Allah (swt) says, “Those who hearken to their Lord, and establish regular Prayer; who (conduct) their affairs by mutual Consultation; who spend out of what We bestow on them for Sustenance” … [are praised] (Surat al-Shura 42:38).

As Michael Hamilton Morgan writes in Lost History, “Shura was the tradition Muhammad [peace be upon him] valued, according to which decisions that affect the community are to be made in consultation with members of the community. In fact, one chapter of the Quran is named Al-Shura, referring to a verse that states that those close to God should conduct their affairs by due consultation with others.”

We are blessed – and tested – in being part of the Muslim community at this particular time in the history of ICOI.

What we are referring to here is the transition in Governance Model from one where a small group of people appoints the Board of Directors and is responsible for making the majority of the major decisions… to one where the masjid leadership is responsible to – and is voted into leadership by – the members of the community. These are not “potential” changes in governance, they are a reality, here and now. (Please see the newly amended Current Bylaws)

In the past, we have likely wondered how decisions were made about various issues at the ICOI. There was no direct way for us to make an impact which discouraged some people from trying.

However, as committed by the Board nearly a year ago, that is changing, Insha’Allah.

Community members – just like you – will now have an opportunity to determine who leads this public institution, and how this institution evolves over the next decade.

It has been said that “Decisions are made by those who show up.” [1]

In the past, you could complain that your voice was not heard and that things could be done better. With the new governance model, your VOTE is your VOICE.

Going forward, no one can claim they had input… but nobody listened; that they wanted to be part of the change… but no one invited them; that they wanted something different… but it never happened.

The Prophet (pbuh) and his companions all left a legacy of leadership which modern leaders can learn much from. Omar ibn al-Khattab’s famous statement proves this, upon assuming the role of Caliph, he said: “…If I follow the right path, follow me. If I deviate from the right path, correct me so that we are not led astray.”

If you want your voice to be heard, and if you want to exercise your rights as a community member, then let your VOTE be counted by signing up for membership.

• You just fill out a form and pay the monthly fee – it’s that simple!
• The cost is nominal

However, there will be some that just like to vent now and then, but are not interested in exerting even minimal effort to gain the ability to exercise their rights as community members; and they will not sign up for membership. Will you be among them?

And it may be a smaller group of concerned individuals that care enough about the masjid to sign up for membership who – whether you and I like it or not – will determine the future leaders (…may get elected to the Board themselves…) and will have a direct say in the future direction of this community. Would you like to be one of them?

The choice is yours. Decisions are made by those who show up, and you can “show up” by signing up for membership TODAY.

“Together, we can make a difference!” “Together, we can shape a bright future!”

Jazaakum Allahu Khayran,
Membership Committee – Islamic Center of Irvine

[1] Quote by A. Sorkin