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Minutes of The Council of European Jamaats AGM held on 2nd July 2006 at KSIMC of |
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(1)Tilawate Quran by Mulla Roshan Versi.
The President of the host jamaat, Br Shabbirbhai Rehmtulla welcomed all the delegates
and offered his unconditional support to CoEJ and hoped that there would not be any
shortcomings in his hospitality.
Apologies: Wessex, Essex, Kassimbhai Manji, Shabbarbhai Dhalla, Dr Akber Mohammedali.
(2)Minutes of 6th Feb 2005 AGM (re-presented).
Page 8 - Ashiqbhai Rashid seconded the resolution.
Page 11 - List of Attendees - date should be February 2005 and not 2006 as printed.
No 32 of attendees should read M R Hemraj and nor M R Hirji.
Matters Arising
Page 4 -“Non charitable trading activities net income” to be reworded – suggestion by
Shabbirbhai Mamdani. The incoming treasurer to look into it.
Page 8 - Subscription issue was discussed, some Jamaats felt that the increment was not
equitable and that there was disparity between Jamaats. Chair assured that most of the
Jamaats were paying the revised subscription. However this could be further discussed as a
separate issue or under AOB.
(3) Minutes of 5th November Bi-Annual Meeting
Proposed by: Shabbirbhai Meral
Seconded by: Anverbhai Dhanji
Matters Arising from the Minutes.
Capital Projects – not yet approved by CoEJ, conflicting information whether approved by WF or
not.
Meningitis – Hujjaj should be able to get them at their own Centres, HIB to look into the
possibility.
Indemnity Grant – quotations are too high, and require further research.
Faith Funding –Majority of the member jamaats applied for FCCBF and 2 were successful -
Hyderi and Essex.
Item from Feb 05 Meeting – Hajj representative (Br. Nazir Virji) late in arrival – disputed the
wording - Chair and the other delegates were perplexed that as EHM comes under the banner
of CoEJ so why question the wording? – However after further discussion it was agreed to
change the wording in the minutes to – “European Hajj Mission of The Council of European
Jamaats contributed one mawlana and one doctor.”
MAMT – Proposed Venue - Hujjat. The anticipated cost of £14,000.00 has now been raised to
£35,000.00 because it will be an international event over a period of three days
Education – Sweden Camp – subsidy has been decreasing - by cutting costs and increasing the prices- historically the subsidy has been decreasing gradually.
Hilal Committee – to date CoEJ has not been able to put together a committee.
(4) President’s Report
- The President thanked Birmingham Jamaat for facilitating the meeting
- He expressed that the relationship and communication both with CoEJ Boards and WF
have been enhanced.
- He thanked Hujjat, Birmingham, Hyderi, Leicester, Peterborough, Wessex, Watford, Paris
South and Milton Keynes for having given CoEJ an opportunity to address their members
and enlighten the public of the work carried out by the Boards of CoEJ
- He raised the concern that, unlike the position of the President which is restricted to two
terms, the same does not apply to the Boards and other sections of CoEJ. A rethink is
required.
- The relationship with external non-Muslim, non-Khoja organisation has been enhanced by
attending various meetings and functions.
- The relation with MCB has also improved but due to lack of numbers we are not in a
position to influence on all the issues. Worked in conjunction with MCB on Minab.
- The President has attended numerous preliminary meetings of The Shia Council.
- He mentioned the idea of holding a Vision Day – a continuation of the consultation
exercise.
Observations
Saghirbhai – inquired about the progress of CoEJ towards federating
– Funds are being channelled via secretariat, Boards can concentrate more on delivery
as secretariat is handling the admin, providing comfort zone to various stakeholders.
– Saghirbhai suggested taking over programmes from WF on a phased basis.
Nazirbhai – wanted to know if jamaats are using secretariat
– Each jamaat has its own secretariat; however CoEJ’s services are available to all.
Kakaji – MCB is a good idea and also helps HIB
Shabbirbhai Mamdani- WF should give an undertaking that all European funds to be channelled
through CoEJ- Currently not possible to get that undertaking as individual jamaats are still
members of WF but CoEJ is not. However, all the programmes are available to CoEJ but lacking in capacity, members need to work together.
Issue about formalisation of an agreement with WF to be raised at the next opportune time.
Jabirbhai Bhojani- expressed concern that the word Islamic has been left out from our
vocabulary – for example it should read as “Shia Islamic Council” and not just “Shia Council”. It
is a generic name.
Shabbirbhai Lakha- Minab – an organisation formed to monitor the running of the mosques
– created by the Muslim representatives themselves in an advisory capacity and not formed by
the Home Office. It is just one of the vehicles formed post 9/11.
MEETING ADJOURNED AT 1.15 FOR SALAH AND RECOMMENCED AT 2.30
Husseinbhai Jiwa – was concerned that nobody at Dar al Tabligh and at other meetings
mentioned about the Minab’s origin.
Anverbhai Dhanji – expressed that Vision Day would be another talk shop; His suggestion was to concentrate on the strategic report already formed.
Africa Federation – Amirbahi Merali enlightened the delegates regarding ZAKMEF (Zulfikar Ali
Khimji Memorial Education Fund)
New Member Application – Imam Ali (as) Centre – Nuneaton (discussed now as Syed
Jaffer had to leave early)
Husseinbhai introduced Syed Jaffer and gave a background report on the Centre during his visit together with the President. Syed addressed the delegates and gave a report on its
membership and lack of response from its members due to its size and location. Members
preferred visiting bigger centres but this is not suitable to others. Need to revive and seeking
help from CoEJ. President pointed out;
– The centre must be registered with the Charities Commission,
– Form a constitution,
– Call a general meeting,
– Hold elections
– Run the organisation for about a year
Then the membership application can be looked into. In the mean time whatever assistance required will be given and they can take part in all our programmes. Saghirbhai also offered any assistance required in the formation stage. Delegates concurred that CoEJ should help the centre in the spirit of Islamic community.
(5) SECRETARY GENERAL’S REPORT
Over and above the written report Murtazabhai supplemented with a verbal report.
i) Sec Gen was concerned about clause 2.1 and new membership applications
coming in.
ii) Sec Gen has requested repeatedly for Jamaat to advertise their programmes on CoEJ website – but to date response has been poor.
iii) WF is ready to pass over the delivery phase but CoEJ does not have the capacity yet. One of the solutions could be to allow the incoming president to appoint new Heads – in that way accountable delivery is possible.
iv) CoEJ feels that the Secretariat is ready, however the member Jamaats need to decide when to activate the WF membership – as without their support the progress
towards federation is limited.
Observations
Abdulbhai suggested that the Secretary General should have meetings with the jamaat
secretaries.
– have some sort of a dialogue with the sub-committees
Amirbhai – think in terms of introducing assoc. membership
Shabbirbhai Mamdani- Stanmore is being ignored by WF even though it is a member of WF –
and that all enquiries are being directed to CoEJ when CoEJ is not a member of WF
Ashiqbhai- wondered if jamaats are aware of deadline of 2008/9
– Voting power etc. Jamaats should in turn enlighten their members.
– Majority of jamaats have given their approval regarding federating. It is better to
federate at our terms rather than under unfavourable conditions past 2008/9.
Nazirbhai Virji- All jamaats have approved the proposal of federating except Hujjat, Hyderi and
Leeds.
Anverbhai Dhanji- accountability is through one EC member responsible for one sub-committee.
(6) TREASURER’S REPORT
Sec Gen requested a letter of thanks to be sent to the outgoing treasurer, Jamilbhai Bandali
Shabbirbhai Mamdani – pointed out that the accounts are not signed off
– Shabbirbhai Bhalloo (accountant) was out of town and not due before the meeting.
– was assured that the figures will not change and the accounts will be distributed soon.
Saghirbhai- was assured that only 2 bank accounts are being operated.
Shabbirbhai Lakha- inquired if the EC was satisfied with the accounts
– Secretariat was handling the accounts so they were satisfied.
Proposed by: Sultanbhai Rajani Leicester
Seconded by: Ashiqbhai Rashid Birmingham
(9) ELECTION OF HON TREASURER
Mohsinbhai Jaganathan elected unanimously.
Proposed by: Hujjat
Seconded by: Birmingham
(7) SUB COMMITTEE’S REPORT
Before the commencement of the reports a concern was raised that the reports should
concentrate on future projects and not purely read out the written report. This was part of a
resolution passed in a previous meeting.
The Chair expressed that the Board heads only get to speak in general meetings and it is vital
that delegates are availed of the selfless work carried by them.
Khawateen – Saeedabai Jiwa
Over and above the written report Seydabai briefed on;
– Girls Camp 11-16 in Wales - self development and at the same time as MAMT to
encourage greater participation.
– Women’s Awareness day at Milton Keynes
Education – Ashiqbhai Rashid
Had received a very poor response from jamaats to nominate one representative to partake with
Education’s various programmes.
– Sweden Camp preparations ongoing – more members requested to attend and the
positive implications
– Madressa Salah Assessments supplied to all madaris
– CRB finalised and on a trial basis at the Sweden Camp and Wessex jamaat
Health Improvement Board - Kakaji
– A very poor response from the jamaats vis a vis HIB activities
– First Aid programme in pipeline and the intention is to roll out to all jamaats
– Developments are taking place to offer Hujjaj vaccination at their own centres
– Health screening coming up at Watford in September 2006
Disability Report – Raihanabai Hirji
First meeting with the public scheduled for 6th August 2006. Response has been overwhelming.
The up coming report will be used as a mandate to bring forward changes which concerns all
the jamaats. An action plan has been set up and implementation to take effect immediately.
Jamaats have been asked to nominate a representative to attend the meeting and deliver to
their respective jamaats.
Youth Network Desk
Apologies
Raihanabai will answer any queries.
Islamic Cultural Affairs – Razahusseinbhai Rahim
– Delay from the jamaats in submitting Zakir availability forms– requested to do so in
order to avoid last minute panic
– Alim job specification forms have been published, available on website.
– The ‘Islam leaflet’ not being utilised as much as it should specially for open days and
interfaith meetings- Greater encouraging response from outside Europe
– Khums calculator -work in progress – technical difficulties
Seniors Network Desk Mulla Roshan Versi
– In the process of preparing directory.
– Organising ziyarat trips.
– Proposing to send a birthday card to Queen’s 80th and thereby introducing SND
– Organising for each chapter to visit sick people in company of an aalim, if possible.
– Seniors to donate blood.
Seniors Advisory Board – Ramzanbhai Dhanji
– Hope and Save Appeal – Bibi Fatema(as) SAB / CoEJ from 29th June 2006 to 16th July
2006
– US$ 100,000. – Anti poverty fund to help out Seniors of the world
– £14000.00 raised from last appeal from Europe
European Hajj Mission – Nazirbhai Virji
– No written report as it is always the same routine programme.
– A very large group of 200 hujjaj - much more difficult to coordinate and provide service.
However, well prepared and organised. Departing 15/16 December and returning
around 14th January 07
Suggestions from Africa Federation;
– Maybe Khawateen to hold summer camp in Africa
– Have on-line tuition service from Africa
– Youths should visit Africa and experience and interact with local youths
– Seniors to make use of Maulana Shahnawaz while he is England for Sweden Camp
(10) Working Paper - Data Protection Act (information only)
Some of the queries / comments raised by delegates:
– Requires unified policy for DPA
– Are charities exempted or not
– Maybe not viable for all jamaats
– - to look into CoEJ handling data collection
– Simplify the process
– Charity number incorrect – extra 1
– Chair explained that the paper was for information purposed only as Shabbarbhai Dhalla – who was heading the preparation of the report was not able to attend. Any other observations to be raised at the next available opportunity.
CRB
– CoEJ is registered as an umbrella body
– Sweden Camp and Wessex jamaat are experimenting.
Media Spokesperson
– Razahusseinbhai Rahim and Nazirbhai Virji emphasised on the urgency of having a
media spokesperson - can be on a part time basis
– Saeedabai expressed – Child Protection policies essential – madressas also to be
provided with this service.
– Links with Education for Youths
(8) CONSTITUTION CHANGES
Secretary General gave background information about the necessity for proposing these
changes – they were minor in nature and required to make the workings of the EC more
efficient and responsive.
Anverbhai Dhanji was concerned that as per the constitution there has not been enough notice
periods given for these changes.
Shabbirbhai Merali accepted the idea for the changes but did not wish to set up a precedent in
getting these approved without the necessary notice period.
A lengthy discussion ensued where it was felt that Shabbirbhai Lakha should have been
consulted together with Shabbarbhai Dhalla- who was acting as a legal advisor.
Abdulbhai Hirji, Jabbirbhai Bhojani and others felt that due to the minor nature of the changes
these should get approved.
Shabbirbhai Lakha cautioned the delegates that these changes have to comply with the
constitution otherwise they are in breach.
Also 6.1 was one of the clauses that Charities Commission was insisting on maintaining it.
On the positive note Shabbibhai appreciated that the constitution requires updating in light of
2008/9 but all the changes should be proposed together, having obtained prior clearance from
the Charities Commission and then present them to the delegates.
In order to comply with the constitution the Secretary General decided to withdraw the proposed.
changes and represent them at the next meeting with the proviso that they would be treated as
due notice given with today’s date.
Proposed by; Abdulbhai Hirji
Seconded by; Fidhabhai Asaria
Comments by Africa Federation – Amirbhai Merali
– ZAKMEF- Africa Federation’s regional education fund- Amiralibhai Merali gave background
information about the fund and its need to continue supporting education overseas. Total
amount to be raised is $5,000,000 with anticipated income of $500,000 per annum. He urged all
the European Jamaats to support this project and donate generously. Africa Federation will
raise $2,000,000 and the balance to be from the rest of the world.
– The word ‘Hire of Halls’ may not be appropriate as all mosques and centres are built with
Sehme Imam Portion. Maybe change of word can avoid the problem.
– To organise a mass marriage in summer to avoid trying to attend all and missing few –
especially for those flying in from overseas.
– To look at exploiting commercial opportunities in Africa for European investors searching for
business opportunities
– One of the ways to raise funds in future is look at the total asset value of residential
properties of members and finding creative ways to raise funds from it.
(12) ANY OTHER BUSINESS
1. Peterborough Office – Almost entirely used by Peterborough Jamaat even though rent
has been paid by CoEJ up to July 2006. The agreement was to have the option of
renewing for another five years. Abdulbhai Hirji to investigate.
2. Shabbirbhai expressed his thanks on behalf of Hujjat to the secretariat for sending out
all the information on AGM. Response by various jamaats had been different with
regard to the membership information requested by WF.
If the jamaats had not asked their membership prior to releasing the information then
maybe they are in breach of DPA.
Hujjat had declined to divulge any data but had agreed to pass any information on to
the membership.
3. Hemrajbhai had requested to European members who wish to do niyabat to do so
through EHM and not with overseas aalims.
4. Jabirbhai Bhojani urged all jamaats to register their madressas, seniors or any other
bodies as members of MCB and also CoEJ Boards to register. The ultimate aim is to
increase the voting power and make an impression to the outside world.
He also emphasised the urgency to have a media representative to speak from a Shia
prospective, be a rebuttal spokesperson, correct and point out misinformation and
other pertinent timely
Interventions. Training should be offered to a group of about 20 at a time. There was
almost unanimous response to the creation of a position of a media person.
5. Sultanbhai was requesting Hujjat to offer accommodation during the
MAMT tournament.
Husseinbhai Jiwa mentioned that other jamaats were also looking for accommodation at Hujjat
Kassimbhai had agreed that if cleaning can be undertaken by the
jamaat members, then he would be willing to offer the accomodation.
6. Sec Gen was questioning the usefulness of this meeting and whether anything had
been achieved. He also believed that the 6 monthly meetings are too close and there is
not that much to discuss.
7. Halal meat and poultry available in the shops was questionable as proper religious
procedures were not followed up. Businesses to look into investing into a slaughter
house to avoid all the problems.
8. President
a) Raised concerns on the lack of jamaat response to the various Boards – by
participating these boards can meet the needs and aspirations of jamaats
b) Expressed his vote of thanks to Shabbirbhai and his jamaat for hosting the meeting
and for the excellent service.
9. Shabbirbhai had offered to hold the next general meeting at Hujjat
10. Between July and February 07 time is too short to hold a 6 monthly meeting as well as
an annual meeting. After a lot of discussion it was agreed to skip the 6 monthly meeting
and hold the annual meeting in February 07.
11. Mulla Roshanbhai Versi ended the meeting with the recitation of Quran and hajjat.
Secretariat.
Minutes Proposed By: --------------------------------------------------
Minutes Seconded By: --------------------------------------------------- |
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