IAR 2022-2023 Impact Report

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Our Community

Discover how our community thrives through phenomenal faith-based programming.

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Nurturing our future

Youth Programs

Our dedicated efforts revolve around guiding young Muslims in the development of their Muslim identity, fostering a connection with the Masjid, and facilitating a closer relationship with Allah SWT. The Youth Committee is at the forefront of this mission, devoted to cultivating the next generation of leaders within the Ummah and nurturing a profound connection to Allah and His beautiful religion. Through our commitment, we offer comprehensive programming that effectively addresses the diverse needs of Muslim children and adolescents in our community. This holistic approach ensures that we provide the necessary support and guidance to empower the youth in building a strong foundation for their spiritual journey and leadership roles within the Muslim community.

Key Achievements:

  • Attracted 500+ college students and young professionals through a successful Ramadan Qiyaam.
  • Organized an 8-week extensive summer day camp for boys and girls aged 7-14, ensuring year-round engagement of the youth.
  • Achieved high rankings in state-wide robotics competitions, showcasing the talents of our Marvels of IAR team.
  • Facilitated a youth leadership development internship, developing 15-20 high school youth as capable leaders of tomorrow.
  • Coordinated weekly recurring youth programs, consistently drawing hundereds of youth across of all age segments to the Masjid.

People and Engagement:

  • The Youth Committee consists of 50 dedicated members.
  • Engages 1,300 youth annually through various programs and events, with a total count of 3,000 including Eid Fest.

Vision for the future

Youth Development Roadmap:

    • Aiming to create a comprehensive roadmap, the committee focuses on evaluating specific demographics and segments (elementary, middle, high, college) and considers facets of their life, including mental, educational, and spiritual aspects.
    • The goal is to proactively address unaddressed problems within the community and serve the pressing issues affecting youth.

  • We recognize that the next generation of pioneers and leaders in the community will emerge from the existing youth.
  • We stresses the importance of implementing Tarbiyah, nurturing, and development now to ensure ownership and leadership from the next generation in the near future.
  • We acknowledge the need for systematic addressal of youth needs to cultivate Iman and Ikhlas, with the Youth Committee playing a crucial role in planting these seeds for future pillars of the community.


The youth are the future of IAR, great care should be taken to ensure their needs are met. We as a masjid focus our energy on finding and supporting those volunteers among us who have skills, knowledge and love to share with them. The youth in our community are kind, caring and driven to do good, we need to do our best to serve them and nurture their strengths while helping them maintain their Muslim identity.

Uplifting Muslim Young Professionals & College Students

RISE powered by IAR

RISE, the Islamic Association of Raleigh's program for college students and young professionals, has achieved remarkable success in building a vibrant community. With a focus on fostering spiritual growth and connection to the masjid, RISE has attracted over 500 attendees. The program has hosted multiple renowned speakers, organized state-wide collaborations between all NC MSAs, and become a leading entity in the Triangle that caters to this demographic. Offering diverse special and recurring programming, RISE caters to varied interests within its demographic. Leveraging social media effectively, RISE has gained a substantial following, extending its impact beyond local boundaries.
STEAM education for our youth

Marvels of IAR

The Marvels program, geared towards fostering STEM education and awareness among children aged 7-17, is led by youth coaches who guide participants in designing, building, and programming robots for State-Wide competitions. Last year, the program successfully served 30 students and has expanded its reach to 40 students this year. In the 2022/2023 season, five IAR teams excelled, securing a total of 9 awards at both regional and State-wide levels.

Not only has the program achieved significant success in competitions, but it has also demonstrated financial prowess by raising approximately $28,000 in two seasons through sponsorships, bootcamps, and grants. This financial support has contributed to the sustainability and growth of the Marvels program.

In the current season, four IAR teams are actively participating and have already earned notable accolades, including the regional championship award and first place in Robot performance. These achievements reflect the commitment and dedication of the Marvels teams in pushing the boundaries of their capabilities.

Moreover, the Marvels program extends its impact beyond its immediate participants. During the summer, bootcamps were organized by program students, reaching 70 kids at IAR, ICM, and JIAR. This initiative has not only inspired but has also led to the establishment of seven more Marvels Robotics teams across the three Masajid, showcasing the program's ripple effect in nurturing STEM interest and skills within the wider community.

Developing future leaders

Leaders of Tomorrow

Leaders of Tomorrow is a unique program that includes a competitive youth development externship program aimed at cultivating a generation of empowered and skilled leaders dedicated to enhancing the well-being of the local Muslim community and the broader Ummah. The participants in this program receive instruction from community experts and guest speakers. They also engage in enrichment field trips and actively practice various skills, including Islamic leadership qualities, navigating common dilemmas in the West, effective communication, professionalism, team management, as well as contributing to service projects and participating in community events. These students are able to activity ideate, plan, and incubate new programs. Our past cohort was responsible for cherished community programs like our Eid Fest, tech help classes for seniors, and more. This year we celebrated the graduation of our inaugural cohort, who were able to choose which committee to onboard to. 

Enriching Programming for little ones

Juniors

Juniors is a program focused on attaching the children hearts to the Masjid by offering them fun, educational, and engaging activities on Friday nights. Each season dives deep into an educational Islamic topic infused with engaging and fun activities supporting the kids learning.

The program has been offered for 5 seasons to date serving an average of 60 students each, ages 6-11. The program is self sufficient and operational expenses come from fees and parent donations.

Retention rate is 95% and average attendance is 90%. The program doesn't only target the students, but also empowers youth leaders as mentors. The team is composed of 20 youth mentors between middle, high school and college ages, led and mentored by adults.

This Fall season, the program pivoted to a focus on the cause of Palestine given the recent humanitarian crisis. The kids raised $2K to support Palestine humanitarian relief, and created art projects supporting the cause.

Giving back to those in need

Social & Welfare

IAR operates a robust social and welfare services program that supports those in need from all walks of life — locally, globally, muslim, and non-muslim. Our social welfare team is also responsible for the distribution of Zakat funds in accordance with the Sharia and IAR policies. We're inspired by the principles of our faith to provide support to the communities we serve with dignity, compassion, and empathy. 

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Programs Highlights

Financial Assistance

We dispersed financial support that benefited more than 1,000 individuals who are in time of difficulty and are in need of temporary financial aid. Checks are written directly to the applicable organization to pay for essentials like rent, utilities, tuition, etc. 

Emergency Relief

We contributed more than half a million dollars for humanitarian relief like Türkiye, Morocco, Libya, Afghanistan, and Palestine through trusted and reputable humanitarian organizations. The community also collected more than 10 tons worth of in-kind donations of clothing and more.

Refugee Support

IAR serves refugees to the Raleigh area with numerous services and coordinates with local and national partners. IAR is a member of the Welcome Coalition, a national initiative built to inspire, mobilize, and empower Americans to welcome and support those seeking refuge here and help them thrive.

Food Security

We provide monthly food assistance through our food pantry and distribute free Iftar meals during the month of Ramadan. We also provide free suhoor meals during the last ten nights. Through our partners, we send Zakat-ul-Fitr and Udhiya meat to multiple countries around the world.

Our final resting place

Cemetery & Funeral Services

In the face of the profound challenges that accompany the loss of a loved one, the aftermath can be an overwhelming and emotional experience for families. Handling death becomes a complex and confusing task, often accompanied by immeasurable sadness. During these emotionally overwhelming times, the IAR cemetery committee plays a uniquely important role in supporting our community, ensuring that families do not navigate this difficult journey alone.

The IAR’s cemetery continues to serve as a self-sustained funeral facility, offering comprehensive assistance, including arranging body removals, obtaining required legal documents, preparing loved ones for viewing, and facilitating the transportation of the deceased to the cemetery. The availability of IAR funeral services stands as an essential support to the community. In 2022, the committee assisted with 44 Janazahs, and in 2023, it has supported 45 Janazahs, highlighting the ongoing demand for these crucial services.

Situated across 20 acres and nestled between two nature preserves, IAR's cemetery recently underwent expansion, resulting in an increased capacity of over 2,000 available graves. This expansion reflects our commitment to ensuring a dignified and respectful resting place for the departed.

Recognizing the importance of clear communication during difficult times, we have optimized the Janazah alert process. Additionally, we have developed informative materials to share with non-Muslim friends and family, helping them understand the funeral process and providing support during these challenging moments.

As we acknowledge the tireless efforts of our volunteers, we specifically ask for dua for the sisters' team, who diligently carry out the rites at our washroom facility. Their dedication is instrumental in upholding the values of compassion and respect that define our funeral services and religion.

The IAR cemetery committee remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting families through the intricate process of saying goodbye to their loved ones. The continuous growth and improvement of our facilities and services underscore our dedication to providing a compassionate and dignified farewell for those who have departed.

The Cemetery expansion project

  • Added about 2,000 additional graves
  • Leveraged existing burial areas to reduce capital costs
  • Included a new operations and maintenance plan for the cemetery
  • Will allow for burials for the Raleigh community for 30 years
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Janazahs 2022
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Burials since 1994
Supporting community wellbeing

Health & Wellness

Your Masjid is dedicated to enhancing the spiritual, emotional, and mental health of our community through education, advocacy, and empowerment. Our mission is to equip community members with tools to navigate their mental health and wellness goals while creating awareness about various mental health and social issues. Two core wellness initiatives, Hope Sisters and Special Needs, serve as cornerstones in achieving our objectives.

Key Initiatives and Achievements:

  • Directory of Mental Health Clinicians:
    • Provided a comprehensive directory of Muslim and Arabic-speaking mental health clinicians, accessed by 4-5K individuals.
  • Mental Health Education/Social Media Reach:
    • Reached 36K on Facebook and 1.8K on Instagram, with informative content and discussions.
  • Special Needs Support:
    • Supported over 80 families with special needs through a dedicated Sunday school, ASL interpreters for khutbahs, and family support.
    • Maintained Muhsen certified Silver status.
    • Organized special needs programs, including a performance during the Al Furqan graduation ceremony, attended by 200 individuals.
  • Free and Confidential Mental Health Services:
    • Provided 50+ individuals with free and confidential mental health services through walk-ins, phone calls, and emails.
  • PRIDE Grant:
    • Engaged 20+ families with cultural orientation and coping skills sessions conducted by 3 licensed clinicians.
  • Resiliency Talk and Workshops:
    • Conducted talks on resiliency, mental health check-ins for sisters, and a Spirituality and Special Needs workshop with Yasmin Mogahed, reaching 194 viewers via webcast.
  • Advocacy and Collaboration:
    • Collaborated with stakeholders, including the Social Work department of NC State, to ensure the mental well-being of Muslim students on campus.

Focus and Objectives:

  • Educational Outreach:
    • Continue educating the community on mental health and wellness.
    • Respond to mental health needs and increase accessibility to the resource directory.
  • Advocacy and Engagement:
    • Advocate for community engagement and inclusiveness.
    • Continue and expand current programs, aiming for a reach of 600+ individuals
  • In a world marked by Islamophobia and global challenges, mental health is pivotal to the happiness of our community. Your masjid remains steadfast in promoting resiliency and providing essential support to nurture the well-being of every individual.
Cultivating inclusive spaces

Sisters

Our sisters' committee works to ensure the masjid is an inclusive space for all sisters and works to establish connections within the community through empowering, educational, and enjoyable programing.

The Women's Committee has organized a variety of past events, fostering a sense of community and providing opportunities for sisters to connect. These events included community and Eid Bazaars, an annual tea party attended by over 210 guests, Ramadan activities such as babysitting and women's Taraweeh, monthly sister's meetings with a focus on tea talk, a Paint and Sip program, and an annual Sister's picnic.

Looking ahead, the committee has ambitious plans to introduce new events based on sister's requests, including a weekly circle, sewing classes, and more outdoor activities. Attendance metrics for past events varied, with bazaars drawing 200 to 500 participants, the annual tea party attracting 110+ attendees, workshops hosting 20 to 30 participants, and monthly tea talks engaging 6 to 12 attendees. Notably, major events like Eid Bazaars, the Annual Tea Party, Sister's Picnic, and Paint and Sip have all been highly successful.

The success of these events is attributed to the commitment of volunteers and members who play a crucial role in planning and execution. The Women's Committee has set an inclusivity goal, striving to make the masjid an inclusive space for all sisters, and it plays a significant role in community building, offering a safe and supportive environment.

To ensure ongoing improvement, the committee actively seeks feedback and adapts to the preferences and needs of the sisters in the community. Recognized as a cornerstone for fostering sisterhood, education, and empowerment, the Women's Committee holds great significance within the community. Through our efforts, we continue to contribute to the overall well-being and cohesion of the sisterhood in the community.

Our respected elders

Older Adults

The older adult committee is committed to enriching the well-being of our senior community members through a comprehensive range of initiatives. These efforts include special programs such as a warm meet-and-greet session to welcome seniors, visits to support and provide companionship to sick seniors, and the organization of educational events covering topics like insurance, Medicare, mental health, and social well-being. Additionally, the committee regularly conducts exercise classes, book club sessions, and technology workshops tailored for seniors, accompanied by a dedicated newsletter and webpage.

In fostering group activities and collaboration, the committee has established weekly sessions to ensure seniors lead healthy lives, and it collaborates with the health and wellness group at IAR. Ongoing activities and programs are maintained to provide a continuous source of engagement for seniors.

The committee's objectives include creating opportunities for seniors to socialize, learn, and share experiences. To further support the well-being of the community, the committee is actively seeking female volunteers for visiting sick sisters.

Respect and recognition are core values of the committee, viewing seniors as integral parts of society and the community. The committee acknowledges the valuable exchange between seniors' knowledge and youth technology, recognizing it as a key learning point resulting from their collaboration. Through these initiatives, the Older Adult Committee strives to create a supportive and enriching environment for our senior community members.

 
Coming Together

Community Events

Your Masjid takes pride in organizing major community events, including Eid prayers, festivals, conferences, retreats, and providing invaluable support to other committees as required. Our long-term goal is to establish benchmark standards for successful event execution. Here are key highlights of their achievements and objectives:

  • Major Event Highlights:
    • Successfully organized Eid prayers for approximately 20,000 attendees and Eid Fests attracting around 11,000 participants.
    • Hosted a Summer Family retreat that catered to 50 families.
    • Collaborated with IRUSA for Quran night and Miftaah Circle for A Timeless Message Conference, collectively serving approximately 1,000 attendees.
    • Played a pivotal role in various collaborative events, including fundraisers, High school graduations, and Ramadan Quran competitions.
  • Benchmark Standards and Objectives:
    • Aims to set benchmark standards for successful event execution and share these standards with other committees.
    • The core event team consists of 10 members, supported by over 200 volunteers, contributing to the success of events that engage over 10,000 participants, with a cumulative impact reaching approximately 35,000 individuals.

The committee has experienced rapid growth, evolving not only to efficiently run major community events but also to collaborate internally and externally, providing high-level service to the community and serving thousands of attendees. Alhamdulillah, the Events Committee has emerged as a dynamic force in orchestrating impactful community gatherings and fostering collaboration for the benefit of the community.

Keeping the community active

Sports & Recreation

At IAR, we are passionate about bringing our community together through a range of sports and recreational activities. Our aim is to provide a fun and engaging environment while upholding our Islamic principles. We offer various activities such as basketball leagues, club sports, backpacking/camping adventures, archery tournaments, and more. Our goal is to continue to engage our community and introduce new recreational activities while also expanding our offerings for the sisters.

One notable success has been our basketball league, which attracted hundreds of athletes, including dozens of non-Muslims. This initiative served as a unique opportunity to introduce Islam to a wider audience, bridging gaps and fostering understanding through the shared love of sports.

Our commitment to community building extends beyond the confines of our masjid. We introduced camping adventures, bringing together over 15 individuals who have since formed lasting friendships. This outdoor experience has not only strengthened bonds but also enriched the lives of those involved.

In collaboration with 3Di Athletics, a traveling Muslim youth basketball camp based in Maryland, we brought a dynamic program to our community. This partnership allowed our members to benefit from specialized coaching and exposure to a broader athletic network.

In a significant milestone, we successfully reintroduced indoor volleyball to the masjid, marking its regular presence after more than a decade. This achievement speaks to our dedication to reviving diverse sports activities within our community.

We also expanded our sports repertoire to include archery and wrestling. These additions are facilitated by excellent supervision and qualified coaches, ensuring a safe and enriching experience for all participants.

In essence, our efforts to bring the community back to the masjid through sports and recreational activities have yielded tangible results, fostering a sense of unity, friendship, and well-being. We remain steadfast in our commitment to providing avenues for both physical and spiritual growth within the framework of our cherished Islamic principles.

Serving the community

Volunteer Impact

We are eternally grateful for the extraordinary dedication and generosity of our amazing volunteers. Over the past year, over 700 selfless individuals have contributed an astounding 18,955 hours of their time and expertise to our cause. Their unwavering commitment has directly impacted the lives of our entire community, underscoring the profound difference that collective compassion can make. Their tireless efforts have not only transformed the landscape of our organization but have also illuminated the power of community and altruism. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each volunteer who has played a pivotal role in making a positive and lasting impact on the lives of those we serve. The spirit of volunteerism embodied by these individuals serves as an inspiration for us all, reinforcing the belief that together, we can create meaningful change and uplift communities in need.

The volunteers of IAR exhibited not only a remarkable dedication to service but also embodied the principles of Ihsan and Akhlaq in their actions. With Ihsan, the volunteers went above and beyond, offering their skills and time with excellence and a sincere desire to make a positive impact. Their commitment to excellence reflected in the quality of service provided, ensuring that each individual received the utmost care and attention. Additionally, the volunteers demonstrated Akhlaq, exemplifying the highest moral and ethical standards in their interactions with those they served. Their kindness, empathy, and respect fostered a compassionate environment, creating a sense of dignity and warmth for those in need. Through their embodiment of Ihsan and Akhlaq, our volunteers not only served as advocates for positive change but also as beacons of hope, showcasing the transformative power of compassion and ethical conduct in humanitarian efforts.

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