The Islamic Social Services Association released today a Professional Guide for Canadian Imams.

The extensive 50 page document available for download from the association’s website is meant to provide imams- Muslim spiritual leaders usually hired as leaders of a Muslim congregation- with the basic information about their professional responsibilities and duties.

“Imams in North America are faced with many demands and constantly evolving roles in Muslim communities.  Not only are imams looked up to for spiritual leadership and guidance, they are also called upon to counsel, mediate and resolve conflicts.  The office of Imam requires knowledge, information, expertise and resources.  This guide is our way of helping address that need,” says ISSA President, Shahina Siddiqui.

The document, which is the first of its kind specifically addressing the role of imam in Canada, includes sections covering marriage, mediation, counselling, and protection of vulnerable individuals, domestic violence, hate speech, and information technology.  It also includes useful samples of marriage contracts, marriage certificates, intake forms and a resource directory.

“Serving as a productive vibrant imam in today’s time is both challenging and rewarding, as an imam’s roles are becoming increasingly more diversified. This guide equips the current imam with vital knowledge needed to fulfill his varied tasks with professionalism and sensitivity in the Canadian context. I thank ISSA for developing this valuable resource that is a great asset for the Muslim community.” –  Imam Shaykh Yusuf Badat of the Islamic Foundation of Toronto.

ISSA is a national, charitable organization that serves as a network for addressing the multifaceted needs and concerns of Canadian Muslims and their families.  For more information about ISSA, visit: www.issaservices.com

To download the Professional Guide for Canadian Imams, visit:http://issaservices.com/issa/downloads/ISSA%20-%20Imam%20professional%20Guide.pdf

CONTACT: Shahina Siddiqui, President of Islamic Social Services Association, 204 944 1560 or email  : info@mail.issaservices.com