Nov 1995 Mosque, School, Cemetery: Light at the End of the Tunnel?

by IQRA! staff

The ISGC general assembly meeting should have been better attended, because important projects were presented which need community input. The simplest is the cemetery project. at present, the community has an arrangement with a public cemetery north of 270 on route 23, but the commercial expense is considerable. For the long term community benefit, plans have been made for owning our own cemetery, and, of great importance, people have already donated a substantial amount of money to a special fund for it. At present, an offer has been made on 2 acres in Northwest Columbus area, contingent upon obtaining zoning and a positive engineering report. A map of the area was passed around at the meeting. The purchase price is $50,000 for the acreage.

Two more project possibilities, for mosque and school, were unveiled at the meeting. the larger, and further off, is the possible purchase of about 12 acres, again in the Northwest area, for a mosque, full time school, and daycare center. The total project, land purchase and building construction, is projected at about two million dollars. Zoning problems, which are expected to be resolved soon, prevent action from being taken yet. If the community embraces this project, construction could probably start in the winter of 1996.

Recently, another school project had become possible. A 25 year old school is up for sale in Whitehall. This former elementary school, Robinwood, is located across from Town and Country Mall at East broad and Robinwood. It has a cafeteria, kitchen, gymnasium with stage, and a large area of flexible classroom space. If purchased, the community could start a full time school in the building by next fall. This facility could become a permanent location for our school, or used temporarily and sold later, when and if the Northwest project becomes a reality. All members of the community are urged to attend an open house of this facility on November 11th at 2 pm and express their views on the proposal.

Regardless of whether we have a special building or not, a group of committed volunteers has started meetings to plan the opening of "The Columbus Islamic Academy" by next fall. Four committees have been formed, for curriculum, administration, finances, and technical considerations. All in our community agree generally on the concept of a full time private school for our children, but up to now there has been too much procrastination. Parents are struggling with the unwholesome environments in public schools and praying that their children come out safely. The school can start temporarily at the mosque, or in rented quarters of some sort. We have qualified people in our community to staff the school. We have access to numerous curriculum sources. Our community is generally blessed with financial resources. The general feeling is that a start must be made, and Allah will provide for the growth and success, through the commitment of those who struggle for His Sake alone.