Building Project
Building the first Shia Ithna Ashari Muslim center in North Carolina
By the Grace of Allah (SWT) and with the support of our ever-growing community, we have purchased 3.2 acres of land in the city of Durham.
- Total project budget
- $1.2M
- Split into Phase I and Phase II
- Phase I budget
- $900,000
- Current phase requiring funding
- Land purchase
- $400,000
- 3.2 acres in Durham — fully paid
As-Salaam Alaikum Dear Followers of the Ahlul Bayt
Why it matters
With great pleasure, IABAT would like to share a remarkable milestone on the path to building the first Shia Ithna Ashari Muslim center in North Carolina.
The size of our community and the lack of appropriate rental spaces necessitates our own space to accommodate our growing populous. During the recent first 10 days of Muharram, we reached a peak crowd of 350+. Our weekend school had almost 90 students in attendance last year.
Project vision
Watch our vision for the first Shia Ithna Ashari Muslim center in North Carolina.
Major accomplishments
Land purchase & approval
After 18 months of preliminary planning, applications, and regulatory procedures, we received approval from the City of Durham to start construction. We have spent $400,000 to purchase 3.2 acres of land, which has been fully paid.
Professional architecture
A formal contract has been signed with a professional and licensed architectural firm which is donating 33% of its income from this project towards IABAT's building fund.
First Shia Muslim cemetery in NC
We have received approval from the City of Durham for a 300-grave cemetery on the property, which sets us apart from many other religious centers across North America. This would be the first Shia Muslim cemetery in the state of North Carolina.
Religious authority & tax status
We have permission from Imam Mahdi Association of Marjaeya (I.M.A.M.), which is the liaison office of Grand Ayatullah Sistani, to accept Khums. We also have 501(c)(3) designation, making all donations tax deductible.
Our diverse community since 1999
- One of the most diverse mix of followers in the USA, with multiple countries and languages of origin
- Resident Aalim (Sheikh Dr. Mehdi Hazari)
- Regular prominent national and international speakers
- Active participation in local charity work
- Weekend school with full-fledged curriculum (90 students)
- English as primary language to cultivate Muslim American identity
“You will never attain piety till you spend from that which you love. And whatever you spend, truly God knows it.”
Al-Qur'an, 3:92
Ways to give
Mail a check
Send checks made out to IABAT:
PO Box 16206
Durham, NC 27704
Tax ID: 311-639875
All donations are tax deductible. Upon receipt of your donations, IABAT will issue a tax receipt for your records.
May Allah SWT guide us to follow the path of the Ahlul Bayt and reward you for your donations. JazakAllah Khair.