Stand with Imām Nick: Help Rebuild His Life

Help a Leader in Crisis – Our Beloved Imām Nick Needs Your Support

Imām Nick Pelletier devoted years to our community, serving as an Imām at the Islamic Center of Irving (ICI) and helping countless individuals through his outreach work. Yet, despite his unwavering dedication, his life has taken a heartbreaking turn.

In 2018, Imām Nick faced a difficult and unimaginable choice. A community member confided in him about witnessing a deeply troubling incident: a child being sexually abused and inappropriately touched by an elderly man at the center. The witness even provided a photo showing a bruise, a stark mark left on the child’s cheek. Acting out of duty to protect the vulnerable and ensure justice, Imām Nick took the matter to the authorities, following Islamic and ethical principles to safeguard children. But his efforts were met with shocking resistance. Instead of support, he faced backlash and silence from the leadership at ICI and many in the broader Muslim community.

The Cost of Speaking Truth to Power

Imām Nick’s courageous stance brought him into conflict with powerful forces within the community who preferred to cover up the incident to “save face.” After publicly denouncing this injustice in a Friday sermon, Imām Nick was placed on administrative leave, and eventually, he was pushed out of his position altogether. His contract was allowed to expire, leaving him without a job, support, or recognition for the very work he committed his life to. National organizations and prominent figures, who should have stood by him, remained silent, prioritizing reputation over justice.

Since then, Imām Nick has struggled to rebuild his life. Ostracized and financially burdened, he has been forced to work long hours as an Uber driver, barely managing to cover his bills. The journey has been long and lonely, with Imām Nick often left to wonder why the very community he served so selflessly turned its back on him.

A Community’s Responsibility – We Cannot Ignore His Plight

It’s a disgrace that someone who stood for justice and took a stand to protect our children now finds himself alone and in financial despair. Imām Nick’s story is a painful reminder that communities must stand behind those who do the right thing, even when it’s inconvenient.

His dedication to the community did not falter in the face of hardships. He remains determined to serve in any way he can, even as he struggles financially. Now, it is our turn to stand with him.

‍How You Can Help

Your support can provide Imām Nick with financial stability as he rebuilds his life and pursues his calling to continue serving others. Contributions will go directly to help him meet his immediate needs, including rent, bills, and other essentials. Every dollar is a show of solidarity and a testament that our community will not abandon those who do what is right.

Together, let’s correct this injustice. Let us show that we are a community that stands up for its leaders when they stand up for us. By supporting Imām Nick, we’re not just helping him; we’re affirming our values and our commitment to justice.

Donate Now to Support Imām Nick Pelletier – because no Imām who stands up for truth should ever stand alone.

Your support will help cover:

The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever removes a worldly grief from a believer, Allah will remove from him one of the griefs of the Day of Resurrection. And whoever alleviates the need of a needy person, Allah will alleviate his needs in this world and the Hereafter."

[Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2699]

Disclaimer: 100% of your contribution will go directly to Imām Nick (no administrative costs, with the exception of any fees from GoFundMe)

SHARE THE KHAYR

The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever guides someone to goodness will have a reward like one who did it.”

[Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 1893]

PLEASE help spread the word and gain in the reward of helping Imām Nick, a brother in dire need.

Share Link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/stand-with-imam-nick