Easton Islami Darasgah Castle Green Building Greenbank Road Bristol BS5 6HE Islam: The complete code of life.
EASTON ISLAMI DARASGAH (BRISTOL)
Charity number 1040850
Report and Financial Statements Year ending 28 February 2025
Content
CONTENT .............................................................................................................................................. 2 REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION ............................................................ 3 BOARD OF TRUSTEES ............................................................................................................................ 3 BANKERS .............................................................................................................................................. 3 STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT .................................................................. 4 GOVERNING DOCUMENT ....................................................................................................................... 4 ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE ............................................................................................................. 4 APPOINTMENT OF TRUSTEES ................................................................................................................. 4 RISK MANAGEMENT .............................................................................................................................. 4 OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES ....................................................................................................... 5 OUR AIMS ............................................................................................................................................. 5 OUR OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................................................... 5 STRATEGIES .......................................................................................................................................... 5 USE OF VOLUNTEERS ............................................................................................................................ 6 ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS ............................................................................................... 7 HOW OUR ACTIVITIES DELIVER PUBLIC BENEFIT ................................................................................... 7 RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES .......................................................................................................................... 7 COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES ....................................................................................................................... 8 PARTNERSHIP WORKING........................................................................................................................ 9 FINANCIAL REVIEW ........................................................................................................................ 10 RESERVES POLICY ............................................................................................................................... 10 PRINCIPAL FUNDING SOURCES ............................................................................................................ 10 INVESTMENT POLICY AND OBJECTIVES ............................................................................................... 10 2024/25 REVIEW ................................................................................................................................. 11 THE YEAR IN PERSPECTIVE ................................................................................................................. 11 STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES ................................................................... 12
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The trustees present their annual report and independently examined financial statements for the year ended 28 February 2025 and confirm that they comply with the Charities Act 2011 and the charity’s constitution.
Reference and Administrative Information
Charity Name Easton Islami Darasgah (Bristol)
Charity Registration Number 1040850 Principal Office Castle Green Building Greenbank Road Bristol BS5 6HE
Board of Trustees
Imtiaz Ahmed (Chairman) Habib Rahman (Secretary) Syed Riazullah Hussaini (Joint Treasurer) Mohammed Abbas Khan (Joint Treasurer) Rizwan Tariq Zahid Nadeem Abdul Samad Tariq Hateem Mukarram Muhammad Bashir Mohammed Khaliq Sharif Tahir Iqbal Nadeem Mohammed Mohammed Tariq
Bankers
Lloyds Bank Fishponds Branch, Bristol 697 Fishponds Road, Bristol BS16 3UJ
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Structure, governance and management
Governing document
Easton Islami Darasgah (Bristol) is registered with the Charity Commission under charity number 1040850. The governing instrument is the Charity’s Constitution last updated in June 2005.
Organisational structure
The charity trustees are responsible for the general control and management of the charity. The trustees give their time freely and receive no remuneration or other financial benefits.
The trustees meet together as a body monthly and as and when necessary and are responsible for all decisions taken in relation to running facilities and the activities provided by the charity. The day-to-day management of facilities and projects are delegated to staff and volunteers where appropriate.
Appointment of trustees
The charity trustees are appointed at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) every two years through an election process by the members of Easton Islami Darasgah.
In selecting new trustees, members seek to identify people who regularly attend programmes, events and functions organised by the charity, who are known to the members, who fully support the constitution, and who are willing to volunteer themselves practically to help in the management and running of the charity. New trustees are guided as to their role and responsibilities by more longstanding trustees. The trustees receive regular communications by email from the Charity Commission which enables the trustees to keep abreast of developments issued by the Charity Commission.
Risk management
The trustees regularly assess the risks the charity faces and are satisfied that systems are in place, or arrangements are in hand, to manage the risks that have been identified. In particular, insurance cover is in place and the finances of the organisation are kept under review. Appropriate Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks, supported by regularly reviewed policies, are made for all those who work with children or other vulnerable groups within the charity. Health & Safety policies are regularly reviewed to ensure absence of risk to health and safety of employees and others ‘so far as is reasonably practicable’. This year, the Trustees continued to consider the high cost of living, personnel costs and inflation on the charity’s finances. These systems and/or arrangements are periodically reviewed to ensure that they still meet the needs of the charity.
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Objectives and activities
Our aims
The objects of the charity are set out in the charity's constitution and are summarised as follows:
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To promote Islam in accordance with the Holy Quran and Sunnah for the benefit of the public, in particular, through spiritual teaching and by conducting regular congregational prayers and ceremonies.
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To promote Islamic education amongst both Children and Adults through holding regular classes and organising events and functions from time to time.
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To relieve those Muslims who are in need.
Our objectives
Our objectives are set to reflect our faith and community aims. Each year our trustees review our objectives and activities to ensure they continue to reflect our aims. In carrying out this review the trustees have considered the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit and in particular, its supplementary public guidance on the advancement of religion for the public benefit.
Our dual aims remain to provide a facility where Muslims can worship and to provide a community facility for the inhabitants of Bristol. Our long-term ambition is to build the self-confidence of Bristol's Muslims in their faith, and through our facilities and activities, help make our area a peaceful, vibrant and harmonious community.
Strategies
We want to make our organisation an accessible and welcoming venue where all Muslims, or those who wish to know more about our faith can gather together to learn about their religion and worship. Easton Islami Darasgah is open at all times with daily prayers, the Friday prayers being a focus of our activities.
The charity aims to promote the Islamic faith by continuing to provide facilities for teaching both children and adults and through the holding of regular events for Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
Our two main strategies this year has been to ensure we continue to meet the challenge of the high cost of living, personnel costs and inflation with minimal impact to our finances and services and to move forward with our vision; a strong Madrassah (Education) system, improving women/youth facilities/events and becoming a community hub.
We have devised strategies to keep a close eye on our finances due to the very high cost of living increases, personnel costs and inflation in all areas. To this end, we have devised a number of strategies to increase fund raising and reduce costs.
On moving forward with our vision, we are pleased to say we are actively collaborating alongside the Imam and the events sub-committee team in meeting our objectives.
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An important part of our strategy is community welfare and education. All our community facilities and activities including classes, health initiatives and seminars are advertised, and we welcome the participation of all in our local community, Muslim and non-Muslim alike. Most of our activities are free and supported by donations or grant funding. Where a charge is made, concessions are made for students, people on means-tested benefits and pensioners.
Funds are raised to meet the charity’s objectives by voluntary collections at the Mosque and on-line and from yearly donations from our members. The Madrassah classes (after school Islamic classes) are funded by contributions from the students’ parents/guardians. Gift Aid claims are submitted from time to time to claim back tax from our eligible donors.
Use of volunteers
Volunteers are an important resource in both our faith and community work. Volunteers are involved in most of our faith and community activities, and we have over 5 people regularly giving their time. All our trustees also give of their time freely. We encourage all members of our organisation to be involved in voluntary activities and to share their skills with others. All those volunteers working with projects involving children or other vulnerable groups are DBS checked.
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Activities and achievements
How our activities deliver public benefit
The charity carries out a wide range of activities in pursuance of its charitable aims. The trustees consider that these activities, summarised below, provide benefit both to those who worship at Easton Islami Darasgah and the wider community of Bristol.
Religious activities
Easton Islami Darasgah provides a centre for our prayers and worship and for the activities associated with our faith. During this year under review, we continued to offer a range of religious services and activities including:
Prayers: Easton Islami Darasgah is open for the 5 times daily and Friday prayers. During the week we have over 30 people who regularly attend daily prayers and over 300 who regularly attend Friday prayers.
Daily after school classes: Easton Islami Darasgah provides after school classes for children to be schooled in Islamic Education including reading the Muslim holy book The Holy Qur’aan. Students are taught the Islamic way of life so they can be model citizens. The classes are run by the Principal alongside 6 teachers. Approximately 100 children attended after school classes.
Hifz classes: Memorisation of the Holy Qur’aan is considered an important element of religious education and training. Easton Islami Darasgah continued to provide this facility for the committed students who wish to memorise the Holy Qur’aan.
Islamic lectures: Islamic lectures are held on a daily and weekly basis to promote Islamic knowledge and awareness. Muslims are encouraged to attend these events. Special lectures are also organised throughout the year for the benefit of all people in the community. This year lectures/events took place relating to Ramadhan preparation, Ramadhan arts & crafts for children, Ramadhan health advice, Ramadhan talks, Zakah workshops, Hajj workshops, Taharah and Salaat workshops amongst other events.
Festivals: The 2 Eid festivals are our focal points of the year and facilities are provided for the Muslims of Bristol to celebrate Eid in an Islamic manner. This year, Easton Islami Darasgah was pleased to facilitate the 2 EID festivals.
Funeral facilities: The Mosque alongside it’s partners provides a complete funeral service in line with the teachings of Islam. We relieve the deceased's bereaved relatives of the burden of organising burials. We also hold special classes to teach people how to proceed with Islamic burial procedures. Our funeral facilities and service have been widely used by people from as far afield as London and Cornwall and has been very much appreciated.
Nikkah (Islamic marriage) The Mosque provides Muslim couples with an appropriate location for their Nikkah (Islamic marriage).
Inter-faith dialogue: Easton Islami Darasgah is an active member of the Multi-Faith Forum for the Bristol area. We use this platform to promote inter-faith dialogue and social cohesion.
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Charitable giving: The alleviation of poverty and suffering lies at the heart of Islam and therefore charitable giving is greatly encouraged. Easton Islami Darasgah provides a venue from time to time, for registered charities to appeal to the congregation to give to worthwhile causes.
Community activities
Easton Islami Darasgah both facilitates and participates in a number of community activities and initiatives to help make our area a peaceful, vibrant and harmonious community. This year’s activities included:
School and Educational visits: We welcome visits from mainstream schools and other educational or faith based organisations. It enables the wider community to find out more about the workings of a mosque and the Islamic faith for projects and studies. The visit consists of an introductory lecture, a tour of the building and a Q&A session.
Council of Bristol Mosques: We are founding members of The Council of Bristol Mosques formed to give the Mosques in Bristol a stronger and united voice within the community at large. The Council of Mosques has continued to work with key stakeholders including NHS, Police, Bristol City Council, Government agencies and is considered a key Muslim stakeholder in Bristol.
Barakah Tots: We host a weekly mother and toddler playgroup at our premises to cater for mothers and their small children to meet up socially on a weekly basis. This is proving very popular.
Women/Girl’s classes: We also host regular classes and activities for women, covering a wide range of needs and interests, including a monthly Girls’ Youth Club, health-related sessions, and educational classes, all aimed at supporting wellbeing, learning, and engagement within the community.
Find a Spouse Matrimony service: In response to the ongoing challenges faced by our community, we were pleased to introduce a Matrimonial Service aimed at supporting individuals seeking marriage, whether for the first time or following divorce. The service has been well received, with positive engagement from the community and a number of matches already facilitated.
Flu and MMR clinic: We held a Flu & MMR vaccination clinic for children in collaboration with the local NHS Community Health Service. Many children attended with parents/guardians and was very well received.
Parenting course: During the year we hosted a Parenting Course offering guidance and practical advice to parents on raising confident, well-behaved, and faith-centred children. The course was well attended and received very positive feedback, with participants finding it highly beneficial.
Dealing with Addiction seminar: We also hosted a seminar addressing the often under-discussed issue of addiction. The session raised awareness, signposted relevant support services, and helped connect individuals with professional assistance. The event was well attended and proved to be extremely beneficial for attendees.
Reverts Socials: We are pleased to host a monthly Reverts’ Social for both men and women, open also to the wider community. These gatherings provide opportunities to
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learn, socialise, and support one another in a welcoming environment. The initiative has been very well received and continues to be popular.
IAG Police meetings: We were pleased to host the Independent Advisory Group meetings (IAG) at our premises where local community organisation can work with the Police to improve services in our areas.
Weekend Retreat: We hosted a two-day retreat for students at our premises, providing an opportunity for young people from across the city to come together, build connections, and deepen their Islamic knowledge within a supportive and spiritually enriching environment. The retreat was very well attended and received positive feedback from participants.
Partnership working
In developing our community programmes, we are pleased to work in partnership with other Muslim organisations, NHS, Police, Bristol City Council and Government agencies. We work with all of these agencies in promoting harmony, unity and diversity across all communities and are a key Muslim organisation in Bristol.
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Financial review
Reserves policy
The trustees have reviewed the reserves of the charity. The Trustees have considered the very high cost of living and inflation on the charity’s activities. This is likely to impact charity’s expenditure especially the rising cost of energy and of staff which in turn will impact our spending on the charitable activities. Their policy this year was to continue to hold funds of at least £80,000 to meet the general running costs of the organisation and to cover unforeseen emergencies. The reserves policy will be reviewed at the start of the new financial year.
Principal funding sources
The charity's main source of income is giving. This is done through voluntary collections at Friday prayers and at the Eid festivals, contributions from parents/guardians of children attending the after school classes and yearly contributions from the members of Easton Islami Darasgah and occasional hiring of our rooms. We have also moved to online funding sources which has provided a good source of income for us. All these funding sources will enable us to smoothly maintain and run the premises and implement our strategies for this financial year.
Investment policy and objectives
The charity has no long-term investments.
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2024/25 Review
The Year in Perspective
The period 1st March 2024 to 28th February 2025 for Easton Islami Darasgah (Bristol) has been one of consolidation and preparation. The organisation is now in a stable position following the challenges of recent years, allowing us to focus more clearly on implementing our longer-term vision and strengthening our core services.
A key priority during the year has been to stabilise operations while carefully reevaluating and reorganising our systems, particularly within the Madrassah (Children’s Evening Classes). Student numbers have not yet returned to prepandemic levels and currently stand at around the 100 mark. In response, we have reviewed our structures and introduced improvements to ensure efficiency, sustainability, and service quality. As part of this process, we have successfully implemented a cloud-based Madrassah Management System, covering areas such as attendance, communication, and fees management, which has already begun to improve administration for staff, parents, and management.
Significant progress has been made on our facilities. We are nearing completion of the reconfiguration works to the Education Centre building (annex next to the main building), a major project aligned with our vision to enhance educational, women’s, and community services. The total cost of this work is approximately £100,000. While substantial progress has been achieved, continued and active support from the community will be essential to complete and fully realise the benefits of this investment.
From a financial perspective, the year has required careful monitoring. High personnel costs, alongside the continued impact of the cost-of-living pressures, have meant that expenditure remains elevated. As a result, finances are being reviewed closely, with a focus on maintaining sustainability while ensuring essential services are protected. Cost controls and prudent financial planning will remain a priority going into the next year.
In terms of activities and services, we are pleased to report a healthy level of engagement. A wide range of activities have taken place throughout the year, including religious, educational, and social events. Notably, a Reverts’ Social event was held and well received, supporting inclusivity and community cohesion. Regular prayers, classes, and community activities have continued, helping to reinforce our role as a valued local institution.
Looking ahead, the coming year will be focused on completing the building reconfiguration, strengthening the Madrassah, and further implementing our vision of being a strong educational centre and a welcoming community hub. This will require ongoing financial and practical support from our members and wider community.
Finally, we would like to express our sincere thanks to our staff, volunteers, trustees, and supporters for their continued commitment and support. Without their efforts, the progress made during this year would not have been possible.
Imtiaz Ahmed (Chair)
17 December 2025
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Statement of Trustees' responsibilities
The charity trustees are responsible for preparing an annual report and 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 and Wales requires the charity trustees to prepare financial statements for each 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 the financial statements, the trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to 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 constitution. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The trustees for the purposes of charity law who served during the financial year 1[st] March 2024 to 28[th] February 2025 are set out on page 3.
The independently examined accounts of Easton Islami Darasgah (Bristol) for the period ended 28[th] February 2025 which were approved by the Trustees at their meeting on Wednesday 17[th] December 2025 and will be submitted to the Charity Commission.
Approved by the trustees and signed on its behalf by:
Imtiaz Ahmed (Chair)
17 December 2025
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| Charity Name | No (if any) | No (if any) | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easton Islami Darasgah(Bristol) | 1040850 | |||||||||
| Islam: The completecodeof life. Easton Islami @ |
01/03/2024 28/02/2025 Receipts andpayments accounts Period start date Period end date To For the period from ~~ee~~ ~~e~~ |
CC16a | ||||||||
| Section A Receipts and payments | ||||||||||
| Unrestricted funds |
Restricted funds |
Endowment funds |
Total funds | Last year | ||||||
| to the nearest £ |
to the nearest | to the nearest £ | to the nearest £ | to the nearest £ | to the nearest £ | |||||
| A1 Receipts | ||||||||||
| Donations | 78,411 | 73,027 | - | 151,438 | 77,291 | |||||
| Tuition Fees | 24,425 | - | - | 24,425 | 27,432 | |||||
| Membershipfees | 15,597 | - | - | 15,597 | 15,451 | |||||
| Targeted appeals | - | 3,183 | - | 3,183 | 12,827 | |||||
| Fees for charitable services | 3,909 | - | - | 3,909 | 1,821 | |||||
| Gift Aid claim | 7,125 | - | - | 7,125 | - | |||||
| - | - | - | - | - | ||||||
| - | - | - | - | - | ||||||
| Sub total(Gross income for AR) |
(Gross income for AR) 129,467 |
76,210 | - | 205,677 | 134,822 | |||||
| A2 Asset and investment sales, (see table). Loans received - - - - - - - - - Sub total - - - - - Total receipts 129,467 76,210 - 205,677 134,822 ~~——————~~ |
||||||||||
| A3 Payments | ||||||||||
| Wages | 77,852 | - | - | 77,852 | 80,159 | |||||
| Light and Heat | 11,153 | - | - | 11,153 | 17,351 | |||||
| Insurance | 5,990 | - | - | 5,990 | 5,540 | |||||
| Targeted appeals | - | 3,183 | - | 3,183 | 10,029 | |||||
| Other expenditure | 19,794 | - | - | 19,794 | 11,959 | |||||
| - | - | - | - | - | ||||||
| - | - | - | - | - | ||||||
| - | - | - | - | - | ||||||
| - | - | - | - | - | ||||||
| **Sub total ** | 114,789 | 3,183 | - | 117,972 | 125,038 | |||||
| A4 Asset and investment purchases, (see table) Capital expenditure - 88,211 - 88,211 - Loan repayments - - - - - Sub total - 88,211 - 88,211 - Total payments 114,789 91,394 - 206,183 125,038 ~~——————~~ |
||||||||||
| Net of receipts/(payments) A5 Transfers between funds A6 Cash funds last year end Cash funds this year end |
14,678 - 15,184 - - 506 9,784 - 7,934 7,934 - - - 154,972 7,250 - 162,222 152,438 161,716 - - 161,716 162,222 ~~===>>~~ |
CCXX R1 accounts (SS)
18/12/2025
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| Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period | Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period | Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted Restricted |
Endowment | |||
| Categories | Details | funds funds |
funds | |
| to nearest £ to nearest £ |
to nearest £ | |||
| B1 Cash funds | 161,224 - - 492 - - - - - 161,716 - - Cash at Bank Petty Cash Total cash funds ~~==~~ |
|||
| (agree balances with receipts and payments | (agree balances with receipts and payments | |||
| account(s)) | OK OK |
OK | ||
| Unrestricted Restricted |
Endowment | |||
| funds funds |
funds | |||
| Details | to nearest £ to nearest £ |
to nearest £ | ||
| B2 Other monetary assets | - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - None ~~ee~~ |
|||
| B3 Investment assets | Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) Current value (optional) - - - - - - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) Current value (optional) Details Details None ~~SS=~~ |
|||
| B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use |
Restricted 1,885,592 - Unrestricted 12,128 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Buildings occupied for charitable purposes - Castle Green Other Equipment ~~aa~~ |
|||
| Fund to which Amount due |
When due | |||
| Details | liability relates (optional) |
(optional) | ||
| Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees B5 Liabilities |
- - - - - Date of approval Print Name Signature Imtiaz Ahmed (Chair) 17/12/2025 ~~=e~~ |
|||
| CCXX R2 accounts (SS) | 2 | 18/12/2025 |
CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examlnerfs report on the accounts S•ction A Independent Ex•mlner's Report R•port to th• trust•• m•mb•f• of Easton Islami Darasgah {BnslolJ On a¢¢ounts lor tho ymr •nd•d 28 FebnJ•ry 2025 Charlty no Ilf any) 1040850 S•t out on pag•s I reFQrt 10 the Iruslees on my examinalion of the accounts ol the above chanly {'Ihe Trust'l for the year ended 28 102 12025 R•ponslbllltl• and As lh• chanty Iruslees ol th• Trust. you are responsible lor Ihe preparatlon basls of r•port of the accounts In a¢Mroance with the requirements ol the Chanlies Act 2011 (kne Act.) I report in respecl of my exaMinatn of the Trust's accounts camed out under seclion 145 of the 2011 Act arKI In carying out my examination. I have followed Ihe applicable Directions given by th• Chanty Commission under section 14515llbl of the Act I have completed my examination l Gonfim that no matenal matters have come lo my attenlion in connection wlh Ihe examlnation whlch gives me cause to believe that in, any malenal respeLI. accounting records were not kepl in accofdanca wilh sectlon 130 of the Ad Of the accounts do not accord with the ac¢tn11n9 records Independ•nt •xamin•rfs Statsment I have no concerns and have come acrom no olher matters In conneclion I•1h Ihe examinalion to which attention shoukl be drawn in order to •nabl• proper understanding ol the accounts lo be reached. Slgn•d: Dat•: 15 Dec 2025 Nam•: Waseèm Ahmad R•l•vant prof•s•lon•l quali1SG•tlon(s) or body (If •ny): Fellow Charterad AccountanL ICAEW Addr•J•: 10 Momingslde Sutton Coldfield B73 68L IER
Section B Disclosure Only complete If the exammer need5 to highlwJhl matters of concem Ise• CC32 IrKlepenaenl exammatson of cnanty accounts direcbons arKI guhlance for examiners) Glve her• brtel d•talls of 'any Ilems that the •x¥mln•r WISh to dIscl• IER