ICFW Bylaws Page 1

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In the name of God, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate

BYLAWS
Islamic Center of Fort Wayne
Amended and Approved: 01/04/2003

Article I: Name and Location

The name of the ICFW shall be Islamic Center of Fort Wayne (hereinafter referred to as the
"ICFW"). The principal office for the ICFW in the State of Indiana shall be located in the
County of Allen, City of Fort Wayne.

Article II: Description

ICFW is a non-profit, non-political, religious, cultural, and educational institution. ICFW shall
maintain a place of worship which shall be known as Masjid Al-Quds.

Article III: Purpose(s)

The purpose and activities of ICFW shall be to advance the teachings of Islam and to serve the
Muslim community and community at large in the Greater Fort Wayne area.

Masjid Al-Quds unequivocally affirms that the Qur’an in its scope is the full and final divinely
revealed constitution for mankind. Consequently Masjid Al-Qud’s is established solely for the
pleasure of Allah. Masjid Al-Quds proclaims the declaration of Faith of Islam through the
teachings of the Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s.).

Masjid Al-Quds will provide material, intellectual and spiritual resources to foster individual
growth, family stability, and societal advancement.

In addition the masjid seeks to inspire in all persons a love for Allah and His Messenger,
fellow human beings, the environment as well as a conscious awareness of community and
self.

The principles and practices used to further our objective will not exceed the boundaries set
by Allah and exemplified by His Messenger Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) . It is the duty and
obligation of every Muslim to uphold these principles.

Following are lesser laws, rules and regulations meant for the governance of the Masjid Al-
Quds affairs in accordance with the teachings of Qur’an and the Sunnah.

Section I: Activities

1. Hold congregational prayers and Islamic religious festivals and ceremonies at proper
times.
2. Promote closer ties, relations, unity, and cooperation among Muslims residing in the
Fort Wayne area to achieve its goals and objectives within the law of the land.
3. Promote better relations and understanding between Muslims and non-Muslims.
4. Advance Islamic education through various projects, programs and activities.

Islamic Center of Fort Wayne

1109 Chute Street
Fort Wayne, IN 46803
(260) 425-9834
 ICFW Bylaws Page 2
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5. Promote friendly relations and understanding between the Muslim community and the
community at large.
6. Educate Muslims and non-Muslims about Islam.

Section II: Office

ICFW shall maintain an office on its premises.

Article IV: Association

The ICFW may be associated with other legitimate Islamic organizations within the Unites
States of America.

Article V: Membership

Section I: Eligibility

1. Fulfill the requirements as outlined in the section II

2. Submit the registration card to be included in ICFW database
3. Any adult Muslim who pledges agreement with article III of these bylaws and has a
commitment to the belief and purpose of the ICFW can be eligible to become a
member of the ICFW.

Section II: Requirements of Membership

1. Membership is open to Muslims who reside in the Fort Wayne area.

2. A member must practice Islam according to the Holy Qur’an and the Sunna (teachings
and example) of the Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him).
3. A member must not be a member of any organization outlawed by U.S. laws.
4. A member must obey the Laws of the land.

Section III: Privileges

A member is entitled to ICFW benefits that include: prayer, participate in educational,

cultural events, voting in general elections, and special programs scheduled by the
administration for the benefits of the Muslim community.

Section IV: Suspension of Membership

The Board of Directors may suspend the membership in any of the occurrences:

1. Failure to live up to the requirements of the membership.

2. Conviction of a member in a court of law for committing a criminal act.
3. Direct or indirect involvement of a member in any attempt to obstruct any of
ICFW programs, activities and rules.
4. Dissemination by a member of any publications or leaflets that may attack the
integrity of ICFW, any of its appointed or elected officers, staff, and
volunteers.
5. A member must not use the premises of the ICFW for political or foreign
organizations, held meetings for any purpose.
6. Use of the center for personal, family or group residence.

Islamic Center of Fort Wayne

1109 Chute Street
Fort Wayne, IN 46803
(260) 425-9834
 ICFW Bylaws Page 3
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The Board of Directors of ICFW reserve the right to stop, bar, an individual or group
of people who cause disturbance and become a threat to the safety of other members
and worshipers at the center’s premises.

Article VI: Board of Directors

Section I: Description

The Board of Directors is the highest decision-making authority for the ICFW and
actively participates in advancing the work of ICFW.

Section II: General Powers

The Board of Directors shall supervise all affairs of the ICFW through the following
means:

1. To approve, amend, or reject for the annual budget and activity plan
presented by the Trustees.
2. To discuss reports presented and provide recommendations accordingly.
3. To discuss special requests by the community
4. To intervene whenever necessary to resolve any dispute, crisis, or decision
that may be viewed by the Board as contradictory or harmful to best interests
of ICFW.
5. To make certain that all activities and financial affairs are conducted
professionally and in accordance with the law of the land.
6. The Board is entitled to intervene in any issue related to ICFW and its
decisions are binding for all bodies of ICFW.

Section III: Number of Board of Directors/Officers

The Board of Directors shall consist up to 9 members (3, 5, 7, or 9) including:

1. President
2. Vice President
3. Treasurer(s)
4. Secretary
5. Additional members residing in the Fort Wayne area and actively
participating in ICFW.

All officers must be residents of the Fort Wayne Area.

Section IV: Meetings

1. A minimum of monthly regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be

held.
2. Secretary of the Board shall serve notice to all directors at least one week
prior to the meeting.
3. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the President of
the Board, the Board of Trustees, one-third of the Directors. A notice of special
meeting must be served at least one week prior to the meeting.

Section V: Quorum

Islamic Center of Fort Wayne

1109 Chute Street
Fort Wayne, IN 46803
(260) 425-9834
 ICFW Bylaws Page 4
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A majority of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of
business at any meeting of the Board. If less than the majority of the Directors are
present at the said meeting, a majority of the Directors present may call for a new
meeting.

Section VI: Voting Procedure of Board Members

When quorum is present and a vote takes place, and the deciding vote is not present,
the absentee member has 24 hours to vote. If vote of the absentee member is not
received in the stated time period, any tie vote will be resolved by presiding
President of the Board of Directors.

Section VII: Resolutions

Changing of the constitution, any constitutional amendments, or the bylaws, requires

a quorum. The act of a majority of the Board of Directors present at a meeting at which
a quorum is present shall be binding.

Section VIII: Vacancies

A vacancy in any office because of death, sickness, resignation, removal,

disqualification, or otherwise, may be filled by the Board of Directors for the
unexpired portion of the term.

Section IX: Duties and Responsibilities of the Officers

A. President of the Board of Directors:

1. To manage all business of the ICFW.

2. To preside at all meetings of the Board. In the absence of the president, the
vice president assumes the responsibility.
3. To authorize legal transactions on behalf of the ICFW.
4. To take all necessary measures to protect the interests of ICFW.
5. The president must make the Board of Directors aware of any independent
measures or at least consult one Board member immediately.
6. The president is a member of the Board of Trustees.

B. Vice President:

The Vice President assumes all responsibilities allocated to the post of the
President in the event of his absence.

C. Treasurer(s):

1. Treasurers will consist of a trustee of ICFW, and two Board members.

2. The treasurer shall be responsible for all funds, financial affairs, records, and
securities of the ICFW. He shall preside over the fundraising committee.
3. The treasurer shall post a financial report on a monthly basis which should
include debits and credits only. All withdrawals from ICFW accounts must be
done in the form of a check, and all checks must require two signatures.

D. Secretary:

The Secretary shall be responsible for the following:

Islamic Center of Fort Wayne

1109 Chute Street
Fort Wayne, IN 46803
(260) 425-9834
 ICFW Bylaws Page 5
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1. To keep the minutes of the meetings of the Board of Directors.

2. To serve notice of the meetings in accordance with the provisions of these by-
laws or as required by law.
3. To maintain all records and the seal of the ICFW.
4. To see that the seal of the ICFW is affixed to all corporate documents in
accordance with the provisions of these by-laws.

Section X: Compensation

Directors and officials that serve the ICFW are not compensated financially and
perform duties on volunteer basis only.

Section XI: Term of the Board of Directors

1. The term of the elected members of the Board of Directors shall be five years. In the
first election, one-third of them shall be elected for a term of two years, another on-
third for a term of three years, and one-third for a term of five years. In the second
election, everyone will be elected for five years staggering.

2. Each member of the Board of Directors shall take the oath of office, as prepared by
the Board.

a. Oath of Office:
i. Testimony of faith
ii. Commitment to the bylaws of ICFW

Section XII: Elections of the Board of Directors

1. The Board of Directors shall appoint an election committee to oversee the voting
process and assist the Board of Directors in the nomination process.
2. The current Board of Directors shall provide the General Body of ICFW with a list of
potential nominees.
3. A Board member may be reelected or chosen from previous Board members or new
qualified General Body members.
4. General Body of ICFW (see article ix) shall elect a new Board of Director(s) at the end
of each term.

Section XIII: Resignation

1. The Board of Directors shall decide whether to accept or reject resignations of any
Director.
2. In the event of accepting the resignation of a Director, the Board shall elect a new
Director to fill the vacancy within one month.

Section XIV: Removal

1. In the event of inactivity of any Board member, the general Board of Directors
reserves the right to reevaluate said member’s performance.
2. In the event of an unsatisfactory response or lack of acceptable participation after two
notifications, said member will be dismissed on the third notification.
3. The Board of Directors shall remove any Director who fails to carry out his
responsibilities by two-third of the total members of the Board of Directors.

Islamic Center of Fort Wayne

1109 Chute Street
Fort Wayne, IN 46803
(260) 425-9834
 ICFW Bylaws Page 6
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4. Directors residing in the Fort Wayne area shall be removed from the Board of
Directors if they loose their status as members.

Article VII: Board of Trustees

Section I: Number

The Board of Trustees shall consist of 3, 5, or 7 members which will include a member
of the Board of Directors.

Section II: Responsibilities

1. The Board of Trustees shall assume the fiduciary responsibilities of ICFW.

2. The Board of Trustees shall oversee the entrusted properties of ICFW.

Section III: Term

1. The term of the Board of Trustees shall be indefinite.

2. Each member of the Board of Trustees shall take the oath of office as outlined in
section xi (2a).
3. Board of Directors reserves the right to procure the resignation of said Trustee(s), if
warranted.

Section V: Election of Officers

1. The Board of Trustees may appoint a maximum of one third of the Board of Directors.
2. The Board of Trustees may elect among its members: a president, vice president,
financial manager, and secretary.

Section VI: Vacancies

The Board of Directors shall provide a list of potential nominees to fulfill any vacancy
on the Board of Trustees.

Article IX: The General Body

Section I: Members

The General Body consists of all regular members of the ICFW.

Section II: Quorum

In absence of the simple majority of General Body members, any number of members
present at any General Body meeting will constitute a Quorum.

Section III: Responsibilities

1. To elect members of the Board of Directors.

2. To make suggestions and provide feedback to the Board of Directors.
3. To review annual comprehensive reports provided by the Board of Directors.

Article X: Financial Resources

Section I: Fundraising

Islamic Center of Fort Wayne

1109 Chute Street
Fort Wayne, IN 46803
(260) 425-9834
 ICFW Bylaws Page 7
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The Board of Directors and Board of Trustees bear the responsibility to arrange
fundraiser events and encourage members to donate to meet the budget
requirements for the fiscal year.

Section II: Humanitarian Help.

ICFW is a local nonprofit organization. Any funds raised for ICFW shall be only
utilized for ICFW.
ICFW may engage or participate in fundraising projects for other legitimate entities
on a limited basis.

Article X: Fiscal Year

The fiscal year of the ICFW shall begin on the first day of January and end on the last day of
December each year.

Article XI: Amendments to By-Laws

These bylaws may be altered, amended or replaced and new by-laws may be adopted by a
quorum of the Board of Directors.
All changes are subject to a review and approval by vote of General Body.

Article XII: Nondiscrimination

The ICFW shall be open to all interested persons without discrimination on the basis of race,
color, sex, or national origin, provided that these persons subscribe to and uphold the
objectives of the ICFW and abide by the bylaws, rules and regulations as established by the
ICFW.

Article XIII: Dissolution

Upon the dissolution of the ICFW, its assets remaining after payment, or provision for
payment, of all debts and liabilities of ICFW, shall be distributed by the Board of Directors
with cooperation of the Board of Trustees. All assets shall be donated to associated local
Islamic organization(s) which are organized and operated for charitable purposes and which
have established its tax exempt status of 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Further subject of discussion

Maintenance & management of ICFW

Trustee definition
Benefits of association of various organizations
Bylaw subcommittees, i.e. Imam, etc.

Islamic Center of Fort Wayne

1109 Chute Street
Fort Wayne, IN 46803
(260) 425-9834