Recap 2023 and Welcome 2024

1 year ago

**Jan 01st, 2024

Brothers/Sisters,**

As we bid farewell to 2023 and step into the journey of 2024, on behalf of the Al Salam Foundation Board of Directors, I express profound gratitude for the countless blessings and achievements. I extend heartfelt appreciation for your unwavering support toward the Muslim community and the mission of the Al Salam Foundation. Allow me to indulge into reflecting on the impactful activities of the Al Salam Foundation throughout the just-concluded year of 2023.

Islamic Life Center:
This year, the construction work commenced for the Islamic Life Center (ILC) at the site. The site was prepared for civil work, including the laying of sewage/storm pipes, building pad preparation, parking lot compacting, and retention pond excavation completion. The building's basement has been excavated, and the foundation concrete with steel rebars is being laid out.

Major project milestones are up ahead - finalizing contracts for the weather-tight shell, interior finish, parking, and landscaping, slated for completion in 2024. We are eagerly anticipating witnessing the beautiful Masjid take shape before our eyes. I am optimistic about our progress towards a move-in by early 2025, provided our plans proceed as anticipated.

I am immensely grateful to the Construction Committee volunteers actively engaging with the Construction Manager and Architect, providing close oversight through the construction process.

Financials:
Your exceptional generosity, totaling over $1.2 million, has significantly supported the ILC's construction. May Allah (SWT) bless the Fundraising Committee volunteers for their tireless efforts in organizing fundraisers for the ILC project. Additionally, contributions totaling $107,000 to our General Funds have been instrumental in sustaining Al Salam's operations. Your donations amounting to $41,000 for the poor & needy are highly commendable the disbursement included a substantial $10,000 donation to the Palestinian American Medical Association, and the remaining towards aiding the impoverished and needy across greater Indianapolis. Your generosity is recognized, and we pray for manifold blessings from Allah in both the worlds.

In 2023, we engaged an external financial consultant to streamline our accounting and bookkeeping processes. Significant progress has been made in transitioning to online QuickBooks for reducing data entry burdens and enable direct integration with banks. We aim to complete the transition to online accounting software in next few weeks. We have also taken measures to secure Al Salam's financial assets through banking measures, implementing security features to protect the assets.

Thanks to Br. Khalid Mahmood, who volunteers for the onerous responsibility of Treasurer, ensuring the tracking and accountability of funds.

Religious, Community Services, and Musallah Upkeep:
Al Salam welcomed Br. Anisse Adni as a part-time Imam, enhancing our community in numerous ways. From leading few daily prayers to scheduling Jumua khateeb, conducting engaging weekly halaqas, and delivering impactful post-Isha talks, Br. Anisse has significantly increased attendance among both young adults and seniors during Isha iqama at Musallah. His scholarly knowledge has resonated well with our community.

We further strengthened our ties with Al-Huda Foundation and other Masajid - we recognize the donations from Masjid Al Huda and Masjid Al Azher towards ILC, we jointly held the Eid-ul-Fitra salah with eight Masajid at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and Eid-ul-Adha salah at Grand Park with success. Thanks to Br. Khalid Mahmoods dedicated efforts in liaising with venues and other Masajid.

The introduction of the 'Athan' mobile app has streamlined our communication for Iqama timing, ensuring consistent salah iqama schedule at the Musallah. Credit goes to Br. Zakir Akbar, Dr. Sakib Khalid for enabling and managing this tool for the community.

Maintaining our Musallah is crucial, and Dr. Mazen AlSatie has diligently ensured its upkeep, though often these efforts go unnoticed. We're grateful for his sustained dedication to maintaining a comfortable space for our congregation.

Our monthly potlucks have continued smoothly, thanks to the coordination efforts of our dedicated Board of Directors.

Security:
The safety of our congregation remains paramount. We've reinstated the presence of a security guard during Jumua, potlucks, and daily during Ramadan. Security cameras have been installed in the Musallah for 24/7 monitoring and recording. May Allah keep our community safe and protected. Thanks to Br. Zakir Akbar for enabling this for the community!

Civic Engagement:
In the month of September, a candidate forum for the Carmel Mayor and City Council elections was organized at the ILC site in partnership with the Indiana Muslim Advocacy Network (IMAN). The event was a great success. It is imperative now, more than ever, that we as Muslim community stay actively engaged in the realms of governance to be a contributing part of the larger society. It is not only the need of the hour but also a calling of our faith. Thanks to the IMAN leadership for successfully organizing the event at the Al Salam ILC site.

Membership & Election:
This year, we assessed the MOHID app to establish a membership management system, successfully procuring it. A dedicated team will now focus on activating this system, greatly aiding in membership list tracking, dues management, and simplifying the creation of the annual voters list for our elections. Special thanks to Sr. Rabia Khan and Dr. Mazen AlSatie for securing this system for Al Salam.

Additionally, gratitude to Br. Jay Patel and Br. Altaf Hussain for spearheading the smooth execution of yearly Al Salam Board of Directors election.

Looking Ahead with Purpose:
As we step into 2024, our primary focus remains on achieving the completion of the ILC project. I earnestly appeal our community for the fulfillment of any outstanding pledges towards the ILC.

Looking forward, as we transition from a 2,100 sq. ft. space to much larger 18,000 sq. ft. (under roof) facility on ~15 acres of land, it's crucial to initiate planning for future sustainability, management and programming at the ILC. Concurrently, we must maintain our focus on fostering community engagement and fine-tuning operational efficiency across all our functions. Your ongoing support is invaluable as we navigate towards achieving these ambitious goals in the year ahead.

May Allah bless everyone who dedicate their time and wealth resources towards Al Salam programs for seeking His Grace. I earnestly pray that Allah safeguard the ummah of Mohammad (peace be upon him) worldwide. Our prayers this year are earnestly for our brothers and sisters in Palestine: may Allah alleviate their suffering in Gaza, protect their families and properties, and pave the way for justice and peace in the land. .

So be mindful of Allah as much as you can; hear and obey and give it is for your own good. Those who are saved from their own greed will be the successful ones: if you make generous loan to Allah, He will multiply it for you and forgive you. Allah is ever thankful and forbearing; He knows the hidden and the obvious; the most Mighty, the most Wise.

- Surah At-Taghabun (64): 16-18

With sincere appreciation,

Ashhar Madni, President
on behalf of
Al Salam Foundation Board of Directors