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Building Our Islamic Center

The first Shia Ithna Ashari Muslim center in North Carolina

In the Name of Allah (SWT), the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful

As-Salaam Alaikum Dear Followers of the Ahlul Bayt

With great pleasure, Islamic Ahlul Bayt Association of the Triangle (IABAT) would like to share a remarkable milestone on the path to building the first Shia Ithna Ashari Muslim center in North Carolina. By the Grace of Allah (SWT) and with the support of our ever-growing community, we have purchased 3.2 acres of land in the city of Durham.

This is significant as we have reached a point where the size of our community and the lack of appropriate rental spaces necessitates our own space to accommodate our growing populous. During the recent first 10 days of Muharram, we reached a peak crowd of 350+. Our weekend school had almost 90 students in attendance last year.

Our Diverse Community Since 1999

Community Achievements

  • One of the most diverse mix of followers in the USA, with multiple countries and languages of origin
  • Resident Aalim (Sheikh Dr. Mehdi Hazari)
  • Regular prominent national and international speakers
  • Active participation in local charity work
  • Weekend school with full-fledged curriculum (90 students)
  • English as primary language to cultivate Muslim American identity
IABAT Community

Project Vision

Watch our vision for the first Shia Ithna Ashari Muslim center in North Carolina

Major Accomplishments

Land Purchase & Approval

After 18 months of preliminary planning, applications, and regulatory procedures, we received approval from the City of Durham to start construction. We have spent $400,000 to purchase 3.2 acres of land, which has been fully paid.

Professional Architecture

A formal contract has been signed with a professional and licensed architectural firm which is donating 33% of its income from this project towards IABAT's building fund.

First Shia Muslim Cemetery in NC

We have received approval from the City of Durham for a 300-grave cemetery on the property, which sets us apart from many other religious centers across North America. This would be the first Shia Muslim cemetery in the state of North Carolina.

Religious Authority & Tax Status

We have permission from Imam Mahdi Association of Marjaeya (I.M.A.M.), which is the liaison office of Grand Ayatullah Sistani, to accept Khums. We also have 501(c)(3) designation, making all donations tax deductible.

Project Budget & Progress

Total Project Budget

$1.2M

Split into Phase I and Phase II

Phase I Budget

$900,000

Current phase requiring funding

"You will never attain piety till you spend from that which you love. And whatever you spend, truly God knows it."

Al-Qur'an, 3:92

How to Donate

Online Donation

Donate securely through our website or PayPal

Donate Online

Mail Check

Send checks made out to IABAT

PO Box 16206

Durham, NC 27704

Tax ID: 311-639875

GoFundMe

Support us through our GoFundMe campaign

Visit GoFundMe

All donations are tax deductible. Upon receipt of your donations, IABAT will issue a tax receipt for your records.

May Allah SWT guide us to follow the path of the Ahlul Bayt and reward you for your donations.

JazakAllah Khair