What if flipping a light switch could reflect your values? At The Muslim Center, in Detroit, a wave of clean energy upgrades—powered by the Sacred Spaces Grant and the Michigan Community Center Grant (MCCG)—is doing just that, turning faith into action through smarter, greener spaces.

Abdur Rasheed's dedication to serving others shines through at the Muslim Center

“It’s our job to take care of the earth that we’ve been entrusted with,” - Jabril Salam, trustee at the Muslim Center

The Muslim Center, located near the Russell Woods-Sullivan area, is a trusted resource in a neighborhood that often goes without. The center offers food and clothing assistance, hot meals to hundreds of individuals each year, and works closely with the Huda Clinic to provide free medical and dental care, along with help covering the cost of medicine. Several social workers are available to lend a hand when needed, and the Center hosts recovery support meetings every Wednesday to support those in recovery. Counseling is also available—including relationship counseling—as well as a variety of supportive services like help with utility bills, transportation, and other emergency needs. The Muslim Center is all about being there for the community, providing care, support, and stability when it’s needed most.

The volunteers at The Muslim Center embody the spirit of compassion while serving their neighbors for their weekly food distributions. This year alone near 900 people have received food assistance through the Muslim Center

Comfort and clean air

The recent grant programs have made a tangible difference at the Muslim Center, transforming how the building functions on a daily basis and strengthening their essential community work. Before the upgrades, turning on lights was a manual process that involved going to fuse boxes in different parts of the building just to light up the exterior and prayer hall. Now, thanks to funding through MCCG and Sacred Spaces, motion-sensor lighting has streamlined the entire process: lights automatically turn on when someone enters and shut off when the space is empty, saving energy and making things easier for everyone.

Connecting with the heart of community in The Muslim Center jazz cafe

Beyond lighting, the grants also supported the installation of six air-purifying destratification fans. These ceiling-mounted units constantly circulate air—pushing warm air down in the winter to keep the space more comfortable and energy-efficient, while also improving airflow and cooling in the summer. Air purification systems were installed along with them, so that, even when large groups of people enter the hall, the air is being filtered for viruses. These changes have created a healthier, more efficient environment for the entire community.

Abdur Rasheed showcasing  the benefits of upgrading to the energy efficient tankless water heater

Along with the new fans, important upgrades were made to stop drafts in key areas—especially above the main entrance doors—so the building holds in heat better during the winter and stays cooler in the summer. The lighting was also improved by switching to energy-saving LED bulbs, which are brighter and use less electricity. On the roof, older parts of the heating and cooling system were replaced with more efficient ones, helping the building use less energy overall. New HVAC units and repairs are further improving the energy efficiency of the building. These changes not only make the space more comfortable for the congregation, but they also help reduce energy costs in the long run.

Community gathering at the Muslim Center

Stewardship and sustainability go hand in hand

Jabril Salam, trustee of The Muslim Center, emphasized that energy efficiency aligns closely with Islamic values. “In our faith, we're not supposed to waste money,” he explained. For Salam, saving energy isn’t just about reducing utility bills, which can be challenging with rising costs from providers like DTE, but also about living out the responsibility to care for the environment. By improving the building’s efficiency, The Muslim Center is able to cut costs, reduce waste, and better serve both its congregation and the surrounding community.