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Dear Clifton Mosque Community,
Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,
We want to share an important update regarding our search for a new full-time Imam. Selecting the right spiritual leader for our unique and diverse community is a responsibility we take with the utmost seriousness. We are committed to finding an individual who combines deep scholarship, wisdom, and the compassion needed to serve all of our members.
To ensure transparency, we want to outline the step-by-step process our Imam Search Committee and Board are following to evaluate candidates.
📋 Step 1: Initial Screening & Minimum Requirements
Every application and resume undergoes a strict preliminary review. To move forward, candidates must meet two non-negotiable criteria:
- U.S. Citizenship: We require someone legally authorized to work in the United States long-term who is well-adjusted to American culture and societal dynamics to connect effectively with our youth and community.
- Degree in Islamic Studies (or equivalent): Candidates must hold a formal degree from an accredited university, ensuring rigorous, verified, and sound Islamic knowledge.
If an applicant does not meet both baseline requirements, they are not moved forward in the process.
📖 Step 2: Phase 1 – Technical Evaluation {NEW}
Qualified candidates are interviewed by a technical panel of Huffaz and/or scholars holding degrees in Islamic Studies.
- Focus: Evaluating Qur'anic recitation, Tajweed, and foundational Islamic knowledge.
- Goal: Ensuring the candidate is fully qualified to lead prayers, deliver Khutbahs, and teach sound Islamic principles.
- Outcome: Pass / Fail. Candidates who pass move directly to Phase 2.
🤝 Step 3: Phase 2 – Community Fit & Vision
Candidates who pass the technical evaluation are interviewed by the Imam Search Committee to explore their vision, leadership approach, and personality.
- Focus: Understanding their approach to community engagement, youth mentorship, and pastoral care. As the saying goes: “Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care.”
- Outcome: Successful candidates are invited to visit Clifton Mosque to give khutbahs and give a Friday Night Lecture.
🎤 Step 4: Phase 3 – In-Person Visit & Community Feedback
Selected candidates will visit our masjid to lead Jummah prayer, deliver a Friday night lecture, lead Maghrib and Isha prayer, and engage directly with community members and board leadership.
- Your Role: The community will be invited to submit feedback via a survey following the candidate’s khutbah and lecture.
- Outcome: The Imam Search Committee and Board President review all community feedback. If feedback is overwhelmingly positive, a formal recommendation is submitted to the Board of Trustees.
📜 Step 5: Final Board Review & Offer
The Board of Trustees conducts a final interview with the candidate to align on terms, responsibilities, and compensation before extending an official offer.
We ask for your continued du'as for wisdom and unity throughout this important journey. We look forward to keeping you updated as candidates progress to the in-person visit stage!
Warm regards,
Samir Chandiwala
President of the Board
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