Follow Up: Realistic Imam Qualifications?

By On · 6 Comments · In Imams

In our video from the Conversations in Masjid Leadership series, we highlighted how to Find the Right Imam for your community.

A bit tongue in cheek, we made an unrealistic laundry list of qualifications that communities (unrealistically) ask for. But was our list really much of an exaggeration? Here’s a list of requested qualifications that we came across in a real ad recently:

Duties

  • Lead daily, jumu’ah, taraweeh and special prayers
  • Conduct halaqas and other religious and youth activities
  • Lead educational and outreach programs
  • Provide youth and family counseling and guidance services as needed
  • Manage operational and administrative responsibilities

Qualifications

  • Fluency in English and preferably in Arabic with excellent written and oral communication skills
  • High School from U.S. and a B.S. degree in Islamic Studies or Islamic Shari’ah from an accredited university is preferred
  • Knowledge of all four madahibs
  • Comprehensive knowledge of the Qu’ran, Hadith and Fiqh
  • Mastery of Tajweed
  • Hafiz of Qur’an preferred
  • Minimum 5 years experience as an Imam
  • Experience in youth activities, conflict resolution, counseling and leading educational programs is desirable
  • Strong Islamic character with excellent communication, organizational, people and leadership skills
  • Certification in counseling, youth development or psychology is preferred

Take a look at the video - Finding the Right Imam – to understand a more realistic and viable approach.

About Omar Usman

Omar Usman is a founding member of MuslimMatters, Qalam Institute, Muslim Strategic Initiative, and Debt Free Muslims. He is a regular khateeb and has served in different administrative capacities in various national and local Islamic organizations. You can follow him on Google+ or on Twitter @ibnabeeomar.

Related posts:

  1. In the News: Portrait of an American Imam
  2. Conversations About Masjid Leadership: Finding the Right Imam
  3. In the News: Masjids Moving Toward Hiring Youth Directors?
  4. Trailer for Our New Video Series: Conversations About Masjid Leadership
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