Facilities

There are two options for the ownership of a masjid:

• NAIT (North American Islamic Trust)

  • • A not-for-profit trust that holds title for many masjids as a waqf

    • Better suited for a masjid with significant internal control issues

• Owned by the organization

  • • Better suited for masjids with a stable structure

    • Better suited to a BOD/BOT combination structure

• Individual ownership: never allow individual ownership of the masjid, its land, or any of its facilities

Property decisions

• Property rent, buy, sell, and improvement should require two-thirds of the votes of the board (not even 2/3 of the quorum) and not only a simple majority.

Rental contracts

• Never rent a masjid facility to an individual for a long-term lease or below fair market value. This often results in a very costly correction.

• Never rent a masjid facility to its school or another related subsidiary for long-term lease. This often results in the subsidiary being in control of the masjid or out of control of the masjid, which is inappropriate for the masjid and the community.

• Never rent a masjid facility to its school or another related subsidiary below fair market value. This negates the financial separation of the two organizations and opens the door for school liability to be carried over to the mother organization

• Masjid

• Gym

• School

• Cemetary

• Food bank (pantry or soup kitchen)

• Banquette hall

What Type Of Property To Look For

• Church is the best choice since it is already permitted for religious use and usually has an adequate parking lot.

• Other options are: warehouse,  office building, retail plaza, or a house with a large lot (multiple acres)

• Ensure the access is not through a residential neighborhood, and that traffic will not be a problem.

• Make sure there are plenty of parking options.

• Make sure you can obtain a change of use from the city from the current use to a religious facility easily.

How to Find The Property

• Same state licensed commercial real estate agent

How To Avoid Bias

• Have a front organization purchase for you instead of buying directly as a masjid.

How To Change Property Use

• Residential can be changed to religious (special use), but you will need the permission of the neighbors. If you are stuck with that option, use a front organization and approve it as a church, then change it to a Masid

How to renovate

• Decide what your needs are (here are some suggestions)

  • Prayers are for men and women

  • Restrooms and wudoo areas for men and women

  • Social activity area/gym

  • Classes

  • Offices

  • School

• Hire a project manager

• Draw a detailed plan with specifications

• Start bidding and hire contractors

Buying A Land

• Type of land

• What to look for

• What to avoid

Permit process

Building process