Please continue to donate! We are so truly appreciative of all that is being done to help us. As I have stated before, we do not know the exact cost of the rebuilding. ALL funds we receive will go to the rebuilding. We want this to be a safe place for our children and a place for all the community to come together, not just Muslims. Thank you so very very much! May you be blessed for your kindness.

A reminder: all donations to the Islamic Society of Joplin are tax deductible (tax ID #20-8137667)

I am posting the following message on behalf of the Joplin Mosque:

Many of you have asked about insurance coverage concerning the fire at the mosque. The mosque was insured; however, the amount is not enough to cover the cost of rebuilding the mosque or its interior, especially with the added security devices/systems we would like to have installed. Many of us would like to see the mosque rebuilt within the city limits, but members of the executive committee have not made a decision regarding this yet. Locating within the city limits, as opposed to the current rural location without street lights or much traffic, would decrease the response time of police and firefighters, should another attack occur. Also, a mosque inside the city would provide a greater chance of witnesses to an attack. Mosque members have also expressed the desire to build a concrete building, more resistant to fire damage and including a basement that would also provide shelter from tornados. I am sure many of you heard of the F5 tornado that destroyed most of Joplin, Mo in May of 2011. We also have to consider debris removal, which is very expensive. No definite decisions have been made about what type/style of structure to build, where to locate it, or whether to purchase another building that is already constructed. We will be sure to provide you more information as it becomes available.

The Islamic Society of Joplin is concentrating on finding a location for daily prayers, jummah prayers and upcoming Eid celebration. We are struggling to keep the rhythm of our daily lives in order, especially for our children. Our mosque was the center of our community. In the days of utter destruction after the tornado, it was the place where we met to support each other. Many families, including our Imam, lost their homes and everything they owned. Now, we are struggling again. With all the support of the community and the world, we are going to build a stronger, more secure mosque for our children. Any money donated in excess of the rebuilding amount will be used toward improvements to the mosque. For example, our children have never had a playground and we have never had a library room. Most of all, we want the technology to make us feel safe again. Thank you again for all you are doing to help us. May God reward you for all your kindness.