We have been experiencing this issue since our early childhood when we used to go to the nearby masjid for studying the Quran. The people would argue about the suitability of the masjid committee members and their intentions behind becoming the members and the way they treated the masjid Imam. Unfortunately, we observe this issue even now.
The Masjid is perhaps the most important component of any Muslim community, and how it is run has a big impact on the ability of the community to remain cohesive, active, and productive. Given the challenges posed by a culture that is so far removed from Islam and so influential, the need for Board Members who are visionary, inspirational, knowledgeable, influential, and dedicated is even more essential. People who bring some key ingredients to the table. Not just well-meaning, hard-working, enthusiastic people, who though they may be very lovable, are not competent for the job at hand. Enthusiasm is not a substitute for knowledge or experience.
The Selection Process
We talk of the 3 W’s – Work, Wealth, Wisdom when recruiting Board Members for non-profits. Work experience in areas that are important to the running of the Masjid. Personal wealth and the willingness to make significant donations to the Masjid, as well as a powerful network of wealthy friends and relatives who are willing to donate. And wisdom, the fruit of years of relevant experience especially in dealing with diverse people.
Board membership is neither a reward nor a prerequisite. Nor is it the result of a popularity contest. A Board Member must fulfill a specific need and so, education and experience must be the qualifier and not popular with the masses. This is the problem with our political system in society as well, where people get elected to run the government based on their popularity with the masses. But governing needs vision, strategy, a high level of skill, and experience. They have no idea how to govern and no experience in governance and we end up with Post Turtles.
The same thing happens in Masjid Boards. The Masjid is a critical facility meant for the benefit of the whole community. Those who run it, its Board Members, need specific abilities and skills. Being popular is not one of them. That is how we have people on Masjid Boards who have no experience in running an organization, no idea about how to do it, and can’t even be trained because they don’t have the technical education necessary to learn management skills.
The Ideal Board Member
The primary role of the Board Member is that of strategic planning and overseeing. Not of hands-on micromanaging or execution. The tendency to do that is a warning sign that the incumbent is unsuited for a Board position. The second quality is a thirst for knowledge and an eagerness to learn. Asking questions about what books they are reading currently helps to put your finger on whether a person is likely to be a good fit on the Board. Anyone who doesn’t read regularly is unlikely to succeed on the Board. A very important skill would be the ability to communicate across cultures, races, backgrounds, and religions, and act as an ambassador not only for the Masjid but Islam and Muslims. Comfort and facility in working with interfaith groups, and presenting Islam to non-Muslims in a pleasant, confident, and understandable manner would certainly be a big plus point.
In summary, Board Members must be strongly practicing Muslims with an openness of mind and heart and a passion to serve the community. They must be willing to spend their wealth as well as access their network to support the Masjid and its programs. Skin in the game is an important criterion for being a Board Member. They must understand the role of the Board which is not that of a doorman, cook, and gardener rolled into one. They must be strategic planners and advisors overseeing the operation, understanding that to be their most effective contribution. They must not get involved in ‘manual labor’, which seems to be the culture in some Masajid where anyone who doesn’t shovel the snow and rake the leaves is seen as somehow less of a Muslim. Experience working with other non-profit organizations would be a definite advantage. Board Members must have excellent communication and conflict resolution skills which are critical in keeping the community cohesive and together and motivating others to participate in community-building activities.
The Masjid Board, like a corporate board, adds prestige to the organization and is the face of the community. Who is on it, makes a huge difference. Who is not on it, makes an even bigger one. Choosing members for the Board because they are of this or that ethnicity or gender is a disservice and a means of reinforcing prejudice and discrimination. Board Members must be chosen based on professional suitability and must have the sagacity and wisdom to take the whole community with them. And take the turtle off the post.