Governance

Clear, accountable governance with authentic Islamic oversight

Two bodies sit at the heart of CIONZ — a governing Board (Majlis al-Umanā) and an independent Council of Scholars (Majlis al-Ulama) — bound together by the principle of consultation (Shūrā).

How CIONZ is structured

The membership

Member organisations, scholars and individuals across New Zealand

Governing body

Majlis al-UmanāThe Board

Sets strategic direction, safeguards the organisation’s assets, and holds the legal responsibilities of CIONZ’s officers. Accountable to the membership.

Independent scholarly oversight

Majlis al-UlamaThe Council of Scholars

Provides binding guidance on creed, religious practice and Islamic ethical compliance. Safeguards the Islamic identity of everything CIONZ does.

شُورَىٰ

Consultation (Shūrā) binds the two together

Majlis al-Ulama — the Council of Scholars

CIONZ’s religious authority rests with named, qualified scholars. Members of the Majlis al-Ulama hold formal qualifications in Shari’a.

  • Chair, Majlis al-Ulama

    Sheikh Malik BenNabi (Abu Anas)

    Imam, Masjid Al-Rahman. Chair, Al Manar Charitable Trust.

  • Member

    Sheikh Alaa AbdelMeguid Imbarak

    Imam, NSIA Hub. Fatwa Committee member, Al-Azhar, Egypt.

  • Member

    Sheikh Hemaytullah Haqiqzai

    Imam, Masjid As-Salam. Chairman, New Zealand Board of Imams.

How scholarly oversight works

The Majlis al-Ulama is an independent council that safeguards the Islamic identity of CIONZ. It provides binding guidance on matters of creed (Aqidah), religious practice (Ibadah) and Islamic ethical compliance, and it ensures that CIONZ does not enter any agreement that would compromise Islamic principles without proper scholarly ratification.

Their independence is protected, and their authority is real: this is the mechanism by which CIONZ guarantees that its decisions remain within Islamic boundaries. The Council does not involve itself in day-to-day administrative or operational matters, so long as those decisions do not conflict with Shari’a.

Our Founding Board

CIONZ is in its Establishment Phase, guided by a Founding Board (Majlis al-Umanā) appointed by our founding members. All Board positions will be declared vacant and filled by election at the first National General Meeting.

  • Chairperson

    Mohamed Hussien

    Technology transformation consultant. MBA, University of Auckland.

  • Vice Chair, Government Relations & Advocacy

    Maher Khalil

    Community advocate on Islamic and humanitarian causes, including advocacy for Palestine.

  • Vice Chair, Membership

    Jibril Mussa

    Vice President, Najashi Trust.

  • Secretary

    MD Masud Alam

    Lawyer. President, Muslim Ummah of New Zealand.

  • Treasurer

    Ahmed Youssef

    Accountant. Vice President, North Shore Islamic Association.

Governance integrity

Several members of our Founding Board also hold office in CIONZ member organisations. This is normal for a founding body — CIONZ was built by the organisations that saw the need for it. CIONZ maintains an Interests Register recording all such interests, and our constitution requires any officer with an interest in a matter to declare it, abstain from voting, and withdraw from the decision. As membership grows, Board representation will be determined by regional election at our first National General Meeting.

The Board’s composition

The Majlis al-Umanā (the Board) is the governing body of CIONZ and holds the legal responsibilities of the organisation’s officers. It sets strategic direction, safeguards the organisation’s assets, and is accountable to the membership.

Once fully established, the Board will comprise up to thirteen voting members, structured to ensure genuine national coverage:

  • Elected representatives from across New Zealand’s regions — Auckland, Wellington, the South Island, Waikato & Bay of Plenty, and Manawatū–Whanganui;
  • The Chair of the Council of Scholars (Majlis al-Ulama); and
  • An appointed professional (for example, in law or finance) to strengthen the Board’s expertise.

Board members serve three-year terms, with clear term limits, conflict-of-interest controls and a published interests register.

How we make decisions

CIONZ strives first for consensus through consultation (Shūrā). Where consensus is not reached, decisions are made by majority in accordance with our constitution. Consultation with members, scholars and affected communities is proportionate to the significance of the matter.

Our constitution

CIONZ is incorporated under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022. Our constitution is filed with the Registrar of Incorporated Societies and is available on the public register. A copy is available to member organisations and to government agencies on request from info@cionz.org.nz.

Questions about our governance?

We welcome enquiries from member organisations, government agencies and media.

Get in touch