THE COMMITTEE DOES NOT PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE. IT PROVIDES GENERAL ADVICE AND WILL ENGAGE LICENSED ATTORNEYS AS NEEDED TO PROTECT IEC AND COMMUNITY.

1. 1. Assist Resident A’lim and the BOD in effective discharge of their responsibilities of Protecting IEC and its assets from actions that may impede IEC’s purpose of providing a safe place for practicing religious rights by its members.The committee will:
      1. • Provide guidance to IEC on the protection of religious, civil, and other legal rights.
         • Provide guidance and assistance (including financial where appropriate) to the IEC community members needing IEC intervention to help them in freely practicing our faith.
   2. Function as an advisory committee to the Resident A’lim and BOD in all legal matters; and manage such affairs on their behalf as required.
   3. Provide assistance in the selection of legal counsel, if needed, for retention by the Anjuman.
   4. Refer/match the community members who need legal support with appropriate attorneys if needed.
   5. Raise and manage funds for legal matters faced by IEC and its members (Legal Defense and Support Fund- “LDSF”).
   6. May provide assistance to other Muslim organizations if requested by the A’lim or the BOD.

1. Funds needed come strictly from donations by the community and will only be used for:
   1. • Legal matters impacting IEC as an organization,
      • The religious freedom of the Shia community and,
      • Distribution as benevolence for the community members in need of finances for legal assistance to protect them from actions taken against them by the authorities due to the member’s religious beliefs, affiliation, country of origin, or other discriminatory reasons.
2. Funds are controlled by the IEC Board of Directors (BOD), maintained by the treasurer’s office within the IEC Chart of Accounts.
3. The fund achieves LMC’s stated purpose primarily in three (3) ways:
   • Through disbursement of funds for all legal matters (including retention of counsel) that impact IEC’s ability to continue to fulfill its stated mission,
   • Other religious freedom matters approved by the A’lim and BOD, and
   • Benevolence to assist community members in need of finances for legal assistance needs to protect from actions taken against them by the authorities due to religious beliefs, affiliation, country of origin, or other discriminatory reasons.

Funds WILL NOT be provided to individuals where the legal action (civil or criminal) is between two private parties or is a result of the individual knowingly breaking the law of the land. LDSF will not help to pay taxes, personal obligations, fines, or assessments levied by a court of law, government entity, or any entity with legal authority to impose levies on its constituents (IRS, homeowners organizations, improvement districts, etc.).

• Chairman of the IEC Board – Br. Faheem Kazmi
• Member of the IEC Board of Trustees – Br. Syed (Qamber) Jafri
• Three Community Members – Selected by the BOD
  • Br. Zaheer Zaidi – Attorney of Record
  • Br. Hyder Syed
  • Br. Kumail Mirza

If a need is identified by this committee, Resident A’lim and the BOD may add up to 2 additional community members.

• If you hear of any matter that may impact the operations of IEC or the community, bring it to the committee or the BOD’s attention so we can take appropriate actions.
• Volunteer your expertise when called upon.
• PLEASE DONATE to Legal Defense and Support Fund