SNMC Journey 10: Imam Hiring and Imam Committee
Dr. Emdad Khan
In the last episode, we highlighted the formation of UMO-OG and the Ottawa Hilal Committee. From 2009 to 2011, UMO-OG worked on several joint activities among different masjids.
In 2011, SNMC project activities began in full swing. As always, I first spoke with my better half, Asma Khan, about SNMC’s next steps. We needed an extra hand to assist with fundraising, coordinate among imams via the Imam Committee, manage the three Jumah prayers at SNMC Musallah, and expand our outreach to build a more diverse and inclusive community.
Once Asma agreed, we presented the proposal to the SNMC Board of Directors (BOD). As expected, initial reactions were filled with concern:
“Expenses are increasing for the project. We’re still in Jockvale Musallah without a formal masjid—how can we afford to hire a paid imam?”
We held three SNMC BOD meetings to weigh the pros and cons of bringing on a full-time imam.
At the third meeting, our Vice President, Dr. Farrukh Syed, encouraged the team to see the benefit:
“Why not bring in a new imam who can support Dr. Emdad in fundraising, community outreach, and new programs for children and seniors?”
His remarks shifted the tone. Then, SNMC Secretary Br. Naeem Ahmed also lent his support. By the fourth meeting, everyone except one board member agreed—on the condition that the imam be hired only for one year and with approval from the Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for February/March 2011.
It took three AGM sessions to reach consensus. Eventually, the AGM approved the idea—but again, only for one year, and the imam had to be approved by the AGM.
We advertised across masjids and in our newsletter. As SNMC was still a Musallah (not a fully built masjid), we received only 5–6 applications.
A five-member hiring committee (three internal, two external) interviewed the top two candidates. A 4-1 majority agreed to hire Dr. Zijad Delic. The second external member initially hesitated but, after persuasion, submitted a note of dissent and then his consent.
We agreed on a modest salary with a quarterly bonus tied to fundraising performance. Final approval required lengthy AGM debates, but it passed.
We convinced Dr. Zijad to join in August 2011, just before Ramadan.
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In Ramadan 2010, SNMC raised around $100,000
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In Ramadan 2011, with Dr. Zijad, that rose to nearly $150,000
Together, we made three fundraising trips—to Edmonton, Fort McMurray, and Vancouver. I took my wife Asma on the Vancouver trip, as our daughter lived there.
Total from these trips: over $50,000
Dr. Zijad brought energy and vision to SNMC. He launched:
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A 5-to-10-year children’s program
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A senior outreach program
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Matchmaking services for Ottawa youth
These initiatives attracted new families and seniors to SNMC Musallah.
His arrival also helped form the Ottawa Imam Council, further strengthening UMO-OG and the Ottawa Hilal Committee.
From the beginning, SNMC was envisioned as a diverse, inclusive, transparent, and just institution for all ethnic groups. Every SNMC committee included South Asians, Arabs, and others. Fundraising teams were always multiethnic.
Before our masjid was built, we established a diverse SNMC community. Through weekly Wednesday outreach visits, we invited ethnic communities in Barrhaven to pray and support their local Musallah. We often said:
“SNMC belongs to you, me, and us.”
Our Family Nights on Fridays, including lectures and pizza for everyone, saw a strong boost in community engagement after the imam was hired.
The bonus-based model for the imam incentivized fundraising trips to Montreal, Toronto, and other cities.
SNMC became the first Ottawa masjid to hire an imam before its building was complete. Later, KMA Masjid followed the same path. The Imam Council, UMO-OG, and the ILEAD Conference all benefited from this leadership.
Although there were initial concerns in the SNMC BOD and community, a few years later, everyone recognized that hiring an imam was a brilliant decision.
Next, we will talk about starting site services and the actual construction of the SNMC Masjid and Community Center.
