Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim (In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful)

Salam (Peace) 

I, on behalf of myself and the dedicated congregants of our beloved masjid, write to you with a deep sense of urgency and concern regarding the future of the American Islamic College (AIC). We are facing a critical situation that demands our immediate attention and action. The AIC and its cherished masjid are at risk of being sold and relocated, jeopardizing our Islamic heritage and community.

Who is impacted?
Our vibrant Muslim community in the Chicago area is deeply affected by the potential sale and relocation of the AIC masjid. This institution holds great significance for us, as it is not only a place of worship but also a source of spiritual solace, education, and community cohesion. Losing the AIC masjid would leave us without a nearby sanctuary and sever our ties to our Islamic roots and traditions.

What is at stake?
The sale of the American Islamic College and its masjid poses a grave threat to our community and our Islamic heritage. It is not just a building; it is the culmination of years of dedicated efforts, including the rescue and renovation of the masjid in 2010. Back then, we initiated a petition that reached our Muslim brothers and sisters in Saudi Arabia through the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and with their support, we were able to save the AIC. Little did we know that the challenges were far from over.

Recent Developments:
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 revelations from this meeting have left us deeply concerned and further emphasize the urgency of our cause.

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. This decision was shared with us only two months prior, and we sincerely hope that it is not meant as a punitive action to deter opposition to the sale of the AIC property.

President Gianotti's Lack of Engagement:
Throughout this ordeal, President Gianotti has repeatedly assured me that everything was under control and that he had a vision to save the AIC. However, it has become evident that his words were merely empty promises. We were shocked to discover that the president, who never attended the masjid until recently when the president, post this petition was posted and led to an uproar in the community, wanted to give the Friday khutbah justifying the sale of the AIC property by comparing it to hijrah.

Transparency Concerns and Missed Opportunities:
President Gianotti claimed to have reached out to Muslim communities and Islamic organizations for help 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. It is disheartening to see that the masjid community was not directly approached for support. Additionally, we expressed concerns about the board's effectiveness and accountability in managing AIC's affairs, as President Gianotti mentioned that many board members do not actively participate in board meetings and those from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation lack voting rights. They further stated that many board members are being replaced and changed, which is strange considering those they claim are responsible for the sale are still in the process of transitioning.

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.

Contradictions and Property Valuation:
During the meeting, numerous contradictions and inconsistencies emerged. President Gianotti claimed to have no say in the decision to sell the property, yet it was revealed that he and Mr. Ahmed El-Hattab, the Treasurer & Interim Secretary-General of the BOT, are responsible for signing the sale. Furthermore, the property valuation was based on an outdated 2016 valuation, with the value set at $15 million. Despite the prime location and the property's true value far exceeding that amount, they deemed the $12 million sale price as a good deal. This raises serious concerns about transparency and the motivations behind this decision.

Conclusion:
Brothers and sisters, we stand at a critical moment in our journey to save the American Islamic College and preserve our Islamic heritage. The recent developments and revelations have intensified the urgency of our cause. We must unite as a community and raise our voices against the sale and relocation of the AIC masjid. Together, we can ensure that the AIC remains a beacon of light for generations to come.

Sign this petition, share it widely, and rally our community to stand united in this crucial cause. Let our voices be heard, and let us safeguard our masjid, our Islamic values, and our community's future.

May Allah, the Most Merciful, guide our efforts and grant us success in preserving the American Islamic College and its masjid.

Jazakum Allahu Khairan for your unwavering support and commitment.