Imam - Clergyman for Noor Gardens Centre (London Ont)

Job Description: Imam

The Imam is foremost a community leader. He is a highly motivated individual who regularly takes initiative to serve the growing needs of the Muslim community. The Imam will serve as a spiritual and community leader, and be entrusted with a great responsibility, firstly before Allah, and secondly before the community.

The Imam will help the Mosque create a relationship with the community and reach out to the public at large. He must be able to engage with all sections of the community, particularly the youth. He must embody the teachings of Islam based on the Qur’an, the authentic Sunnah, and the understanding of the companions, and articulate the religion within a modern context. The Imam must have a good understanding of current affairs and the position of Muslims in Canada in the 21st Century, and be able to present Islam in today’s language.

The Imam will report directly to the Centre Manager and his responsibilities will include but not be limited to:

Duties and Responsibilities

• Leads daily prayers at the Mosque.
• Leads Jum’ah prayer and gives at least one khutbah a week.
• Leads Eid Prayers and gives the khutbah except when there is a guest khateeb.
• Leads the Taraweeh prayers in Ramadan.
• Provides funeral services and guidance.
• Provides matrimonial and divorce counseling and services (if qualified).
• Provides counseling and guidance services as needed.
• Teaches Qur’anic studies, tajwid, tafsir, hadith, seerah, fiqh, and others as required.
• Participates in community activities that further good interfaith and public relations for Islam and Muslims.
• Acts as a resource person for other activities that the community organizes, including MAC events and religious training for MAC members.
• Works with Mosque management and other staff members to run various Mosque services.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree or PhD in an Islamic discipline from a reputable university.
• Memorized the Qur’an to be able to lead the jama’ah prayers.
• Excellent recitation skills of the Qur’an, including mastery of tajwid rules, and a good recitation voice.
• High level of knowledge in Islamic disciplines, including tafsir of the Qur’an, the seerah of the Prophet Muhammad (on whom be peace), hadith and its collection and usage, and aqidah.
• Knowledge of fiqh to teach and counsel the community on matters of Islamic jurisprudence, including general awareness of the differences of opinions among different schools of fiqh.
• Experience in an Islamic leadership position in North America or a Western country. Firsthand knowledge of Western culture is important.
• Excellent English written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in delivering Jumu’ah Khutbahs (Friday ceremony) and public lectures in English/French. Should have an engaging public speaking style and a dynamic personality.
• Experience or training in interfaith relations. Should be able to introduce Islam to people of other faiths.
• Experience or training in family counseling.

Desirable Qualifications

• Training in conflict prevention and resolution.
• Capacity to represent the Muslim community and speak to the media.
• Ability to conduct fundraising programs.
• Experience in planning and executing Islamic educational programs.
• Experience in planning and executing outreach and da’wah programs.
• Experience in teaching and counseling women and youth.
• Experience in providing funeral services.

Expectations

• The Imam is expected to maintain regular and convenient office hours at the Mosque for members of the community who seek counsel and guidance.
• The Imam shall interact with all persons and organizations, Muslim and non-Muslim, in a manner that reflects positively on the Muslim Association of Canada and the Mosque.
• The Imam shall conduct himself at all times in ways that foster unity and a sense of inclusion among all members of the local Muslim community, and promote broad participation in Islamic and community activities.
• The Imam shall not discriminate on the basis of madhhab, gender, race, nationality, ethnic origin, citizenship, political affiliation, or economic status.
• The Imam shall conduct himself at all times in a manner that is respectful of the history and diversity of the local Muslim community and must show sensitivity to the needs of the local population.

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