Membership vs. non-membership organization
Non-membership non-profit:
The board of directors are appointed
BOD typically takes the decisions
It can be used in the formation phase of a masjid to avoid conflicts which can be devastating at this early stage
It should be phased out within few years and stated in the bylaws. Otherwise, it might be difficult to change later
Membership non-profit
Voting members typically elect the board of directors, remove a director, change the bylaws, or dissolve the nonprofit.
Having members adds complexity because of the sign up, collection of dues and election of directors.
Founders might lose control through election
However, it is the best form for a masjid because it encourages donation, engagement, fresh ideas and fairness.
A balance approach to election vs. appointment
There are 2 ways to fill those positions: election vs appointment
In a starting masjid, it is ok to appoint the first board till things are stable (BOD for 3 years and BOT for 7 years)
The advantages of election are representation of the community, newer ideas, and fairness. Disadvantages are nasty politics and choosing less qualified people
The advantage of appointment is that if it is done right you would choose the most qualified person for the position needed. The disadvantage is that most of the time it is not done right and influential people appoint their allies which leads to concentration of power and corruption
In my humble opinion, you can have the best of both election and appointment by:
Having people serve for 1-2 years on the committee of their expertise before they can run for the board
Have some candidates run for certain position based on their qualification and expertise (like people with financial experience running for treasurer position). The rest of the positions can be at large positions
Add required qualifications fore candidates: like expertise, education, years of service, donation (based on income) and volunteerism
Membership rules
Member eligibility: Muslim, Sunni, 18 and above, pays dues, stratify residency requirements, agrees to the bylaws/policies
Type: Individual and family
Levels (suggestions): supporter, sustainer, anchor, and pillar
Geographic limitation based on residence: usually state, county, or city (based on the size of the community
Never limit your membership to a certain ethnic background. This encourages discrimination or tribalism and both are not Islamic
Dues must be in line with the economic situation of the community (suggest $100 to $500 a year for family). Provide alternative to dues for people who cannot afford them (like volunteering 50 hours per year)
Members must meet in a general assembly quarterly (must attend at least 2 out of 4 meetings a year). Their voices should be heard to encourage them to attend.
Only members should have the right to change bylaws (changes are suggested by community members, BOD and BOT and prepared by BOD/BOT in a very transparent process and then presented to the community to be voted on by the members). It is not a good idea to allow BOD or BOT to change bylaws without members' consent (most likely they will change them in a way that keep power in the hand of a few people only)
Members should have 1-2 years of membership before being able to vote. Never allow new members to sign up and vote soon after that.
You can even require minimum volunteerism and attendance of general assembly to be able to vote
Members should have 3-5 years of membership before they can be eligible to run for a position on BOD so the community would know them better.
You may require 1 year of service on one of BOD committees or some other qualifications as mentioned above
Members should have 10 years of membership plus other qualifications (donations, volunteerism, serving on committees or BOD) to be eligible run for a position on BOT
Limit how many consecutive times a member can run for the same board (2 or 3 times). After that a break for 1-2 terms is needed before running again. This prevents concentration of power and dictatorship.
A member cannot be on more than one board at the same time
Employees of Masjid (and preferably their immediate family members if the community is large enough) cannot be on any board
Elections rules
Outside neutral election service or group
Membership, voting eligibility, and candidacy eligibility are decided according to the bylaws and reviewed by independent group and not based on the selection of BOD or BOT
Election is better divided into 2 steps: nomination and election
Use mail-in ballots or secure online election or in-person booth ballots but never run a public election
Ask candidates to present their bios and agendas then hold a public forum for introduction and questions
No lobbying or favorite groups/lists allowed as it creates backstabbing, lies, exaggerations, labeling, division, tension, hatred, defamation, and control of aggressors
All documentations of member registration, eligibility, ballots and steps must be documented objectively and stored in a way the prevent tampering
Every election should be audited afterward by a neutral group