THE CONSTITUTION OF AHLUSSUNNA
WAL JAMA’A
AMENDED VERSION
November 2025
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH MOST GRACIOUS, THE MOST MERCIFUL.
THE CONSTITUTION OF AHLUSSUNNA WAL JAMA’A AMENDED VERSION
This document represents the amendment proposals as at 14th November 2025.
ARTICLE ONE (1)
NAME & IDENTITY
a. The name of the sect shall be AHLUSSUNNA WAL-JAMA’A. Herein after referred to as ASWAJ for short.
b. MOTTO:
The motto of ASWAJ shall be: “We stand for the Qur’an and the Hadith.”
ARTICLE TWO (2)
THE HEADQUARTERS AND OFFICE
The headquarters of ASWAJ shall be in Accra and shall have other offices at the Regional, district and branch levels throughout the country.
Such offices shall use no other names except Ahlussunna Wal Jama’a (ASWAJ).
Where, for tenable reasons, the ASWAJ is forced to share offices with other entities, the work and activities of ASWAJ shall be clearly defined from all other entities, unless such a joint venture shall be in the interest of ASWAJ.
ARTICLE THREE (3)
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
•ASWAJ, which shall be nonpartisan, nonpolitical and non-tribal, but strictly religious, shall among other things aim at the following:
Fostering unity among its members and educating them on religious tolerance and peaceful co-existence.
Educating Muslim children in the true Islamic faith.
Seeking to compliment government efforts towards nation building by providing schools in deprived areas, constructing and running clinics in deprived communities, digging wells in areas with acute water shortage problems and participating in all development activities in all parts of the country.
Educating Muslims about the innovative misconceptions they have come to believe is part of Islam through:
Newspapers publications and Social media platforms.
Printing and distribution of pamphlets/booklets on such topics iii) Organizing symposia, lectures, debates etc. to achieve such objectives
Striving to eliminate all religious innovations.
Eschewing tribalism and fostering Islamic unity and singleness of purpose.
ARTICLE FOUR (4)
AFFILIATION
ASWAJ may decide to affiliate with as many organizations/ associations, as it deems fit, provided such organizations / associations have similar aims and objectives.
Such affiliations, be they local or foreign, shall be contracted only after painstaking study of such organisations / associations by the National Representative Congress and recommendations submitted to the National Executive Council.
ARTICLE FIVE (5)
LEADERSHIP The leadership of ASWAJ shall comprise of:
THE NATIONAL REPERSENTATIVE CONGRESS (N.R.C.): The NRC shall be the highest decision making body and shall be made up of NADAC, NEC, Representatives of all other organs of ASWAJ and other Sub-committees.
THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL (N.E.C.): This shall be made up of the following:
“1. The National Imam
The 1st National Deputy Imam (DAWA)
The 2nd National Deputy Imam (EDUCATION)
The General Secretary
The Assistant General Secretary
The National Treasurer
The National Assistant Treasurer
The National Financial Secretary
The National Assistant Financial Secretary
The National Organizer
The Assistant National Organizer
12 – 17 (6) other executive members”
STAFFING
These shall be individuals with the expertise in fields relevant to the administration of ASWAJ eg. Account clerks, office managers, computer technologists, security personnel, and cleaners etc. who shall be hired by the NEC to work for ASWAJ.
THE NATIONAL DA'AWA COUNCIL (NADAC.): This Council shall be made up of all Regional Imams and eleven (11) other members elected by the Regional Imams.
The tenure of office of the Chairman of NADAC shall be 3 years and can be re-elected once.
NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY: The unit shall be made up of five (5) members from each region.
EXTERNAL AUDITORS (EA): These are certified auditors within the country who shall be hired by the NRC at least once a year to audit the accounts of ASWAJ. They shall send a copy of their audit report to NRA.
THE ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE Resolution AND COUNSELING UNIT (ADR
& CU) : This Unit both at the regional and national level shall be made up of Muslim Scholars not more than fifteen (15) and not less than three (3), who shall be appointed by the NRC and shall be under the regional Imams and National Imams.
THE CAUCUS OF ASWAJ BUSINESS ASSOCIATES (CASBA):
This shall be open to businessmen/women who share the aims and objectives of Ahlussunna Wal-Jama’a.
THE NATIONAL ASWAJ YOUTH WING (NAYW):
This shall be a group of men and women between the ages of 15 and 40.
Membership shall be open to the above age group and not limited to students from the second cycle and tertiary institutions.
They shall be supervise by the Youth Advisory Board (YAB) which will report to the NEC.
THE NATIONAL ASWAJ WOMEN’S WING (NAWW):
This shall be open to all women aged 15 and above and they shall report to the NEC.
THE NATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD (NAB):
This shall be made up of opinion leaders not exceeding fifteen (15) and not less than eleven (11) who shall be nominated by the NEC and shall be subject to approval by the National Representative Congress.
K. THE INTERNAL AUDITORS: These shall be made up of auditing professionals not exceeding three (3) from within ASWAJ but not part of NEC and should report to NRC.
L. SUB-COMMITTEES: There shall be fourteen (14) sub-committees including Adhoc ones whose membership shall be nominated and approved by NEC, except the Internal Auditors who shall be approvded by NRC. whose members shall be nominated by the National Executive Council. The sub committees are:
THE EDUCATIONAL COMMITTEE: This shall be made up of members not exceeding fifteen (15) and not less than five (5)
THE DA’AWA COMMITTEE: This shall be made up of members not exceeding fifteen (15) and not less than seven (7)
THE PROJECTS COMMITTEE: This shall be made up of members not exceeding eleven (11) and not less than seven (7).
THE FINANCIAL COMMITTEE: This shall be made up of members not exceeding fifteen (15) and not less than seven (7).
THE WELFARE COMMITTEE: This shall be made up of members not exceeding eleven (11) and not less than five (5).
THE ARBITRATION AND DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE:
This shall be made up of members not exceeding eleven (11) and not less than seven
(7).
THE AMENDMENTS COMMITTEE: This shall be made up of intellectuals with a standard knowledge of secular and Islamic education not exceeding seven (7) and not less than five (5).
THE Zakat, SADAQA & WQF MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE: This shall be made up of members not exceeding fifteen (15) and not less than seven (7).
THE MEDIA COMMITTEE: This shall be made up of members not less than three (3) and not exceeding five (5).
THE LEGAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE: This shall be made up of lawyers of good standing not less than three (3) members appointed by the N.R.C.
THE ELECTIONS COMMITTEE ():
This shall be made up of members not exceeding eleven (11) and not less than seven (7).
There shall be two levels of election committee, one the National level to supervise the national and regional election and at the regional level to supervise district and township elections.
THE PROTOCOL & POLITICAL LIAISON COMMITTEE: This shall be made up of members not less than three (3) and not exceeding five (5) membership.
THE HILLAL COMMITTEE: This shall be made up of members not exceeding five (5) and not less than three (3).
THE VETTING COMMITTEE: Every Candidate to occupy any position shall be vetted.
b. NRC shall appoint a vetting committee whenever necessary .
ARTICLE SIX (6)
DECENTRALISATION: Similar structures shall exist at the regional and district levels and each region/ district shall have the power to administer its office as much as the constitution allows and shall submit its reports quarterly to the National Headquarters in the case of Regional, and to the Regional Headquarters in the case of District.
EXEMPTION: The provision spelt out in Clause (a) of this article shall not apply to the National Da’wa Council which shall exist only at the National Level.
THE SUPREMACY OF THE CONSTITUTION:
No Region or District shall have the power to write, enact or operate any other constitution other than the one approved by the National Representative Congress.”
ARTICLE SEVEN (7)
MODE OF ELECTION
All nominees with the exception of the Imams shall be vetted by Adhoc Committee which shall be constituted by N.R.C. and shall not exceed five (5) members and not less than three (3).
The candidacy of each seat shall not exceed five (5).
c.
“The election of the National Imam and his 2 deputies shall be done by the NADAC, while the election of other office holders who form the N.E.C. shall be elected by the N.R.C.”
In the case of Regional Imams, they shall be elected by the District Imams, while district Imams shall be elected by the Imams of the number of towns (Sunnis) that make up the District.
The electoral board shall be elected by the N.R.C
All sub-committees shall be the nominative prerogative of the N.E.C. or its equivalent at the Regional or District levels and shall not be subject to elections unless otherwise specified by the constitution.
The decision by majority votes once counted and certified by the N.E.B. shall be binding to all ASWAJ members throughout the country.
The nomination of a candidate shall be withdrawn if evidence of infidelity, misapplication of the Sunnah, or any other trait that is inimical to Islam is proved against him.
h.
The election of the nominees shall be done at least two (2) months after their nomination and notification to the N.E.B.
It shall be an offence, punishable by the withdrawal of candidacy, should a nominee be found lobbying for votes through influence.
The purpose for allowing at least two months’ grace after nomination before elections is solely to afford voters the right to study the nominees to enable them vote wisely.
It shall equally be an offence for any individual/ group of individuals to campaign against a candidate. Anyone having a case against a candidate should send his /her complaint, written or verbal, to the NRC at least three weeks before elections.
a. Punishment for a person caught campaigning against a candidate shall be the withdrawal of his candidacy and a reference to the Arbitration and Disciplinary
Committee for appropriate punishment.
b. a reference to the Arbitration and Disciplinary Committee for appropriate punishment if he is not a candidate.
1. INTERNAL ELECTIONS
a. All constituted committees /boards shall have the right to elect their own officers, i.e. Chairman, etc. internally, unless otherwise specified by the constitution
ARTICLE EIGHT (8)
QUALIFICATION FOR ELECTION
A person seeking to be elected to any of the offices spelt out in Article Five (5) of this constitution shall:
Be a devout Muslim, practicing the Sunnah without innovations and/or modification
Not be less than twenty-five (25) years and not too weak to be mobile.
Be healthy and of a sound mind.
Be a resident of this country.
Not have been convicted of a criminal offence, unless such offence took place before his conversion to Islam.
Having been nominated by people empowered by the constitution to do so.
Have no adverse finding(s) against him by the date of elections.
ARTICLE NINE (9)
FUNCTIONS OF LEADERS
A). NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE CONGRESS (NRC): shall
Receive and discuss all proposed policies and programmers for the fiscal year and approve or reject as they may decide.
Receive and discuss reports on ASWAJ's activities for the past year / half year from the National Executive Council.
Commend and reprimand, where necessary, and shall draw programmes at
improving or correcting the achievement s or failures of the past past year/ half year.
Amend the Constitution once a year and only when necessary.
Submit its decisions to the NEC for implementation.
B). THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. This Council shall:
execute all policies drawn for the fiscal year/half year in strict accordance with constitutional provisions.
be responsible for the day-to-day administration of the offices of ASWAJ.
receive all reports of ASWAJ directly or indirectly.
The power of administration shall be shared as follows:
1. THE NATIONAL IMAM. He shall:
Be the overall head of ASWAJ in the country.
Lead prayers, chair all meetings, ceremonies and supervise all activities at which he shall be present, except when he is absent.
Head the day-to-day administration of ASWAJ as a whole.
be the Spoke person on Resolution of ASWAJ.
Shall supervise all ADR services at the National Headquarters or appoint representatives to do such as approved by NRC.
Receive all reports from all other subordinates, direct or indirectly.
Sign all appointment letters,
shall prepare and submit N.E.C’s performance for the year/half year to N.R.C.
THE 1ST DEPUTY NATIONAL IMAM
He shall;
be in charge of the Da’wa activities of ASWAJ.
act in the National Imam’s stead in his (the National Imam’s) absence.
ABSENCE: Means Physical absence or Physical inability or circumstances disabling the Imam to function.
Should the incapacitation of the National Imam be permanent, the 1st Deputy shall be acting until a substantive Imam is elected to replace him.
report directly to the National Imam.
THE 2ND DEPUTY NATIONAL IMAM
He shall;
be responsible for Educational activities of ASWAJ
act in the 1st Deputy National Imam’s stead in his (1st Deputy National Imam’s) absence.
act in the National Imam and the 1st Deputy National Imam’s stead in the peculiar absence of both.
Report directly to the National Imam.
In the absence of the National Imam and his two Deputies, the Chairman of NADAC shall act as the National Imam until a substantive Imam is elected.
THE GENERAL SECRETARY.
He shall:
be the Administrative Head of ASWAJ and the Public Relations officer (P.R.O) for ASWAJ
Write ASWAJ’s major letters on the authority of National Imam or his Deputies in the case of the former’s absence.
Keep all ASWAJ’s records, including incoming and outgoing letters, slips, newspaper publications and cuttings, letters to editors and rejoinders etc.,
Record all the activities of ASWAJ as well as take minutes of meetings at which he shall be present.
Draw the agenda on all major meetings in consultation with the National Imam.
Report directly to the National Imam.
THE ASSISTANT GENERAL SECRETARY:
He shall: assist the General Secretary with his work and shall act in his stead in the latter’s absence.
THE NATIONAL TREASURER.
He shall:
Keep all ASWAJ’s monies and accounts and shall be responsible for the payments and receipts of monies going out of or coming in to
ASWAJ’s coffers.
Sign a prepared account of any money he releases – by the Financial Secretary before he does so, except in emergencies in the Financial Secretary‘s absence under which circumstance permission should be sought from the National Imam or his deputy (in the former‘s absence) and the withdrawal reported to the Financial Secretary or his Assistant as soon as convenient for recording and signing by both.
be an automatic signatory to ASWAJ’s bank accounts.
report directly to the National Imam.
THE ASSISTANT NATIONAL TRESURER.
He shall: assist the National Treasurer with his work and act in his stead in the latter’s absence.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY.
He shall:
be responsible for the recording of ASWAJ’s income and expenditure and shall always submit his prepared accounts to the Treasurer for study and signing.
report immediately to the National Imam should the Treasurer refuse to sign his prepared account for immediate action.
submit ASWAJ’s accounts to its auditors whenever necessary for scrutiny.
THE ASSISTANT NATIONAL FINANCIAL SECRETARY
He shall: assist the Financial Secretary with his work and shall act in his stead in the latter’s absence.
NATIONAL ORGANISER.
He shall:
be responsible for the arrangement of all meeting places (major) and shall control all seating arrangements.
head and instruct all security apparatus put up for such meetings.
report directly to the National Imam.
Lead organization of national programme.
THE ASSISTANT NATIONAL ORGANISER.
He shall: assist the National Organizer with his work an shall act in his stead in the latter’s absence.
12 -17. Six (6) OTHER EXECUTIVE MEMBERS
These shall be the six extra members whose work shall be limited to contributions during executive meetings and other assignments as the NRC may deem it fit or other roles allowed by the constitution. They shall have voting right.
C) STAFFING
The National Executive Council shall have the power to employ as many staff, including clerks, typists, stenographers, draughtsmen etc., as it may deem necessary for the enhancement of ASWAJ’s programmes. The employment may be casual or permanent. Such employments shall be made only after the National Executive Council, has met, discussed and approved such appointment(s).
Applicants of such employments may submit to interviews to be conducted by an internal committee set up by the N.E.C. for approval or otherwise.
The remuneration of such employees shall be referred to the Financial
Committee for the determination of salaries and other fringe benefits and approved by NRC.
D) THE NATIONAL DA’AWA COUNCIL.
This Council shall:
be responsible for dealing with all matters concerning the interpretation of the
Shariah based on the directive given by the Qur’an and Hadith.
give verdicts on matters of dispute concerning the interpretation of a Qu’ranic verse(s) or the Hadith through a general consensus.
may refer such disputes to other external authorities of varied destinations (Ulama) for interpretation.
shall not give individual opinions about a matter after the discussion and adoption of a verdict except the one it agreed upon.
shall nominate the Hilal committee members and submit the nominees to NRC for approval.
shall report directly to the National Imam.
shall have periodic meetings to deliberate on urgent subjects of Islamic interest to arrive at a verdict conformity with shariah (Fatwa).
the chair shall act as National Imam in absence of the National Imam and his two Deputies.
THE NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY :
The unit shall:
receive and discuss all proposed policies and programs of the fiscal year, review it before laying it before N. R. C for final approval.
receive and review reports on ASWAJ's activities for the past year/half from the National Executive Council.
review where necessary, prepare a report aimed at improving or correcting the achievements or failures of the past year /half year.
submit its reports to the National Representative Congress for approval.
THE ALTERNATIVE DISPUTES RESOLUTION (ADR) AND COUNSELING UNIT:
This unit shall:
handle all disputes within the rank and file of ASWAJ and others.
assist the disputing parties to arrive at amicable agreement and avoid litigation.
adopt proper Counselling mechanism to disputing parties after the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADRA) to avoid future occurrence.
create awareness among Communities the importance of peaceful coexistence.
create the same units in the various regions and districts in collaborations with ASWAJ Regional and Districts Imams.
INVESTMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE shall:
create and manage business in ASWAJ’s interest.
facilitate the provision of business advocacy and consultancy.
mobilize revenue for the budgetary needs of ASWAJ.
be part of the team to draw the yearly budget of ASWAJ.
have representation on the Finance Committee of ASWAJ.
promote fora for discussion of corporate issues for business entities and individuals
submit its report to the National Executive Council of ASWAJ.
THE NATIONAL ASWAJ YOUTH WING (NAYW)
This shall; with the approval of the NEC,
organize activities intended to educate the youth on the aim and objectives of ASWAJ across the country and beyond when need be.
Engage in activities to preserve the identity of the Muslim youth and help overcome the problems they face in contemporary society.
Provide a forum for young persons with the objective of educating and assisting them to develop their physical, mental and spiritual capacities in the light of the Qur’an and Sunna.
Inspire virtuous character-building through spiritually reviving programmes and forums.
Assist Islamic Youth organizations in educational institutions all over the country through training, communication and cooperation.
be a recruiting platform for ASWAJ’s Scout and coordinate with the scout associations in various countries of the world to encourage the Muslim youth to benefit from the programs and activities offered in scouting.
introduce Islam in its purest form to their peers of other faiths using unconfrontational language.
report directly to the NEC.
THE NATIONAL ASWAJ WOMEN’S WING( NAWN) .
This shall; with the approval of NEC,
organize activities intended to educate its membership on the aims and objectives of ASWAJ across the country and beyond when need be.
engage in activities to preserve the identity of Muslim women and help overcome the problems they face in contemporary society.
provide a forum for Muslim women with the object of educating and assisting them in their marital rights in the light of the Qur’an and Sunna.
provide physical and spiritual education through the provision of schools, counseling units and da’wa.
assist young Muslim Women with scholarships to augument the efforts of ASWAJ in educational institutions all over the country. and activities offered in scouting.
introduce Islam in its purest form to women of other faiths using unconfrontational language
report directly to the NEC.
J.) THE NATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD (NAB):
This shall:
advise the hierarchy of the organs of ASWAJ, be it autonomous or subordinate.
may give free counseling to any Council / Committee it deems fit without invitation.
receive copies of annual reports of ASWAJ activities.
K) SUB-COMMITTEES
THE EDUCATIONAL COMMITTEE
It shall:
be responsible for the drawing of programmes such as scholarships, orientation courses, workshops, etc.
peruse and recommend favourably, or otherwise, on books, articles, works written by an individual/ group of individuals meant to be in the name of ASWAJ.
be consulted by any member(s) of ASWAJ who wish(es) to write a book(s) in the name of ASWAJ should first brief the Educational Committee and later present his work for perusal and recommendation before publication.
be responsible for the selection of a candidate(s), should ASWAJ win a scholarship(s) or the right to represent it in any function internally or externally unless otherwise specified by the invitation/scholarship itself.
be responsible for supervising schools built in ASWAJ' s name.
Report directly to the N.E.C.
fashion out educative programmes to specifically tool and sustain reverts to Islam.
THE DA’WA COMMITTEE
This committee shall:
a. be responsible for the planning of all Da'awa programmes including public lectures, symposium preaching to be undertaken by ASWAJ b. select the speakers for any function it organizes.
receive and consider all applications for Da'awa symposium, lecture, or preaching etc.
submit its report to N.E.C.
THE PROJECTS COMMITTEE
This committee shall:
be responsible for the initiation and planning of projects that may be beneficial to ASWAJ.
ensure implementation of all projects still under construction / execution.
pay periodic visits to project areas to ascertain the progress / maintenance.
submit its reports / proposals / findings to the N.I.
THE FINANCIAL COMMITTEE
This committee shall:
draw all programmes concerning the financing of projects, activities etc., and recommend how the amount involved could be realized.
solicit for the funds they recommend should they be approved, if ASWAJ's coffers cannot contain the recommended budget.
submit its reports to the N.E.C.
THE WELFARE COMMITTEE
This committee shall:
be responsible for feeding and accommodation of participants in any function at which such need may arise.
discuss and recommend what should be done for:
members who encounter any mishap resulting in destitution/ lawsuits, arrest and detention etc.
serving officers of any capacity who may be afflicted with any calamity that may result in destitution, incapacitation etc.
the provision in clause f (5) section b (1) and (2) of this Article shall be considered only when the incidents that led to destitution/ lawsuits/ arrest/ detention is proved not to be un-Islamic.
submit its recommendations to the N.E.C.
propose support to Reverts and ensure they are attended to .
THE ARBITRATION & DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE.
This committee shall:
serve as a supreme court of appeal to the various similar committees to be set up at the Regional, District and branch l levels.
investigate all allegations, complaints etc., submitted to it and shall give implicated person(s) the opportunity to defend himself/ herself/ themselves and recommend appropriate punishment if found guilty.
Take its own arbitration initiative to call warring factions to the negotiating/conflict settlement table without necessarily waiting for one of the factions to send in a complaint.
Suspend a person(s), and the rest of the members perform the function prescribed in clause f. section (6) of this article should the accused be a member(s) of the Arbitration and Disciplinary Committee.
Invite those members who formed the previous arbitration committee or its head only (if it finds it necessary), should the submitted case be an appeal.
Reserve the right to invite other personalities to help it with its arbitration, especially in a case as mentioned in clause (d) of section (6) of this article, should the committee fear a partial judgment in such an arbitration.
Have its ruling binding on all members of ASWAJ without recourse to any other court of appeal.
Submit its reports to the N.E.C
THE CONSTITUTION AMENDMENTS COMMITTEE
This Committee shall:
Receive criticisms / suggestions on the constitution throughout the year and prepare a detailed report on them for the deliberation at N.R.C.
Submit such reports, with the approval of the NEC, to the National Representative Congress, at least a month before deliberations.
THE ZAKAT, SADAQA & WAQF MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE:
The committee shall :
be responsible for the collection and accounting for all zakat, Sadaqa & WAQF that come into ASWAJ's coffers.
receive one-third of regional zakat, sadaqa and Waqf collected for the National Headquarters.
disburse zakat, Sadaqa & WAQF under strict instructions from NADAC and NEC.
keep record of zakat, sadaqa & WAQF raised internally and externally and present them to Auditors whenever the need arises.
report directly to the NEC.
9. THE LEGAL ADVISORY Committee:
The committee shall:
advise all bodies of ASWAJ on legal issues.
report to the NEC copied to the NRC.
10. THE PROTOCOL COMMITTEE:
identify security risks and create safety measures for ASWAJ.
make suitable seating arrangements during outdoor functions in collaborations with the National Organizer.
be responsible for distribution of invitation letters/cards to special guests.
plan foreign, domestic visits, ceremonies and special events.
11. THE MEDIA COMMITTEE:
shape public perception about ASWAJ.
manage ASWAJ's reputation
facilitate effective communication between ASWAJ and its Stakeholders.
foster ASWAJ's relations with the State and external Stakeholders through several media outlets such as Newsletters, engagement with print and electronic media, social media and synchronize them all.
12. THE ADHOC COMMITTEE:
to function as an emergency or temporary committee when the need arises.
to provide recommendations or advice on the issue for which it was created.
it shall work diligently within a specific deadline agreed upon at N. R. C.
Shall submit its report /recommendations to N. E. C to be forwarded to N. R. C. for consideration.
13: THE HILAL COMMITTEE:
This shall;
monitor and sight the moon throughout the especially, the 8th , 9th and the 10th month.
take reports from the regions.
report to the National Imam for approval and announcement.
8. AUDITORS
(a) INTERNAL
This shall be a group appointed by the N.E.C from among the five remaining members whose duties shall be:
To audit the accounts of monies entrusted to the council to ensure judiciousl use of such monies. iii. To prepare the NEC's monetary expenditure in wait for an external audit.
(iv ) To report directly to the NEC. .
(B). EXTERNAL
This shall:
i) audit the account of ASWAJ at least thrice a year; once every third of a year, ii) submit its report to the N.E.C, N.A.B. and the F.C.
ARTICLE TEN (10)
DURATION OF OFFICE
All elected members of ASWAJ's main hierarchy, except Imams, shall hold office for a period of three (3) years.
All elected officers, including Imams, shall run their full term of office unless they are affected by any of the conditions specified under clause (3) of this article.
A person shall cease to hold office when he:
is tried and convicted of any crime by competent court of Jurisdiction.
dies,
resigns / retires,
ceases to be a Muslim.
is convicted of a criminal offence endorsed in Islam as such,
is dismissed from office by at least two-thirds majority vote by the council/committee that elected him,
leaves the country permanently,
vacates his post unceremoniously for a whole year.
(4) All Imams, be they National, Regional or District or branches shall hold office for life, unless affected by any of the conditions specified in clause (2) of this article, or clauses (2) & (3) of Article eleven (11) of this constitution,
ARTICLE ELEVEN (11)
REMOVAL FROM OFFICE
A person shall be deemed as having been removed from office when:
i) he is affected by any of the conditions spelt out in clause (2) of Article
Ten (10) of this constitution, ii) he is found guilty of a) misusing his office, or
Conducting himself in such a manner as will bring ASWAJ’s name into disrepute or
misappropriate funds belonging to ASWAJ, or (d) embezzling funds belonging to ASWAJ.
(3) When two thirds or more of the members of the council/ committee that elected him passes a vote of no confidence in him.
ARTICLE TWELVE (12)
PROSECUTION/ LAWSUITS
ASWAJ shall reserve the right to prosecute or sue:
Any member of ASWAJ found guilty of any of the offences prescribed in clause two (2) of Article Eleven (11) of this constitution.
Any individual/ group of individuals who steal(s), misuse(s) or encroach(es} on any of ASWAJ's established properties
ARTICLE THIRTEEN (13)
LEGAL COUNSELLOR/ ADVOCATE
A. ASWAJ shall engage the services of a legal counsellor/ advocate whose duties shall be:
to advice ASWAJ on legal matters,
to represent it in all court cases, be they lawsuits or any other trial,
to recommend an appropriate lawyer to represent ASWAJ, should he find himself unable to represent it in a case.
to keep the code of secrecy required in a lawyer/ client relationship.
B. ASWAJ shall reserve the right to abrogate its contract with a legal counsellor/ advocate if his representation, deeds or association with ASWAJ is found to be inadequate.
ARTICLE FOURTEEN (14)
MEETINGS
1.) The National Representative Congress (NRC)
a.) i) This meeting shall occur at least once a year for a period not lasting more than three days at which all major policies/ budgets for the fiscal year shall be approved.
ii.)The amendment of the constitution shall be Approved.
b.) The National Imam shall address the Congress on the opening day and present the NEC’s reports and proposals if any.
(c.) The Congress shall be a meeting, comprising the representatives of the Subcommittees, the National Executive Council, the National Advisory Board, the National Da'awa Council and the ASWAJ Electoral Committee, the National Representative Assembly (at least 2 members from each region including the chairman), National Youth Advisory Board, National Youth Wing ).
The policy for the fiscal year after this meeting, shall be communicated to all regions/districts and branches to enhance holistic implementation of the policy.
2.) The National Representative Assembly (NRA)
a.) i) This meeting shall occur at twice a year..
(2.) The National Executive Council
This shall meet at least once a month to enable it revise its implementation programmes and to assess its progress or otherwise.
Major decisions within the Council's jurisdiction shall be taken at such meetings.
3.) Other Meetings
All other meetings shall be determined by the membership of the Board/Councils/'Committees involved.
4.) Intrusion
No outsider shall have the right to sit in any group meeting he is not a member of unless invited by the group.
5.) Penalties
Each Congress /Board/Council/Committee shall determine the kind of penalty to be meted out to its absentees or late comers.
(6.) Quorum
All meetings shall be deemed as legitimate and a quorum formed when two-thirds (2/3) of its membership are found present.
(7.) Emergency Meetings.
Emergency meetings may be convened by the hierarchy of any congress / Board/ Council/ Committee, should it find the necessity to do so. A quorum may not be needed to carry out such a meeting.
ARTICLE FIFTEEN (15)
SECURITY.
ASWAJ shall:
train, keep and maintain a Boys’ Scouts group throughout the country which shall be known as the Sunni Scouts/Agaji. ,
use these scouts as its main security system,
reserve the right to seek the protection of security agencies in the country when it deems fit.
ARTICLE SIXTEEN (16)
FUNDING ASWAJ shall fund itself through:
Regular monthly contributions by its members,
ZAKAAT) (obligatory alms), Sadaqa & WAQF on whom it is incumbent ( Zakat )
Voluntary contributions by members of ASWAJ, or any other philanthropists/ organization(s) that wish(es) to do so,
Any other venture ASWAJ may deem profitable, provided such ventures do not conflict with the teachings of Islam.
ARTICLE SEVENTEEN (17)
ACCOUNTS AND OPERATION
ASWAJ shall keep, maintain and operate an account with at least one of the banks in the country.
There shall be three signatories to the said account with any two signatories capable of withdrawing money on behalf of ASWAJ.
The authorized signatories shall be:
The National Imam,
The National Treasurer,
b) Any other person nominated by the N.E.C.
ARTICLE EIGHTEEN (18)
AMENDMENTS
(1) This constitution shall be subject to amendment after every five (5) year, unless otherwise necessitated.
2.) Such amendments shall be made only when all procedures have been followed and the motion for amendment has been given appropriate consideration by the N.R.C.
3.) Such amendments shall be approved only by the NRC.
Article 19, NINETEEN GLOSSARY.
ASWAJ = Ahlussunna Wal Jama’a
NRC = National Representative Congress
NEC = National Executive Council
NADAC = National Da’wa Council
NAMEU = National Monitoring & Evaluation Unit
EA = External Auditors
ADR & CU = Alternative Dispute Resolution and Counseling Unit
CASBA = Caucus of ASWAJ Business Associates
NAYW = National ASWAJ Youth Wing
NAWW = National ASWAJ Women’s Wing
NEB = National Electoral Board
NAB = National Advisory Board
EDUCOM = Education Committee
NADCOM = National Da’wa Committee
PC = Projects Committee
FC = Finance Committee
WC = Welfare Committee
ADC = Arbitration and Disciplinary Committee (ADC)
PC = Protocol Committee
ZASWAMAC = Zakat, Sadaqa & Waqf Management Committee
MEDIACOM = Media Committee
LAC = Legal Advisory Committee
ADCOM = Adhoc Committee
AMENDCOM = Amendments Committee
IA = Internal Auditors
Completed with thanks and praises to Allah, The Glorified and The Exalted, and benedictions and praise be upon the noblest of the Messengers, Muhammad (S.A.W.), his household, his companions, all the Prophets and Messengers and all those who follow suite in sincerity till the Day of Judgment.
………………………………
YACOUB SHUAIB ABBAN.
CHAIRMAN – AMENDMENT COMMITTEE