Corrupted with Masjid Politics
With the problems and difficulties facing people in America today, many attend the Masjids but few get involved. This is due to the fact that most Masjids are managed by people who are not professional or too corrupted with Masjid politics.
Getting people involved takes wisdom, sincerity and vision, taught to us in the Holy Qur’aan and exemplified in the characteristics of the Holy Prophet Muhammad ( Peace Be Upon Him). Too often, Masjid directors / management seem more interested in the money people should give rather than motivating and encouraging people to pray and do righteousness. Visitors are not treated with warmth and friendliness and khutbahs / sermons are boring and not related to circumstances surrounding daily life, hence the reason why, most people basically attend the Masjid, because they think it is an obligation as opposed to doing so willingly, while others attend for their own image and political agenda. This sort of behavior turns away the youths and younger generation who are the leaders of tomorrow. Many people manage Masjid affairs based on their cultural upbringing rather than trying to accomplish the mission for establishing the Masjid. Code enforcement laws in America contribute greatly to Masjid buildings and parking lots by ensuring safety and proper lighting facilities. This somewhat helps to create an attractive atmosphere to a point. However, the frustration comes when the Masjid management doesn’t demonstrate proper professionalism in the religious services. For example, in most cases the PA system either malfunctions or doesn’t work; the restrooms and wuzu area not maintained properly; announcements at the time of Jumua are not done professionally; most of the time people are not able to hear or understand the announcements.
As a Muslim who visit Masjids and deliver khutbahs throughout the world, I feel embarrassed to see the lack of professionalism demonstrated by Masjid directors and management. By writing this editorial, it is not my intention to condemn anyone, but rather to make constructive criticism so that we could better our standard and condition Inshaa Allaah.
Last but not least, it is sad to know that many Masjids throughout America are managed by wealthy/secular educated people , but they unfortunately take Islam for granted and do not exercise professionalism when executing their duties in religious affairs.
While the cultural management are just Jumua / Eid Muslims - the non-Muslims are confused about us, the youths are becoming disbelievers, the women are not practicing Islam, the elderly are being abandoned in homes and the people who want to convert are discouraged. Until and unless we inject professionalism in our Masjids, then and only then the Muslim community will be of piety and quality rather than boasting of the quantity of Muslims in America.