Islamic Imam

The Islamic Imam will provide religious leadership, worship services, and pastoral care to the Muslim community at Fort Jackson, SC. This role supports the free exercise of religion by conducting services, delivering sermons, and offering pastoral counseling in alignment with the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps standards. The Imam will serve as the subject matter expert on Islamic faith, traditions, and practices, ensuring inclusive and respectful religious support.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The Islamic Imam will:

• Conduct weekly Jumah (Friday) prayers and weekly Sunday Islamic services (approx. 1 hour each).
• Preside over Islamic special services including Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Ramadan, and other observances (approx. 2 hours each).
• Deliver Khutbahs and sermons based on Islamic law, theology, and tradition.
• Provide pastoral counseling, family ministry, and spiritual guidance to service members and families.
• Prepare candidates for Ramadan observances.
• Attend monthly Pastors’ Meetings to support the Command Master Religious Program (CMRP).
• Foster interfaith dialogue by demonstrating knowledge of comparative religions and encouraging mutual respect.
• Maintain logs of services and submit required documentation in compliance with contract requirements.
• Uphold confidentiality, professionalism, and respect in all interactions.

Education and/or Experience

Required:

• Practicing Muslim with deep knowledge of the Qur’an and Islamic law.
• Ecclesiastical endorsement from:
• Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), or
• American Islamic Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Council (AMAF & VAC).
• Master of Divinity (or equivalent) in Islamic studies, theology, counseling, psychology, or social work from an accredited institution (waiverable with sufficient experience).
• Ability to read and recite Qur’an in Arabic and English (recording may be requested).
• Demonstrated ability in Khutbah preparation, worship leadership, counseling, and Islamic pastoral ministry.
• Experience with interfaith dialogue, comparative religions, and pluralism.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to pass required security clearances, background checks, and training (AT Level I, OPSEC, iWATCH).

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in military chaplaincy or Islamic community leadership.
• Training in clinical pastoral education or counseling.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of Army Chaplain Corps standards and protocols.