Support Masjid al-Mu'min's Rebuilding Efforts

News reports:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bre5hC50Ins

https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/3-houses-catch-fire-wilkinsburg/B3YO25TMOJCPXL6K7TQM4JBBYM

Less than 2 weeks after celebrating our holy observance of Ramadan, Masjid al-Mu'min of Pittsburgh experienced an unforeseen blow to attain self-sufficiency. On, Tues. April 23rd, 2024, a devastating fire destroyed property that Masjid al Mu’min of Pittsburgh owned which resulted in displacing two families. We believe, a person or persons deliberately set our property on fire creating a life-altering situation for Masjid-al-Mumin and the neighboring properties.

Background: Masjid al-Mumin purchased a fixer-upper property at a Sheriff’s Sale almost 1 year ago May 2023. Because there weren’t enough funds left over to start renovations right away, the property just sat for a while. In the meantime, we would periodically check on the property to ensure that there weren’t any issues with it and to make sure it was still intact.

Thanks to the support of our community locally and beyond, on Wed. April 17th, we were able to start the process of renovating by clearing the house of all its contents that the previous residents left. 6 days had passed and noticeable vandalism on the property was observed. We were shocked that the the property had not been vandalized for almost a year, but as soon as we made our presence known during the cleaning up process, all of a sudden there was vandalism. That very same day, we proceeded to install a mailbox because we expected to begin receiving mail there. After the installation of the mailbox, later that evening, our property went up in flames.

It is difficult to comprehend why anyone would want to cause such senseless destruction and disrupt the hard work and dedication of the Muslim community towards their goal of strengthening their community. This unwarranted attack could have resulted in injuries and/or even death. ( See the videos above for the news report about the fire).

You often hear complaints like, "What is the economic plan for a community like Masjid al-Mumin?" This was our first step toward economic sustainability,. Instead of solely depending on donations, we wanted to make a move towards self-sufficiency, and self-sustainability by investing in properties, and engaging in halal business ventures related to the community's needs, In the past we organized regular fundraising events which contributed significantly to what the Masjid was able to accomplish thus far.

Moreover, the use of modern technology to enhance fundraising efforts such as online donation platforms, social media campaigns, and crowdfunding has reached a wider audience to encourage donations from the growing Muslim community here and abroad.

Locally, Masjid al-Mumin was seeking to accomplish two things: 1. Provide housing (one of many) in a market where rental properties are hard to come by due to the hike in rent, and 2. Establish a monthly income for the Masjid to take care of its' necessities to keep the masjid up and running

The destruction of their property is not just an attack on physical space but also an unprovoked attack on a community and its values. The response to such adversity is not just repair and rebuilding but a reaffirmation of Masjid al-Mu'min's commitment to its vision.

Therefore we plead with you to support Masjid al-Mumin and contribute to our fundraising campaign. Together we can make a difference and support our community's vision towards self-sufficiency.

How will your contribution be used?

1. Demolish fire-damaged building

2. Recoup lost investment money

3. Legal Fees

4. Investment capital to purchase a new property.

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: Charity extinguishes sins like water extinguishes fire. at-Tirmidhi