ARs (action items), Questions and Comments

[Ateeq Ahmed]

Assalamu alaikum all,

I've been asked to maintain a running list / compilation of all AR's, questions asked and good points made, again for common use and to avoid losing them.

This is also to encourage written questions so people can ask and get their questions answered outside of meetings. I realize some of these questions are really sensitive, but they're inevitable and it is in the general interest of the community that we prepare answers for them sooner than later.

As always, let us maintain a high level of akhlaaq and aadaab when posing our questions, providing answers and especially when disagreeing.

 

Jazakum Allaahu khayrun,

Ateeq

 

 

 

AR's:

 

Br Hafeez / Br. Dia:  Phase 1 environmental study on UR. To do or not to do? Already have estimates on how much it is going to cost, but not sure whether to proceed.

 

AR Br. Riaz: If we rent the current facility for one more year, do we still need to restore it?

 

 

Questions:

 

Please add your questions to this list. If applicable, also mention who you're expecting the response from.

 

 

1. Why are we even considering other options besides Masjid Bilal when we already committed to it?

 

[Ateeq]: A few weeks ago some brothers noticed that the United Rentals property on Levy Rd. went on sale for $1.5M. Its similarity in size to the Masjid Bilal lot and the relatively cheap price prompted them to ask the question, "Could we move into this place to avoid renting our current facility which we are quickly outgrowing, while the construction of Masjid Bilal completes?" The idea found some support and hence a group of individuals decided to explore it further.

 

2. If we rent the current facility for one more year, do we still need to restore it?

 

3. What is the remaining cost of the MB project if we continue building according to the initial plan?

 

4. How long will the construction of MB take once we secure the loan?

 

5. What amount are we seeking the loan for? And what amount do we expect to raise in the form of donations?

 

6. Do we have any outstanding debt on the Masjid Bilal project? If so, how much, to whom (bank, individuals, etc.) and when does it need to be paid by?

 

7. In this exploration phase, we are merely investigating some of the possible options. But once this data-gathering is complete, we will eventually have to decide on the way forward. Which decision-making model do we want to follow when choosing between the different options? a) Voting between all members of the community, b) voting by community-appointed/agreed upon representatives, c) current ISF board, d) other?

 

8. An important factor in this process is also the "urgency" or "time-value" of the solution. How much longer can we afford to wait given the growing needs of the community? Do we have a backup plan if God-Forbid we lose one of our rental arrangements?

 

9. What is the Shari' ruling on selling the Masjid Bilal property if for some reason we choose to abandon the project?

 

10. What is our long-term plan for being debt-free?

 

 

Misc. Comments:

 

1. Adapted from comments by Br. Junaid and Br. Dia:

While we don't see a real alternative in sight, we should note the preference to not build our Masjid using a loan, even if it is "Shariah-compliant". The idea behind this preference is to avoid any gray areas and also to minimize liability to our community.

 

2. Adapted from comments by Br. Junaid:

We realize that while the building is an important asset of our community, the activities that cater to and nourish our community are more important. We must therefore keep in mind when taking on any loans, that our programs and activities are not compromised as a result.