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Muslim Students' Association Constitution

Preamble

The mission of the Muslim Students’ Associations Chapter at the University of Michigan- Ann Arbor is to strive to serve Allah on the community level in all aspects of life (i.e. education, finance, politics, social issues, Islam awareness, etc.).

Article I. Name

The organization will be addressed as The Muslim Students Association Chapter at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor.

Article II. Purpose

The purpose of the Muslim Students Association Chapter at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor (henceforth referred to as the "MSA") shall be to serve Allah (God) in the best way possible through the principles laid out in the Honorable Quran and Sunnah (the authentic traditions and examples of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him). The MSA will work to fulfill this purpose by acting as the local representative body of the local Muslim student community (all colleges and universities in the Ann Arbor Vicinity).

Article III. Membership

Section 1.

Section 2.

• Must pay Membership Fees to the Financial Chair as set by the current Executive Board and complete all related forms. Fees may be waived under special circumstances as determined by the Executive Board. • Must agree to adhere to all of the principles laid out in this Charter and do their best to try and follow decisions made by the Executive Board. • Must be registered as a member of at least one Committee or Sub-Committee. If any of these above criteria are not fulfilled during the course of the membership, the Executive Board has the right to revoke a members membership. The General Body will have the right to: 1. Revoke any decision (except impeachment) of the Executive Board if more than 50% of the General Body votes to do so at a General Body Hearing (see below). 2. Impeach any member of the Executive Board or the President after: o A written request signed by 50% or more of the General Body to impeach the individual has been submitted to the Executive Board and has been rejected in writing by the Executive Board. o 75% of the General Body votes to do so after a General Body Hearing (see below). (Normal impeachment procedures should take place via the Executive Board - see Impeachment).

Section 3.

A member may voluntarily withdraw their membership at any time. However, they will not be refunded their membership due.

Article IV. Officers

Section 1.

The Executive Board of the MSA acting as the Council of Consultation will consist of the Chairs of each of the following committees: Vice President (Public Relations), Dawah, Administrative Affairs, Education, Finance, Social, Community Service. All Executive Board meetings will be open unless otherwise specified by the Executive Board. In addition to everything listed in the Executive Board Section of this Charter the organization will have one President.

Section 2.

Executive Board Rights and Duties • Carrying out all of the roles and duties expected in Islam of a Council of Consultation (consultative assembly) of the local Muslim student community (All Colleges and Universities in the Ann Arbor vicinity). • Serving as the sole representative of the general body of the MSA. • For carrying out and executing this Charter to the best of their ability. • For maintaining the highest principles of Islam in all of their dealings and reflecting this in their characters. • Attending all General Body meetings and functions if possible. • The Executive Board is responsible for initiating the election procedure as outlined in the "Election" section. • Executive Board Attendance: All Executive Board members are required to attend all weekly meetings (Quorum for Executive Board Meetings will be 4). If one cannot attend a meeting, the President must be notified with an explanation as soon as possible. Advance notice is also required if one will be late to a meeting, or have to leave early, for a valid reason (as determined by the Executive Board). (In the case of the President, the President would be responsible for appointing another facilitator from the Executive Board and providing an explanation to this individual. Explanation will be subject to review from the Executive Board.) For each unexcused absence or tardiness, the Executive Board will issue some small form of reprimandation as they see fit (i.e. fine food next week, cleaning the office, etc.). Members will be marked as late if they arrive at the meeting any later than ten minutes past the posted meeting time. Two or more unexcused absences or excessive lateness (6 or more meetings per semester) will serve as mandatory grounds for review by the Executive Board and as a legitimate reason for impeachment if necessary (See Impeachment). It will be the duty of the Office Management Chair to record and notify the board of excessive absences or lateness. • Consultation in Executive Board Meetings "...and consult them in affairs [of the moment]. Then when you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah. For Allah loves those who put their trust [in him]." Al-Quran 3: 159. In an official vote, each Executive Board member and the President will receive one vote. In the case of a tie, the Presidents vote will be the deciding factor. It will be up to the Presidents discretion on whether to call an official vote for an issue, take general Consultation from all members present at the meeting, or use any other means of Consultation in the daily operating of the meeting. However, if even one Executive Board member requests an official vote, the President must hold one regardless of how trivial the issue. All substantial issues should be put to an official vote and the President must run the meeting in the honest spirit of Consultation (See Impeachment). • Urgent Decisions Should a non-financially related decision need to be taken urgently and outside of the Executive Board Meetings by an Executive Board member, the following procedure should be followed: 1. The Executive Board Member whom the decision concerns most and whose field of expertise it is, should be informed and consulted, along with the President and a joint decision should be mutually made. 2. If for some reason, one or both of these individuals cannot be contacted, the next most appropriate Executive board member should be sought. 3. In all cases, the decision and its circumstances should be transmitted through electronic mail to the Executive Board and the President should be notified as soon as possible. All decisions made in this fashion are subject to review by the Executive Board and if an abuse is found, the Executive Board should deal with it as they see fit (See Impeachment). For Emergency Spending: Any Executive Board member who spends money in an emergency situation does so at the risk of not being reimbursed. All individuals involved in the decision process will only be reimbursed after the decision process has been reviewed and accepted by the Executive Board. Anyone who must spend money in an emergency situation must do their best to contact as many Executive Board members as possible especially the President and Finance Chair. All Executive Board members that consent to the decision to authorize funds, share an equal risk in the consequences of the decision. It is imperative that the President and Finance Chair be contacted as soon as possible after the decision has been made. o The Executive Board has the power to call General Body Hearings at will. o The Executive Board has the power to hold Impeachment Hearings. o The Executive Board is responsible for putting out and enhancing a packet known as the MSA Handbook that will outline the general descriptions of Committees and Sub-Committees and their major responsibilities\duties along with all officials names & contact information. The MSA Handbook will be approved by the Executive Board before the Fall Mass Meeting. The Executive Board will ensure that every member of the General Body will receive a copy. o All members of the Executive Board must fulfill all duties assigned to it by the Executive Board (see Impeachment). Executive Board members must work to fulfill the general purpose of their Committee as outlined in the MSA Handbook. o The Executive Board is responsible for providing this Charter upon request to any member of the General Body. o The Executive Board and all MSA sub-committee chairs must read and have signed their own copy of this Charter before taking office (See Acceptance of Office). It is also strongly encouraged that all the members of the Executive Board read and review the constitutions of all affiliated groups and it is mandatory on the President to do so. The Executive Board will maintain and regulate all the computing resources of the MSA as outlined in accordance with the regulations listed below:

Section 3.

The advisor’s role in the MSA is to be a source of consultation and advice when called upon, and to serve as an ambassador to the University administration as much as possible.

Article V. Operations

Section 1.

Elections o All Nominees must be members of the General Body o No individual shall be denied the right to an elected position based on gender. o In the case that only one sister is elected to the Executive Board, the Executive Board must do everything in its power to appoint another sister to come to the meeting. If this is not possible then other accommodations must be made For the President o All Nominees for President preferably should have attended Executive Board Meetings for at least one year, and have been an active member in the MSA. Nominations will be taken from the General Body and Nominators must state the qualifications of their Nominee. o All Presidential Nominees will be placed on a ballot presented to the General Body during the general election. The General Body will then vote for President. The General Body will receive a number of “electoral votes” equivalent to the number of eligible voters in the “Current” and “Newly” Elected Executive Boards. These “electoral votes” will be divided amongst each of the candidates in proportion to the number of votes in the General Body election. The results of this vote will remain undisclosed and known only to the Election Committee.

Section 2.

Elections For All Positions o All Nominees must read and agree to implement the principles in this Charter if they are elected to office. The Election Committee must make clear to all candidates: ???The seriousness of the position, what each position exactly entails, and the responsibility to Allah (SWT) that each candidate will have after accepting a position. The Prophet (SAW) invited us and we took the oath of allegiance, the oath to obey him in willingness as well as in unwillingness, in difficulty as well as in easiness, and (to be) above our selfishness and that we would not challenge the authority of its rightful holders unless we saw clear kufr for which you have proof from Allah (SWT). Narrated by Ubadah bin al-Samit as an authentic tradition. ???A candidate should not refuse the nomination without valid justification. ???Before accepting any nomination, the candidate must read and agree to the duties and responsibilities of that position. o No Nominee may actively campaign for a position. If they do so the, the Election Committee may immediately disqualify them from the Election. However, Nominators must submit, in writing, two reasons as to why they feel a particular candidate is qualified for a position. These reasons will be posted on electronic mail by the Election Committee and be read by the Election Committee at a General Body meeting. O Abdur Rahman bin Samarah, never ask for leadership, for if you were given it on asking, you are lost to it. If you are given it without asking you are helped with it. Narrated by Abdur Rahman Bin Samarah as an authentic tradition. I and two of my cousins came to the Prophet (SAW), one of them said, "O Prophet of Allah appoint to us some office entrusted to you by Allah." The other one also said something similar to this. The Prophet (SAW) replied "By God, we will never entrust this job to one who asks for it or aspires to it." Narrated by Musa al-Ashari an authentic tradition. Elections For All Positions o All Nominees must read and agree to implement the principles in this Charter if they are elected to office. The Election Committee must make clear to all candidates: ???The seriousness of the position, what each position exactly entails, and the responsibility to Allah (SWT) that each candidate will have after accepting a position. The Prophet (SAW) invited us and we took the oath of allegiance, the oath to obey him in willingness as well as in unwillingness, in difficulty as well as in easiness, and (to be) above our selfishness and that we would not challenge the authority of its rightful holders unless we saw clear kufr for which you have proof from Allah (SWT). Narrated by Ubadah bin al-Samit as an authentic tradition. ???A candidate should not refuse the nomination without valid justification. ???Before accepting any nomination, the candidate must read and agree to the duties and responsibilities of that position. o No Nominee may actively campaign for a position. If they do so the, the Election Committee may immediately disqualify them from the Election. However, Nominators must submit, in writing, two reasons as to why they feel a particular candidate is qualified for a position. These reasons will be posted on electronic mail by the Election Committee and be read by the Election Committee at a General Body meeting. O Abdur Rahman bin Samarah, never ask for leadership, for if you were given it on asking, you are lost to it. If you are given it without asking you are helped with it. Narrated by Abdur Rahman Bin Samarah as an authentic tradition. I and two of my cousins came to the Prophet (SAW), one of them said, "O Prophet of Allah appoint to us some office entrusted to you by Allah." The other one also said something similar to this. The Prophet (SAW) replied "By God, we will never entrust this job to one who asks for it or aspires to it." Narrated by Musa al-Ashari an authentic tradition. o Following the general election, both the "Current" Executive Board and the "Newly" Elected Executive Board will meet together. Each member will receive one vote regardless of whether they happen to be on both Boards. These votes will be turned in to the Election Committee. o The Election Committee will combine the results from the Executive Board meeting and the general election. The candidate who receives the most votes will become the new President.

Section 3.

• Terms for all positions will start and commence at the beginning of Spring Term of the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor). During the spring/summer terms, the acting interim Executive Board will consist of the newly elected Executive Board members. If one of the newly elected Executive Board members is unable to serve during the spring/summer terms then their position will be fulfilled by the individual who most recently held that position. If this is also not possible, then the vacant position will be fulfilled by a General Body member appointed by the interim Executive Board members present.

Section 4.

The MSA advisor plays no role in its elections.

Article VI. Finances

Section 1.

Funding for the MSA will come primarily from funding sources on campus (BPC, CSC, LSA, Rackham, etc.). Additional funding may come from student membership dues, parent and alumni donations, and sponsors (businesses, individuals, and other student organizations) of events.

Section 2.

• General Spending Each Chair should keep in mind: o The limited resources available. o The fact that they are spending the Muslim Community’s money. o That they are expected to treat funds of the MSA more carefully than they would treat their own and should attempt to keep all expenses at a minimum. It is highly encouraged that all activities be self-supportive if possible. • Board members are free to purchase with previously authorized funds (i.e. funds that are allocated to the Committee during Budgeting). It is suggested that Executive Board members use their own personal funds for small, approved purchases and then get reimbursed. MSA checks are to be used mainly for larger transactions, or for reimbursements not provided by through our SOAS University account (i.e. food). Checks will be kept with authorized signers (President, Finance Chair, Administrative Affairs Chair) to be used only for emergency purposes or approved purchases as described earlier. Checks should be handled with extreme care and should be returned to the Finance Chair at the end of the Executive Boards term. The Finance Chair should be notified immediately of any check that has been written. Each Chair will also be responsible for presenting final budgets to the Finance Chair at the deadline set by the Board. The Board will have authorization to approve all spending and budgets as well as audit all spending. Every attempt should be made to insure that the balance at the end of the year is greater than the balance at the beginning of the year.

Article VII. Amendments

Section 1.

In order to propose an amendment to the constitution, one must present it to the Executive Board. If the Executive Board approves the appeal of an amendment by a quorum of 50%, it will then be put to a vote by the General Body.

Section 2.

Amendments to the constitution may be proposed to the Executive Board by any General Body member.

Section 3.

Amendments may be made to this charter by vote of 60% or greater of a quorum of 50% of the General Body. Votes may be accepted by Executive Board appointees for a period of two days. Only members of the MSA may vote.

Article VIII. Registration Renewal

Section 1.

After Elections All newly elected officers must read and sign their own copy of the Charter. (See Acceptance of Office).

Article IX. Removal of Membership

Section 1.

Impeachment If any elected or appointed member has been found to violate any one of the following principles, a hearing must be held. Such a violation may be grounds for impeachment. Principles include violating: o Any Islamic Principle or Law that deems them unworthy to serve as a leader of the local Muslim Community and/or representing the MSA in a fashion that is uncharacteristic of the General Body and Islamic Principles. o Having missed more than two meetings without any legitimate excuse or having missed an excessive number of meetings such that the Board deems them unable to carry out the function of their position. o Excessive lateness (6 or more meetings per semester) at Executive Board Meetings. o Making decisions without taking Consultation in any number of critical decisions or in the case of the President not conducting the Executive Board meetings in the manner of Consultation prescribed in this charter. o Having abused funding privileges and/or Emergency Decision Procedures. o Not fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of their office as outlined in the MSA handbook.

Section 2.

Procedure for Impeachment by Executive Board: o Every attempt should be made to correct the problem and the impeachment procedure should be used only as a last resort. Details of the entire process should remain confidential within the Executive Board and information regarding the case should not be discussed in public. All meetings regarding the case should be held in private so as to protect the reputation and dignity of the individual being impeached. o The individual should be consulted about the list of grievances against them in a private meeting of the Executive Board. They should be allowed to defend themselves against any grievances made against them. The individual has the right to resign at this point if they so choose in which case the procedure would end here. o The individual should not be present during the vote. A written vote should be taken by the President (unless the issue involves the President in which case the Public Relations Chair should take the vote). Out of the seven Board members voting, five or greater must vote for the impeachment in order for it to be carried out. Procedure for Impeachment by the General Body: The General Body also has the right to call for Impeachment for the above reasons only after the Executive Board has refused to do so. The General Body should follow the procedures listed in the General Body Section of this Charter.

Section 3.

The General Body of the MSA will consist of Members as defined below. Members are those who have met the following criteria, as interpreted by the Executive Board, which shall not discriminate on the basis of sex, ethnicity, race, or nationality: • Must be a University Student, Staff, or Faculty member from a college in the Ann Arbor vicinity. • Must pay Membership Fees to the Financial Chair as set by the current Executive Board and complete all related forms. Fees may be waived under special circumstances as determined by the Executive Board. • Must agree to adhere to all of the principles laid out in this Charter and do their best to try and follow decisions made by the Executive Board. • Must be registered as a member of at least one Committee or Sub-Committee. If any of these above criteria are not fulfilled during the course of the membership, the Executive Board has the right to revoke a members membership.

Section 4. Article X. By-Laws

Affiliations The MSA shall serve as a chapter of the Muslim Students' Association of the U.S. and Canada (henceforth referred to as the "National MSA") and the Great Lakes MSA Council (henceforth referred to as "Council"). The MSA shall adhere to the by-laws and constitutions of both of these supervisory entities. The MSA will have the option to appeal once any decision made by these two entities, in which they can voice their opinion about anything they feel that these two bodies did not consider. The MSA will also be associated with the Muslim Community Association (Ann Arbor Masjid) and the Executive Board will be responsible of sending at least one representative to all of the MCAs Executive Board meetings. Relations with National MSA • If the local MSA violates any Islamic Principles, as interpreted by the National MSA and the MSA Council, or violates the constitution and/or by-laws of the National MSA or MSA Council, the President of the National MSA and/or Council may send a representative to mediate. If a solution is not reached, the Executive Committee of the National MSA and the MSA Council, after mutual agreement, have the right to dissolve the Executive Committee of the local MSA and supervise new elections. • The Executive Committee of the National MSA along with the consent of the MSA Council has the right to revoke any decision of the MSA provided that at least 25% of the general body of the local MSA demands such from the National MSA or Council and such a demand is given in writing and signed. • The National MSA may send a representative to supervise the Elections of the local MSA. • The local MSA shall do its best to execute decisions made by the National MSA. • The Public Relations Chair and the President of the local MSA will be responsible for maintaining relations with the National MSA. In accordance with the National MSAs Islamic Education Committees program, the local MSA will adopt, use, and organize the PeaceNet Islamic Education System as the means of individual education in the MSA. However, individual members are free to pursue any other form of education that they wish. Relation with MSA Council A. The MSA shall make an earnest attempt to send the President and the Public Relations Chair to every meeting of the Council. o They will serve as the two representatives of the MSA and must carry out the votes of the MSA, voice its opinions, and carry out its wishes. o They will do the former as dictated by the Executive Board of the MSA. If the Executive Board does not specify a vote or a position, they will retain the right to vote and represent the MSA independently in the Council in a manner that they feel best represents the interests of the local MSA. o They will provide detailed reports of the meetings to the Executive Board and inform them of all decisions made and their votes. o All funding decisions made by the MSA Council pertaining to the local MSA must be approved by the Executive Board of the MSA prior to allocation of those funds. o All decisions made independent of the Executive Board by the two representatives may be revoked, if necessary, by the Executive Board. B. The local MSA shall do its best to execute decisions made by the Council. C. The MSA Council may send a representative to supervise the Elections of the local MSA. Structure and Definition The MSA shall be a non-profit organization registered with the state of Michigan and the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and will consist of a General Body (made up of "Members"), President (Emir(a)), Executive Board (Council of Consultation), Committees, Sub-Committees, and "Associates" as defined below. General Body Hearing The General Body will have the right to vote concerning any issue above through a hearing procedure. A hearing may be called voluntarily by the Executive Board at any time or by a petition signed by 30% of the General Body and submitted to the Executive Board, after which the Executive Board must hold a hearing. A quorum for the hearing will consist of at least over 50% of the General Body. The procedure for the hearing will be as follows: 1. One individual will be selected by those submitting the petition to present their written position to the General Body, and another individual will be appointed by the Executive Board to present the Executive Board's written position to the General Body. 2. Each representative will be allowed to give one rebuttal. 3. Questions of clarification about the written position ONLY will be answered by the two representatives and a vote will be taken. A moderator, chosen by the Great lakes council will supervise the meeting and tally the written vote, as well as ensure equal timings for both positions and rebuttals. 4. Only members can vote. 5. The Executive Board will be responsible for carrying out the decision.