Urgent Community Notice - Friday Prayer Changes & Community Responsibilities

Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,

Dear respected community members,

We would like to provide an important update regarding Friday prayers and concerns that have recently been raised about parking and congestion near the masjid.

Over the past couple of weeks, the Muslim Association of Hawaii has been actively communicating and cooperating with the City and County regarding these concerns. We are grateful to Mayor Blangiardi and his leadership team for their willingness to work constructively with us. They have recognized both the importance of protecting our community's constitutional right to worship and the right of our neighbors to enjoy their homes and neighborhoods. Our shared goal is to find solutions that benefit everyone and allow us to move forward together as one community.

City and County inspectors have made unannounced visits during Friday prayers, and concerns have been raised regarding alleged parking violations and video footage shared by some neighbors. We take these matters seriously and are committed to addressing them responsibly, constructively, and in a manner consistent with our faith and values.

Community members should understand that this matter has now progressed beyond routine reminders and announcements from the Association. For the first time in our history, concerns raised by neighbors have resulted in significant involvement by City and County leadership, inspections, and active review of our operations. While we remain confident in our rights and are grateful for the City's commitment to protecting both our right to worship and our neighbors' rights, the reality is that failure to comply with applicable laws and permit requirements could expose the Association to serious consequences.

It is important to understand that our obligations do not depend on what others may or may not be doing. Arguments such as "others park this way too" or "neighbors do the same thing" are not acceptable. Our permits, our responsibilities, and our Islamic values require us to meet a higher standard regardless of the actions of others. We will not allow the conduct of a few individuals—whether members, visitors, or others—to jeopardize the future of our masjid or the rights of our community.

As Muslims, we are commanded to be good neighbors and to conduct ourselves with kindness, respect, and consideration for others. Allah SWT says:

“Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and be good to parents, relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor and the distant neighbor...” (Qur'an 4:36)

The Prophet SWS also said:

“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should honor his neighbor.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

We cannot imagine that any of our brothers or sisters would knowingly park illegally, block driveways, obstruct traffic, or otherwise create hardship for our neighbors. Such behavior would be contrary to the teachings of Islam and harmful to the reputation of our community and our masjid.

At the same time, regardless of the source of the concerns being raised, the reality is that they must be addressed. Every member of our community should understand that the future of our masjid depends not only on our legal rights, but also on our commitment to being exemplary neighbors. Those who knowingly disregard parking laws, ignore instructions, or engage in conduct that creates hardship for our neighbors are not helping the masjid; they are harming it. Whether intentionally or not, they provide fuel to those who oppose our presence and make it more difficult to protect and preserve the rights of our community. Every act of disregard for our neighbors ultimately works against the interests of the masjid and the Muslim community as a whole.

The Prophet SWS warned us:

“By Allah, he is not a believer whose neighbor is not safe from his harm.” (Bukhari)

This is not simply a parking issue. It is a matter of fulfilling our Islamic obligations, preserving our permits, protecting the future of our masjid, and safeguarding the ability of future generations to worship here.

Beginning this Friday, we intend to move to two or three Friday prayer sessions instead of one. Details will be shared by Thursday, inshaAllah. This change is intended to reduce the number of worshippers present at any one time, help alleviate traffic and parking congestion during peak periods, and support our ongoing efforts to address community concerns. Once a prayer session reaches its designated capacity, additional attendees will not be admitted and will be asked to return for the next available session. We ask everyone to plan accordingly and cooperate fully with volunteers and staff who will be assisting with these arrangements. We are also implementing additional measures to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and further demonstrate our commitment to being good neighbors and responsible members of the broader community.

For many years, the Association has regularly reminded attendees and visitors about the importance of complying with parking regulations, respecting our neighbors, and conducting themselves in a manner that reflects positively on Islam and the Muslim community. We will continue to reinforce these expectations clearly and consistently.

The Association has also informed the community that anyone who knowingly and willfully disregards parking laws, ignores parking instructions, or engages in conduct that harms our relationship with our neighbors may be subject to internal restrictions, including temporary suspension from mosque activities for a period deemed appropriate by the Association. These measures are intended to protect the masjid, preserve our ability to serve the community, and uphold our Islamic obligation to be good neighbors.

This matter is serious and requires the full cooperation of every member of the community. Additional parking and traffic management measures will be communicated in the coming days, and we ask everyone to comply fully with them.

We ask Allah to help us embody the highest standards of character, patience, and consideration for others, and to make us a source of benefit for our neighbors and the wider community.

May Allah protect our masjid, bless our community, strengthen our unity, preserve our right to worship, and guide us to what is best.

Jazaakum Allahu Kheiran,

Muslim Association of Hawai'i