Welcome, RTP Muslim Community

Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,

This update is shared to provide the community with a clear, factual, and transparent overview of recent efforts to resolve the ongoing dispute through binding Islamic arbitration.

The community sincerely thanks the respected brothers who stepped forward purely for the sake of Allah (SWT), to help de-escalate the situation and reunite the community:

Br. Siraguldin Osman
Br. Ihab Saad
Br. Burhan Ali
Br. Khalid Saleh
Br. Ibrahim Ihbais

These brothers made unity their highest priority and invested significant time and effort, even offering to modify the committee’s composition to facilitate consensus. Their sincerity and service deserve appreciation and dua.

• Multiple sincere attempts were made to bring all parties under binding arbitration.
• Br. Mansur Mohammed and Br. Hafed Elhaj agreed to binding arbitration.
• The Board of Directors and Board of Trustees declined to participate.

As a result, the committee reached an impasse and fulfilled its amanah by informing the community.

السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته

Dear Elders, Brothers, and Sisters of the JIAR Community,

May this message find you in good health and in the highest state of iman, by the grace and mercy of Allah.

In light of the ongoing lawsuit involving JIAR and the recent matter concerning Imam Hicham Jabal, several community members met to determine an appropriate course of action. It was collectively agreed that the most effective and impartial approach would be to establish a binding arbitration committee comprised of respected members of the community.

The committee’s sole intention in agreeing to serve was to help de-escalate the situation and support a fair and constructive resolution in the best interest of the community. To that end, the committee made every effort to secure the participation of all stakeholders and expressed its willingness to modify its composition, including replacing some or all members with internal or external individuals, to facilitate consensus.

Unfortunately, the Board of Directors and Trustees chose not to participate in the binding arbitration process. However, Imam Hicham Jabal, Br. Mansur Mohammed, and Br. Hafed Elhaj agreed to proceed with binding arbitration.

Having reached an impasse, the binding arbitration committee believes it is its responsibility to inform the community and to fulfill the amanah entrusted to it.

We remain hopeful that an alternative path may still be found that restores trust, reduces tensions, and serves the best interests of the community. May Allah guide all parties toward what is most just and beneficial.

— Arbitration Committee

Trustees stated that arbitration was accepted conditionally and later alleged “hostile” or “threatening” communications from Br. Mansur.

Clarifications:

1. No arbitration framework or conditions were established.
No committee, rules, or de-escalation requirements were announced or agreed upon that night. Claims to the contrary appear to be a post-hoc justification for declining arbitration.

2. Allegations of threatening emails are unfounded.
Br. Mansur sent five emails since June raising governance and compliance concerns respectfully and legally. These were reviewed in full by the arbitration committee and contained no threats or abusive language.

The RTP Administration team can share these emails upon request for full transparency.

Incidents involving verbal and physical altercations by a few trustees have already resulted in police complaints. Continued allegations only deepen mistrust and tension.

Repeated setbacks from masjid leadership — including disrespecting the Imams, disregarding the voices of over 400+ community members, recent board member resignations, rejecting the arbitration — are causing a serious erosion of trust within the jamaat on the current leadership.

Restoring trust requires transparency, accountability, and inclusive decision-making.

This update is shared with dignity and respect. We ask Allah (SWT) to guide all parties, soften hearts, and protect this jamaat from further harm.

— Concerned Members of JIAR