Description:
As religious leaders, Imams in the US should have a general understanding of the legal issues that affect their congregations and communities. Here are some important legal issues that imams need to be educated about in the US:
- First Amendment: Imams should be familiar with the rights and protections under First Amendment of the US Constitution, which guarantees the right to freedom of religion and freedom speech. They should be aware of the legal protections afforded to religious practices and be prepared to advocate for their center’s and congregants' religious freedom. Additionally, Imams should understand the basics of protected speech, unprotected speech, and the parameters of them.
- Civil rights: Imams should understand that the community members have basic civil rights that protect them from discrimination based on race, religion, gender, disability, and other factors. They should also be aware of what resources and organizations that offer additional assistance in this field.
- Immigration law: With immigration law standards ever-evolving, Imams should have a topical knowledge of the community needs for immigration services. They should also be aware of the challenges facing undocumented immigrants and be prepared to provide referrals and resources to these individuals.
- Family law: Imams often get called upon to provide guidance and support in family law matters, such as marriage, divorce, and custody disputes. They should be familiar with the legal requirements and procedures in these areas and be able to provide counsel (within the realm of Sharia acceptance) and referrals to legal professionals as needed. The Imams should also understand their obligations to protect youth and children, in their capacity as mandated reporters of abuse and exploitation.
- Other Common Civil Claims:
- Defamation: Imams should be aware of the potential legal consequences of making false statements that harm an individual's reputation. Imams should be cautious when making statements about individuals, particularly public figures, and avoid making statements that are knowingly false or recklessly made.
- Copyright Law: Imams should be aware of copyright laws when sharing or using materials created by others. They should ensure that they have the appropriate permissions or licenses to use copyrighted materials, such as music or videos, in their sermons or other communications.
- Privacy: Imams should be aware of the privacy rights of individuals and ensure that they are not sharing private information about individuals without their consent.
Cybersecurity: Imams should be aware of the potential risks of using electronic communication methods and take steps to protect themselves and their congregations from cyber threats such as hacking, phishing, and identity theft.
Presenter:
Mohamed Al-Darsani, Wafed Ahdali
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Description:
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The mental health of community members is a critical issue that Imams cannot ignore. As trusted community leaders, Imams can play a significant role in promoting mental health awareness, reducing stigma, and providing support to those who are struggling with mental health issues. This workshop is designed to provide Imams with the knowledge and skills they need to support their community members in maintaining good mental health.
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In this workshop, Imams will learn:
- The basics of mental health and common mental health issues.
- Common mental health issues: Discussing common mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- How to recognize warning signs of mental health issues in community members.
- How to make your masjid or office a welcoming and supportive environment for individuals with mental health issues through inclusive language, staff training, policies and procedures, and fostering a culture of acceptance
- Strategies for reducing stigma surrounding mental health in the Muslim community.
- The importance of self-care for Imams and the congregation.
- How to collaborate with mental health professionals and make appropriate referrals.
- Crisis intervention strategies and suicide prevention.
This workshop will be led by mental health professionals with expertise in Islamic counseling.
Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage in group discussions to share their experiences and learn from each other.
By the end of this workshop, Imams will be equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to promote mental health awareness, reduce stigma, and provide support to those who are struggling with mental health issues in their communities.
Presenters:
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Post-Conference workshop (September 25th, 2023)
Monday post-conference workshops: $175 for Imams and Students of Knowledge. Includes:
- Shared room accommodation on Sunday night (September 11th) only.
- Meals starting Sunday night until Monday noon.
- Workshop material
Guidelines
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Participants must reserve hotel rooms as needed. No rooms will be automatically reserved, including complementary rooms.
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Rooms reservation must be completed and submitted by August 15th, 2023
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Extra charges apply for extra stay or private room
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AMJA guarantees accommodation ONLY for those who registered and paid before deadline.
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AMJA can accommodate roommate requests only if requested partner consents, and both attendees are arriving and departing on same days. Roommate request will be available for reservations before August 15th. Requested roommate must have been registered and paid before the deadline.
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No children under 16 years of age are allowed in conference halls. No accommodations for childcare will be provided.
