Germantown Muslims Wait on MoCo, Push for Funds

Community News - Community News

Written by Hiba Akhtar, Muslim Link Contributing Writer

Thursday, 02 September 2010 09:49

The Islamic Society of Germantown raised just over $53,000 at its annual fundraiser, held Aug. 28 at the Boys and Girls Club in Germantown, Md. The event, attended by some 300 people, was held to urge the developing Muslim community in Germantown to donate towards the final project- a three story masjid in the heart of the small town.

The plot for the mosque was already purchased in 2003. ISG has taken basic steps in its development, such as establishing a sewer connection, soil testing, and working closely with an architect and civil engineer for the project. The group is still waiting on final permission from the Montgomery County Department of Park and Planning, and is in need of $1.6 million to complete the project. Before the fundraiser, ISG had collected $300,000.

According to Khalid Bannout, a member of the board of trustees, the money raised on Saturday was more than expected, and so was the turnout. “Our community is smaller, so the fundraising before was not that strong,” said Bannout. “And the attendance by so many people, not just tonight, but all of Ramadan shows that the community is growing.”

Bannout also explained that the open space it offers for daily iftars and taraweeh had increased ISG’s popularity within the Montgomery County Muslim community. ISG holds these services in the same space as was used for the fundraiser.

“I love ISG because it’s so close to my home and it’s so convenient. This is a good way for me to connect and maintain contact with my community. I really hope that we get our own facility soon, because I think it will help establish our Muslim identity here in Germantown,” said Anam Siddiqui, who often volunteers at ISG events with her family.

The keynote speaker for the event was Ahmed Al-Fadl, who branched away from traditional fundraising methods and encouraged the attendees to use their good deeds and donations during Ramadan as a way to gain closeness with the Prophet to Salallahu ‘alyhi wa sallam.

“The Sahabah got to be with the Prophet, and spend their time with him” said Al-Fadl. “We can compete with the Sahabah to become closer to the Prophet. We have an opportunity to defend the Rasul, to defend the message of Islam, to protect its honor, and to make up our debt as Muslims. We want our share, and we can do this by investing in the masjid.”

His words seemed to have had a motivational impact on those who attended the event, as the unexpected success of the fundraiser can be summed up through the glowing reflections of Mimi Hassanein, whose husband Magdy serves as the chairman for the mosque. “Tonight was a great night,” she said, smiling. “We started eight years ago in a daycare, and now so many people are coming together to build this mosque. It gives me great hope and great honor that we have a solid community which is investing in their children and grandchildren through this masjid.”