Crucial Update:Revelations, Closure, & Relocation of Current Mosque to the basement of Main Building
Assalamu Alaikum,
We want to provide you with an update regarding the recent meeting held with AIC President Timothy J. Gianotti and Vice President of Finance & Administration Randal Muhammad. The meeting brought forth important discussions and revelations that we feel compelled to share with you.
During the meeting, it was announced that the current masjid would be closed and relocated to the basement of the main building within two months. We were notified of this decision with only a two-month notice, and we sincerely hope it is not meant as a punitive action to deter opposition to the sale of the AIC property.
President Gianotti spoke about his efforts to seek help for AIC's financial distress, stating that he had reached out to Muslim communities and Islamic organizations up until January 2023. However, when questioned about his lack of response to an email from a brother in Saudi Arabia who had previously offered assistance, he mentioned that he may have missed it. Additionally, we questioned why the masjid community was not directly approached for support, as we have never seen the president or vice president in the masjid until recently when the president came to justify the selling of the AIC property by comparing it to hijra. It is important to note that the president attributed the financial troubles of AIC to the board's failure to secure funds. Additionally, he mentioned that many board members do not actively participate in board meetings, and he stressed that those from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, especially chairperson H.E. Hissein Brahim Taha, and international board members lack voting rights. These revelations raise concerns about the effectiveness and accountability of the board in managing AIC's affairs.
Many of their claims were filled with inconsistencies and contradictions. On one hand, President Gianotti claimed to be seeking help until January 2023, but when asked about the possibility of breaking the contract, Vice President Muhammad mentioned the heavy penalties from realtors as they invested heavily in planning and zoning authorization invested in for the past three years. Essentially, they conveyed that there is no turning back, and the deal will be signed regardless of any efforts to stop the sale, placing the responsibility of destroying AIC on us if we stop the sale.
They also mentioned that the individuals responsible for signing the sale are President Gianotti and Mr. Ahmed El-Hattab, the Treasurer & Interim Secretary-General of the BOT. This is a stark contrast to the previous meeting, where President Gianotti pleaded for his name to be removed from the petition, claiming to have no say in the decision to sell the property. They further stated that many board members are being replaced, which is strange considering those they claim are responsible for the sale are still in the process of transitioning.
When questioned about President Gianotti's absence from the premises, he talked about the sacrifices he has made for the institution, mentioning that his family is in Canada. However, when asked about bringing his family to Chicago, the president lost his temper and shouted not to bring his family into the discussion.
Regarding the property valuation, Randall mentioned that it was based on a 2016 valuation, with the value being $15 million. Considering depreciation, inflation, and the dilapidated state of the building, they deemed the $12 million sale price as a good deal. This is highly concerning as they are selling the property based on an outdated valuation, despite its prime location and its value far exceeding what they are selling it for.
We expressed our concerns that they are essentially cashing out, and some of the brothers warned them that they would be seen as worse than their predecessors at AIC, whose names they hesitate to mention due to the financial corruption they caused. It is disheartening that those initiating this petition to protect AIC are being accused of destroying the institution.
We wanted to share this update with you to ensure transparency and keep you informed about the recent developments. Your support and prayers are crucial in our ongoing efforts to save AIC. We will continue to fight for the preservation of this cherished institution and its Islamic values.
Jazakum Allahu Khairan for your support and dedication.
Warm regards,
Sadik Halilovic
Masjid Manager, American Islamic College Masjid