Da'awatul Islamia of Somerset

Why Do We Need a New Building?

Space Constraints

When we moved into our current premises in mid-2006, there were no Muslim households within a 500-foot radius of the masjid. Over the past 18 years, Alhamdulillah, our community has grown significantly. Today, there are more than 10 Muslim households in the immediate vicinity, with many more within a 2-mile radius. This growth underscores the need for a larger and more accommodating space.

Limited Parking

Our current facility provides only 17 parking spots for over 100 congregants, especially during Jummah and Ramadan Taraweeh prayers. This forces attendees to park on the streets, causing inconvenience to neighbors and traffic congestion.

While our neighbors have been extremely patient and understanding, we recognize that this is not a sustainable solution. The proposed new premises will increase parking capacity by at least threefold, alleviating these challenges and fostering a better relationship with our neighbors.

Inadequate and Inconvenient Facilities

The current premises has only two restrooms—one for brothers and one for sisters—situated adjacent to each other, with limited separation from the prayer hall. This setup compromises gender privacy and detracts from the religious sanctity of the masjid.

Lack of Youth Engagement Space

As responsible citizens and parents, we want to channel the energy of our youth into activities that promote physical, spiritual, and mental development. Currently, the lack of space limits our ability to organize programs and activities for their growth. Expanding our premises will provide dedicated spaces to nurture our youth and foster their contribution to the broader community.

Safety Concerns

During Friday prayers and Ramadan, our current premises becomes overcrowded. In the unlikely event of an emergency, the facility lacks the capacity and infrastructure to ensure the safety of all attendees. This poses a significant risk not only to our community but also to the wider neighborhood. A larger, well-equipped building will address these concerns and enhance security.

Conclusion

The new masjid premises will better serve the needs of our growing community while addressing critical issues like parking, safety, and facilities. It will also provide a dedicated space for youth engagement and ensure a respectful coexistence with our neighbors.