An Open Letter to the President of AIC: A Call for Self-Reflection and Accountability

Dear Timothy Gianotti,

As-salamu alaykum,

We address you today not from a place of anger, but from a profound concern for the future of the American Islamic College (AIC) and its community. We write with an earnest hope that you will heed the words of introspection and accountability that follow.

You have voiced your astonishment at the unfolding events and questioned the circumstances that have led to this point. But, is it not the time for an introspective journey? Rather than casting blame on external factors, could it be that the roots of this turmoil lie in the seeds of high-handedness and unfulfilled promises?

You assured the AIC community of an open-door policy, promising to arrange meetings with the Board of Trustees, a lifeline of hope for a struggling institution. Yet, promises turned hollow as those doors remained shut. The narrative you painted of rescuing the American Islamic College began to fade as community members witnessed decisions contrary to their faith, from the destruction of the masjid to the curtailment of daily prayers to mere Fridays at the new location. 

Let us not ignore the whispers within the community - whispers that hint at ulterior motives. You were entrusted with the responsibility of stewarding the AIC's legacy, but did you instead lead it towards the brink? The AIC's property, which had an offer of $33 million last year, was sold for a fraction of that sum, leaving many wondering why. And the masjid, a symbol of unity and worship, met a heartbreaking end under your watchful eye. We are left to question whether your arrival was a calculated move, not to preserve the institution, but to expedite its decline. 

Questions arise not to accuse, but to seek understanding. Was there a breach between your intentions and your actions? Were decisions influenced by personal interests? The promises you made to the community were entrusted to you. When those promises were broken, hope dwindled. A Muslim's word carries immense weight; it's a testament to their character. When promises falter, trust falters too.

Integrity, Timothy, is a cornerstone of leadership. A man of your scholarly stature should be more concerned with answering Allah than with the public exposure of secrets. Breaching the trust bestowed upon you, squandering the property entrusted to your care, and then being concerned only with your reputation, does this align with the teachings of the faith you profess?

A Muslim's word is sacred, binding them to honesty and reliability. Time and time again, you strayed from your promises, leaving the community disillusioned. You spoke of ambitious dreams - a Muslim medicine school, a Muslim Engineering college - all within the confines of a meager $6 million; needless to say, in the wake of recent events, such statements ring hollow.

We implore you, Timothy, to reflect upon these words with the gravity they deserve. The path you chose, knowingly or not, has cast a shadow upon the institution you were entrusted to safeguard. Your legacy as a scholar and a leader is intertwined with this moment in time. Will it be one of accountability, humility, and learning from one's mistakes? Or will it be one of denial, blame-shifting, and missed opportunities?

We pray that you find the strength to face the truth within yourself and take ownership of the decisions that have led us here. We pray that you remember the significance of a Muslim's word and the trust we place in our leaders. Above all, we pray that you remember the ultimate accountability that transcends this world.

May Allah guide us all towards the path of righteousness and understanding.

Sincerely,

Concerned Members of the AIC Community