Frequently Asked Questions
What information does the Jamaat intend to provide to maintain transparency on the project, especially financial?
Transparency is of paramount importance to the Mawaid construction committee and the Jamaat board members. We intend to use this website to provide information about all areas of the project and to be a channel for communication, to implement board committees with checks and balances and to hire a manager for the project that is compensated by the Anjuman to look after the best interest of the Jamaat in this project.
You mentioned you are going to hire a full time manager, how can I apply for this position?
If you are eligible and feel you can contribute to this project, please contact any of the committee members and submit your resume for consideration. There will be an extensive interview process to find the most qualified candidate. Look for a job description on this website in the near future.
How is this large project going to be funded?
The Jamaat has conducted a detailed survey and has consulted with many mumineen to determine the best way to raise capital to fund this project. Anjumane Shujaee passed a resolution unanimously to initiate a fund raising project that will involve each and every mumin family in Houston. This project is of historic proportions. The board and the leadership feel that such a project must involve every Houstonian and want to make sure that everyone gets to be a part of this remarkable project. It was resolved that each mumin family will contribute a minimum of $27,000 for the Mawaid portion of the project and future contributions will be determined as the project moves along. If everyone contributes, we are confident that we will have the funds to complete this project and possibly do more.
What is the Mawaid Pledge Card and what do I do with it?
The Mawaid pledge cards were distributed on Syedna Qutbuddin Shaheed’s (ra) urus night, 1430H and on Syedna Taher Saifuddin’s (ra) urus day, 1430H. If you did not receive the card on those dates, then the card was mailed to you. If you have still not received them by Shabaan 15, 1430H please contact one of the committee members and they can assist you in getting a replacement card. The cards are pledge cards outlining what the Jamaat requests you contribute to this Mawaid project. Please get the card approved and signed by Amilsaheb and return the card along with your ACH Debit form to the finance sub-committee. Collection of funds has already begun so we urge you to participate in this barakat at your earliest.
If every family contributes at least $27,000 while others may contribute more, based on the number of families in Houston that will yield more than the budgeted Mawaid project. What will happen to the excess funds?
Yes, if everyone participates, we will indeed collect more than we need for the Mawaid, inshallah. The committee will direct the additional funds towards the continuation of the Masjid complex project, ie towards the Madressah and Masjid itself. This will also reduce the need for future contributions.
What is ACH Debit and how do I enroll?
ACH debit is a convenience provided for mumineen so that your monthly contribution for the Mawaid project can be automatically deducted from your bank account. The Jamaat prefers this method because that way your contribution will be deposited in a timely manner. ACH Debit forms were enclosed with the Mawaid pledge cards that were given to every mumin family. If you do not have this form, download a new copy from the website.
What if I do not want to use ACH Debit?
ACH is not required but it is strongly encouraged. However, if you have a good reason for not utilizing ACH Debit then please contact the Mawaid finance subcommittee and they will work with you to accommodate your request.
This project seems extremely ambitious from an engineering and architectural standpoint. Without the experience and expertise how can you be sure we can make this happen?
The committee understands the risks associated with the first project of this scale for mumineen in the USA. We have gone to great lengths to do a lot of listening and employ expertise from within the mumineen world outside the USA and to use US based expertise from outside the mumineen circle. Shk Aliasger Jivanjee who is the architect for this project has tremendous experience as outlined in his profile; building institutional landmarks for Dawat and Jamaats around the world. We have also employed professional engineers and subcontractors that have experience building institutional buildings. The Board and the committee feel that with such help we can avoid major pitfalls and make this project successful.
If we need space, why dont we just build a large plain hall that can accommodate 200 plus thaals, why do we need such an elaborate plan? Would it not be cheaper to do something basic and large to accommodate our immediate needs?
There are two schools of thought to solve our challenges with a fast growing Jamaat like Houston. One is to build something fast, quick, simple and cheap and the other is to build a long term legacy-building institutional building. After much debate and discussion, the Jamaat board decided that our community has reached a critical juncture in our growth. With the land investments that we have already made, the fact that Houston is a focal city in Dawat in the western world (thanks to Ashara, Shz Saheb’s residence, etc.), it is imperative that we invest in a long term institutional building. Just like our forefathers made sacrifices and built a legacy in our home towns and just like the inspiration of Aqa Moula (tus) who continues to build world class institutional buildings around the world, it only makes sense that Houston Jamaat steps up and makes the investment in our future. Ultimately, the institutional building is the only option that befits the era of Aqa Moula (tus), reflects on the goals and aspirations of Houston mumineen and that can be the landmark we want to leave our children.
What is the status of the North (Tomball) Masjid?
As Houston continues to grow, it is possible that a North Masjid will be needed. The Jamaat has prioritized these projects and today the construction of the Mawaid is priority number one. After the successful completion of the Mawaid, the madressah and other buildings including north Masjid options will be carefully assessed and prioritized.
How is the current Masjid expansion hall funded?
The current temporary expansion hall that will take us through this transition period while we build the Mawaid and eventually the Masjid itself is being funded by Sabeel funds only. No Masjid and Mawaid Complex funds will be used for the temporary expansion.