tawheed center constitution

We, the Muslims of Farmington Hills, Michigan and its vicinity, have adopted the present Constitution and do, hereby, establish an organization to be known as Tawheed Center of Farmington Hills, Michigan, USA.

ARTICLE I-AIMS AND PURPOSES:

SECTION 1

The aims and objects of the Center are to serve the best interest of Islam and Sunni Muslims of this locality. Towards this end, the Center shall:

1. Promote unity and joint action among the Muslims.
2. Conduct social, cultural, religious and other activities in the best traditions of Islam – in accordance with the Sunni School of Thought.
3. Arrange and hold Congregational Prayers and Islamic Religious Festivals at appropriate times.
4. Encourage Muslims to acquire basic knowledge and competence in Islam and enable them to practice it.
5. Facilitate the organization of beneficial activities for the community at large.
6. Promote friendly relations between Muslims and non-Muslims.
7. Endeavor to make Islamic teachings known to interested non-Muslims.

SECTION 2

The Center shall be a non-profit, and non-political organization in accordance with IRS regulations 501(C)3.

SECTION 3

No part of the net earnings of the organization shall be used to the benefit of, or be distributed to its members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the organization 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 the purpose clause thereof.

No substantial part of the activities of organization shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the organization shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.

ARTICLE II-AFFILIATION:

SECTION 1

The Center is a trust under North American Islamic Trust (NAIT).

ARTICLE III ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE:

SECTION 1

1. The Officers of this Center, hereafter called Officers, will consist of eleven persons. Five of these persons will be collectively referred to as Board of Trustees. This Board of Trustees will not hold office perpetually.
2. The remaining six will collectively be referred as the Board of Directors and will be selected as provided in the Constitution. They will run the Center on day to day basis.
3. All Officers must be practicing Muslims from among Ahl-us-Sunnah Wal Jama’ah.
4. The Officers will receive no compensation for their services and will derive no monetary benefits from the income of the Center. Officers will be reimbursed for out of pocket expenses incurred for conducting the business for the Center.
5. BOD will hire or fire an Imam with the approval of the Board of Trustees.
   
6. Appointed Imam will be advisor to BOD, but will not hold office other than Imam.
7. Each term for the BOD is of 3 years. A member can be elected to the BOD for a maximum of 2 terms consecutively (partial or complete). An individual can become eligible to run again for BOD after a 3 year hiatus.
8. Two members of the BOD will be elected every year in place of 2 members of BOD who have completed their terms.
9. One member of Board of Trustee will be elected by BOD every year in place of one BOT whose term has been completed. A member has to have preferably served on the BOD before becoming eligible for BOT. However, a trustee can be chosen from the community at large.
10. A member can be elected to the BOT for a maximum of 2 terms consecutively (partial or complete). Each term for the BOT is 5 years. An individual can be eligible to be elected again to either of the boards after a 5 year hiatus. A member who has served for two consecutive terms on the Board of Directors will have to wait for a period of three years before being eligible to be elected as a Board of Trustee.
11. A member who has served two consecutive terms (partial or complete), one as a Board of Director and one as a Board of Trustee will be eligible for reelection to either of the boards after a hiatus of 4 (four) years.
12. A Board of Director or a Board of Trustee that has violated the constitution of Tawheed Center, or is working against the organization (or the boards) or has been convicted of a crime can be removed from office by a combined two thirds majority vote of the Board of Trustees and the Board of Directors. Any person who has been convicted of a felony is not eligible to serve on either of the Boards.
13. If a Board of Director resigns or is not able to complete the term, an eligible person from the community can be elected with a simple majority vote of the combined Board of Trustees and the Board of Directors, to serve the remainder of the term.
    
14. If a Board of Trustee resigns or is not able to complete the term, the Board of Directors will elect another person to serve the remainder of the term.
    
15. The Board of Trustees will have the final say in all matters of the Center. In case of a dispute, as far as the interpretation of this constitution, the Board of Trustees will clarify any issues and their word will be final
    

SECTION 2

Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees shall consist of five elected regular members who shall fulfill the following requirements:

1. They shall be members of Tawheed Center, in good standing, for at least 36 consecutive months prior to the election.
2. They shall be bona fide citizens or permanent residents of the United States and residents of the State of Michigan.
3. They shall meet at least once every quarter or as needed to review the affairs of the Center.

SECTION 3

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors shall consist of six elected regular members. The affairs of the Association shall be managed by its Board of Directors in consultation with the Board of Trustees. The elected members shall fulfill the following requirements:

1. They shall be a member of Tawheed Center, in good standing for at least 12 consecutive months prior to the election.
2. They shall be bona fide citizens or permanent residents of the United States and residents of the State of Michigan.
3. The Board of Directors shall meet at least once every month.
4. All members of the Board of Directors including the President will have a vote. In case of a tie, a random drawing (Qurrah) will be made on the issue to decide.

SECTION 4

Membership:

1. Tawheed Center shall consist of members, constituting the General Body. All members must be in good standing with the law of the land and be a resident of the State of Michigan.
2. Regular Member: Any Muslim aged 18 years and more, from the Sunni school of thought, who believes that there is no one who is to be worshipped except Allah and that Mohammad Bin Abdullah (May peace be upon him) is His last and final Prophet and Messenger.
3. Honorary Members: Persons who by judgment and discretion of the Board of Directors/Trustees have rendered an outstanding contribution to the purposes of the Center shall be conferred honorary membership.
4. All members must submit a membership form with proof of residence and payment by either check, electronic transfer or monthly donation via automatic transfer from checking account.
5. Tawheed Center reserves the right to cancel an individual’s membership by 2/3rd majority vote of both the Board of Directors and Board of Trustees, if the member violates state and/or federal law or demonstrates abusive behavior in the Center.

ARTICLE IV-CONSTITUTION ADOPTION AND ENFORCEMENT

SECTION 1
The Constitution shall be adopted and enforced, effective immediately after it has been signed by all the members of the Board of Trustees.

ARTICLE V-DISSOLUTION

SECTION 1

In the event of dissolution, the funds and other assets of Tawheed Center after defraying all outstanding debts and liabilities shall be handed over to North American Islamic Trust.

BY LAWS AND POLICIES

ARTICLE I – BOARD OF DIRECTORS

SECTION 1

The officers of the Board of Directors shall be President, Vice-President, General Secretary, Treasurer, Social Secretary and Publications Secretary. They will be collectively responsible for the day to day affairs of the Center.

SECTION 2

The term of the Board of Directors shall be three years ending on 31st December. The Elections will be held by ballot (mail or electronic) in November/December. In the event of a tie, a random drawing (“Qurrah”) will be made to elect the new Board member. The Board of Directors shall choose an election committee in their June Monthly meeting.

SECTION 3

The Board of Directors will review and appoint liaisons from among the BOD and chairpersons for various committees at the beginning of the year. All programs/resolutions passed by the committees shall be approved by the Board of Directors. All liaisons will submit the minutes of any meetings held and provide updates at the monthly Board of Directors meeting.

SECTION 4

The President shall be responsible for:

1. The General Management of all the activities of the Center. Directing and coordinating of all the daily activities so as to achieve the purpose of the Center.
2. Calling and presiding over meetings of the Board of Directors.
3. Lead the formation of various Committees.
4. Presenting reports on the state of the Center at the annual meeting and in the newsletter.
5. Any talk, presentation or activity in the Center shall be authorized by the President of the Board of Directors or his designee.
6. The President has the responsibility to inform the community regarding the affairs and activities of the center.
7. The President shall call an annual General Body Meeting in December.
8. The President shall coordinate activities with the Sisters’ Committee lead.

SECTION 5

The Vice-President shall be responsible for:

1. Carrying out the management of the activities in the absence of the President.
2. Assisting the President in accomplishing the established goals of the Center.
3. Temporarily assuming the functions of the President when requested by him.

SECTION 6

The General Secretary shall be responsible for:

1. Reporting the important events and activities of the Center to the Community and Board of Trustees, periodically as authorized by the President.
2. Preparing, circulating and maintaining the minutes of all Board meetings and General Body meeting.
3. Preparing the agenda for the Board and General Body meetings and notifying the members of the Board and General Body, respectively, of it.
4. Maintaining the list of members, committees, and volunteers for various functions of the Center.
5. Presiding over the Board meetings when both the President and Vice-President are absent.
6. Presenting at the beginning of every BOD and General Body meeting, the minutes of the previous meeting for approval by the Board.

SECTION 7

The Treasurer shall be responsible for:

1. Maintaining the record of all the daily/monthly financial transactions of the Center. He shall be responsible for systematic up-keep of books and writing disbursements, receipts and banking reconciliations.
2. Collecting and depositing all the funds received on behalf of the Center.
3. Preparing the annual budget for the fiscal year of the center, for approval from Board of Directors and submit to the Board of Trustees, by end of January. The Board of Trustees shall approve the budget by end of February.
4. Presenting before the Boards, a quarterly and annual report on the status of the Center’s financial affairs.
5. Managing the day-to-day account. Any amount over $5,000 (but less than $10,000) shall be jointly approved (including electronic transactions) by the President and the Treasurer.
6. Providing monthly updates at the Board of Directors meeting.
7. Engaging volunteers or paid help with the approval of the Board of Directors, in the preparation of reports.

SECTION 8

The Social Secretary shall be responsible for:

1. Directing and supervising all arrangements for celebrations of religious festivals and social programs such as picnics, dinners, lectures on Islamic topics, etc.
2. Informing the members about the time, place and details of the festivals and social events through the Publication Secretary.

SECTION 9

The Publication Secretary shall be responsible for:

1. Preparing and updating circulars, bulletins, newsletters, website of the Center and presenting the same before the Board for their review and approval.
2. Circulating the Center’s publications if any.
3. Editing and publishing newsletters on behalf of the Center

ARTICLE II – FINANCE

SECTION 1

Membership for the calendar year must be renewed by June 30th of the same year to be eligible to vote in that year’s election.

SECTION 2

All funds collected for a specific cause will be used for that cause unless a 2/3 majority vote of the members of the Board of Directors and the Board of Trustees authorize its use for a different purpose within the goals and objectives of the Center. However, the funds collected for the specific purpose of expanding and maintaining the Center will be in the hands of the Board of Trustees and will not be used for any other purpose.

SECTION 3

Withdrawal of Funds:

1. The Board of Trustees will authorize in writing any two members of the Board of Directors to authorize withdrawals for day-to-day expenses.
2. Board of Directors can withdraw up to $10,000.00 for a single cause or event.

SECTION 4

Authorization of Expenditures:

1. All financial accounts will be opened and closed by the Board of Trustees.
2. Board of Directors should get the approval of Board of Trustees in writing for any transaction over $10,000 on a single expense or event.
3. Any withdrawal check exceeding $10,000 for a single expense or event will be signed jointly by:

• Chairperson of Board of Trustees.
• Treasurer of Board of Trustees

ARTICLE III – BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SECTION 1

The office bearers of the Board of Trustees (Chairperson, Treasurer and Secretary) shall be elected every year by the Board of Trustees. There is no limit on office holding provided the incumbent is willing to serve and is reelected for the office.

SECTION 2

The Board of Trustees shall:

1. Act as guardians of the Center located at 29707 West Ten Mile Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48336 and all properties owned by the center.
2. Be responsible for the long term strategy and interests of the Center.
3. Helping the Board of Directors in raising funds for the Center.
4. Authorize two members of the Board of Directors, in writing, for withdrawing funds from the Center’s account.
5. The Treasurer and the Chairperson from the Board of Trustees will cosign checks for amount exceeding $10,000.
6. They shall review and approve any real estate transactions, including selling, buying, building and construction for the Center.
7. They shall confirm the appointments, sign the contracts and approve the salaries of long term (six months or more) full time or part time employees of the Center.
8. The Chairman shall call and conduct the meeting and the Secretary shall keep the record of the proceedings.
9. Keep the Center registered in the state of Michigan.
10. Ensure that the non-profit status is maintained/renewed and any change in the list of officers is updated with IRS/State of Michigan.

SECTION 3

The Chairperson of the Board of Trustees shall be responsible for:

1. Calling and presiding over trustees’ meetings.
2. Being the spokesperson, representative and correspondent for trustee’s activities.

ARTICLE IV-MEETINGS

SECTION 1

The Center shall have at least one General Body Meeting (GBM) during the year in December before the holidays. The Quorum for the meeting is 51% of membership. If the quorum is not met, the meeting will proceed but no resolutions can be considered. Resolutions that are discussed and voted on will need at least 2/3rd majority of the members present in order to be considered as passed and binding, within the confines of the Tawheed Center Constitution.
Members can request a special GBM by a petition signed by 51% of the membership at any time of the year. The President of the BOD will have 30 days to call such a meeting. The agenda for the meeting will be sent out one week prior to the meeting.

SECTION 2

The Board of Directors shall meet at least once every month at such a time and place as is convenient and suitable to most of the members. The President may call BOD meetings in addition to the regular monthly meeting whenever he considers it necessary. For the Board of Directors, a presence of 2/3rd of the members will constitute a quorum.
The Board of Trustees shall meet quarterly. The President of BOD and the Treasurer will apprise the BOT on the affairs of the Center at the quarterly meeting. For the Board of Trustees, presence of 2/3rd of the members will constitute a quorum.

SECTION 3

Proxy vote are not allowed in any of the meetings

ARTICLE V-AMENDMENTS

SECTION 1

Amendments to the constitution can be made only by a 2/3rd majority vote of the combined Board of Trustees and the Board of Directors.
The combined boards with a 2/3rd majority vote may put forth a referendum to the community.

ARTICLE VI-MISCELLANEOUS

SECTION 1

The Center shall be registered as a Non-Profit Religious Organization in the State of Michigan. It shall be the responsibility of the Board of Trustees’ Secretary to do all the necessary paperwork in order to keep the registration active.

SECTION 2

A member of the Board of Directors, who has failed to attend three consecutive meetings, shall be asked to give his explanation for the absences in writing. If he fails to do so within two weeks or if his explanation is not satisfactory to the Board, the Boards shall consider his dismissal from the post he is holding. The Board of Directors shall grant him a hearing with the Board of Trustees so as to enable him to defend his explanation for the absences. If he refuses to appear before the Board of Trustees within a period of six weeks, the Boards shall decide on further action.
If any board member is out of state of Michigan for a period of more than 6 months out of a year, the board member should relinquish his position.

SECTION 3

In case of ambiguity regarding the interpretation of any sections of the constitution/bylaws or possible conflict between two sections, the interpretation of the Board of Trustees to clarify such ambiguities or to resolve the conflict shall be final.

SECTION 4

Each member shall attempt to avoid discussion of controversial issues that may hurt the feelings of a member or group of members as well as exercise tolerance and respect the right of other members to their opinions.
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