Please read our official statement below regarding our recent Jummah parking incident!

Important Update: Parking Situation

Dear McKinney Islamic Association Community,
Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,

Further to the announcements about the Tom Thumb parking situation since last Friday, we would like to provide more details and update you on the steps being taken to address this critical situation.

Background:

The management of Tom Thumb generously allowed us to use their parking lot during Friday prayers, with the clear condition that we do not park in front of the store entrance or the middle part of the lot, so their customers have easy access. This has been communicated to the community before and after every Friday prayer, and through flyers, maps, and posts on the WhatsApp group

Unfortunately, over the past few weeks, we received two formal complaints that some members of our community were parking in front of the market entrance, in violation of this agreement despite the announcements, the reminders, and the warnings.

In response, we met with the Tom Thumb manager in April and committed to stationing a security guard at the lot every Friday from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM to ensure that our community parks only in the designated areas. In May, we had a follow-up meeting with Tom Thumb manager who complained about the parking violations, and we provided a parking map to the community and the security company, showing clearly where we are permitted to park.

We also repeatedly reminded the community before and after every Friday prayer that this privilege was at risk. We requested that members consider attending the second khutbah to ease congestion during the peak first khutbah time.

Current Situation:

Despite these efforts, we have not received sufficient cooperation from some community members. As a result, Tom Thumb has decided to revoke our parking privileges without notice and has decided that violators will be towed.

Moving Forward:

We are currently exploring alternative parking solutions, including options with Tom Thumb, nearby churches, McKinney Stadium, and other venues. However, no solution will be effective unless we, as a community, act responsibly and uphold our values as good neighbors and representatives of Islam.

This is a shared responsibility. Each one of us must not only follow the rules but also advise and remind others when we see violations. Reporting issues without making an effort to correct them in the moment weakens our collective responsibility. Allah (SWT) has entrusted us with the duty to enjoin good and prevent harm let us not take this lightly.

We will continue to keep you informed about progress and solutions. In the meantime, we ask Allah (SWT) to guide us, unite our hearts, and help us become better neighbours and better community members. 

Jazakumu Allahu Khairan,
McKinney Islamic Association Shura