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[abuali]

Over the past months we have seen several unpleasant turn of events in our institutions such as Dar Jamaat, Bilal, Africa Federation and most (in)famously World Federation.

These events force us to closely examine how our organizations work with a hope of identifying any core issues that allow such unfortunate turn of events to occur. This is absolutely necessary in order to nip the issues in the bud, so to speak.

This thread is to critically examine the DSM Jamaat constitution with a view to identify anything that may cause us a problem in the future and therefore brainstorm remedies.

If enough participation occurs, similar threads can be started to discuss other areas such as how our organizations work (flowchart, reporting methods, credibility, accountability), leadership, economic policies, handling of social issues such as marriages and domestic disputes and so on.

[abuali]

First things first, we need a copy of the current constitution of the Jamaat.

Does anyone have a copy?

[abuali]

One important exclamation that I have seen raised is that the constitution limits membership to Khoja Shia's.

[MuNtAzIr_uk]

Salaams.

The fact that the Constitution of our Jamaat is out dated is quite obvious. The lsat update was done abt 20 years ago, and there are definately a lot of issues that need to be sorted out.

I think anyone who was present today at the Jamaat's AGM will see the problems of having such a rigid constitution. And add to that the fact that any change to the Constitution will require 50% approval, not of the audience, but 50% of the Jamaat's registered members. Can you see how difficult it is going to be to get any changes passed?

Let us hope that we will have the leaders who will be able to take this forward. And let us not forrget OUR responsibility to the community, as community members. Let us participate!!

But above all, let us remember that ours is supposed to be an Islamic community. If there are instances where the Constitution has not been fully met (as was the case today), let us be open to compromise. Let us not let the Constitution become our Quran!!

Salams,
Muntazir.

PS. All other issues to be discussed, but I was especially miffed by today's proceedings, hence the 'rant' ...

[abuali]

Sorry for the late response. The points you raised are very valid and need being discussed.

The fact that the Constitution of our Jamaat is out dated is quite obvious. The lsat update was done abt 20 years ago, and there are definately a lot of issues that need to be sorted out.

Any news on whether a white paper on the same is in the making? If so, what parts do you feel need changing?

And add to that the fact that any change to the Constitution will require 50% approval, not of the audience, but 50% of the Jamaat's registered members.

Is it impossible to get over 50% of registered members to attend?

Lets take an example of a body like ACCA with over 100,000 members spread over 100+ countries. They still manage to do it, why cant we?

The only reason I can think of is that members are not interested in being a part of the political process. If thats the case, it becomes the duty of the executives in office to first ensure that confidence in the office and the processes is regained, and everything can work smoothly.

But above all, let us remember that ours is supposed to be an Islamic community. If there are instances where the Constitution has not been fully met (as was the case today), let us be open to compromise. Let us not let the Constitution become our Quran!!

I can understand very well the point you are making. I propose we go one step further. Lets make our constitution null and void and adopt the Holy Quran as our constitution. In so doing lets appoint an aalim as our jamat chairman and get rid of all this so-called 'democratic processes' where the 'majority' is supposed to choose what they want.

[abuali]

Any opinions on the above discussion?

Has the current administration made any progress on any of the above issues?

[tahadharamsi]

Not Yet! Imagine a huge organization like the Jamat have not revamped an important document like their constitution what is the state of it's internal Affairs Allahu Aalam .

[tahadharamsi]

Why dont they use the Letter to Maalik E Ashtar as a criteria for reformation

[abuali]

Not Yet! Imagine a huge organization like the Jamat have not revamped an important document like their constitution what is the state of it's internal Affairs Allahu Aalam .

I suppose one of the reasons for this state of inaction is that the constitution is not readily available. Or is it?

[abuali]

Why dont they use the Letter to Maalik E Ashtar as a criteria for reformation

Thats very good advice. Combine that with the Holy Quran (by either having an aalim lead or advice jamaat on all matters), may lead us forward towards the path our Imam wants us to take.