Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim

We, members of the Muslim community, parents and contributors to the children’s Umrah fundraising initiative, respectfully submit this petition to seek clarification, accountability, and transparency regarding reports that community-collected funds were used to provide an Umrah trip to a member of an administrator’s extended family who is also a former teacher at IAA.

Our intention is not to assign personal blame, but to ensure that community trust, donor intent, and proper governance are upheld in all matters involving charitable funds.

This fundraising initiative was promoted publicly to the broader Birmingham Muslim community, including through BIS, and donations were made in good faith by many individuals with the understanding that funds would be used exclusively for their stated purpose. When funds are collected from the wider community, it is especially important that their use be clearly communicated, aligned with donor intent, and governed by a transparent and documented process. If excess funds are raised, reasonable and accepted practices would include carrying them forward to a future initiative, publicly communicating alternative uses, or seeking formal approval through a vote or board decision—rather than reallocating them without disclosure.

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Clarification Requested

We respectfully request clear and documented answers to the following:

1. Why was this individual selected to receive the Umrah trip?

2. What criteria, if any, were used in making this decision?

3. Who participated in the decision-making and authorization process?

4. Was this decision formally reviewed and approved by the board and/or a financial oversight committee?

5. Under which policy, guideline, or precedent was the use of donated funds for this purpose permitted?

6. Why was this allocation not publicly announced to the IAA community, particularly in the same forum where the funds were promoted and collected?

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Action Requested

To restore transparency, accountability, and community confidence, we formally request the following:

1. Full Financial Disclosure

Including:

• A list of donors and the amounts donated

• The name(s) of the individual(s) who received the donation

• The total amount collected and the remaining balance, if any

2. Community Meeting

Including:

• A Zoom meeting open to donors who contributed specifically to the children’s Umrah initiative

• Participation from members of the administration and board

• An independent moderator (e.g., Luca) to ensure a fair, respectful, and orderly discussion

3. Future Safeguards and Governance Measures

Including:

• A requirement that no single individual independently handles community-collected funds

• The establishment of a designated committee to oversee fundraising, expenditures, and approvals

• Clear documentation, multiple sign-offs, and transparency in all financial decisions involving donor funds

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Closing

This request is made in the spirit of trust, amanah, and responsibility to the community that donates generously for the benefit of our children. Transparency protects not only donors, but also those entrusted with leadership, and ensures continued confidence in future charitable initiatives.

We appreciate your timely attention to this matter and look forward to a clear and constructive response.