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2025-03-31-accounts

Central Oxford Mosque Society Registered Charity No. 1029645

Financial Statements for the year ended 31st March 2025

Wenn Townsend Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor 30 St Giles’ Oxford OX1 3LE

Central Oxford Mosque Society

Index to the Financial Statements

for the year ended 31st March 2025

Page
Annual Report 1 - 5
Independent Examiner's Report 6
Statement of Financial Activities 7
Balance Sheet 8
Notes to the Financial Statements 9 - 15

Central Oxford Mosque Society

Annual Report for the year ended 31st March 2025

The Trustees are pleased to present their report and the financial statements of the Central Oxford Mosque Society (“COMS”) for the year ended 31st March 2025.

The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” in preparing the annual report and financial statements of the charity.

Legal and Administrative Information

Central Oxford Mosque Society is registered with the Charity Commissioners (No. 1029645)

The Charity is administered by a Board of Trustees. The Trustees who served during the year were as follows:-

Chair Mr. S. Rana (appointed 1 January 2025) Treasurer Mr A. Jan (appointed 1 January 2025) Vice Chair Mr. N. Hussain (appointed 1 January 2025) Secretary Mr. F. Aziz (appointed 1 January 2025) Other Trustees Mr. F. Choudhary (resigned 31 December 2024) Mr. A. Ahmed (resigned 31 December 2024) Mr. M. Nawaz (resigned 31 December 2024) Mr. N. Shan Mr. M. Anwar Mr. Q. Sabir (appointed 1 January 2025) Mr. U. Rehman (appointed 1 January 2025) Mr. A. Ghulam (appointed 1 January 2025) Mr. M. A. Rana (appointed 1 January 2025) Mr. M. S. Faradoon (appointed 1 January 2025) Mr. A. Dogar (resigned 31 December 2024) Mr. W. Dogar (resigned 31 December 2024) Mr. A. Rehman (resigned 31 December 2024) Mr. A. Rana (resigned 31 December 2024) Mr. N. Rana (appointed 1 January 2025) Mr. M. Afzal (appointed 1 January 2025) Mr. M. Anwar (appointed 1 January 2025) Mr. M. Latif (appointed 1 January 2025)

New Trustees are provided with induction materials and training to support their understanding of the charity’s governance, responsibilities, and operations.

Objectives, Organisation and Activities

The charity’s objectives, as set out in its governing trust deed, are to promote Islam in accordance with the teachings of the Quran and Hadith, as practiced by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the Ehle Sunnah wal Jama’a Hanafi tradition. These teachings are further guided by the works of:

The Society promotes these teachings through regular religious gatherings, including:

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Central Oxford Mosque Society

Annual Report

for the year ended 31st March 2025 (continued)

Object, Organisation and Activities (continued)

To support these objectives, the Society ensures the availability and maintenance of appropriate venues such as Manzil Way Mosque, Bath Street Mosque, and the Community Centre. It also provides qualified Imams and teachers, educational materials in multiple languages, and digital resources.

The Society is empowered to:

Activities and Achievements

Delivering Public Benefit

The Trustees affirm their compliance with the Charities Act 2011, specifically their duty to consider the public benefit guidance issued by the Charity Commission. The charity’s operations continue to deliver substantial benefit to both worshippers and the broader Oxford community.

Religious Services and Celebrations

Governance and Policy Implementation

Under the stewardship of the newly appointed committee, a comprehensive suite of governance policies has been successfully introduced, establishing a formal operational framework where none previously existed. This foundational work has significantly enhanced accountability, transparency, and operational efficiency. Key policies implemented include:

Infrastructure and Technological Advancements

The committee has initiated a full-scale upgrade of the mosque’s infrastructure. This includes the installation of advanced CCTV and security systems, modern sound equipment, and a review of the existing solar panel system to improve sustainability and reduce energy expenditure.

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Central Oxford Mosque Society

Annual Report for the year ended 31st March 2025

Activities and achievements (continued)

Digital Outreach and Innovation

To enhance community engagement, a new mobile application has been launched, providing real-time alerts for prayer times and mosque activities. The newly developed website offers improved accessibility and user experience. Furthermore, the mobile application introduces a new revenue stream through business advertising, with all proceeds allocated to current and future charitable initiatives.

Youth Engagement and Education

In line with its commitment to fostering future leadership and community engagement, the Mosque has established a dedicated Youth Committee comprising members under the age of 21. This initiative is designed to nurture and develop young individuals through structured mentorship and training, with the objective of preparing them for future roles within the Management Committee. This forward-looking approach ensures continuity, cultivates leadership skills, and strengthens the long-term sustainability of the Mosque’s governance framework.

Community Outreach and Interfaith Work

Charitable Initiatives

Funeral Services

In a significant development, the new management team has successfully launched the Central Oxford Mosque Funeral Service, a vital initiative aimed at supporting the community during times of bereavement. Through generous community fundraising, the Mosque acquired both a hearse and a private ambulance. To date, over 36 funerals have been conducted at cost, in line with Islamic principles that prohibit profiting from death.

The service has received commendations from Public Health England, recognising COMS as the only local provider that does not charge for public health burials. Additionally, the local hospital maternity ward has approached the Mosque to support free funeral services for stillborn babies and children under the age of 16, further highlighting the compassionate outreach of the organisation.

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Central Oxford Mosque Society

Annual Report for the year ended 31st March 2025

Funeral Services (continued)

Importantly, the Mosque does not seek public grants for funeral services, ensuring that it does not place a financial burden on public resources. Instead, the service is sustained through community generosity, including a dedicated Trustee and his family who have committed to covering funeral costs for those genuinely unable to afford them.

The Mosque also provides:

Nikkah Services

Central Oxford Mosque offers a respectful and appropriate venue for Islamic marriage ceremonies (Nikah). Couples are strongly encouraged to register their marriages under English law to ensure legal recognition and protection. The Mosque provides guidance and support throughout this process.

Zakat Collection and Distribution

Zakat, a fundamental pillar of Islam, is facilitated by the Mosque through a dedicated Zakat fund. Contributions are collected and distributed exclusively to registered charities, with no administrative charges incurred by donors. The fund is managed with strict oversight to ensure transparency and avoid any conflicts of interest.

Governance Achievement

A notable milestone was achieved through the implementation of a regionally representative management structure, as agreed by previous election commissioners. This structure ensures that officers and committee members reflect the diverse regions outlined in the Mosque’s constitution. This is the first time such representation has been achieved, promoting fairness, transparency, and inclusivity within the governance framework.

Summary of Activities

Central Oxford Mosque has evolved into a vibrant and inclusive community hub, offering a wide range of services beyond its role as a place of worship. These include:

Open days welcoming people of all faiths to learn about Islam and the Mosque’s work

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Central Oxford Mosque Society

Annual Report for the year ended 31st March 2025

Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the Charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

On Behalf of the Trustees Hedin ……………………………… A Jan (Treasurer)

19 November 2025

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Central Oxford Mosque Society

Independent Examiner's Report for the year ended 31st March 2025

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31st March 2025 which are set out on pages 7 to 16.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity’s trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view’ which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Mr L J Baker FCA Wenn Townsend 30 St Giles’ Oxford OX1 3LE

19 November 2025

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Central Oxford Mosque Society

Statement of Financial Activities

For the year ended 31st March 2025

Unrestricted Designated Restricted Total Unrestricted Designated Restricted Total
Note funds funds funds 2025 funds funds funds 2024
£ £ £ £ £ £ £ £
Incoming Resources
Donation income 2 275,020 - 19,567 294,587 273,087 - 50,295 323,382
Charitable activities 3 14,818 - - 14,818 15,580 - - 15,580
Investment income – bank interest - - 1,562 1,562 - - 1,298 1,298
────── ────── ────── ────── ────── ────── ────── ──────
Total Incoming Resources 289,838 - 21,129 310,967 288,667 - 51,593 340,260
══════ ══════ ══════ ══════ ══════ ══════ ══════ ══════
Resources Expended
Charitable activities 4 266,623 64,128 21,261 352,012 286,053 90,421 30,823 407,297
────── ────── ────── ────── ────── ────── ────── ──────
Total Resources Expended 266,623 64,128 21,261 352,012 286,053 90,421 30,823 407,297
══════ ══════ ══════ ══════ ══════ ══════ ══════ ══════
Net Incoming Resources 23,215 (64,128) (132) (41,045) 2,614 (90,421) 20,770 (67,037)
Fund Transfers - - - - - 20,638 (20,638) -
Total Funds Brought Forward at 1st April 450,867 2,420,638 132 2,871,637 448,253 2,490,421 - 2,938,674
────── ────── ────── ────── ────── ────── ────── ──────
Total Funds Carried Forward at 31st March 474,082 2,356,510 - 2,830,592 450,867 2,420,638 132 2,871,637
══════ ══════ ══════ ══════ ══════ ══════ ══════ ══════

The notes on pages 9 to 15 form an integral part of these accounts

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Central Oxford Mosque Society

Balance Sheet as at 31st March 2025

Note 2025 2024
£ £ £ £
Fixed Assets
Freehold Properties 7 2,340,000 2,400,000
Equipment 7 - -
Motor Vehicles 7 16,510 20,638
─────── ───────
2,356,510 2,420,638
Current Assets
Debtors 8 - 6,621
Cash at bank and in hand 479,782 449,778
─────── ───────
479,782 456,399
Current Liabilities
Creditors: Amounts falling
due within one year 9 (5,700) (5,400) (5,400)
─────── ───────
Net Current Assets 474,082 450,999
─────── ───────
Net Assets 2,830,592 2,871,637
═══════ ═══════
Represented By:
Unrestricted Income Funds 11 474,082 450,867
Designated Funds 11 2,356,510 2,420,638
Restricted Funds 11 - 132
─────── ───────
Total Funds 2,830,592 2,871,637
═══════ ═══════

These accounts were approved at a meeting of the Trustees held on 19 November 2025.

……………………………… A Jan (Treasurer)

The notes on pages 9 to 15 form an integral part of these accounts

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Central Oxford Mosque Society

Notes to the Financial Statements

for the year ended 31st March 2025

1. Accounting Policies

(a) Basis of Preparation

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. These accounts have been prepared on an accruals basis and include income and expenditure as they are earned or incurred, rather than as cash is received or paid. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011, and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note.

The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention. The financial statements are prepared in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity and rounded to the nearest £.

The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated.

(b) Activities

The financial statements include the results of the Charity's operations as described in the Annual Report and all of which are continuing.

(c) Income recognition

(d) Expenditure recognition

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis. All expenses including support costs and governance costs are allocated or apportioned to the applicable expenditure headings.

(e) Support costs allocation

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Central Oxford Mosque Society

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) for the year ended 31st March 2025

1. Accounting Policies (continued)

(f) Fund Accounting

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The cost of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Endowment funds represent those assets which must be held permanently by the charity. Income arising on the endowment funds can be used in accordance with the objects of the charity and is included as unrestricted income. Any capital gains or losses arising on the investments form part of the fund. Investment management charges and legal advice relating to the fund are charged against the fund.

(g) Value Added Tax

(h) Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost (or deemed cost) or valuation less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Cost includes costs directly attributable to making the asset capable of operating as intended.

Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets, at rates calculated to write off the cost, less estimated residual value, of each asset on a systematic basis over its expected useful life as follows:

Freehold buildings - Straight line over 50 years Equipment - Straight line over 5 years

(i) Debtors and creditors receivable/payable within one year

Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and receivable or payable within one year are recorded at transaction price. Any losses arising from impairment are recognised in expenditure.

(j) Employee benefits

When employees have rendered service to the charity, short-term employee benefits to which the employees are entitled are recognised at the undiscounted amount expected to be paid in exchange for that service.

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Central Oxford Mosque Society

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) for the year ended 31st March 2025

1. Accounting Policies (continued)

The charity is an exempt charity within the meaning of schedule 3 of the Charities Act 2011 and is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes.

(l) Going concern

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the trustees believe that no material uncertainties exist. The trustees have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months from authorising these financial statements. They have concluded that the budgeted income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the charity to be able to continue as a going concern.

2. Donation Income

Donation Income Donation Income
Unrestricted Designated Restricted Total Total
Funds Funds Funds 2025 2024
£ £ £ £ £
Individual Donations 113,666 - - 113,666 119,776
Corporate Donations 3,436 - - 3,436 3,613
Friday Collections 97,215 - - 97,215 99,437
Zakat/Fitrana - - 19,567 19,567 24,863
Milad/Ghariywain/Ramadan 47,756 - - 47,756 46,350
Other/Funeral 12,947 - - 12,947 26,253
Gifts(revenue) - - - - 3,090
───── ───── ───── ───── ─────
275,020 - 19,567 294,587 323,382
═════ ═════ ═════ ═════ ═════

3. Income from Charitable Activities

Unrestricted Designated Restricted Total Total
Funds Funds Funds 2025 2024
£ £ £ £
Education 13,818 - - 13,818 12,320
Nika/Hadya 1,000 - - 1,000 1,100
Hospitality - - - - 2,160
───── ───── ───── ───── ─────
14,818 - - 14,818 15,580
═════ ═════ ═════ ═════ ═════

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Central Oxford Mosque Society

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

for the year ended 31st March 2025

4. Cost of Activities in furtherance of the Charity’s Objects

Unrestricted Unrestricted Designated Restricted Total Total
Funds Funds Funds 2025 2024
£ £ £ £ £
Accountancy 5,580 - - 5,580 4,950
Advertising and marketing 1,622 - - 1,622 2,224
Bank Charges 2,670 - - 2,670 2,138
Charitable grants - - 21,129 21,129 26,161
Cleaning 17,491 - - 17,491 13,290
Computer costs 458 - - 458 -
Depreciation - 64,128 - 64,128 90,421
Equipment (overhead) 1,650 - - 1,650 1,596
Funeral expenses 7,636 - 132 7,768 4,025
Motor expenses 2,151 - - 2,151 2,552
Gifts - - - - 4,450
Heat, Light and water 47,298 - - 47,298 41,530
Hospitality (overhead) 47,351 - - 47,351 49,742
Insurance 5,559 - - 5,559 5,432
Legal and professional fees 1,600 - - 1,600 10,907
Repairs and Maintenance 23,707 - - 23,707 36,834
Sundry Expenses - - - - 1,254
Telephone 2,043 - - 2,043 1,368
Wages and Salaries 99,807 - - 99,807 108,423
───── ───── ───── ───── ─────
266,623 64,128 21,261 352,012 407,297
═════ ═════ ═════ ═════ ═════
5. Governance Costs
Unrestricted Designated Restricted Total Total
Funds Funds Funds 2025 2024
£ £ £ £ £
Independent Examiner’s fees 5,580 - - 5,580 4,950
───── ───── ───── ───── ─────
5,580 - - 5,580 4,950
═════ ═════ ═════ ═════ ═════

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Central Oxford Mosque Society

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

for the year ended 31st March 2025

6. Trustees’ Remuneration and Expenses and Key Management Personnel

The average number of employees during the year was 2 (2024: 2) with all employee time involved in providing either support to the governance of the charity or support services to charitable activities.

The Charity considers its key management personnel comprise the Board of Trustees (who give up their time freely).

No employees had employee benefits in excess of £60,000 in the current or prior year.

7. Fixed assets

7. Fixed assets
Land and Motor
buildings Equipment vehicles Total
£ £ £ £
Cost
At 1st April 2024 3,000,000 163,466 20,638 3,184,104
─────── ─────── ─────── ───────
At 31st March 2025 3,000,000 163,466 20,638 3,184,104
═══════ ═══════ ═══════ ═══════
Depreciation
At 1st April 2024 600,000 163,466 - 763,466
Charge for the year 60,000 - 4,128 64,128
─────── ─────── ─────── ───────
At 31st March 2025 660,000 163,466 4,128 827,594
═══════ ═══════ ═══════ ═══════
Carrying amount
At 31st March 2025 2,340,000 - 16,510 2,356,510
═══════ ═══════ ═══════ ═══════
At 31st March 2024 2,400,000 - 20,638 2,420,638
═══════ ═══════ ═══════ ═══════
8. Debtors
2025 2024
£ £
Prepayments and accrued income - 6,621
───── ─────
- 6,621
═════ ═════
9. Liabilities: amounts falling due within one year
2025 2024
£ £
Accruals 5,700 5,400
───── ─────
5,700 5,400
═════ ═════

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Central Oxford Mosque Society

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

for the year ended 31st March 2025

10. Statement of funds

2025 Opening Closing
Balance Income Expenditure Transfers Balance
£ £ £ £ £
Unrestricted Funds
General Fund 450,867 289,838 (266,623) - 474,082
Designated Funds
Fixed Assets Fund 2,420,638 - (64,128) - 2,356,510
Restricted Funds
Special Collections - 21,129 (21,129) - -
Funerals Fund 132 - (132) - -
─────── ─────── ─────── ─────── ───────
2,871,637 310,967 (352,012) - 2,830,592
═══════ ═══════ ═══════ ═══════ ═══════
2024 Opening Closing
Balance Income Expenditure Transfers Balance
£ £ £ £ £
Unrestricted Funds
General Fund 448,253 288,667 (286,053) - 450,867
Designated Funds
Fixed Assets Fund 2,490,421 - (90,421) 20,638 2,420,638
Restricted Funds
Special Collections - 26,161 (26,161) - -
Funerals Fund - 25,432 (4,662) (20,638) 132
─────── ─────── ─────── ─────── ───────
2,938,674 340,260 (407,297) - 2,871,637
═══════ ═══════ ═══════ ═══════ ═══════

Unrestricted funds – those funds which the Trustees are free to use in accordance with the objects of the Charity.

Designated property fund – this is the value of the property as identified at the date of transition to FRS 102 (1st April 2014) less depreciation charged to date on a straight line basis.

Restricted funds – these are funds given for a specific purpose as defined by the donor.

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Central Oxford Mosque Society

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

for the year ended 31st March 2025

11. Summary of Net Assets by Funds

Unrestricted Designated Restricted
Funds Funds Funds Total
£ £ £ £
2025
Fixed assets - 2,416,510 - 2,416,510
Net current assets 474,082 - - 474,082
─────── ─────── ─────── ───────
474,082 2,416,510 - 2,890,592
═══════ ═══════ ═══════ ═══════
Unrestricted Designated Restricted
Funds Funds Funds Total
£ £ £ £
2024
Fixed assets - 2,420,638 - 2,420,638
Net current assets 450,867 - 132 450,999
─────── ─────── ─────── ───────
450,867 2,420,638 132 2,871,637
═══════ ═══════ ═══════ ═══════

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