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rpwelton
10-27-2008, 03:05 AM
As I struggle to find out what kind of career I want in this life, I find myself being drawn more and more towards becoming an imam. I enjoy teaching people, and I am very passionate about Islam, even though I've only been a Muslim for about a year now.

I work in the finance industry right now, and although it's OK and the money is pretty good, I just don't see myself lasting in this field for the long term. The thought of becoming an imam, however, is obviously not motivated by monetary purposes. As I continue to think about this as a possible position for me in the future, I'm curious about a few things:

1) I know that Imams must go through extensive schooling to become educated about all facets of Islam and learn arabic (for those whose native tongue is not arabic). Most Imams that I know have been educated overseas, but is that a necessity? Are there any good schools in the US or Canada that can prepare one with the kind of knowledge one needs to be an imam?

2) What is the average salary for an imam in the US? It feels like kind of the wrong question to ask, but after all we have to pay bills and feed our families. I realize that it will be a significant pay cut from any kind of corporate job I could get.

Also, in regards to the above question, how do Imams make enough to support their families? I have a well-paying job, but if my wife did not work we would literally be living paycheck to packcheck. Since I would probably make about half as much as an Imam, I'm not sure how I could adequately support a family.

Jazakallahirn!
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The Ruler
10-27-2008, 11:30 AM
format_quote Originally Posted by rpwelton
1) I know that Imams must go through extensive schooling to become educated about all facets of Islam and learn arabic (for those whose native tongue is not arabic). Most Imams that I know have been educated overseas, but is that a necessity? Are there any good schools in the US or Canada that can prepare one with the kind of knowledge one needs to be an imam?
Being educated overseas is not a necessity. Those imaams just have a higher demand. Sometimes. But to be an Imaam, you'll need to be able to learn fluent arabic and be able to understand the Qur'an in arabic. Just knowing translations will leave you at a disadvantage. I say this because I heard it from my dad who's an Imaam. I cannot recommend any schools in US or Canada, as I don't live there.

2) What is the average salary for an imam in the US? It feels like kind of the wrong question to ask, but after all we have to pay bills and feed our families. I realize that it will be a significant pay cut from any kind of corporate job I could get.
In the UK, and average Imaam would probably get less than $20k per annum. Most apply for child benefits to be able to support their family.
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rpwelton
10-29-2008, 04:00 AM
:bump:

It doesn't feel right to bump my own thread, but I'd really like more people to chime in if they've got some advice.
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AnonymousPoster
10-29-2008, 05:41 AM
format_quote Originally Posted by rpwelton
As I struggle to find out what kind of career I want in this life, I find myself being drawn more and more towards becoming an imam. I enjoy teaching people, and I am very passionate about Islam, even though I've only been a Muslim for about a year now.

I work in the finance industry right now, and although it's OK and the money is pretty good, I just don't see myself lasting in this field for the long term. The thought of becoming an imam, however, is obviously not motivated by monetary purposes. As I continue to think about this as a possible position for me in the future, I'm curious about a few things:

1) I know that Imams must go through extensive schooling to become educated about all facets of Islam and learn arabic (for those whose native tongue is not arabic). Most Imams that I know have been educated overseas, but is that a necessity? Are there any good schools in the US or Canada that can prepare one with the kind of knowledge one needs to be an imam?

2) What is the average salary for an imam in the US? It feels like kind of the wrong question to ask, but after all we have to pay bills and feed our families. I realize that it will be a significant pay cut from any kind of corporate job I could get.

Also, in regards to the above question, how do Imams make enough to support their families? I have a well-paying job, but if my wife did not work we would literally be living paycheck to packcheck. Since I would probably make about half as much as an Imam, I'm not sure how I could adequately support a family.

Jazakallahirn!
:sl:

have you heard of or are you near to
Institute of Islamic Studies - McGill University

McGill University: Institute of Islamic Studies. Morrice Hall 3485 McTavish Street. Montreal, Quebec H3A 1Y1 Canada. Tel: (514) 398-6077

:w:
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rpwelton
10-29-2008, 05:22 PM
format_quote Originally Posted by AnonymousGender
:sl:

have you heard of or are you near to
Institute of Islamic Studies - McGill University

McGill University: Institute of Islamic Studies. Morrice Hall 3485 McTavish Street. Montreal, Quebec H3A 1Y1 Canada. Tel: (514) 398-6077

:w:
From the looks of their program, they seem to focus on Islam from a westerner's viewpoint. I think the type of schools I'm looking for are run by either scholars or those well-versed in Islam and can teach it from the Muslim perspective. I appreciate the help, though.
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AnonymousPoster
10-29-2008, 05:38 PM
format_quote Originally Posted by rpwelton
From the looks of their program, they seem to focus on Islam from a westerner's viewpoint. I think the type of schools I'm looking for are run by either scholars or those well-versed in Islam and can teach it from the Muslim perspective. I appreciate the help, though.
:sl:
I disagree, if I may! one of their students is Kazi Zulkader Siddiqui
For several years, Kazi Zulkader Siddiqui has been a professor of Ethics, History and Religion at various universities in Pakistan. Currently, he is Professor of Civilization Studies and Medical Ethics at the Shifa College of Medicine (Bahria University) under the "Physician and Society" program. Previously, he has taught at the Hamdard University, Islamabad Campus and the Women's Institute of Science and Humanities (Riphah University, Islamabad). Shifa College of Medicine is located in Islamabad, Pakistan. ... Hamdard University is located in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan. ...

He has lectured extensively on various subjects related to civilizational studies, ethics, religion and technology in Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Canada.
look at the style the brother explains an issue @ http://www.islamicboard.com/miscella...alal-meat.html

:w:

P.S.
International Islamic University - IIUI
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Yanal
01-01-2009, 04:26 AM
Does a imam get paid? I
Might be one after retirement:) inshallah.
Reply

syilla
01-02-2009, 01:17 AM
In Malaysia...you'll get paid :)
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wth1257
01-02-2009, 01:27 AM
format_quote Originally Posted by syilla
In Malaysia...you'll get paid :)

sweet, I should be an Imam:O

but seriousl, to the OP. If you want to be an imam wouldn't you want to go study in Egypt at Al-Azhar?
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syilla
01-02-2009, 01:44 AM
format_quote Originally Posted by wth1257
sweet, I should be an Imam:O

but seriousl, to the OP. If you want to be an imam wouldn't you want to go study in Egypt at Al-Azhar?
if a person graduated from Al-Azhar...he/she will have a much higher position like becoming a mufti.
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wth1257
01-02-2009, 01:47 AM
format_quote Originally Posted by syilla
if a person graduated from Al-Azhar...he/she will have a much higher position like becoming a mufti.
What exactly is a Mufti?

I'm sorry to go off topic but I've always wondered that.
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syilla
01-02-2009, 01:54 AM
format_quote Originally Posted by wth1257
What exactly is a Mufti?

I'm sorry to go off topic but I've always wondered that.
In Malaysia, each state has a mufti (a muslim leader).

An Imaan... usually is the leader of a masjid.
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wth1257
01-02-2009, 01:56 AM
format_quote Originally Posted by syilla
In Malaysia, each state has a mufti (a muslim leader).

An Imaan... usually is the leader of a masjid.
So it's like a government official?

I know what an imam is though, I'm not quite that ignorant:D
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syilla
01-02-2009, 02:04 AM
format_quote Originally Posted by wth1257
So it's like a government official?

I know what an imam is though, I'm not quite that ignorant:D
yes. An imaan doesn't need to have a degree.
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Yanal
01-02-2009, 02:49 AM
But 20k is less. I wonder if poor masjid imams get paid?
Reply

BlissfullyJaded
01-02-2009, 03:02 AM
:sl:

An imaam is somebody who generally knows some or all of the Quraan and can lead the prayers. Mostly in the US now, they don't just want an imaam who can lead the prayers naturally. You need to have studied all that will make you a Sheikh, which would be 'Arabic as well as Tafseer of the Quraan and commentary of the Hadeeth in most cases. In some masajid you could be expected to teach the youth Quran and hold classes, and they will definitely expect you to be able to answer their questions that they have on Islam...

The pay depends on who you work for... The minimum could be about $24,000 regardless of the family you have to take care off. But it varies from masjid to masjid and they treat each differently based on how much they can get away with... If you get a job where you just lead the prayers though and don't have to do anything else in the masjid, then you can even privately teach and do other things for the Muslim community and charge for the services.

Oh, and a Mufti is able to interpret the Quran and Hadeeth and produce their own fatwas. I think.
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Yanal
01-02-2009, 03:08 AM
Asalam Alaykum Warakmatulah Wabarkatuh.
But my masjid isn't really a actual masjid it's a rented basement who ask for donations every Friday , if I were to be they're imam I think I wouldn't get paid.
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wth1257
01-02-2009, 03:28 AM
format_quote Originally Posted by Yanal
Asalam Alaykum Warakmatulah Wabarkatuh.
But my masjid isn't really a actual masjid it's a rented basement who ask for donations every Friday , if I were to be they're imam I think I wouldn't get paid.
donations huh.

When school starts again I think I'll put out a donations jar. Seriously. I helped some pre law students till 3:00AM last semester. I need to get paid^o)



:D

But seriously, who pays the imam?

Like does the Mosque set aside funds to pay him?
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Yanal
01-02-2009, 03:42 AM
Thats what I don't know. You teach law...?
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wth1257
01-02-2009, 03:55 AM
format_quote Originally Posted by Yanal
Thats what I don't know.


I find it confusing because I was raised Catholic. So Priests are assigned to a Church by their Bishop/order and there isin't a problem. Do you think imam's are hired by the Mosque? If so I would assume that they get paid through the Musque funds.

You teach law...?
No, but I was in a Constitutional Powers class with a bunch of pre law students who had trouble reading and understanding Supreme Court oppinions:mmokay:
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Yanal
01-02-2009, 04:03 AM
So you are smart? A student if so pm me. Let's stop going off topic.
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BlissfullyJaded
01-02-2009, 04:38 AM
:sl:

I think all masjids in America ask for donations, even in the actual masjids. The donations go towards paying the imaam, the rent of the building, electricity, and whatever else the masjid needs...
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Yanal
01-02-2009, 04:46 AM
Asalam Alaykum Warakmatulah Wabarkatuh. But in our masjid they are always short of donation to pay the rent. Even though a lot of people donate such as my dad donates 100 dollars per month. I don't think the imam would get paid.
Reply

wth1257
01-02-2009, 04:49 AM
format_quote Originally Posted by Jawharah
:sl:

I think all masjids in America ask for donations, even in the actual masjids. The donations go towards paying the imaam, the rent of the building, electricity, and whatever else the masjid needs...
That's how some Protestant Church's work. Sometimes the pastor get's a house on the Church property.
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Yanal
01-02-2009, 05:09 AM
Asalam A'lakum Warakmatulah Wabarkatuh. I don't know if that's true because our imam comes on Fridays only because he lives in another city that is a 1-2 hour drive sadly.
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Yanal
01-02-2009, 05:10 AM
Asalam A'lakum Warakmatulah Wabarkatuh. I don't know if that's true because our imam comes on Fridays only because he lives in another city that is a 1-2 hour drive from us ,sadly.
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Zico
01-12-2009, 01:11 PM
:sl:

Since you have experience in field of Finance then why not persue Islamic Finance & Banking...It's far better than being an Imam + because of the economic crisis, a lot of countries around the world looking for alternatives and Islamic Finance & Banking looks very promising :)

Hope that helps:)

:w:
Reply

Yanal
01-12-2009, 03:31 PM
:sl:
JazakAllah for your concern but I am considering to join the police.
Reply

rpwelton
01-12-2009, 03:50 PM
format_quote Originally Posted by Zico
:sl:

Since you have experience in field of Finance then why not persue Islamic Finance & Banking...It's far better than being an Imam + because of the economic crisis, a lot of countries around the world looking for alternatives and Islamic Finance & Banking looks very promising :)

Hope that helps:)

:w:
I didn't even realize this thread was resurrected; I happened to come across it while browsing earlier today.

In regards to Islamic Finance, I am mostly opposed to the industry as a whole because it is no more than a "work-around" for conventional interest-based financing. There is no such thing as an "Islamic Mortgage", and when it comes to investing in the stock market, every single public company uses interest-based means of financing.

Although there may be a few companies out there in the world operating under the guise of true Islamic financing, the majority out there do not.

The only way true Islamic finance is going to take root is if a true Islamic state were to be established somewhere in the world.
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Zico
01-12-2009, 04:34 PM
format_quote Originally Posted by rpwelton
I didn't even realize this thread was resurrected; I happened to come across it while browsing earlier today.

In regards to Islamic Finance, I am mostly opposed to the industry as a whole because it is no more than a "work-around" for conventional interest-based financing. There is no such thing as an "Islamic Mortgage", and when it comes to investing in the stock market, every single public company uses interest-based means of financing.

Although there may be a few companies out there in the world operating under the guise of true Islamic financing, the majority out there do not.

The only way true Islamic finance is going to take root is if a true Islamic state were to be established somewhere in the world.
:sl:

Agreed. Many banks here in Kuwait which are supposedly "Islamic" but still use interest and cover it up by using another name imsad.

At least we got to admit it has potential when executed right :)

see: http://zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidANA200...%3A%20Malaysia

Global crisis a 'golden opportunity' for Islamic banking: Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 12, 2009 (AFP) - The global economic crisis has handed the Islamic finance sector a "golden opportunity" to show it is a better alternative to capitalism, Malaysia said Monday.

Although capitalism has been pre-eminent for centuries, "it is becoming obvious that there is now more proof of its weaknesses," Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak said in a speech to an Islamic economic conference.

"We Muslims should see the current situation as a golden opportunity for us to prove the power, strength and effectiveness of the Islamic banking and finance system," he said in an opening address.

Islamic banking, a booming 1.0 trillion dollar global industry that prohibits speculation and high levels of debt, has been relatively unscathed by the credit crunch.

The rules of the sector -- which incorporate principles of sharia or Islamic law -- prohibit many of the risky activities that triggered the crisis that is felling economies around the world.

"An economic system that is not closely linked to real and productive activities is a threat to the entire system," said Najib, who is also finance minister.

He said the Islamic approach could provide "concrete and realistic" measures to tackle the crisis and that Malaysia, Southeast Asia's leader in the field, was committed to developing the sector with better training and marketing.

Islamic law prohibits the payment and collection of interest, which is seen as a form of gambling, so highly complex instruments such as derivatives and other creative accounting practices are banned.

Transactions must be backed by real assets -- not repackaged subprime, or high-risk, mortgages -- and because risk is shared between the bank and the depositor there is an incentive for the institutions to ensure the deal is sound.

Islamic finance also shuns investments in gambling, alcohol and pornography in favour of ethical investments.

Also see: http://www.forbes.com/2008/04/21/isl...slam_land.html

Special Report
Islamic Finance
Edited by Elisabeth Eaves and Michael Noer


Islamic finance is booming.
At least $500 billion in assets around the world are managed in accordance with Sharia, or Islamic law, and the sector is growing at more than 10% per year. In spirit, Islamic finance seeks to promote social justice by banning exploitative practices. In reality, this boils down to a set of prohibitions--on paying interest, on gambling with derivatives and options, and on investing in firms that make pornography or pork. No one can say for sure how many of the world's 1.3 billion Muslims will demand Sharia-compliant financial products, but if even a fraction do, the world's largest banks will be happy to oblige.

This will also be interesting:

http://www.lariba.com/knowledge-cent...difference.htm

:w:
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Donia
01-12-2009, 05:31 PM
Salaamu Alaikum.

To the original poster,
Have you thought about Zaytuna Institute in California????
Reply

rpwelton
01-13-2009, 03:23 AM
format_quote Originally Posted by Donia
Salaamu Alaikum.

To the original poster,
Have you thought about Zaytuna Institute in California????
:w:

I have looked into it, although they don't seem to have a wide variety of course offerings. They mostly focus on Arabic, which of course is essential for studying many Islamic texts, but there is also much more to Islamic studies than that. The school does have a seminary program that appears to be in its "pilot" phase, and I'm not sure if they plan on continuing that program and what exactly it entails.
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Woodrow
01-13-2009, 03:50 AM
The University of Texas at Austin has an excellent Islamic department. The goal is to train Imams for the USA. Nearly all of the Professors ar graduates from Excellent universities in Saudi and Egypt.

http://www.utexas.edu/cola/depts/mes/islamic/
Reply

ayesha309
01-13-2009, 04:33 AM
i believe there is a Deen college opening in Toronto soon Insha'Allah.
its courses are desgined to be identical to that of Islamic Unviersity of Madinah
Furthermore, you could search online and find out where Saeed Raghea graduated from. I bleive it was from somewhere in the US.
Reply

Donia
01-13-2009, 04:08 PM
format_quote Originally Posted by rpwelton
:w:

I have looked into it, although they don't seem to have a wide variety of course offerings. They mostly focus on Arabic, which of course is essential for studying many Islamic texts, but there is also much more to Islamic studies than that. The school does have a seminary program that appears to be in its "pilot" phase, and I'm not sure if they plan on continuing that program and what exactly it entails.

Ohhh okay. I was under the impression that they were trying to develop it further but I have to be honest that I haven't seriously looked into it. I hope you will find somewhere to go that will be of a benefit to you inshallah because I think your intentions are good.
Reply

Donia
01-13-2009, 04:10 PM
format_quote Originally Posted by Woodrow
The University of Texas at Austin has an excellent Islamic department. The goal is to train Imams for the USA. Nearly all of the Professors ar graduates from Excellent universities in Saudi and Egypt.

http://www.utexas.edu/cola/depts/mes/islamic/

JazakAllah for that website. I had no idea that they offered an Islamic degree at UT. SuphanAllah! I wonder if they offer that at any other universities in Texas.

On a side note, that picture of that baby praying on the webpage is SO adorable mashallah. :) May Allah bless him.
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