Ashram Azim (in file photo in previous story we did for an improved Muslim section at the Mountain View Cemetery) has just announced his resignation as president of the Northern Nevada Muslim community.
"It is with a heavy heart that I submit my resignation as President of NNMC, effective immediately," he wrote in a statement forwarded to us today. "I understand that the timing—so close to the election—may be unexpected. Nevertheless, after extensive reflection, consultation, and prayer, it has become clear that the current direction of this Board is fundamentally misaligned with the values, standards, and responsibilities entrusted to us. Rather than upholding the tenets of Islam and prioritizing the well-being of our community, the Board’s conduct has increasingly eroded transparency, unity, and trust.
In this environment, stepping aside is the most responsible course of action. I hope my resignation prompts the Board to prioritize the integrity of the upcoming election and enables new leadership to restore cohesion, accountability, and purpose to our membership.
However, I cannot in good conscience depart without addressing the issues that necessitated this decision.
The incident involving unlawful physical contact by Board members is wholly unacceptable and represents a clear violation of our Rules and Bylaws. Likewise, the persistent use of vulgar and demeaning language by certain Board members during meetings demonstrates a serious disregard for Islamic brotherhood and the basic decorum required of community leadership.
It is equally troubling that the Board declined the State Department security grant—an opportunity that would have significantly improved the safety of our mosque and the surrounding neighborhood. This decision appeared driven by ego and personal bias rather than any principled or strategic concern for the community’s welfare.
Additionally, I must highlight several serious governance concerns that have been repeatedly raised yet remain unaddressed:
instances in which members claimed substantial tax write-offs for private businesses without providing required documentation to NNMC;
submission of sales tax documentation to the IRS without Board approval;
failure to conduct a mandatory audit of the NNMC Construction account;
improper redirection of Zakat donated by a member to a specific out-of-state non-member in a manner that raises tax-compliance concerns;
hiring and compensating individuals without work authorization, placing both NNMC and those individuals at legal risk;
repeated disregard for NNMC’s Rules and Bylaws;
data-handling practices that expose NNMC to liability, including risk of identity-related misconduct; and
allowing theft to occur within NNMC while contributing to a toxic work environment for our Imam.
Throughout my tenure, I made every effort to promote cooperation, transparency, and principled leadership. Unfortunately, these efforts were repeatedly obstructed. Rather than focusing on progress, the Board has prioritized retaliation, personal agendas, and behavior incompatible with the values of this institution.
Despite these challenges, my commitment to the NNMC community remains unwavering. I pray that this moment serves as a turning point toward greater accountability, unity, and fidelity to the ethics of our faith.
In accordance with the NNMC bylaws (Article 10, Section 3), the vacant position of President is to be temporarily filled by a new officer appointed by the Board of Directors until the upcoming election.
May Allah guide this community, bless your efforts, and lead you all toward what is best for our deen, our families, and our future.
Thank you,
A.AZIM"