|  Alhamdulillah,
we have completed Phase I of our building expansion project
and the community is enjoying its use. As all of us know,
the building expansion was primarily envisioned to be completed
in two phases: Phase I, consisting of half of the building
to provide a multi purpose hall for additional praying area
and community activities, and a mezzanine to provide praying
space for the sisters; and Phase II, consisting of the remaining
half of the building for classrooms.
Since all of the funds needed for completing Phase I were
not available, our Board of Directors decided to divide even
Phase I in further sub-phases: Phase I-A, construction of
the building shell; Phase I-B, internal finishes of the building
shell; and Phase I-C, construction of the mezzanine. This
sub-phases approach was based on the confidence that the start
of the construction would create enthusiasm in the community
about the project and the funds would start coming in, to
complete all the sub-phases of the project seamlessly.
By the grace of Allah (SWT) the community fulfilled that
confidence to even beyond the expectations of the Board of
Directors, and the Phase I building has been completed and
is available for the following uses:
- Additional Prayer area for Friday, Ramadhan Taraweehs,
and Eids.
- Hall for miscellaneous community activities. It should
be noted that the new hall is provided with vinyl tile flooring
which is suitable for various community activities. The
carpet installed, to provide comfort during prayers, is
not fixed and can be removed for community activities.
- Mezzanine for a separate and comfortable prayer area
for sisters.
Also since additional space has become available for prayers
and other activities, it is planned to convert one of the
rooms in the old building, to a room for giving Ghusal to
deceased Muslims.
Future Construction Project:
We must feel very happy and be thankful to Allah (SWT) that
we have been able to complete the project to this point, but
we must also realize that the building expansion project has
yet not been completed fully. We still have to complete Phase
II of the project, which by providing school facilities would
fulfill another very important need of our community.
The plans for this phase include a 2-storied building for
ten (10) classrooms, a room for office of the Principal or
Teachers, and a room for Library. We would be able to use
these facilities for our Sunday school and a full time Islamic
school in future. Since providing opportunities for educating
our children in Islamic environment is a critical need of
our community, we are sure that the community would exhibit
a great enthusiasm in this phase too and we would be able
to complete it soon.
More specific updates will be provided about
the Phase II later…. |