ARTICLE 3

MISSION AND POLICIES

The Islamic Center of Southern California is an independent organization. Its purpose is to practice and share the values of Islam in the United States of America by providing religious, educational and social facilities for members of the community. The emergence of an American Muslim identity is its prime goal.

Section 3.02
Policies

The Islamic Center’s policies are based on the following:

1. The sources of Islam are the Holy Quran and the Sahih, non- controversially    relayed, tradition of the seal of the messengers Mohammed (peace be uponHim). Other traditions, man-made rules and ethnic behaviors are not infallible, and are not considered as sources of Islam.

2. Islam is the  universal mercy of God. Muslims identify primarily as Muslims and not as an ethnic group, race, color, or tribe. No ethnic activities, or of overtones are allowed in the Center.

3. Arabic is taught as the language of the Holy Quran. The language of communicating and conducting the activities of the Center, is the language the land, the English language.

4. School of thought, or Madhab, is a matter of personal preference, not a community policy.

5. The affairs of Muslims should be handled through Shura, discipline and organization.

6. The Center is committed to quality performance and to the state of the art in the ways and means of projecting and propagating Islam. Men and women are equally responsible to put in effort, formalize policies and design plans for the Center.

7. The Center does not believe that segregation of the sexes is the guarantee of righteousness, but modesty, decency, and observing the prohibitions that Allah and His apostle dictated, as well as purity of heart and clarity of conscience are the guarantees. While advocating the codes and ethics of Islamic behavior, the center believes there is no compulsion in religion, and That consideration of the feelings of all human beings deserves attention.

8. The role of the Center is reminding and not compelling or dictating. The Center does not judge people or classify them.

9. Islam is a way of life; political actions may be a part of Islamic activity. However, these actions should be geared towards the interest of Islam and Muslims in the USA. Preoccupation by other countries politics leads only to division and chaos among Muslims in America and is contrary to the policies of the Islamic Center.
 

Section 3.03
Donations

The ICSC is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. The ICSC relies upon charitable giving to sustain its operations and programs. The ICSC's policies with regard to the receipt and disbursement of charitable funds are as follows:

Receipt of Donations:

1. The ICSC does not accept donations from foreign governments or foreign governmental agencies.

2. Donors may earmark their donations to be used for particular ICSC programs and activities or by particular ICSC subsidiaries. However, no donations may be earmarked for salaries. Additionally, no donations shall be accepted which are made contingent upon granting the donor or any third party any governing authority with regard to the ICSC, its programs, activities or subsidiaries.
 

Disbursement of Charitable Funds:

1. The ICSC does not disburse charitable funds to foreign recipient organizations.
2. Charitable funds disbursed shall be accounted for in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and the requirements of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. At a minimum, accounting of charitable disbursements shall include the name of each recipient and the amount disbursed.