only one fund raising per calendar year for each organization.
8. DIC has the privilege to cancel or reschedule any fund raising due to last minute
commitments and unpredicted occasions. In that case, requesting organization would be
notified in advance no later than one week closer to the actual fund raising date.
11- Disclaimers:
• The information contained in this policy might not be applicable in ali circumstances and is
subject to change without notice. By using this policy, the user agrees that DIC has no
liability (to extent permitted by applicable law) for any general consequential, incidenta!,
special or punitive damages that might result.
• This policy is not a contract in any form, although adherence to these standards is a
condition of engagement. Organizations requesting are on an "at-will" basis, which means
that either the requesting organization or the Islamic center of Murfreesboro can cancel the
request at any time and for any or no reason, with or without notice, and with or without
cause.
Section 7: Restricted Activities:
• No part of the net earnings of the DIC shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributed to its
officers, Directors or other private persons, except that the DIC shall be authorized and
empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments
and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in this constitution.
• The DIC shall not make any contribution or gift to any organization, which is not registered
in the USA as a nonprofit organization.
• No substantial part of the activities of the DIC shall be the carrying on of propaganda or
otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the DIC shall not participate in, or
intervene in (including the publishing or distributing of statements) any political campaign
on behalf of any candidate for public office.
• Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, the DIC shall not carry on any other
activities not permitted to be carried on (A) by a corporation exempt from the Federal
Income Tax under Section 501(C)(3) of the Internai Revenue Code of 1954 (or the
corresponding provision of any future United States Internai Revenue Law) or (b) by a
corporation, contributions to which are deductible under Section 170(C)(2) of the Internai
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Revenue Code of 1954, or the corresponding section of any future United States federal tax
code.
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Isiamic Ccnter Of Murfrce•;boro Constitution & By Laws, V J .00 18
CHAPTER 5: ELECTIONS
Section 1: Board of Directors Election:
I. General Guidelines:
See Chapter 3 Section 2.
11. Election Committee
• The elections shall be conducted by an Election Committee comprising of two or more
active members of DIC, who must not be candidates for the election.
• They are appointed by the Board of Directors.
• The election committee shall be formed 30 days before the time of election; the election
committee will be supervised by a designated Board member.
• The election committee members shall not campaign in favor of or against any candidate.
Committee's Duties:
1. The Election Committee shall meet at least once before the election date in order to
prepare for the election, design the ballots, prepare the ballot box, and fine-tune the
details of the election process.
2. A list of the active members (those eligible to vote) shall be prepared prior to the date of
the election, and must be posted and/or distributed. And each member on the list must be
contacted and informed of the election.
3. Announce dates and deadlines for nominations and elections through to the community.
4. Review, confirm, and validate nominations and inform the nominees of their acceptance
or rejection.
5. Run the election.
6. Add the vates and announce the winners to the community after the board's knowledge.
111. Time of Election
• The elections to elect the Board of Directors shall be held each two years on the beginning
of the end of the Hijri year.
• The election to elect the Board of Director' s replacements when needed shall be held
whenever needed.
IV. Announcement of Elections
• The exact date, time, and place of elections must be communicated to all active members
who qualify to vote via the appropriate means.
V. Nomination
1. Nomination Requirements:
a. The nominees shall be active members for at least 12 months, as of the nomination
date.
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b. The nominees shall be at least 25 years old.
c. The nominees shall reside in the middle Tennessee area the majority of the time.
d. The nominees shall follow the teachings of Islam as understood in the Quran and
Sunnah, and the practices of the 4 khalifas.
2. The election committee must confirm the nominee's wish to be nominated.
3. Nomination Deadline: The nomination for the elections must reach the Elections Committee
two weeks before the specified time for elections.
4. The Board of Directors by a two third vate can dismiss any nominee if a valid reason exists.
5. If there are not enough nominees, the Board of Directors can select additional norninees
from those who have the right to norninate themselves.
6. The current members in the Board of Directors· are nominated automatically unless they
request not to, or they have been members for continuous 6 years or more.
VI. Voting & Quorum
• To be eligible to vate, one has to be an active member of the DIC for at least 6 months
prior to the Election Day.
• A quorum shall consist of one third of the total number of active members at the DIC.
• Written Proxies are allowed. All proxies must be in writing and signed by the absentee
or a designated representative.
• If quorum is not met, the election can be extended by one day at a time and up to a total
of 3 days.
Vil. The Election
1. The election committee must validate each voter' s right to vate before passing the ballot.
2. Each active member will vote for the number of positions determined by the current Board.
3. The election process shall be held by secret written ballots.
4. All decisions are consultative and are taken by mast vates among the voters. The number of
winners is equal to the number of Board members needed based on the Board's decision.
5. Sealed ballots shall only be opened in the presence of at least one member of the Election
Committee and one representative from the current Board.
6. Ballots shall be validated then counted immediately and the results shall be announced
within 48 hours.
7. The members in the Board of Directors members are elected without assigning any member
titles. The elected members can then assign the titles among themselves.
8. The election committee must keep records of the number of vates for each candidate on file
at the Center' s office, but all ballots shall be destroyed.
9. Each nominee shall receive 51 % of the total vates to be elected to the board of directors.
Vili. Vacancies:
See Chapter 3: section 3: VI.
Section 3: Sub Committee Elections:
? Unless otherwise stated, the presidents of all sub-committees are appointed by the Board of
Directors.
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? The Board of Directors can give any subcomrnittee the right to have their own Board,
bylaws, and election.
? AU subcomrnittee election and actions must be supervised by the Board of Directors.
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Islamic Cc.r1er Of Murfree,;;boro Consti.turion & By Laws. V 1.00
CHAPTER 6: MEETINGS
Section 1: Meetings in general:
1. Unless otherwise stated, all meetings at the DIC must be pre authorized by the board.
2. Unless otherwise stated, presence of one half of the members of any committee, council or
body of the Islamic Center shall fulfill the quorum requirements.
3. Unless otherwise stated, the decisions shall be made by simple majority vote of the members
present at the meeting.
4. All official meetings officers are required to submit their meetings minutes to the Board.
5. The Board of Directors must submit all their meeting minutes to the Board Of Directors.
Section 2: Board of Directors meetings:
1. The Board of Directors shall meet at least once a month at a convenient date, time and place
for the majority of the members.
2. Two-thirds attendees shall form the quorum for a DIC meeting.
3. Unless otherwise stated, the decisions in the DIC meetings shall be made by a simple
majority of the members present at the meetings.
4. All meeting shall have a stated agenda; the agenda must include:
a. Reading the minutes of the previous meeting and signing them.
b. Board members reports on standing or assigned issues.
c. Reports of the Standing Committees.
5. The president or any designated Board member shall head, and assume the responsibilities
of conducting the meeting.
6. A person appointed by the Board shall take the minutes of the meetings and present them in
the following meeting for correction, verification, and signature. The minutes of the
meetings shall be on file at the DIC office or a designated location.
7. The meeting minutes shall include all decisions made in the meeting, and ali decisions made
outside the meeting throughout the period since the previous meeting.
8. All meetings minutes shall be available to ali active members of the DIC upon request.
9. The president or any two members of the Board may call for an emergency DIC meeting.
Section 3: General Body meetings:
I. Calling for General Body Meetings
• The DIC shall have at least one General Body meeting a year.
• The Board of Directors has the right to call for a General Body meeting.
• A General Body Meeting may be called by submitting a petition signed by at least 40% of
all active members of the DIC to the Board of Directors, stating an exact agenda, date, place
and time. Such a meeting shall be called and held regardless of the board's opinion.
11. Announcements of General Body Meetings:
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Islamic Ccoler OJ Murfrcesboro Conslitution & By L?tws. V 1.00 22
Written, electronic and printed notice of a regular General Body meeting shall be
communicated to all active members at least two weeks prior to the meeting. This condition
may be relaxed for an emergency meeting, but attempt must be made to inform all members.
111. General Body Meeting Procedures
? T