GIC Constitution

1. Definitions

“Constitution” means the constitution of the Global Imams Council.

“Council” means the Global Imams Council.

“The President” means the president, highest-ranking Imam, and officer of The Global Imams Council.

“Director” means the person or officer appointed as Director of the Council by either the President or the Vice-President.

“Governing Board” means the President, Vice-President, and Director.

“Senior Imams Committee” means the six second-highest-ranking Imams in the Imams council appointed by either the President, Vice-President, or Director.

“Advisory Committee” means the members of the council that serve as advisors to the Senior Imams Committee and the Governing Board.

“Board Member” means the person, if anyone, appointed from time to time by either the President, Vice-President, or Director.

“Member” means a person who is granted membership in the Council through either employment, application, election, or appointment.

“Objectives” means the objectives of the Council.

“Written” or “In Writing” includes printing, lithography, photography, and other means of representing or reproducing words in a visible form.

1. Definitions

“Constitution” means the constitution of the Global Imams Council.

“Council” means the Global Imams Council.

“The President” means the president, highest-ranking Imam, and officer of The Global Imams Council.

“Director” means the person or officer appointed as Director of the Council by either the President or the Vice-President.

“Governing Board” means the President, Vice-President, and Director.

“Senior Imams Committee” means the six second-highest-ranking Imams in the Imams council appointed by either the President, Vice-President, or Director.

“Advisory Committee” means the members of the council that serve as advisors to the Senior Imams Committee and the Governing Board.

“Board Member” means the person, if anyone, appointed from time to time by either the President, Vice-President, or Director.

“Member” means a person who is granted membership in the Council through either employment, application, election, or appointment.

“Objectives” means the objectives of the Council.

“Written” or “In Writing” includes printing, lithography, photography, and other means of representing or reproducing words in a visible form.

2. Council Objectives

2.1. To advocate for peaceful coexistence, dialogue, tolerance, mutual respect, human rights, and the building of bridges between all religious communities.

2.2. To provide a global representation of Islam and Muslims.

2.3. To advocate against terrorism and extremist ideologies.

2.4. To provide advice on all matters concerning and related to Islam and Islamic Communities.

2.5. To counter hate directed towards all religious groups and religious minorities.

2.6. To serve Muslim communities in most areas of life.

2.7. To issue reliable Fatwas concerning contemporary and or developing jurisprudential issues.

2.8. To support organizations, groups, and individuals with common objectives and visions.

3. Council Structure: 1. Governing Board:

• President
• Vice-President
• Director

2. Council Board:

• Treasurer
• Program Director
• Research Director
• Interfaith and Outreach
• Spokesperson(s)
• Office for Women
• Communications Director
• Social Media Director
• Security Director

3. Imams Council:

• Governing Board
• Senior Imams Committee
• Global Ambassadors
• Advisory Committee
• Fatwa Committee

4. Interfaith Network:

• Governing Board
• Representatives of Religions

5. Honourary Members

4.1. The President

1. The President of the Council is the highest-ranking officer in the Council, and is elected by a general council election.
2. The President must be a fully qualified and certified Shaikh, Imam, and scholar of Islamic doctrine, theology, jurisprudence, Quranic science, and Hadith. They must have a good understanding of other subjects and sciences required for this role.
3. The President must be of good character, reputation, and fit for office.
4. An elected President serves for a term of five years, and has the option of becoming a candidate for a second and final consecutive term.
5. The election for the presidency of the council are arranged and prepared by the Vice-President of the Council and Director, and are participated by the President, Vice-President, Senior Imams Committee, Advisory Committee, all Council Imams, Ambassadors, and Treasurer. Council members who occupy more than one position within the Council are permitted one vote only.
6. The president, as with any Council member/officer, may be removed from office. The removal of the Council President is done by a majority vote from the Senior Imams Committee, which must be authorized by the Vice-President. If the Council’s Vice-President refuses to execute the expulsion of the President, the Governing Board and the Senior Imams Committee have a period of 14 days to find alternative solutions to the situation at hand. Otherwise, the president remains in office for the rest of his term or until resignation.
7. In the case of the absence or illness of the president, the Vice-President will automatically govern the Council until the President’s return to office.
8. In the case of the unfortunate death of the President, the Vice-President will automatically become the President of the Council, and must coordinate with the Council Director to arrange a general Council election within 30 days. This would commence after the burial and funeral of the President, which should not exceed seven days.

4.1.1 Role and Powers of the President:

1. The President has the ultimate responsibility for overall supervision and control of all functions of the Council.
2. The President serves as the official representative of the organization.
3. The President has the general signature authority of the Council and may provide Council officers such as the Vice-President or Director with signature authority with or without limitations.
4. The President is responsible for making sure that all Council officers and members are fulfilling their duties.
5. The President participates in, or leads, short and long-term planning for the Council.
6. The President prepares regular, general, and special meetings, and presides over them when present.
7. The President has the important role of establishing healthy and positive relations with faith leaders and religious communities.

4.2. The Vice-President

• The Vice-President is the second-highest-ranking officer of the Council.
• The Vice-President is elected by a general council election, divided into four stages, and serves for a term of five years or until removal, reassignment, resignation, or passing. The three election stages are: 1) An initial election/vote in the Advisory Committee. 2) A second election/vote in the Senior Imams Committee. 3) A third Council-wide election/vote among all Council members. 4) The President’s acceptance of the result and candidate.
• Due to the Vice-President sharing powers with the President, the Vice-President is elected in the following steps:

1. A recommendation document is drafted by at least five members of the Council Advisory Committee and agreed upon by at least five other members to either: Call for an election or to remove or reassign a sitting Vice-President.
2. The said document is then signed by all ten members of the Advisory Committee, and sent to the Senior Imams Committee for review. The Senior Imams Committee has 30 days to provide its decision, in writing, to the Advisory Committee.
3. If the Senior Imams Committee agrees to the initial recommendation of the Advisory Committee, the Advisory Committee will be authorized to hold the first round of elections; in which all Imams of the Advisory Committee must participate.
4. In the case where the Senior Imams Committee differs on the said recommendation document, the Advisory Committee can request the involvement of the Council Director, to which his decision regarding an initial election would be final.
5. In a case where the Senior Imams Committee unanimously rejects the recommendation, the decision will be final.
6. If the Advisory Committee’s recommendation is successfully accepted by the Senior Imams Committee and an initial election for the position of Vice-President is held, the election results will be transferred to the Senior Imams Committee for a second vote.
7. The Candidate for Vice-President of the Council must obtain the votes of the majority of the Advisory Committee and the entire Senior Imams Council in order to qualify as a candidate for the final Council-wide election.
8. The candidate with the majority of votes in both Committees and the Council-wide election will then be recommended to the President of the Council, who will have 30 days to either accept the candidate as his Vice President, or instruct the Senior Imams Committee to prepare the Advisory Committee for another election. In this case, the Global Ambassadors will also be participants.
   
9. Once elected, the Vice-President serves for a term of five years and has the option of becoming a candidate for a second and final consecutive term.
10. The president alone has the power to expel or reassign the Vice-President

4.2.1. Role and Powers of the Vice-President:

1. The Vice-President of the Council administrates and manages all Council members, their roles and positions, as well as Council Ambassadors and Honorary Members.
2. The Vice-President prepares the necessary requirements for the Council to function, operate, and achieve its goals, as well as coordinates all activities of the Council.
3. The Vice-President is responsible for integrating Council policy into day-to-day operations, and often fills the role of President of the Council during his travels.
4. The Council Vice-President must effectively manage the relationship between the Council Board and the Imams Council.
5. Vice-President acts as a liaison between the Council Board, Governing Board, and all Council Committees. This involves informing the board of the Committees’ decisions and plans, and vice-versa, as well as keeping the President informed of the status of the Council’s finances and programs.
6. The Vice-President oversees fundraising operations, and is also the Council’s chief fundraiser. This involves acting as the primary spokesperson for the Council, recruiting donors, and attending/hosting fundraising functions.
7. The Vice-President submits plans and budgets for the President’s approval and often presides over board meetings.
8. The Vice-President is responsible for all day-to-day operations as well as the implementation of Council strategy and its financial management; by supervising council finances with the Council Treasurer and making sure that they are spent in a way that serves the purpose and mission of the Council.
9. The Vice-President may share Presidential powers, such as the authority of signature, the establishment of council branches, and the receiving of official delegations.
10. The Vice-President has the important role of establishing healthy and positive relations with faith leaders and religious communities.
11. Once elected, the Vice-President has the authority to employ/accept/recommend members to the council and remove/suspend members of all council committees and boards.
12. The Vice-President has the authority to establish Council chapters locally as well as globally and to expel or acknowledge a particular chapter.
13. Council Presidential elections are managed by the Vice-President and Director alone.
14. In the event of the unfortunate death of the Vice-President, the President will instruct the Senior Imams Committee and the Advisory Council to initiate elections for the Vice Presidency within 30 days. This would commence after the burial and funeral of the Vice-President, which should not exceed seven days.

4.3. The Director

1. Council Directors are appointed by the Council President or elected by a general council election. They serve for a term of five years or until removal, reassignment, resignation, or passing.
2. After the Director’s five-year term is complete, he has the option of becoming a candidate for a second and final consecutive term.

4.3.1. The role of the Director

• To become the face of the organization, the director must lead the Council towards the realization and success of its mission. This is achieved by:
  • Being responsible for giving proper strategic directions and implementing high-quality visions.
  • Developing and implementing strategies that aim to promote the Council’s mission and vision.
  • Create complete plans for the attainment of goals and objectives set during Council meetings.
  • Oversee Council operations, functions, and activities.
  • Exercise personal skills and take a holistic approach in managing the Council’s operations.
  • Ensure adherence to the Council’s daily activities and long-term plans to established policies and legal guidelines.
  • Act as the public speaker and public relations representative of the Council in ways that strengthen its profile.

  4.4. Senior Imams Committee

  1. 1. The Senior Imams Committee is made up of six senior Imams.
     2. Members of the Senior Imams Committee are appointed by the President, Vice-President, or by a majority vote among the Senior Imams Committee.
     3. Members of the Senior Imams Committee are the most established, knowledgeable and distinguished members of the Council. They report to the Governing Board directly and preside over all Council Committees.
     4. The position of ‘Senior Imam’ is a permanent position and ends with an official resignation, removal from office by either the President or the Vice-President (with the President’s approval), or their demise.
     5. The Senior Imams Committee is a separate body from all current and future Council Committees.

  4.4.1. The Role of the Senior Imams Committee

1. The Senior Imams play a vital and essential role in the religious direction of the Council and provide regular advice to the President and Governing Board.
2. The Senior Imams Committee oversees all matters concerning Islam and the affairs of the global Muslim community and prioritizes the responsibilities of the Council accordingly.
3. The Senior Imams Committee has full authority over all Council affairs concerning religion, interfaith diplomacy, and all related events, as well as the religious face and representative of the Council and its members.
4. The Senior Imams Committee recommends candidates to the Governing Board, Council Board, Senior Imams Committee, and Council Ambassadorships.
5. The Senior Imams Committee supervises/oversees initial Advisory Committee elections and holds secondary council elections.

4.5 Advisory Committee

1. The Council Advisory Committee is a body of experts that provide regular advice, recommendations, and proposals to all Council committees and boards.
2. Members of the Advisory Committee are appointed by either the President, Vice-President, Director, or at least one member from the Senior Imams Committee.
3. Advisory Committee members serve until their official resignation, removal from office, or demise.

4.5.1. The Role of the Advisory Committee

1. The Advisory Committee is responsible for overall monitoring, evaluation, organizational growth, and new council developments.
2. The Advisory Committee works to ensure that the Council’s objectives, mission, and vision that are presented in its Declaration are achieved.
3. The Advisory Committee recommends candidates to the Governing Board, Council Board, Senior Imams Committee, and Council Ambassadorships, as well as holds initial council elections.

5. Council Board, Officers, and Responsibilities

5.1. The Council Board manages the daily operations of the Council, and is governed by the Governing Board alone.

5.2. The Council Board does not preside over the Imams Council, but works alongside the Imams Council to undertake and achieve Council objectives.

5.3. The positions of the Council Board are:

1. President
2. Vice-President
3. Director
4. Treasurer
5. Program Director
6. Research Director
7. Interfaith and Outreach
8. Spokesperson(s)
9. Office for Women
10. Communications Director
11. Social Media Director
12. Security Director

5.4. Officers and Members of the Council Board are appointed by the Governing Board.

5.5. The Advisory Committee and Senior Imams Committee recommend new Council Board officers to the Governing Board.

5.6. All Council Board officers must be qualified for their roles.

5.7. All Council Board members must agree to the Council Constitution, Declaration, and Policy before being accepted or appointed to the Council.

6.1. Fatwa Committee or Darul Iftaa’

6.1.1. The Fatwa Committee or Darul Iftaa’ is independent of the Senior Imams Committee and Advisory Committee, and serves as the legal body of the Council.

6.1.2. The Fatwa Committee is formed of both Sunni and Shia Islamic Judges, Jurisprudential Experts, Muftis, and Mujtahids who answer directly to the Governing Board (alone).

6.1.3. Laws issued by the Fatwa Committee are implemented throughout the Council and all organizations which the Council oversees, supervises, manages, and presides over.

6.1.4. Laws issued by the Fatwa Committee are recommended by the Council to all affiliate organizations.

6.2. Criteria of Law and Fatwa

6.2.1. Laws and Fatwas issued by the Fatwa Committee must be approved by the President.

6.2.2. In a case where members of the Fatwa Committee disagree on a particular Fatwa, or on the legal or deductive reasoning of a Fatwa, they may refer the matter to the President. If a matter is referred to the President, the President’s decision would be the final one.

6.2.3. Fatwas issued by the Fatwa Committee may be limited to a specific area, country and or location.

6.2.4. Fatwas issued by the Fatwa Committee must be in accordance with:

1. The Values, Constitution, Declaration, and Policy of the Council.
2. The Law of the country and land.

6.2.5. All Fatwas issued by the Fatwa Committee must be made accessible to the public within 24 hours.

6.3. Amendments and Withdrawals

6.3.1. A Fatwa issued by the Fatwa Committee may be amended or withdrawn. A request for the amendment or withdrawal of a council Fatwa must be presented to and approved by the President. Once Presented to the President, it no longer becomes an issue limited to the Fatwa Committee.

6.3.2. If the Council President approves the amendment of a Fatwa, the Vice-President and or Director will call for a vote on the matter by the Senior Imams Committee.

6.3.3. All Fatwas issued by the Fatwa Committee can be amended and or withdrawn by the President at any time, as he is the highest-ranking-Imam in the Council.

7.1 Interfaith Network

7.1 The Global Imams Council’s Interfaith Network comprises of distinguished faith leaders from different religions.

7.2. Members of the Council’s Interfaith Network are appointed by invitation of the President and or Vice-President.

7.3. Members of the Interfaith Network provide direct advice and recommendations to the Governing Board, and surpass all Council Committees.

7.4. Members of the Interfaith Network are able to submit a request for an official statement or Fatwa from the council regarding any matter without a vote from the Senior Imams Committee.

7.5. Membership within the Interfaith Network is honorary, and not on a contractual basis.

7.6. Members of the Interfaith Network do not participate in Council elections.

8.1 Membership of Imams Council

8:1.1. All membership applications are managed by the Governing Board and the Senior Imams Committee, and may, in their ultimate discretion, recommend the applicant for admission as a Member of the Imams Council.

8.1.2. All applicants must satisfy the qualification requirements listed in the membership form.

8.1.3. All applicants must agree to all articles and clauses within the Council Constitution, Declaration, and Policy, as well as the Membership Policy presented in Article 10 of the Constitution.

8.1.4. All applicants and members must not be affiliated with Islamist, extremist, terrorist, and or any other questionable organizations.

8.1.5. Council Members may not be affiliated with any political figure, organization, party, or entity, and may not lead any political activity, party, entity, or organization.

8.1.6. All applicants must agree to/with all local government laws and legal systems, and agree to abide by them at all times.

8.1.7. All applicants must agree that any illegal activity from their behalf will result in an immediate suspension and termination of membership, and removal from the Council with short notice.

8.1.8. All applicants must be willing to cooperate with government departments and security agencies, and agree that their information may be disclosed to said organizations if the Council is legally requested to do so.

8.1.9. All applicants must disclose all official and unofficial positions and affiliations. Failure to disclose all positions and affiliations will result in immediate suspension and/removal from the council, depending on the severity of the matter, regardless of how far the applicant has progressed within the Council.

8.1.10. Upon the acceptance of a membership application form by the Governing Board and Senior Imams Committee, the applicant becomes an official Member and officer of the Council.

8.1.11. In no case shall the Global Imams Council be required to give any reason for the rejection of an applicant.

8.2. Membership Requirements

8.2.1. All Imam-applicants must satisfy the qualification requirements in order to become members of the Imams Council. These prerequisites are:

1. Be a practicing Muslim.
2. Be a certified or ordained cleric, Sheikh or Imam; or
   Be a graduate scholar of Islamic Studies/or Quranic Science from an Islamic tertiary institute or organization that evidences Islamic qualifications
3. Be an active director within the Muslim community, and prove sufficient experience as a faith leader or community director.
4. Not adhering to any extremist or militant ideology or school of thought.
5. Be certified by the Islamic Theology of Counter-Terrorism (ITCT) as an individual who has fulfilled all requirements in the Imam Training program.
6. Be a person of good fame, character, reputation, and above any suspicion.

8.3. Membership Rights

8.3.1. The Council acknowledges and protects the rights of all of its members.

8.3.2. Council members have, but are not limited to, the following rights.

• vote in Council elections.
• attend general meetings.
• notice of meetings and to attend certain meetings.
• access certain Council documents.
• nominate to hold formal roles in the Council.
• submit items for consideration at general meetings and to be heard at general meetings.
• make a complaint about another member.
• make submissions in connection with any complaint made against them.
• be given notice before disciplinary action is taken by the Council.
• appeal against suspension or expulsion from the Council.
• appoint proxies to vote and speak on the member’s behalf.
• not be oppressed and be provided with natural justice in disciplinary and grievance procedures, including by being given the opportunity to be heard on the matter which is the subject of the disciplinary or grievance procedure and having the outcome of any dispute determined by an unbiased decision-maker.

9. Ambassadorships

9.1. The Senior Imams Committee and the Governing Board will assign Ambassadors throughout various countries.

9.2. Council Ambassadors serve for a term of five years. Decisions are made between the Governing Board and Senior Imams Committee to extend an Ambassador’s term or reassign them to a different location.

9.3. Once appointed, a Council Ambassador can only be reassigned or expelled by the President or Vice-President.

9.4. The Council Ambassador manages the affairs of the Council in their respective country and/or location. This means that an Ambassador Imam ranks higher than the members of the Imams Council within that particular country, and can be granted administerial powers, such as (limited) signature authority.

9.5. Council Ambassadors serve under the Senior Imams Committee and report to both the Senior Imams Committee and or the Governing Board.

9.6. An Ambassador does not have the authority to appoint or expel members of the Council.

9.7. If a dispute between an Ambassador and a member of the Imams Council takes place, all matters must be brought to the attention of the Senior Imams Committee, to which a report will be prepared and forwarded to the Vice-President. If the Vice-President is unsuccessful in solving the dispute, he will then raise the issue with the President whose decision will be final.

9.2. Role of the Ambassador

The Council Ambassador:

1. Is the official deputy, representative, and spokesperson of the Council.
2. Is the highest-ranking Council member in his respective country.
3. Has the power and authority to speak on behalf of the Council and all of its local members.
4. Represents the Council in public and private events and gatherings,
5. Has the responsibility of managing the affairs of the Council in the country he is assigned to.
6. Manages all of the Council’s national visits, meetings, events, public appearances, statements, and local Council reports in his respective country.
7. Assists the Council Governing Board in coordinating activities in the country that he is assigned to.
8. Maintains accurate and current information of the Council and its progress.
9. Keeps accurate minutes of each meeting and forwards copies to the Council Headquarters and or Governing Board.

10. Membership Policy

10.1. Members of the Council will belong to different Islamic sects, schools of thought and denominations; and will all work together towards achieving the Council’s objectives enlisted in clause 2 of this constitution.

10.2. Muslims and Non-Muslims alike may become officers and affiliates of the Council.

10.3. The Council Governing Board (President, Vice-President, and Director) must be occupied by individuals adhering to the Islamic faith, in order to maintain the nature of the Council as an Islamic council. Positions such as Treasurer, Social media director, website developer, advisor, or similar non-executive roles may be occupied by individuals of any background or faith.

10.4. Individuals may become officers of the Council by invitation, application, or election. The Council may also assign individuals as honorary members irrespective of their background or religion.

10.5. All Council members must be qualified for the positions which they occupy.

10.6. Council members may hold one or more roles within the Council.

10.7. All Council officers and members will not discriminate in membership on the basis of race, colour, creed, religion, sect, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability.

10.8. All Council members must agree to all articles within the Council Constitution, Declaration and Policy; and must not be affiliated with Islamist, extremist, terrorist, or questionable organizations.

10.9. All Council members must agree to Article 8 of this Constitution titled ‘Membership of Imams Council’ and abide by its clauses, as well as the Council Declaration.

10.10. Council Members may not be affiliated with any political figure, organization, party, or entity, and may not lead any political activity, party, entity, or organization.

11. Code of Ethics and Conduct

11.1. It is an essential part of a professional association to regulate the behaviours of its members. The Global Imams Council requires that its members and officers abide by this Code of Ethics and Conduct. All members of the Council must act in accordance with the standards of conduct set out in this Code. This Code sets down minimum standards of conduct and professional values and is not intended to cover all possible situations in terms of specific behaviour.

Members of the Global Imams Council must:

11.1.1. uphold and maintain the highest and best level of ethics and conduct.

11.1.2. be honest in representation, knowledge, services, skills and other areas of life, at all times.

11.1.3. comply with all relevant laws and legal systems and agree to abide by them at all times.

11.1.4. conduct themselves with competence and diligence in all professional activities.

11.1.5. maintain the confidential nature of all sensitive documentation and information that I encounter from the Council or members of the public.

11.1.6. act with integrity and with the highest ethical standards possible.

11.1.7. Abide by all the articles and clauses of this constitution.