Yaseen Community - Reform 2.0 (2025) Update
Monday February 24, 2025

Assalamu alaikum,

Dear Community Members:

Over the past two weeks, senior community members and past board members met with the interim Shura Ameer conveying the demands as outlined in the community updated petition.  Here are the major issues that were discussed:

Community Updates

Petition Update - Reform 2.0 (2025) & Meetings

Senior community members met with the Interim Shura Committee Ameer to advocate for implementing community-driven reforms outlined in the petition, including:

• Change 2.0 (2023)
• Vision 2.0 (2024)
• Reform 2.0 (2025)

https://www.change.org/p/yaseen-foundation-2-0-community-changing-our-condition 

Despite respectful discussions, the Shura Ameer insisted on following the Yaseen Constitution’s requirement for Eid elections, which senior members argue is poorly timed as has always been and needs to change.  Major reforms have yet to be implemented and authoritarianism has yet to be replaced with an Islamic system.

Structural Issues & Proposed Reforms

• The Shura Committee structure is deficient and lacks inclusivity. The Shura Ameer is selected by a small group rather than through a transparent election process.
• The Yaseen Constitution is considered inherently authoritarian and led to many internal disputes.  It should be replaced with Islamic bylaws and appropriate best practices for not-for-profit organizations that foster unity rather than division and dysfunctionality.
• A decline in membership reflects the disappointment by the majority of the community for disregard of reforms and the continuation of self-serving opportunistic authoritarianism.
• Elections should not be held during Ramadan or Eid and post-Eid, as they detract from religious obligations.

 

Financial Accountability & Leadership Issues
Banquet Hall Project & Financial Transparency

• A $1 million renovation transformed the Burlingame Center into a banquet hall instead of a Masjid & Islamic center that repelled many youth.
• Annual (or Audited; per “Constitution”) Financial statements from 2018–to the present have not been published, and accountability for past decisions is nonexistent.
• Community members and seniors demand transparency regarding the missing financials, hiring and termination of key personnel in 2024 after the urgency to begin change in 2023 was ignored.

Past Leadership Failures

• Decisions have been made unilaterally without community consultation.
• The 2019 grievance letter from four executive members, detailing major concerns, was ignored.
• The 2023 election process was fixed, with unjustified disqualifications and with no rectifications.
• The threat of restraining orders (May 5, 2023) against community members violated multiple laws.  Persons complicit have yet to be suspended or banned from eligibility in future elections.

North American Islamic Trust (NAIT) & Governance Issues

• NAIT previously secured the Burlingame property in 2022, but past administration members attempted to regain control of the title in 2023 without community approval.
• NAIT also rejected requests to shut down Jumuah prayers at Belmont Masjid, reinforcing community concerns about inept individuals yet to be suspended and banned from different varying positions.

Community & Youth Development

• The Islamic environment should be welcoming and supportive, not authoritarian.
• New convert services need expansion to support those embracing Islam.
• Muslim youth programs are essential, including hiring youth directors and mentors.

 

Call to Action

• Reject status quo tactics from past authoritarians attempting to prevent change and advocate for real reform and aiming for a power grab in 2025.
• Ensure leadership is accountable and committed to community interests.
• Prioritize Islamic bylaws over an authoritarian and invalid “constitution”.
• Make your voice heard—demand transparency, inclusivity, and structural change until the community petition is fully completed.
• Object to past authoritarians’ complicity in violating Islamic ethos and the NAIT charter to be eligible for any future positions.

In summary, those in positions of authority need to recognize the community petition and unite to revitalize the Yaseen Foundation, ensuring it serves as a true Islamic organization, fostering Iman, education, and unity. 

=================================== 2024 Update ===================================

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

                        Yaseen 2.0 (Community) Petition Update:  

                                                Vision 2.0

Ramadan 21, 1445 - Sunday, March 31, 2024

﴿ الرَّحْمَنُ (١) عَلَّمَ الْقُرْآنَ (٢)

The Merciful (1) Taught the Qur’an(2)

عن عثمان بن عفان رضي الله عنه، عن النبيِّ صلّى الله عليه وسلّم قال: خَيْرُكُمْ مَنْ تَعَلَّمَ القُرآنَ وَعَلَّمَهُ 

(الصحيحين)

     Narrated by Uthman bin Affan from the Prophet ﷺ: The best of you are those that learn the Qur’an and teach it. 

(Bukhari and Muslim)

Dear Community Members:  

     As we near the end of the blessed month of Ramadan, it is time to plan for after Ramadan.  

     Yaseen Foundation is in its 25th year and it is time we unite and do all we can to prepare the next generation of youth for the best Islamic education.  To achieve this, we have a roadmap to these objectives and your participation is needed and welcomed to make it a success, insha Allah.

     [Note: If you have not signed the petition yet, please do, we are at 560 signatures and will continue to seek change until all items of the petition are honored. https://www.change.org/p/yaseen-foundation-2-0-community-changing-our-condition 

     In May 2023, the community united upon the premise that Jumuah Salat should be held in Belmont Masjid and a list of items that need to be corrected and upheld.  The Shariah Council of California asserted the rights of the community through the following declaration which has now been rectified. https://www.iscca.org/17-lessons-the-status-of-mosque-masjid-in-islam/ 

     To keep things in perspective; one doesn’t need to look further than the courage and dignity of our brothers and sisters in Gaza and all of Palestine who have inspired a movement for renewed global citizenry upholding the principles of human dignity of freedom, liberty, and justice for all.  We also stand with all of our ummah seeking peace and harmony throughout the globe.  It is with this incredible courage and steadfastness that we continue to strive for change and work for the empowerment of all those that seek change.

     Here are key guidelines to adhere to and strive towards for the petition to be fully honored and implemented.

1. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ peace and blessings be upon him is the ultimate role model and example that we embrace by adhering and upholding his sunnah.                                                                              
2. Shariah Board - Scholars in Islamic Law to oversee and ensure Islamic principles are adhered to.                                                           
3. After-school program with qualified Holy Qur’an teachers.  As we begin the 25 year milestone in the foundation, it is time that the highest priority be made in providing the best Islamic education to the next generation of youth through learning the Holy Qur’an.  Ultimately, it is time we prepare the next generation of scholars with the best Islamic education; beginning with and continual learning of the Holy Qur’an.  We began with Sunday weekend school and now the next incremental step is an after school education. This is the new milestone we need to achieve.                                                                                                                                                             
4. New bylaws along with appropriate policies and procedures for the foundation [Islamic Society of North America ISNA affiliation is what is needed.  Policies, procedures, governance, safety, and programs guidelines provided by ISNA a 60 year leading organization has facilitated best practices for Masajid.  Not-for-profit organizations do not require constitutions.  However, bylaws are required.  The community deserves bylaws that are coherent, clear, and concise with a decentralized process of making decisions that will reflect the voice and will of the Muslim families of the peninsula.  We are one ummah made up of diverse ethnicities all united for the love of Islam.  Our source of guidance and how to live Islam is the Holy Qur’an and exemplified by the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ ].                                                                 
                                                                     
    
5. Financial statements by year: 2018-present [Audited or compiled by qualified Accountants are needed.  Summarized computer generated reports are insufficient.  Since 2004, the foundation has been exempt from filing an annual tax return granted for places of worship.  Not-for-profit tax returns are public information online.  Making available annual financial statements is a requirement and donor right].                                                                                                                                                            
6. Term limits to two terms.  If during a term any Islamic principles are violated by any board members they will be referred to the Shariah Board.  ISNA bylaws on suspensions and banning will be in effect.  A zero tolerance policy will be in effect for any board members that threaten restraining orders against worshippers, send cease and desist letters to community members in an attempt to subdue and silence them or face financial repercussions, or any board members that acquiesce rather than assert our presence.                                                                                                                                                                                                  

   Hadith: By Allah! We do not entrust this post to anyone who seeks it or is keen to attain it                                                                                                                    
   عن أبي موسى الأشعري رضي الله عنه قال: دخلتُ عَلى النَبيِّ -صلَّى الله عليه وسلَّم- أنَا ورجلاَن مِنْ بَنِي عَمِّي، فَقَال أحدهما: يا رسول الله، أمرنا على بعض ما ولاك الله عز وجل وقال الآخر مثل ذلك، فقال: «إِنَّا وَالله لاَ نُوَلِّي هَذَا العَمَلَ أَحَدًا سَأَلَهُ، أَو أَحَدًا حَرِصَ عَلَيهِ».  
   [صحيح] - [متفق عليه]                                                                                                                                                                                                 
   Abu Mūsa al-Ash‘ari (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: I and two of my paternal cousins entered upon the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). One of them said: "O Messenger of Allah, appoint us rulers over some of what Allah, the Almighty, has entrusted you with." The other said the same. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "By Allah! We do not entrust this post to anyone who seeks it or is keen to attain it.’"  

   Sahih/Authentic. - [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

   عَنْ حُذيفةَ ، عن النَّبيِّ ﷺ قَالَ: والَّذِي نَفْسِي بِيَدِهِ، لَتَأْمُرُنَّ بالْمَعْرُوفِ، ولَتَنْهَوُنَّ عَنِ المُنْكَرِ، أَوْ لَيُوشِكَنَّ اللَّه أَنْ يَبْعَثَ عَلَيْكُمْ عِقَابًا مِنْهُ، ثُمَّ تَدْعُونَهُ فَلا يُسْتَجابُ لَكُمْ رواه الترمذي وَقالَ: حديثٌ حسن

   Hudhaifah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

   The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "By Him in Whose Hand my life is, you either enjoin good and forbid evil, or Allah will certainly soon send His punishment to you. Then you will make supplication and it will not be accepted".

    

                                            قال عمر ابن الخطاب رضي الله عنه:    إنا كنا أذل قوم فأعزنا الله بالإسلام فمهما نطلب العزة بغير ما أعزنا الله به أذلنا الله  .                                                                                                                                                                                                  Umar ibn Alkhattab may Allah be pleased with said:  “We were a debased people, then Allah honored us with Islam, as long as we seek honor other than what Allah honored us with, Allah will debase us.”                                                                                                                                                            
7. Restoration of unjust disqualification of eligible candidates from standing in election despite being vindicated by trustees North American Islamic Trust (NAIT).  The Yaseen Burlingame Center YBC had a contractual obligation to have its title deeded to NAIT in 2018.  In order to fulfill this overdue obligation, three of the five members of the Board of Trustees held a quorum and voted on October 28, 2022 to secure the grant deed title to NAIT.  These three members along with a former executive committee member in the middle of an election were all disqualified in April 2023.  NAIT vindicated these unjust disqualifications; and now it is time to restore these respected members to their positions.  We need independent visionary thought leaders that uphold contractual obligations and work to serve the community with the utmost respect and transparency.                                                                              
8. Hiring and Appointments of persons to major positions need to be by community approval.  All board meetings need to be in a public space; with agenda items posted at yaseen.org, prior to the meeting.  There should be appropriate allowing for public comments, and with minutes posted online after the meetings are completed.  In the not-for-profit arena; there are public, private, and single person led.  Yaseen Foundation is a public not-for-profit supported by the community.  Therefore; the community has the final word.   2.0 is a term in the online arena that connotes “community”.  Hence; we have ended the era of centralized decision making and now begin the new era of decentralized community based decision making.                                                                              
9. Yaseen Burlingame Center's 1 million dollar remodeling costs to become a banquet hall needs to be rectified.  It was conveyed to the community that the YBC would be a Masjid and community center and zakat eligible.  To claim a banquet hall to be for rent is zakat eligible is very concerning.  (Conditional Use Permit CUP is listed as industrial and office use and it needs to be corrected to be for religious use.)                                                                                                                                                            
10. Donor Funds: Securing the majority of community donations  (NAIT) to be in an investment fund for the benefit of the Muslim community is of utmost importance.  We cannot afford to lose another 1 million dollars on such projects as converting a community center into a banquet hall.  Currently, the foundation has unknown and undisclosed amounts in donor funds with the bank with no benefit to the community.  If there is anyone that leaves their personal money in the bank without investing, it displays complete ignorance on economics.  If the need arises we will need these secured funds that will steadily grow in the future to purchase a more adequate and larger center on the peninsula or can utilize the funds for an after-school program.  NAIT is the trustee and title holder for Belmont Masjid and Yaseen Burlingame Center; 2008 and 2022, respectively.  The Muslim Community Association MCA of Santa Clara is a model organization that we aspire to, formed in 1981.  In 1988 the MCA community humbly realized it was time for full time dedication and a new entity known as Granada Islamic School GIS.  Here on the peninsula, the families of the Muslim community need to have the say if it is now time to establish a new entity and organization dedicated solely as an Islamic learning institution. 

     Please feel welcome to make any additional recommendations in the comments section.

Thank you,

Musa Yusuf

 

================= 

May 19, 2023

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh

إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُغَيِّرُ مَا بِقَوۡمٍ حَتَّىٰ يُغَيِّرُواْ مَا بِأَنفُسِہِمۡ‌ۗ 

“Verily, Allah will not change the (good) condition of a people as long as they do not change their state (of goodness) themselves [al-Ra’d 13:11]

Dear Community Members:

We need your help in uniting the community for real change.

On Friday, May 5, 2023, it was announced anyone can enter Belmont Masjid to make wudu (restroom access) but not pray Jumuah in the Masjid (forbidden worship access), and anyone who does will be issued a restraining order.

Please refer to the Freedom of Access to clinical entrances and places of religious worship: (a)Prohibited Activities (2)by force or threat of force or by physical obstruction, intentionally injures, intimidates or interferes with or attempts to injure, intimidate or interfere with any person lawfully exercising or seeking to exercise the First Amendment right of religious freedom at a place of religious worship.

It was claimed that the City of Belmont’s Conditional Use Permit (CUP) does not allow for Friday prayers, and parking violations jeopardize the CUP, which simply is not true. 

We need to have an environment that promotes brotherhood, respect, and basic adab-etiquette and that reveres the elders and has mercy on the youth as taught by our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

To meet our challenges, 10 (ten) key areas for uniting and bringing about real change: 

Yaseen Foundation 2​.​0 (Community) Changing Our Condition:

Here are ten (10) topics we feel we need to unite on to bring real change and begin a new era: 

Yaseen Foundation 2​.​0 (Community) Making Decisions Together

1. YES: New Bylaws - In California; not-for-profits do not require a constitution; however, bylaws are. 
2. YES: Election Transparency: Fair elections are to be held and not fixed elections.
3. YES: Belmont Masjid - Must remain open for all Salat including Jumuah.
4. YES: Financial Reporting - Required annually [8].  2013-current missing.
5. YES: Policies and Procedures - To be a functional organization we need clear policies and procedures in Governance, Operations, Programs, Policies, and Safety [9].  With clear policies and procedures, we can grow and thrive.
6. YES: Yaseen Burlingame Center (YBC) Masjid - We bought YBC to become a Masjid and Islamic Center [10].
7. YES: After-School Program - To prepare the next generation of Muslim Youth Scholars needed and a national organization is ready to help.
8. YES: Dawah - Inviting all to the beautiful religion of Islam.
9. YES: Scholars Council - To ensure we adhere to and do not violate Islamic principles.
10. YES: Prophet Muhammad ﷺ - Mercy to the Worlds.

All those who were complicit in hiring the Attorney and concealing that from the community must resign and be disqualified from holding future positions.

1. NO: To restraining orders on those that pray Jumuah in the Masjid
2. NO: The page says no Jumuah in the Masjid
3. NO: To Hire an Attorney to send cease and desist letters to community members
4. NO: To Disqualifying eligible candidates from the elections
5. NO: To Rejection of membership applications
6. NO: To Defamation of anyone's character
7. NO: To Abuse and hostility toward community members
8. NO: To anyone who has held a board position for more than two terms
9. NO: To anyone who makes decisions without community input.
10. NO: To keep the status quo

Thank you,

Musa Yusuf