Assalamu Alaikum

FACT SHEET ON IMAM TALAL EID’S RESIGNATION

Does anyone know why the Imam was forced to resign after 23 years of service at the ICNE?

A. Imam Talal Eid’s summary of actions by the board leading to his resignation:

                     i.      On September 2004, last year’s Board of Directors created a plan to swap the two imams between Quincy and Sharon on Sundays for the academic year 2004/2005.

                   ii.      At the first meeting of the 2005 Board of Directors on Sunday January 9, last year’s board decision was reversed by the present board. A motion was put forth and voted on. The motion passed by 5 votes out of 12. Imam Eid objected to the motion, but his concerns were dismissed. So then he asked for arbitration on the matter according to the by-laws, but the President on his own rejected his request. Imam Eid then asked for a written letter from the Board. He wanted to respond officially and request re-discussion of the matter or officially request arbitration. The whole discussion, however, on the part of the President and some of the board members was conducted in a very disrespectful manner toward Imam Eid. See Appendix 1 for Imam’s email to the Board regarding this issue.

                  iii.      The President had no right to reject the Imam’s request for Arbitration on his own. Section 10.1 article 3 of the bylaws states: “The President shall have no right to act on any matter of the President’s own accord or to conclude any agreement unless authorized by the Board of Directors to do so.” Section 14 of the bylaws on arbitration states: “Arbitration will be the sole means to reach resolution for all otherwise litigable conflicts that may arise among the ICNE members, directors, officers, employees, the persons served by the corporation and all members of the committees or subcommittees. Arbitration will be based on the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet, pbuh, as explained and interpreted by the recognized schools of Fiqh. The decision of the Arbitrator(s) is final and binding and can not be appealed in court. The arbitrators shall be from those scholars with knowledge in Islamic Fiqh and who are not paid or employed by ICNE. This arbitration clause shall be integrated, as appropriate, in the employment contracts, membership application forms, and all other contracts in which ICNE is a party.”

                 iv.      Four days later on Thursday at 7:09 AM, Imam Eid received a letter by email from the President Mr. Mohiuddin, which the Imam had requested. In the letter, he stated: “Please be advised that the issue of leading prayers in Sharon is not a contractual issue, so your demand for arbitration is not appropriate “…“under the powers given to me by the ICNE by-laws, the above decision of the ICNE BOD, and your reporting relationship to me as spelled out in your contract, I am requesting you not to insist on leading the Zuhr prayers in Sharon on Sunday. I am also requesting you to lead the Zuhr prayers in Quincy starting next Sunday as required by your contract. Any violation of the BOD decision would be considered an act of insubordination and a disciplinary action will be taken as appropriate.” See Appendix 2 for full letter and email.

                   v.      That same day at 1:45 PM, Imam Eid sent his resignation by email to the President and general secretary, which was addressed to all the board members, but was not forwarded to them. The resignation stated: “As a result of what took place at the board meeting on Sunday, January 9, 2005, during which I felt a total lack of communication, I feel that I have been left with only two choices. I can take legal action and challenge the issue to defend what I believe are my rights based on the bylaws of ICNE or submit my resignation. Realizing that confrontation may not be in the best interest of the community, I hereby submit my resignation effective June 30, 2005. Until that date it is my intention to work peacefully and in harmony with the Board. May Allah guide us all.” See Appendix 3 for full email.

                 vi.      After the Imam resigned, there was no communication from the executive committee with the Imam to try to understand this major issue – why the Imam resigned after 23 years at ICNE.

                vii.      On Friday noontime, the Imam received a hard copy of the letter from the President handed to him by Ragab Aboubakr.

              viii.      On Friday night the executive committee met. In this meeting they accepted the resignation and decided to have an emergency board meeting on Sunday morning. This took place before informing the rest of the board members of the Imam’s resignation.

                 ix.      On Sunday January 16, the board had an emergency board meeting to discuss the resignation. Only 7 board members out of twelve had knowledge of this meeting. The meeting was attended by these seven members and Sr. Jamina, who knew about the meeting from a community member, was the only one who objected. It seems that the secretary, with members of the executive committee, only informed whom they wanted. The secretary is responsible for contacting all the board members of a board meeting. It is not sufficient to send an email for an emergency meeting that is the next day. In the meeting, they voted to accept the Imam’s resignation. The motion was passed by six board members.

                   x.      The board of directors never informed the general body of the Imam’s resignation, even though they sent a mailed communication to the general body after that.

                 xi.      In the quarterly general body meeting, the President did not mention the Imam’s resignation except when asked about that in the question and answer period at the end. Many people wanted to speak and discuss this issue further but the President stated that the matter was closed and refused their call for a separate meeting where they would have more time to address this major issue.

                xii.      Since then, people have been contacting the President and the executive committee personally and through emails with no response from the President or by stating that the issue is closed. Many people got their message back with an error saying that the President’s email is full.

              xiii.      Representatives from different MA communities asked to meet with the board and the imam in a private meeting. The President refused and never informed the board of that and instead he went to the meeting with only two other board members. In addition, a number of un-invited people were brought to the meeting who have conflicts with the Imam and they converted this private meeting into a meeting to attack the Imam. This was done in a totally un-Islamic environment (backbiting and slandering) which led one of the representatives to say that “these people are acting like the Mafia”.

              xiv.      One brother was trying to arrange a meeting between the Imam and the President. The President kept postponing the meeting and the meeting never happened.

B.  Imam’s roles and services to and on behalf of the community:

                     i.      Imam Eid leads many activities for the Quincy community. He gives a Tafseer class on Sundays at noon, now in Quincy. He was also teaching in the Sunday school. Every night after Isha he gives a short Khatira, with other knowledgeable community members. And of course he prepares and gives the Friday Khutba for Jum’ah prayer. A new activity this year that he initiated and leads is a Qur’an class for children two nights a week before Isha. His latest endeavor for the past few years has been the Weekly Community Gathering on Saturdays after Isha. For this Saturday Halaqa, he arranges topics, invites speakers from the local community and from all over MA, and arranges the dinner. He has arranged and/or presented many interesting programs such as “Fasting and Your Health”, “Hajj workshop”, “Welcoming the Hujjaj”, “Eid party”, “Your rights after 9/11” where Muslim lawyers and an FBI agent were invited, a CAIR presentation, an Arabic Calligraphy demonstration by Haji Noor Deen, and much more. In Ramadan, he leads the Tarawih prayers, arranges weekend and the last ten days Qiyams with Suhoor, arranges a special program for Laylatul Qadr, and a Qur’an Competition for youth and adults. On Eid days, he leads the Eid Prayer and gives the Eid Khutba three times in a row.

                   ii.      In addition to leading the daily prayers and arranging and conducting marriages and funerals, Imam Eid has several additional roles: that of grief councilor, marital councilor, child councilor, consultant on issues relating to Islamic Law, chaplain on call 24/7, mediator of disputes, provides translation services, and prepares the prayer schedules. In addition to these, he represents and teaches Islam to the city/government, media, and in Interfaith Dialogue events. He also sells books and Islamic items for the mosque’s profit on Fridays and in the Food Fairs. All of these various roles take so much time from the Imam.

                  iii.      There are many families that call upon Imam Eid at all hours of the night to make arrangements for their deceased family members. He and his wife serve the community by taking care of the last rites for these Muslim brothers and sisters without asking for anything in return. Much of his work can be very transparent to many and one will not know the extent of how his days are spent with these emergencies.

                 iv.      Imam Eid has been doing an outstanding job in representing the Muslim community in many interfaith circles, media, government, etc. before and after 9/11, which has been difficult for Muslims living in the U.S. Imam’s interfaith activity has brought some protection to the Muslims in New England. He is well known and respected by many organizations which is a much needed benefit for the Muslim Community.

                   v.      AWARDS given to Imam Talal Eid:

1.      May 2005, Commonwealth of MA- Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office, “In Recognition of 23 years of Dedicated Service to the Quincy Islamic Center”.

2.      May 2005, Quincy City Council, “In Recognition of, and Appreciation for, 23 years as an Outstanding Leader of the Islamic Center of New England”. (Signed by Daniel Raymondi)

3.      May 2005, Muslim Community in New England, “For your Contribution to the Islamic Center of New England as the Imam and Religious Director since 1982 and for Services to the Muslim Community in New England at large”.

4.      Jan. 2003, MA State Senate, “In Recognition of your many years of Outstanding and Dedicated Service to the Islamic Center of New England”. (Signed by Michael Morrissey).

5.      Jan. 2003, Quincy Human Rights Commission, “In Recognition for Building Understanding Among People of All Religion”.

6.      Dec. 2002 & Dec. 2001, Mass. General Hospital, “In Recognition of Outstanding Performance and Commitment to Excellence”.

7.      Fall 2001, Toastmasters International, Communication and Leadership Award.

8.      Oct. 1996, Impact Quincy Community Hero Award, “In Recognition of your Contributions to Building a Healthy and Caring Community”.

9.      June 1994, Quincy Education Association, Certificate of Appreciation “For Educational Program”.

                 vi.      Here is a list of websites to view his background and some of his other activities:

http://ledger.southofboston.com/articles/2005/02/12/news/news04.txt

http://www.wheatoncollege.edu/News/pr20021022a.html

http://usinfo.state.gov/products/pubs/muslimlife/massachi.htm

http://www.wgbh.org/pages/pri/spirit/shows/105interview.html

http://www.isboston.org/v3.1/viewitem.asp?MenuID=13&DocID=848

http://www.massgeneral.org/pubaffairs/Issues/Jan%2029%20Chaplain.htm

http://www.ushmm.org/newsfeed/anti/viewstory.php?storyid=3290

   Of course this is just a small sample, there are many more articles but these are some of the ones that are currently still active on the web.

              vii.      See Appendix 4 for Imam Talal Eid’s Bio.

APPENDIX 1

From: Talal Eid [mailto:iteid@comcast.net]

Sent: Friday, January 28, 2005 11:14 PM
To: Gfgdm@aol.com; mohi_k@hotmail.com; RajabAboubakr@aol.com; badawid@hotmail.com; kmbutt@comcast.net; szaidi@partners.org; khans@bc.edu; jamina786@yahoo.com; m.habibullah@neu.edu; mmoinuddin@comcast.net; imam.masood@icne.net; rashidnoor@comcast.net; Berikaas@hotmail.com
Subject: Re: correcting the minutes of Jan. 9, 2005

Dear Dr. Ghazwan:

Assalaamu Alaikum,

I have read the draft minutes of January 9, 2005, in particular the part concerning (Swapping of Imam Issue:). I am certain that the information of the draft may not represent the sequence of events that took place during the board meeting, which led me to submit my resignation.

According to the style of your minutes, it seems that there were many things added portraying a one-sided story. After all these years of hard work, I am suddenly seen as the only bad guy and adamant -as you mentioned.

The tape recording, I believe, would set the record straight for all of us. I am suggesting that the tape be heard, so that the minutes can be corrected accordingly.

I do expect, after all, that the minutes will be approved as it was submitted by you and the tape will be destroyed, but I have also the expectation that you may stand for the truth.

Yours, Imam Talal Eid

APPENDIX 2

From: MK [mailto:mohi_k@hotmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, January 13, 2005 7:09 AM
To: iteid@comcast.net
Cc: Berikaas@hotmail.com; szaidi@partners.org; badawid@hotmail.com; Gfgdm@aol.com
Subject: Swapping of Imams on Sunday

Imam Talal,

Attached is my letter re: the issue of swapping of imams and ICNE BOD decision on the matter.  Please let me know if you have any questions.  Thank you and Jazak Allah khair.

Wassalam, Mohi

January 9, 2005

Imam Talal Eid

Islamic Center of New England

470 South Street Quincy, MA 02169

Dear Imam Talal,

I am writing this letter to request you formally to comply with the ICNE BOD decision, related to the issue of swapping of Imams on Sundays, at the BOD meeting today at Sharon.  You were also present in the meeting, so you are fully aware of the decision.

After the motion passed, I requested you to offer your services, as decided, in Quincy starting next Sunday.  Your refusal to abide by the BOD decision, claiming that you have an agreement with Imam Masood which gives you privilege of leading services in Sharon, is highly disturbing.  In addition, since both Imams are employees of ICNE and they cannot obligate the BOD by their interpersonal agreement. 

In order to avoid any disruption in the middle of the academic year to your students in Sharon, I am willing to let you continue with teaching in Sunday school and also with a tafseer program in Sharon until the end of this academic year or until your new contract is negotiated.  If you agree to this proposal, I will request the BOD to modify their decision.

Please be advised that the issue of leading prayers in Sharon is not a contractual issue, so your demand for arbitration is not appropriate.  I would also like to remind you of paragraph three in your contract with ICNE saying, “The Imam shall report to the President of ICNE and shall be governed by the policies of the ICNE Board of Directors in accordance with by-laws of ICNE and any future amendment to these by-laws.  The activities of the Imam shall be supervised by the President of ICNE.”  Paragraph four goes on to say “ The services provided by the Imam should include the following: 1. Lead daily prayers held at the Mosque in Quincy…”

Accordingly, under the powers given to me by the ICNE by-laws, the above decision of the ICNE BOD, and your reporting relationship to me as spelled out in your contract, I am requesting you not to insist on leading the Zuhr prayers in Sharon on Sunday.  I am also requesting you to lead the Zuhr prayers in Quincy starting next Sunday as required by your contract.  Any violation of the BOD decision would be considered an act of insubordination and a disciplinary action will be taken as appropriate.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation. 

Sincerely,

Mohi Uddin Khan, President, ICNE

APPENDIX 3

From: Talal Eid [mailto:iteid@comcast.net]
Sent: Thursday, January 13, 2005 1:45 PM
To: Ghazi, Dr. Ghazwan; Khan, Br. Mohiuddin
Subject: Resignation. See also attachment.

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

Imam Talal Eid

52 Rogers Street, Quincy, MA 02169

January 12, 2005

Board of Directors

Islamic Center of New England

P.O. Box 412 Sharon, MA 02067

Dear members of Board of Directors:

Assalaamu Alaikum;

As a result of what took place at the board meeting on Sunday, January 9, 2005, during which I felt a total lack of communication, I believe that I have been left with only two choices. I can challenge the issue to defend what I believe are my rights based on the bylaws of the Islamic Center of New England or submit my resignation.

Realizing that confrontation may not be in the best interest of the community, I hereby submit my resignation effective June 30, 2005. Until that date it is my intention to work peacefully and in harmony with the Board of Directors. May Allah guide us all.

Sincerely,

Imam Talal Eid,

Religious Director, ICNE

APPENDIX 4

A) BIO Summary:

Originally from Lebanon, he is a graduate of al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt, 1974. He then served as the Imam of Al-Nasir Mosque in Tripoli, Lebanon 1975 - 82. In 1982 he came to the US and has since been the Imam and Religious Director of ICNE. In 1993 he received a master's of theological studies degree from Harvard Divinity School, and had been a doctoral student at Harvard Divinity School since then. He has also been the Muslim Chaplain at Children’s Hospital and Mass. General Hospital.

Professional Employment

Professional  past experience

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