In Part 1 of this series, we discussed the importance of maintaining our Islamic Center as a sacred trust and community responsibility. Now we must face the reality of what years without any maintenance has done to our facilities. The Islamic Center has received no true maintenance work for five full years, and alomst know maintenence in the last three years, the consequences are now visible throughout the building.

The problems started small. A few tiles became loose outside the building. Some mould spots appeared on the walls. The landscaping started deteriorating, with a wrong diagnosis of some type of insects, or bacteria, that eats the roots. Needed attention was long overdue. It kept ignored until the ICS was cited by the city for not “mowing” what should have been peppled “garnished” area. These were minor issues that could have been easily fixed with routine maintenance. But as the months passed without any action, these small problems grew into serious concerns that now threaten our entire facility. Fallen tiles have crept inside the building!

Tiles that have fallen inside the building and remain unrepaired

The tile problem that began outside has now moved inside. Tiles have been falling for years without any response or repair. Every fallen tile represents not just an aesthetic problem but a safety hazard, especially for children and elderly members of our community who use these spaces daily. What could have been fixed by replacing a few tiles years ago now requires extensive work. Some broken tiles area already there, they need to be replaced before they come out of their place.

Perhaps even more concerning is the mould that now covers all of the northern exterior walls. This is not a cosmetic issue. Mould growth indicates moisture problems that, if left unchecked, can cause serious health issues for our community members. The presence of mould also signals potential water infiltration issues that could be affecting the building’s structure. The lack of gutters around the buildings is one of the reasons of this issue.

Extensive mould covering the northern exterior walls

Inside the building, we now see cracks appearing in the ceiling of the kitchen and several other rooms. While there is no known structural damage at this point, these cracks are warning signs that demand immediate professional attention. Ceiling cracks indicate rain water leak, water damage, or may be structural stress. Combined with the rain leaks and lack of maintenance, these cracks and falling ceiling tiles raise serious concerns about what might be happening behind the walls and above the ceilings. Water infiltration from rain can lead to electrical failures, creating fire hazards and putting the entire building at risk. The ICS used to pay $1400 per month for insurance company, before moving to another company with $1080 per month, but never files a claim against these damages.

The landscaping around our Islamic Center has been neglected to the point where it affects more than just appearance. Overgrown vegetation can trap moisture against the building’s foundation, contributing to the mould problem and potentially causing water damage. Poor drainage from neglected landscaping and landscaping design, cause rainwater to carry soil into the street or the drainage system, exacerbating moisture and soil problems of the used to be green parking area.

Visible cracks in the ceiling requiring immediate assessment

The back stairs tell a story of neglect through accumulated dirt and lack of basic cleaning. This may seem like a minor issue compared to the buildings concerns, but it reflects the overall state of maintenance at our facility. If basic cleaning is being ignored, what else is being overlooked? Clean, well-maintained facilities are not just about appearance—they are about respect for the house of Allah and the dignity of those who worship here. It also means less costs of maintaning the place.

Also, one of the air conditioning units has not functioned properly for some time now. During hot months, this creates uncomfortable conditions for prayer and community activities. The solution of providing portable AC units, that cost hundreds of dollars, has become a permanent solution! More importantly, a malfunctioning AC system often indicates electrical or mechanical problems that should be addressed before they lead to complete system failure. A new AC system can cost tens of thousands of dollars, while regular maintenance costs a few hundred dollars per year. The Post keeps records of discussions of the AC system brand that some members expressed concerns about their efficiency.

The deteriorated landscaping and uncleaned back stairs area

There is a principle in building maintenance that every professional understands: delayed maintenance costs exponentially more than preventive care. What could have been fixed for a few hundred dollars three years ago now requires thousands. Individual tile replacements become complete renovations. Surface mould treatment becomes professional remediation with wall repairs. Simple AC maintenance becomes full system replacement. The financial burden we face now is entirely the result of deferred maintenance.

But the cost is not just financial. Every day these problems persist, we risk the health of our community members. We risk structural failures that could be catastrophic. We risk electrical problems from water damage that could cause fires, which also raise questions about ventilation. We demonstrate to our children and to visitors that we do not properly care for the house of Allah. Especially one that is as new as ours. This is not just about money or buildings, it is about our fundamental responsibilities as Muslims and as a community.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “Whoever builds a mosque for Allah, Allah will build for him likewise in Paradise.” This applies not only to construction but to preservation. We built this Islamic Center with dedication and sacrifice. Now we must maintain it with the same commitment. Allowing it to deteriorate while we have the ability to repair it is a failure of our trust.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also said: “Allah loves that whoever does something (or is responsible for something) that he perfects it (does it perfectly).

Immediate Steps Required

We need immediate professional assessment of all these issues. A qualified professional must inspect the ceilings to determine if there is structural damage. A mould specialist must evaluate the extent of the problem and develop a cleaning plan. The tile situation requires immediate repair to prevent injuries. The landscaping needs restoration to prevent further water damage and prevent it from reaching the building. The AC system needs repair or replacement before the next summer season.

Most importantly, we need to establish a regular maintenance schedule to prevent this from happening again. Buildings require ongoing care. Roofs need inspection. Surfaces need inspection. Systems need servicing. A small investment in prevention saves enormous costs in repairs. More than that, it preserves the dignity of our community space and fulfills our obligation to maintain what Allah has blessed us with.