An In-Depth Response to AIC Leadership - Seeking Transparency and Accountability

As-salaamu ‘alaykum!

Dear Ahmed El-hattab,

First and foremost, we appreciate your swift response to our concerns. It's always enlightening to hear from the American Islamic College (AIC) leadership, especially when it comes to the recent sale of our beloved Irving Park campus and Martyr AIC Masjid.

You mentioned that a "misinformation campaign has been launched in relation to the recent sale of our Irving Park campus." Could you please specify which part of our campaign constitutes misinformation?

You also mentioned in your letter that, "members of the AIC Board of Trustees, along with the entire AIC administration and the College family, are both saddened and troubled by this petition." It's truly heartwarming to know that there's such deep concern within the AIC ranks. However, a question arises - who exactly among these esteemed individuals is genuinely heartbroken by our little petition? Or is this just another artistic brushstroke from Timothy's palette, painting a picture that might be far from reality?

Could it be the Board of Trustees you're alluding to? The same board that, according to Timothy during a recent town hall meeting on July 8th, 2023, some members don't even bother attending AIC board meetings? Ah, those elusive meetings. Were they the ones struggling to achieve quorum, or was that just another detail lost in the annals of AIC history?

And about voting for the sale, we're dying to know: How many board members gave their resounding 'aye' to the sale of our cherished campus? Timothy did say that financial troubles at AIC were the board's fault for failing to secure funds and for their apparent lack of commitment. But hang on, weren't these the same trustees he claimed were in the midst of a transitionary phase? The same ones he hinted would soon be replaced by fresh faces? So, what's this fiduciary and legal ownership you speak of when they're on the verge of being shown the door? Did they even attend any meetings?

Or, just maybe, you're referring to those international board members from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), led by the esteemed Chairperson H.E. Hissein Brahim Taha. These international board members, though lacking voting rights, are truly a significant part of the AIC family. Yet, they seem to never grace AIC board meetings with their presence. Curious, isn't it?

But let's not forget those board members who were taken by surprise during the last session when they discovered that the buildings handed over to the new owners included the masjid. The same masjid for which the community had generously funded and invested. Oddly enough, according to some of your board of trustees, this masjid was not even mentioned and seemed intentionally hidden by the president. Oh, Timothy, the executioner of AIC's legacy.

Or perhaps, you're referring to those members of the AIC administration who were in ears over the dismantling of the masjid, do you think they are troubled by this petition? At the same time, the masjid was being dismantled - a masjid the president never set foot in, let alone maintained or established regular salah. Now, that's dedication to faith and community, isn't it?

Or that faculty member who expressed disgust at the leadership's incompetence and couldn't fathom the idea that our property, valued at millions, was sold for a mere 12 million dollars? It's almost as if they had expected better, or at least a reasonable sum.

One can't help but wonder about the president's competence in all of this. Was he acting out of sheer incompetence, stupidity, or sheer folly to sell a valuable property for such a low, seemingly cheap price? Or was there something more... sinister at play? 

In my brief stint, I met two prospective buyers, one of whom was willing to pay significantly more to convert it into an Islamic museum. But no, Timothy and Randall seemed quite adamant about selling to a specific vendor, didn't they? A certain K Giles, to be precise. Timothy's unwavering commitment to that choice certainly raises a few eyebrows. Why do Timothy and Randall seem oddly fixated on selling exclusively to K Giles? One can't help but wonder whether our esteemed president and vice president are either remarkably incompetent or impressively crafty to let such a property go for such a pittance.

Oh, the masjid community. They were kept in the dark until the final moments, with Timothy declaring, "We gave our word to the developer." But, when funds are paramount to AIC's survival, can you really afford to settle for such a seemingly paltry sum? Especially when it wouldn't even buy you a suitable replacement. If nothing else, the masjid community, given the chance, would have gladly matched that offer. Or how about selling the property in parts, perhaps retaining the lucrative parking spaces? More money, less heartache.

And speaking of money, let's talk donations. Chicago has a long memory, it seems. The history of corruption and lack of transparency within AIC has made generous donors a rare breed. Now, with a president who, much like his predecessor, has a knack for dipping into the donation pool for personal expenses under the guise of "gifts," it's rather challenging to inspire trust. While it might be a matter of perspective, in our part of the world, that's misappropriation, plain and simple. And even those who oversee nonprofits would likely agree.

Let me reiterate: When a president who, much like his predecessor, is known for diverting funds for personal expenses under the guise of "gifts," can AIC really expect people to open their wallets?

Now, about selling a $45 million property for a mere $12 million - that sounds suspiciously like embezzlement by an employee, don't you think? It doesn't matter whose name is on the paperwork; it's embezzlement nonetheless.

So, who's pulling Timothy's strings? Who brought him to this sacred place to sign off on such a deal? 

So, Mr. Ahmed El-Hattab, the million-dollar question remains: Who is the mastermind behind Timothy, the man who was conveniently brought in to sign this questionable deal?

And to top it off, your email politely asks for donations, creating a delightful paradox - to donate to a cause one perceives as corruption-infested. Quite the joke, isn't it?

In conclusion, Mr. Ahmed El-Hattab, it seems we've all taken a rather adventurous journey here. Crossing the line by dismantling a masjid, a place of profound spiritual significance and community love, has left us a bit awestruck. And with all that newfound affection for the masjid, it's challenging to express the kind of respect and admiration that your message seems to request. But fear not; we'll try our best to keep things as respectful as possible. We anxiously await your response, shedding light on these confounding matters.

Sincerely,
Concerned congregant of the Martyr AIC Masjid