TERM 1985-1988
Contents
Huaze Ilmiya-Birmingham to Stanmore
The Hauza had opened its gates on the 13th of Rajab 1405 in Birmingham with three students. Birmingham Jamaat offered the best cooperation in organizing the opening ceremony at the Imambada where the turnout of the invited guest, Ulema and local Momineen was heartening. In all 4 students had enrolled.
After that the London Jamaat wrote that it would be pleased to make available an appreciable part of the property (in Stanmore) for use if the World Federation agrees to take care of the Hauza.
Mulla Asgar (Asghar Ali M.M Jaffer) highlighted the salient points of the offer from London Jamaat, the need for a Hauza, the setup and running of the Hauza.
The Council approved the proposal and requested the Office bearers to form a suitable Committee to finalize arrangements with the London Jamaat.
As an extension of the Hauza, an intensive Dini Course at Stanmore, London with eight overseas students commenced on 26th. June 1985. Seven students are from Zahra Trust, USA, and one from Holland. This is an in-house course.
As per report submitted to Executive Council meeting on 15th. Dec 1985, the Hauza had now been moved to Stanmore from Birmingham. The total expense of the Hauza of Pound Sterling 2000 per month is funded by small donation from the Jamaats and mainly from Sehme Imam.
A sum of Pound Sterling 5000 was donated by one individual and Haji Mustafa Gokal sponsored one student for one year at the cost of Pound Sterling 2500.
Currently there are 5 students and eight new applicants who could not be enrolled as it was not possible to accommodate them.
Syed Jalal Faqih Imani (Ayatollah Syed El Khui Wakil & son-in-law) had visited the Hauza and a message from Agha to further develop the Hauza.
Islamic Education Board (I.E.B.)
At the Executive Council meeting held on 8th. July 1984 at Birmingham, the Chairman of the I.E.B reported as follows:
- Hajj Booklet completed and distributed
- Salaat book was in the final stages of preparation
- Shia Academy was holding classes in 3 parts of London
- The Basic correspondence course on Islam has been temporarily suspended
- Video Cassette on Salaat was in the final stages of preparation
- The Council has a preview of the matter completed so far.
The Council recommended that as the I.E.B had done little in terms of coordination of Madrassas apart from issuing syllabus, a special effort to be put in to activate I.E.B. Sub Committees as per its original terms of reference and assist the running and formation of Madrassas under Jamaats.
Further at the Executive Council meeting held on 15th. Dec 1985 at Stanmore, Mulla Asgar (Asghar Ali M.M Jaffer) briefed the Council on the activities of the I.E.B.
1. The following five members have been nominated to serve on I.E.B:
- Dr. Hasnain Walji
- Mr. Mohsin Haji Ali
- Yusuf Sabur
- Abdulhusein Akbar
- Mahmood Hooda
2. A publication to cater for the report on the activities of Madrassa all over the world, named AL MADRASSAH had been initiated and the first issue had already been circulated.
3. Video Cassette on Salaat is ready for circulation. The current priority of the I.E.B would be Suitable Textbooks for Madrassa, Teachers Training Seminars and Workshops.
4. Copies of the Bilal Trust talk show on Radio Tanzania would be circulated as soon as received by I.E.B.
5. Mr. Mahmood Hooda informed about a Youth Seminar to be held at Peterborough over the Christmas Holidays and the Jamaats should send Youths to this Seminar.
It was also recommended that in future, if possible, all Seminars should be held with the coordination of I.E.B to give wider coverage.
Tahrike Tarsile Quran (T.T.Q)
This Organisation is currently involved in distributing the Holy Quran and other books on a worldwide basis. Brother Aunali Khalfan, the Organizer and Founder of T.T.Q briefed the Council on its activities.
The Council felt that while it could not recommend any financial commitment at this stage, the World Federation ought to assist the Tahrike Tarsile by buying and distributing the Books.
Youth Group
On the directive of the Executive Council, the Secretary General contacted the respective Jamaats with a view to form an active Youth Group for U.K. Written proposals to form such a body had been presented at a Sports gathering in Peterborough to all the participants. The London Jamaat had agreed to convene a meeting to form this Youth Body.
Aalim Grant - Sub Committee
Application for Aalim grants were received from various Jamaats and more were anticipated.
Apart from the normal requirement of the Jamaat to submit their accounts so as to justify the need, the Secretary required further guidance on certain delicate issued while considering the application.
There had been instance where the Jamaat financial conditions entitle them for grant, but the Aalim may not be entitled for several reasons. It was becoming increasingly difficult to convey such information without hurting the feelings of the Aalim concerned.
The Executive Council resolved that a subcommittee be formed to look into the ways and means of solving the problems of Grants and Recruitment.
The following were nominated to serve on the subcommittee:
1. Yusuf Sabur - Leicester 2. Mohsin G Ladak - Leeds 3. Kassamali Somani - Birmingham 4. Rafiq Hussein Shah - Watford 5. Mohsin Kassam - Essex
Gujarat Federation
A brief report on the state of affairs on Gujarat Federation was presented by Mulla Asghar.
Relief of poverty activities had been suspended and hence there were uproar from the recipients of aid, especially in Kutch. The faith of 1000 students under the Zainabiya Scholarship Scheme is unclear and the scheme is being operated by volunteers pending further development. The Madrassa are being operated by Masoomeen Trust. All other activities are suspended.
The Council expressed great concern and it was decided that in the short term Masoomeen Trust and services of volunteers like Dr Kapasi and his colleague be sought to administer on-going Projects. As part of long time planning, WF will have to establish its own agencies to implement the Projects.
