AttendanceMeeting commenced at 11.20 am with recitation of verses of Holy Quran by Seyed Mohamed Naqvi followed by introductions.
Guest Address by Dr Ali Helmi
President welcomed everyone to the EC meeting and thanked Dr Ali Helmi and Br Amini (Cultural Affairs Attaché, Iranian Embassy) for accepting the invitation to the CoEJ EC meeting.
Welcome speech by President of Watford, Br Shabbir Shah.
Secretary General extended felicitations on the Wiladat of Holy Prophet (saww) and 6th Holy Imam Sadiq (as) and requested Dr Helmi to say a few words.
Dr Ali Helmi commenced his speech by praising Allah (SWT), sending salutations to Holy Prophet (saww) and congratulating everyone on the wiladat of Holy Prophet (saww)
and the 6th Holy Imam Sadiq (as). He expressed delight at being invited to the meeting of the leaders of the Khoja communities. Dr Helmi quoted relevant verses from the
Holy Quran and reminded Ayatullah Khamanai’s announcement of the Unity week and congratulated the Muslim nations that were trying for democracy in their countries.
He added Iran supported democracy and the rights of the people. He ended by praying for Muslims throughout the world and added that he was available for any assistance that he could provide.
Observations:
- Br Razahusein Rahim thanked Dr Helmi and enquired in what way he could further his assistance. Dr Helmi explained that the work at the cultural field was in 3 categories:
1. they worked with Islamic Centres by assisting in exhibitions of Quranic calligraphy, art and Iranian culture.
2. They held seminars to improve the understanding of true Islam by working with Muslims and non-Muslim
3. They assisted Iranians living in UK. He added that Quaranic and other exhibitions were held to reflect
Muslim beliefs and further added that meetings could be arranged to discuss future exhibitions according to the wishes of the community.
Dr Helmi explained that there was a plan to hold a Quran competition in UK and that he was also open to new suggestions. - Br Murtaza Gulamahusein thanked the Iranian embassy for assistance in obtaining visa through provision of a letter from their Jamaat and hoped this would continue.
- Br Abbas Rahim requested that the assistance for visa provision be extended to CoEJ as this would benefit members of 16 Jamaats.
- In reply to Sis Sukaina Manji’s request Dr Helmi replied that the Iranian Embassy did not have a facility to hold exhibitions at their premises however would consider in future.
- Dr Helmi advised that an interfaith event was being held at the Islamic Centre in Maida Vale from 1 March for 2 weeks and requested publicity for this.
- Br Gulamhusein R J Sumar added that the Swedish Jamaats had excellent relations with the Iranian Embassy especially for visa provision.
- The President thanked Dr Helmi and added his request for ease of visa applications.
President requested recitation of Sura-e-Fateha for Sis Salma Govani, niece of President of Marsta.
Break for Namaz and lunch at 12 noon and recommenced at 1.45 pm.
Secretary General requested Sura-e-Fateha for the grandmother and an aunt of Br Shabbir Merali and the niece of Br Mahmood Al-Najar who had recently passed away in Iraq and for all marhomin.
Secretary General welcomed SND Chair Ramzanbhai Dhanji.
1. Minutes of last Meeting and matters arising therefrom
Minutes approved subject to the following amendments:
Page 2: Add item (c) to read: Discussion on Brampton Accord whereby an explanation given of what it is.
Page 2: (g) amended to read: MOU is between EHM Ltd and EC.
Page 3:Item 3: amended to read: Wessex Jamaat also enforced the mandate and therefore had an agreement in place to facilitate the process.
Page 3:add (3) to read: ‘for capacity building’- Br Mahmood Al-Najar had proposed that a further £5000 be put aside for Jamaats to apply for it.
Merge 2(e) and 8(f)
Page 5:(d) Amended to read Essex rebuild.
Proposed by Br Shabbir Merali and Seconded by: Br Azad Poptani
Matters arising
a) SND: (This Item was brought forward for discussion with the agreement by all as Ramzanbhai Dhanji had to leave early).
The SND Report on the Seniors trip to Dar es Salaam had been circulated. Ramzanbhai Dhanji enquired if there were any further questions,
and reiterated that at no point had it been suggested that accommodation would be free.
Bashirbhai Rattansey confirmed that a charge had been mentioned and that Ramzanbhai had stated that he would try to get a subsidy.
President thanked Ramzanbhai Dhanji for taking time to attend the meeting to answer any queries and for his
immense work in particular the SND trip for which much positive feedback had been received.
b) Shia TV Channels: In reply to Br Mahmood Rehemtulla’s request for an update on Shia TV, Br Razahusein Rahim explained that progress was continuing,
there were some issues with the 2 Urdu channels. Advertising at special rates for EHM Ltd had been carried out in the Ahlulbayt TV and some lectures of
Marhum Mulla Asghar would be aired. None of the Jamaats had sent any lectures for broadcast following request sent out by Secretariat.
Progress towards better working relationship was continuing.
Br Razahusein Rahim confirmed that the TV channel would provide a list of Khoja members who were making donations.
He would also advise Secretariat whenever he himself found out about programmes being aired in advance so that information could be disseminated to member Jamaats.
| Action 1: A strategic paper to be prepared with Br Razahusein Rahim in the lead and assisted by Dr Akber Mohamedali, Br Murtaza Gulamhusein and Br Sajjad Bhojani. (Discussions to be via Teleconference). Shia TV to be included as an item of Agenda for next meeting |
c) Marriage Seminar: Secretary General explained that in partnership with WF,
preparations were in process for a pre-Marriage seminar to be held at the end of May, with Br Riyaz Ladha as CoEJ link.
They would be working with khojamatch.com as well. A committee had not yet been appointed.
There followed a short discussion and it was decided that the Marriage seminar would be used as a base to decide whether a paper should be prepared and/or board be set up.
Sis Sukaina Manji added that marriage issues had also come up in the report on the women’s needs assessment which had recently been completed and circulated.
d) EHM Report: Br Mahmood Rehemtulla requested an update on the EHM report as specified in the MOU. Secretary General advised that future
EC meetings would include an agenda item where reports from all the boards would be provided.
e) Pre Marriage Screening for Thalasemia and HIV: Action Point had not been carried out – this would be included at a future meeting depending on
Dr Rizwan Alidina’s preliminary work being completed.
2. The Allocation of WF Delegates
The President explained the situation regarding the delegate seats and added that 15 seats were to be distributed between the 16 Jamaats. There followed a protracted discussion.
A break was proposed by the Councillors to reach consensus on the issue and to prepare a resolution for adoption.
After the break a Resolution was Proposed by Milton Keynes seconded by Essex:
“It is hereby resolved that of the 15 delegates seats available for WF, the President will first invite all member Jamaats to appoint their delegate for the meeting.
In the event of any relinquished seats the President will allocate the seats, at his discretion.”
In the event of any relinquished seats the President will allocate the seats, at his discretion.”
After due deliberation it passed by majority votes with 2 abstentions.
Br Mahmood Al-Najar reminded Councillors that at WF conferences delegates represented CoEJ and not their own individual Jamaats.
3. Treasurers Report
(Br Mohamed Mavani had another commitment so it was agreed that this Agenda item be brought forward)
a) The year-end draft accounts were distributed. Treasurer thanked Br Qasim Alidina and Br Mohamedkazim Bhalloo.
b) Following the EC meeting of 27 November 2010, the budget of £208,000, incorporating all the amendments, was presented to WF on 23 December 2010.
Treasurer explained that it was agreed with the WF Treasurer to work on the same basis as the previous year.
Treasurer explained that it was agreed with the WF Treasurer to work on the same basis as the previous year.
c) Treasurer summarised the year-end draft financial statement. He added that the accounts would be with the Auditors within the next month and that the next gift aid would be during March 2011.
d) Br Murtaza Bharwani suggested that future accounts be presented to the EC sooner before being sent to Auditors to give an opportunity to the EC to reflect upon the figures.
Treasurer noted however felt this would delay the auditing of accounts. There followed lengthy discussion regarding all the figures which Treasurer explained.
Treasurer noted however felt this would delay the auditing of accounts. There followed lengthy discussion regarding all the figures which Treasurer explained.
e) Treasurer confirmed that the EHM Ltd accounts were prepared separately. In reply to Br Razahusein Rahim,
Treasurer advised that the Auditors had charged extra fee for consolidation of the accounts as required for the present year.
There followed further extensive discussions regarding the figures and whether CoEJ should invest with a view to future independence for funds.
Treasurer advised that the Auditors had charged extra fee for consolidation of the accounts as required for the present year.
There followed further extensive discussions regarding the figures and whether CoEJ should invest with a view to future independence for funds.
f) Khums monies: Treasurer brought to the attention of EC regarding the sehme sadat portion (in terms of capital projects).
Some Jamaats were remitting funds collected to CoEJ for onward to WF which were then remitted back through CoEJ, a process which took up to about 6-8 weeks,
other Jamaats were holding on to that portion.
President added that he had discussed this issue with the WF Treasurer and had been advised that they themselves were in discussions regarding this matter.
CoEJ would need to await decision reached at WF. Br Rasool Bhamani felt the process should be discussed at length at WF level so that the funds raised for
Capital projects were available to the respective Jamaats in a timely manner.
Br Mahmood Al-Najar commented that the issue of 7% was questionable according to some
Marjaa from whom he had sought advice (on an independent basis) and he felt this matter needed clarification.
Treasurer commented that the reason he had brought up the subject was to have consistency amongst the Jamaats.
Some Jamaats were remitting funds collected to CoEJ for onward to WF which were then remitted back through CoEJ, a process which took up to about 6-8 weeks,
other Jamaats were holding on to that portion.
President added that he had discussed this issue with the WF Treasurer and had been advised that they themselves were in discussions regarding this matter.
CoEJ would need to await decision reached at WF. Br Rasool Bhamani felt the process should be discussed at length at WF level so that the funds raised for
Capital projects were available to the respective Jamaats in a timely manner.
Br Mahmood Al-Najar commented that the issue of 7% was questionable according to some
Marjaa from whom he had sought advice (on an independent basis) and he felt this matter needed clarification.
Treasurer commented that the reason he had brought up the subject was to have consistency amongst the Jamaats.
g) Br Gibriel Jeraj felt that the matter was off the agenda and further discussions on this matter be continued another time to allow the present meeting to precede according to agenda items.
h) Treasurer advised that the Charity Commission had suggested minor amendments to the Annual Return which are as follows:
- Activities for generating funds - Figure amended to £327,581 (includes Hajj income)
- Incoming resources from charitable activities - Figure amended to £82,258
- Costs of generating voluntary income - This figure to be £0.
- Costs of charitable activities – Figure amended to £839,043
- Governance costs - Figure amended to £13,263 (includes Meeting Expenses and Audit fees).
- Fixed asset investments - This figure should be £0 as there are no fixed asset investments.
These had been dealt with – however required minute approval. These had been affected and now duly approved.
i) EHM: Treasurer requested the EHM Link, Br Gulamhusein Sumar, to cover next element to the Treasury Report.
Br Gulamhusein Sumar explained that during the meeting with the EHM Committee & EHM Ltd,
a budget of £5000 had been requested for advertisements, leaflets, various lecturers, diaries and printing - this year being the 25th silver jubilee.
After discussion it was concluded that funding should benefit the whole of the community and should not be specific to the year of Hajj.
The EC would reconsider this request if a detailed breakdown was available.
Br Gulamhusein Sumar explained that during the meeting with the EHM Committee & EHM Ltd,
a budget of £5000 had been requested for advertisements, leaflets, various lecturers, diaries and printing - this year being the 25th silver jubilee.
After discussion it was concluded that funding should benefit the whole of the community and should not be specific to the year of Hajj.
The EC would reconsider this request if a detailed breakdown was available.
4. Presidents Report
a) President had received a request from the present President of WF Dr Asgharali Moledina, to nominate him as a presidential candidate from Europe for the forthcoming WF presidential elections.
He had sent his letter of consent, which the Secretary General distributed.
He had sent his letter of consent, which the Secretary General distributed.
b) CoEJ was represented with a full delegation of 20 members at the 6th Constitutional Conference of WF held in December 2010 in Birmingham.
Appreciated Dr Akber Mohamedali and Dr Sibtain Panjwani’s contributions with the CRC team in producing the constitutional amendments.
Appreciated Dr Akber Mohamedali and Dr Sibtain Panjwani’s contributions with the CRC team in producing the constitutional amendments.
c) Congratulations to: Br Shafik Haji, (the President of Birmingham Jamaat) on being elected as a member of the Electoral Commission;
and to Br Mahmood Rehemtulla and Saeeda Jiwa on being elected as Returning Officers.
and to Br Mahmood Rehemtulla and Saeeda Jiwa on being elected as Returning Officers.
d) Dates for Diaries: The WF EXCO meeting has set the date and venue for the next WF conference to be held in Dar es Salaam from Friday 27 May to Sunday 29 May 2011.
e) During November 2010, along with WF Presidnet Dr Asgharali Moledina, participated in the opening ceremony of the new student housing of Mehfile Zainab in North Paris.
f) During October 2010, members from the Hilal Advisory Team, along with Vice President and President, visited Sayyid Murtazaali Kashmiri at the office of Imam Ali foundation in London.
The purpose of the visit was to explore ways and means to further enhance the cooperation in the matter of the declaration of the 1st days of the holy months of Ramadhan and Shawwal.
The purpose of the visit was to explore ways and means to further enhance the cooperation in the matter of the declaration of the 1st days of the holy months of Ramadhan and Shawwal.
g) A second meeting with Sayyid Murtazaali Kashmiri took place during the month of Holy Muharram at Hujjat, Stanmore to hold further
discussions on sending combined calculations on moon sighting to the Najaf office.
Another issue discussed during the Muharram meeting was the difficulties faced by some members of community in divorce processes.
A proposal was put to Sayyid Kashmiri whereby named individuals from Europe would do the due diligence and stamp the letter and then Sayyid Kashmiri could recite the divorce.
However Sayyid Kashmir said that this was not possible, as they were required to do their own investigations. President felt further discussion on this important matter was imperative.
discussions on sending combined calculations on moon sighting to the Najaf office.
Another issue discussed during the Muharram meeting was the difficulties faced by some members of community in divorce processes.
A proposal was put to Sayyid Kashmiri whereby named individuals from Europe would do the due diligence and stamp the letter and then Sayyid Kashmiri could recite the divorce.
However Sayyid Kashmir said that this was not possible, as they were required to do their own investigations. President felt further discussion on this important matter was imperative.
h) A workshop on Eid gathering was organised by the Seniors Desk as part of the Seniors needs assessment in October 2010 in Milton Keynes.
Over 300 seniors both male and female attended.
Over 300 seniors both male and female attended.
i) Following the Seniors gathering, a model of a seniors village was presented by Br Mahmood Al-Najar at the inter-regional meeting, attended by delegates from other regions,
on Friday 3 December 2010 in Birmingham. Much interest had been shown to forge a partnership, especially by Africa Federation to embark on a senior’s complex.
on Friday 3 December 2010 in Birmingham. Much interest had been shown to forge a partnership, especially by Africa Federation to embark on a senior’s complex.
j) Resignation of Assistant Secretary: President advised that the Assistant Secretary Sis Saiyedda Jawad had resigned and that the vacant post would be filled at the Conference.
Br Murtaza Bharwani commented that Secretary General could in the meantime request for an assistant, and enquired on the process that was followed.
President explained the full procedure he had followed culminating in the receipt of the letter of resignation on 22 October 2010.
The resignation had not been dealt with at the last EC Meeting in the absence of the President. On further enquiry from Br Murtaza Bharwani,
it was explained that as well as President’s attempts to persuade her to stay on, both Vice President and Secretary General had written to her. In reply to
Br Murtaza Bharwani's further enquiry, the President said that he would usually follow the same process for any resignations received.
Br Murtaza Bharwani commented that Secretary General could in the meantime request for an assistant, and enquired on the process that was followed.
President explained the full procedure he had followed culminating in the receipt of the letter of resignation on 22 October 2010.
The resignation had not been dealt with at the last EC Meeting in the absence of the President. On further enquiry from Br Murtaza Bharwani,
it was explained that as well as President’s attempts to persuade her to stay on, both Vice President and Secretary General had written to her. In reply to
Br Murtaza Bharwani's further enquiry, the President said that he would usually follow the same process for any resignations received.
k) Email request from Dr Moledina – Letter of consent stating that he was standing for nomination as WF President for the term 2011-2014 was read out.
Observations & Comments:
l) Br Razahusein Rahim said that Peterborough Jamaat had also received the letter from Dr Moledina and would like to nominate him as the candidate for the Presidency of WF.
m) Br Abbas Rahim added that Wessex Jamaat had also received a similar letter and would like to nominate Dr Moledina.
n) Hujjat, Leeds and Milton Keynes Councillors added they wished to second the nomination.
o) At Secretary General’s request it was clarified that further nominations from Member Jamaats would be forwarded to the Electoral Commission without need for being seconded.
p) Vice President sought clarification and it was confirmed that nominations need to come only from member Jamaats and that all nominations received would be forwarded.
q) Br Murtaza Bharwani clarified that CoEJ President entertains only those letters of nomination from the CoEJ 16 member Jamaats and that these did not need to be seconded.
| Action 2: CoEJ to forward all WF presidential nominations received to the Electoral Commission
Break for Namaz at 5.40 pm and recommenced at 6.15 pm
|
Regrettably there were inevitable delays during the discussions on most items. Br Sarfraz Jeraj requested that the Agenda item on Capacity Building which he had prepared with
Dr Akber Mohamedali and Br Abbas Rahim be brought forward if agreeable by all as he had to leave for another prearranged commitment.
This was not agreeable by some of the Councillors.
5. Boards - Challenges, Reflection & Observations by Vice President
Br Gulamhusein Sumar requested that it be noted that his role is supervisory role – not as the head of boards.
He requested guidance on his role and added that once the paper on EC Link for the Board was presented and discussed, he would understand his role better.
Br Murtaza Bharwani expressed his surprise and added that the new constitution had assigned the supervisory role for the boards, previously held by Secretary General,
to the Vice President. It was Br Murtaza Bharwani’s opinion that the supervisory role was to ensure boards delivered. Br Abbas Rahim felt saddened at the tone of discussions.
After protracted discussions and explanations, Vice President said he felt that his role was clearer to him and added that he would liaise with the President and/or Secretariat if needed.
Secretary General said that all future EC Meetings would include an agenda item for EC Link to provide a report on.
He requested guidance on his role and added that once the paper on EC Link for the Board was presented and discussed, he would understand his role better.
Br Murtaza Bharwani expressed his surprise and added that the new constitution had assigned the supervisory role for the boards, previously held by Secretary General,
to the Vice President. It was Br Murtaza Bharwani’s opinion that the supervisory role was to ensure boards delivered. Br Abbas Rahim felt saddened at the tone of discussions.
After protracted discussions and explanations, Vice President said he felt that his role was clearer to him and added that he would liaise with the President and/or Secretariat if needed.
Secretary General said that all future EC Meetings would include an agenda item for EC Link to provide a report on.
6. TOR - EC Links to Board Heads by Br Mahmood Rehemtulla
Br Mahmood Rehemtulla thanked the team for assistance in producing the paper, (Sis Wahida Rahim, Br Razahusein Rahim and Br Gibriel Jeraj) which had been circulated.
Main areas of discussion focused on:
Main areas of discussion focused on:
-
What is not the role (page 2)
-
What is involved
Br Mahmood Rehemtulla summarised the paper:
-
the EC Link to ensure a report is produced
-
responsibility on link to ensure report is produced and the Link is accountable to the EC
After discussion it was concluded that:
-
Amendments would be made and circulated to EC and to Head of Boards via email to respond within a time frame.
-
EC would respond to the amendments via email and the paper would then be approved.
7. Fundraising Policy Paper by Br Murtaza Gulamhusein
The paper had been prepared by Br Murtaza Gulamhusein and had been circulated.
After discussion it was decided that any request for collection of huqooq funds for building projects would have to go through Capital Projects paper.
The Policy Paper as it stood was adopted and passed.
After discussion it was decided that any request for collection of huqooq funds for building projects would have to go through Capital Projects paper.
The Policy Paper as it stood was adopted and passed.
Proposed by Hujjat Seconded by Wessex & Milton Keynes
8. Hilal – Update on System & Processes
Syed Mohammed Naqvi had to leave early as the meeting was running late. It was agreed that this item would be deferred to next EC meeting.
Secretary General requested and Br Abbas Rahim agreed to email the deliverable points raised from the
HAT policy document which would then be forwarded on to Syed Mohammed Naqvi for feedback.
Secretary General requested and Br Abbas Rahim agreed to email the deliverable points raised from the
HAT policy document which would then be forwarded on to Syed Mohammed Naqvi for feedback.
9. Capacity Building & Budget Allocation Process by Br Abbas Rahim
Br Abbas Rahim gave detailed account of how the paper for this process had come about. This paper had been co-written between Br Sarfraz Jeraj,
Br Abbas Rahim and Dr Akber Mohamedali. Following the EC meeting of 24 April 2010 in Wessex,
it had been identified that £5000 be set aside for Capacity Building which Jamaats could access for their training needs.
Dr Akber Mohamedali had subsequently suggested combining capacity building with the LDP.
Dr Akber Mohamedali presented the paper (included in the meeting pack) and highlighted the key action points as:
Br Abbas Rahim and Dr Akber Mohamedali. Following the EC meeting of 24 April 2010 in Wessex,
it had been identified that £5000 be set aside for Capacity Building which Jamaats could access for their training needs.
Dr Akber Mohamedali had subsequently suggested combining capacity building with the LDP.
Dr Akber Mohamedali presented the paper (included in the meeting pack) and highlighted the key action points as:
1. Appointment of a lead
2. Preparation of operational plan by the lead
3. Needs assessment of member Jamaat to be carried out
4. Assess organizational capacity building in terms of developing the institutions
5. The LDP and Capacity Building be linked up with the WF. CoEJ to put in a resolution at the upcoming WF conference in May 2011 to get this issue highlighted across the world.
6. A sum of £10,000 from CoEJ to be put into the fund that WF has for this.
There followed lengthy discussions and comments regarding the breakdown and allocation of the £10,000.
It was felt this was a worthy project that would benefit the whole community.
Secretary General pointed out that approving £10,000 would not be appropriate at this stage until more detailed plans were available with breakdowns.
This was agreeable to the Councillors.
It was felt this was a worthy project that would benefit the whole community.
Secretary General pointed out that approving £10,000 would not be appropriate at this stage until more detailed plans were available with breakdowns.
This was agreeable to the Councillors.
Dr Akber Mohamedali explained that the paper included a delivery plan. It was decided to adopt the strategic paper,
however the budget to be deferred for the time being.
however the budget to be deferred for the time being.
Proposed by: Dr Akber Mohamedali and Seconded by: Milton Keynes and Wessex
Dr Akber Mohamedali proposed nomination of Dr Sarfraz Jeraj as lead and added that he had agreed to this and
was aware of the need for preparation of an operational plan and carrying out of a needs assessment.
He added that in his notes Dr Sarfraz Jeraj had outlined plans and made list of Jamaats for needs assessment and those that would benefit from training.
He further added that Dr Sarfraz Jeraj would develop links with WF and the other regions.
was aware of the need for preparation of an operational plan and carrying out of a needs assessment.
He added that in his notes Dr Sarfraz Jeraj had outlined plans and made list of Jamaats for needs assessment and those that would benefit from training.
He further added that Dr Sarfraz Jeraj would develop links with WF and the other regions.
Nomination of Dr Sarfraz Jeraj as lead for the Capacity Building was unanimously agreed. Br Abbas Rahim as EC link.
Br Abbas Rahim to prepare the Resolution within time lines for presentation at the WF Conference in Dar es Salaam in May 2011.
It was agreed that the Resolution would be circulated to the EC for agreement/comment via email.
It was agreed that the Resolution would be circulated to the EC for agreement/comment via email.
Dr Akber Mohamedali enlightened EC regarding the LDP. He explained that MCB were considering linking up with the CoEJ LDP 4-day programme - MCB has a 9-day programme.
MCB wished to adopt CoEJ LDP programme as a core programme followed by
master classes which would enable participants get a diploma and Certificate of Institution of Leadership Management.
MCB wished to adopt CoEJ LDP programme as a core programme followed by
master classes which would enable participants get a diploma and Certificate of Institution of Leadership Management.
10. Any Other Business
a) Madressa Retreat: (This Item was brought forward before the namaaz break at 5.40 pm at Br Razahusein Rahim’s request and agreed by all.
It has been minuted here to maintain the layout of the Minutes) Br Razahusein Rahim said that he attended the Madressa retreat on behalf of CoEJ in
Dubai which was attended by over 80 participants from all over the world. CoEJ was represented by Essex, Leeds and Stanmore Jamaats.
From the issues discussed, five points of actions were taken:
It has been minuted here to maintain the layout of the Minutes) Br Razahusein Rahim said that he attended the Madressa retreat on behalf of CoEJ in
Dubai which was attended by over 80 participants from all over the world. CoEJ was represented by Essex, Leeds and Stanmore Jamaats.
From the issues discussed, five points of actions were taken:
i. A continuous assessment and evaluation programme of all Madari implemented using KPI
for each Madressa to assess their performance.
ii. Curriculum development programme to meet modern day requirements.
iii. Teacher training programme
iv. On line Resource sharing centre.
v. Restructuring of the Madari to set up a Centre of Excellence.
Br Razahusein Rahim made the EC, and especially the delegates who would be attending, aware that during the WF Conference on 27 - 29 May 2011,
a resolution would be put forward for setting up of a Centre of Excellence of Madari.
a) separate board would be set up manned by full time people to oversee Madari throughout the world.
He added that all the Regions including CoEJ are required to support this centre.
Br Razahusein Rahim added that the resolution was in the process of being prepared.
In reply to Br Mahmood Rehemtulla’s request,
Br Razahusein Rahim said that the Madressa subcommittee had been updated very shortly after his return from the Retreat.
Secretary General requested that the EC link,
Br Mahmood Rehemtulla, be kept in the loop in communications.
Br Razahusein Rahim made the EC, and especially the delegates who would be attending, aware that during the WF Conference on 27 - 29 May 2011,
a resolution would be put forward for setting up of a Centre of Excellence of Madari.
a) separate board would be set up manned by full time people to oversee Madari throughout the world.
He added that all the Regions including CoEJ are required to support this centre.
Br Razahusein Rahim added that the resolution was in the process of being prepared.
In reply to Br Mahmood Rehemtulla’s request,
Br Razahusein Rahim said that the Madressa subcommittee had been updated very shortly after his return from the Retreat.
Secretary General requested that the EC link,
Br Mahmood Rehemtulla, be kept in the loop in communications.
b) Standardising Hadiya: Secretary General referred the EC to the paper prepared by Birmingham Jamaat on standardising Alim hadiya across CoEJ member Jamaats.
As the meeting was running late, it was decided to postpone this important issue to the next meeting.
c) Secretary General added that Sis Sukaina Manji had hoped to discuss the report on Women’s Needs Assessment.
He urged Councillors to look through the report and feed back to her.
As the meeting was running late, it was decided to postpone this important issue to the next meeting.
| Action 3: Agenda item at Next Meeting – Standardising Hadiya |
c) Secretary General added that Sis Sukaina Manji had hoped to discuss the report on Women’s Needs Assessment.
He urged Councillors to look through the report and feed back to her.
d) Br Murtaza Gulamhusein commented that the forum of the meeting needed to change and suggested
teleconferencing as an alternative way forward for discussions on papers prepared.
teleconferencing as an alternative way forward for discussions on papers prepared.
e) It was felt a needs Assessment was required on coaching the EC on the time management of meetings.
f) The President congratulated Br Husseinali Rehemtulla who had been elected as President of Switzerland Jamaat and requested him to say a few words.
Br Husseinali Rehemtulla talked about the financial difficulties their Jamaat was experiencing and requested assistance from CoEJ EC.
Br Husseinali Rehemtulla was advised to prepare a breakdown of their shortfall for circulation to member Jamaats.
Br Husseinali Rehemtulla talked about the financial difficulties their Jamaat was experiencing and requested assistance from CoEJ EC.
Br Husseinali Rehemtulla was advised to prepare a breakdown of their shortfall for circulation to member Jamaats.
| Action 4: Br Husseinali to send to Secretariat a shortfall in their finances for circulation to member Jamaats |
g) Br Kamran Shah allayed his concerns regarding the problem faced by Jamaats across UK from certain groups
who were displaying negative connotations on our beliefs and practices.
Br Murtaza Gulamhusein inferred that at Hujjat Jamaat they have experienced similar problems and
discussions on a way forward were to take place at a meeting that same evening.
He suggested to Br Kamran Shah that the Watford EC meet up in the near future with the Hujjat EC to formulate a strategy.
h) Dr Akber Mohamedali gave details of the 2nd Annual Muslim Leadership Dinner of MCB to be held on 18 March 2011 – the theme this year was media –
this was an opportunity to network with 400-500 Muslims and non-Muslims.
He suggested CoEJ sponsors a table (a willing donor for £2500 has agreed to meet the full cost).
Secretariat would send out an email for interested people to forward their names and an email would be sent to EC to that effect.
Six seats available and names to be forwarded to MCB.
this was an opportunity to network with 400-500 Muslims and non-Muslims.
He suggested CoEJ sponsors a table (a willing donor for £2500 has agreed to meet the full cost).
Secretariat would send out an email for interested people to forward their names and an email would be sent to EC to that effect.
Six seats available and names to be forwarded to MCB.
i) Br Rafiq Shah gave a short overview of Watford Jamaat’s Phase 2 of their capital project and advised that £300,000 was needed to be
raised and requested Jamaats be advised of this so that funds could be collected.
Secretary General wished them well in their endeavours and added CoEJ would support them.
He requested Br Rafiq Shah to send him an email regarding their project for circulation to member Jamaats.
raised and requested Jamaats be advised of this so that funds could be collected.
Secretary General wished them well in their endeavours and added CoEJ would support them.
He requested Br Rafiq Shah to send him an email regarding their project for circulation to member Jamaats.
j) Br Abbas Rahim gave an update on the Al Mahdi project. He advised that £300,000 was remaining to be raised.
He vividly described the foundation ceremony that had taken place in January whereby each member of Wessex Jamaat had placed a foundation stone.
Br Abbas Rahim sincerely thanked all the past and present Office Bearers and Councillors of CoEJ and WF as well as all the various members for their continued support.
He requested Br Abbas Rahim to send him an email regarding their project for circulation to member Jamaats
He vividly described the foundation ceremony that had taken place in January whereby each member of Wessex Jamaat had placed a foundation stone.
Br Abbas Rahim sincerely thanked all the past and present Office Bearers and Councillors of CoEJ and WF as well as all the various members for their continued support.
He requested Br Abbas Rahim to send him an email regarding their project for circulation to member Jamaats
On behalf of the EC, Secretary General conveyed sincere appreciation to the Watford Jamaat and their diligent volunteers for their generous hospitality.
He also apologised to them for any inconvenience caused due to the late running of the meeting.
He also apologised to them for any inconvenience caused due to the late running of the meeting.
Date of next meeting
It was agreed that the next meeting would be held on Saturday, 14 May 2011 at Al Zahra Centre Watford.
The Meeting was brought to a close at 8.10pm with the recitation of a short Dua’ by Br Mahmood Rehemtulla.
The Council of European Jamaats
22 Estreham Road
London, SW16 5PQ
Telephone: +44 (0)845 330 6012
Fax: +44 (0)845 330 6014
Email: secretariat@coej.org
Registered Charity in UK No: 1096111
22 Estreham Road
London, SW16 5PQ
Telephone: +44 (0)845 330 6012
Fax: +44 (0)845 330 6014
Email: secretariat@coej.org
Registered Charity in UK No: 1096111
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