Local US mosques caught in pandemic crunch turn to online fundraisers

Covid restrictions hit Islamic centers reliant on individual donations hard but GoFundMe appeals have had mixed results

The building facade is deteriorating. The heating system is a fire hazard. When it rains outside, it also rains inside - a plastic container near the prayer area collects water. Masjid An-Noor, a mosque serving the Muslim community of Bridgeport, Connecticut, for over 30 years, is barely holding on - and it is part of a trend of mosques across America facing dire financial problems during the Covid-19 pandemic.

In April last year, as states across America went into lockdown, the Muslim holy month of Ramadan was just beginning. The holy month is a time when mosques open their doors each night, welcoming members and guests for iftar - a communal meal to break the day's fast. It's also one of the most fruitful times of year for fundraising, particularly for local mosques, which cover the majority of expenses through individual donations.