This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1172565

ANSARI QADIRI RIFAI SUFI ORDER OF THE UNITED KINGDOM

Trustees’ Annual Report and Accounts

31 March 2022

ANSARI QADIRI RIFAI SUFI ORDER OF THE UNITED KINGDOM Contents

31 March 2022

	Page
Trustees' annual report	1-8
Independent examiner's report	9
Receipts and Payments Accounts	10-11

ANSARI QADIRI RIFAI SUFI ORDER OF THE UNITED KINGDOM Trustees’ Annual Report 31 March 2022

Reference and Administrative information

Registered charity name:	Ansari Qadiri Rifai Sufi Order of the United Kingdom
Charity registration number:	1172565
Principal Office:	6 Sanderstead Close
	London
	SW12 0AQ
	England
Board of Trustees:	Amina Jappie (Chair)
	Sukainah Jauhar (Secretary)
	Fadila Laloui (Treasurer)
	Faghrie Jappie (Deputy Treasurer)
	Rita Ali
	Sayyed Goolamhossen
Independent Examiner:	Irfan Hussain BFP FCA
	ASL Partners
	14 Honister Gardens
	Stanmore HA7 2EH
	England
Banking:	HSBC UK
	Retail Unit 8,
	38 Canada Place
	Canary Wharf
	London E14 5AH

Page | 1

ANSARI QADIRI RIFAI SUFI ORDER OF THE UNITED KINGDOM Trustees’ Annual Report 31 March 2022

Background

The Ansari Qadiri Rifai Sufi Order of the UK commonly referred as AQRT UK has been operating as an informal group since 2002 and was registered by the Charity Commission as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in April 2017 (registration number 1172565).

The trustees present their annual report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2022.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

The legal status of the charity is that of a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) which is subject to its governing document, the Constitution that took effect on the 12 April 2017.

Trustees

Management of the charity is the responsibility of the Board of Trustees. The trustees come from diverse backgrounds, skills, expertise and experiences. The trustees board meet on a regular basis and between meetings communicate by emails.

Trustees are aware of their legal obligations under charity law, the aims and objectives of the charity, its governing frameworks, decision-making processes; strategic plans and financial performance etc.

Recruitment and appointment of new trustees

Any new trustees will be elected and co-opted by members at the annual general meeting in accordance with the Constitution. No new trustees were recruited during this period.

Induction and training of new trustees

New trustees will undergo orientation and will receive a trustee information pack and the opportunity to attend in-house and/or external training relevant to their roles.

Partnerships

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2021/2022 AQRT UK continued to work with a range of partners including other faith groups, community groups and voluntary organisations. This included the West London Synagogue, the South London Interfaith Group (SLIG) and the Africa Advocacy Foundation (AAF). AQRT UK is also a member of the National Council for Voluntary Organisation (NCVO).

AQRT UK has also a Memorandum of Understanding in place with the Islamic Sufi Order of Qadiri Rifai Tariqa of the Americas a registered church in the United States.

Organisational structure and decision-making

The trustees are responsible for setting strategies and policies and ensuring that they are implemented.

Page | 2

ANSARI QADIRI RIFAI SUFI ORDER OF THE UNITED KINGDOM Trustees’ Annual Report 31 March 2022

Volunteers

AQRT UK recognises that volunteers play a key and integral part in service delivery. We have recruited 10 volunteers from within our membership including trustees. They have a diverse range of experience, skills and backgrounds in terms of culture and language. All our trustees are DBS checked and our other volunteers are currently always supervised by trustees and will be DBS checked when appropriate.

We aim to support our volunteers in their roles and receive regular feedback about their performance.

Risk Management

The main risk facing the charity is currently maintaining income at a sufficient level to carry out all the activities and services. In addition to the current policies in place, the trustees have reviewed and assessed the risks to which the charity may be exposed with particular reference to those relating to the operations and finances. The charity has set up a risk management strategy, which comprises:

An annual review of the risks the charity may face.

The establishment of systems and procedures to mitigate those risks identified in the review; and the implementation of procedures designed to minimise any potential impact on the charity should those risks materialise.

In the meanwhile, the trustees remain satisfied that all insurable risks have been identified and adequately dealt with and that the charities exposure to other risks is kept at a minimum by good working practice by the trustees and volunteers.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Public benefit

The trustees are required to comply with the duty in section 4 of the Charities Act 2011 and consider the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit, "Charities and Public Benefits".

Our Charitable Objectives are:

To advance the religion of Islam, in particular Sufi practices and teachings, for public benefit, by organising regular prayer meetings, lectures, celebration of religious festivals and literature on Sufism to educate others about Islam and Sufism.
The promotion of religious harmony for the benefit of the public by promoting knowledge and mutual understanding and respect of the beliefs and practices of different religious faiths through the organisation, participation and support of interfaith events and partnership activities within the United Kingdom.
The relief of those in need, by reason of youth, age, ill-health, disability, financial hardship or another disadvantage.

Page | 3

ANSARI QADIRI RIFAI SUFI ORDER OF THE UNITED KINGDOM Trustees’ Annual Report 31 March 2022

Our activities are consistent with national and local strategies and action plans to enhance religious harmony and relieve poverty. Our activities aim to promote equality and diversity, wellbeing and social outcomes and the independence of service users. We are committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from harm and isolation. We work to empower and encourage our service users to actively participate in activities and processes that improve their circumstances and positively contribute to their communities.

Achievements and performance

The COVID-19 pandemic has continued to have a significant impact on many charities and AQRT UK is still facing major challenges and restrictions in continuing to deliver our charitable objectives. AQRT UK reverted to holding its weekly onsite congregational zikrs (Sufi meditation) from October 2021 while still providing a Zoom access. This enabled us to continue providing spiritual meditation, support and Sufi teachings. And also offered support with mental wellbeing and social isolation and loneliness.

Overall, we provided services to more than 1,000 individuals through the following activities:

Congregational Zikr

AQRT UK board of Trustees decided to return to onsite weekly zikrs held at the Unitarian Essex Church on 4 October 2021. The format of the weekly zikr remained the same and was open to everyone who came in peace. A short talk on Sufism was given prior to each zikr. The topics covered a range of Sufi teachings. The onsite and online Tuesday zikr was advertised on Meetup and Eventbrite. We regularly had attendees from different faiths and no faith and also from abroad. Those present are welcome to participate or simply observe. After the meditation we pray for Love, Peace, Togetherness, Unity and Prosperity for all humanity. The additional weekly congregational zikr held online from Basildon (Essex) every Sunday continued. This zikr is advertised to all the murids only. From April 2021 to March 2022, we held a total of 83 zikrs onsite and online. The total number of attendees for these zikrs was 963 (449 men and 514 women).

Interfaith and Intra-faith work

During the year 2021/2022 the COVID pandemic continued to have a major impact on AQRT UK’s Interfaith and Intra-faith work. We were severely restricted in engaging in as many of our usual activities which entail face to face, group and community-based initiatives which were not possible due to the COVID related restrictions. However, we continued to mitigate the challenges by making use of Zoom and other online methods to continue to engage with faith and community groups. The lead trustee was also involved with NHS and Local Authority groups which aimed at improving information about COVID with community and faith groups knowledge, in particular addressing myths sometimes held in relation to COVID and vaccination.

Racism, religious intolerance has continued to negatively affect communities and included the dissemination of a negative and incorrect view of Islam, cultural and traditional practices and anti-Semitism. AQRT UK took part in joint discussion groups and activities aimed to combat/challenge these belief systems, help differentiate cultural practices from religious practices and promote Islam and Sufi teachings about Love, Peace and Togetherness. In this spirit of inclusiveness, we have tried to ensure we support religious harmony and mutual understanding and provide factual information to all interested people.

Page | 4

ANSARI QADIRI RIFAI SUFI ORDER OF THE UNITED KINGDOM Trustees’ Annual Report 31 March 2022

We have continued to collaborate with other community and faith groups with whom we share common principles and aims, by trying to continue to maintain networks and links, and develop and share knowledge and respect for the beliefs and practices of different religious faiths.

Although, many of the existing networks were not meeting in person we were able mainly through telephone, emails and other means to become involved and participate in interfaith events and partnership activities through Zoom. A few examples are highlighted below:

We have continued our active membership of the South London Interfaith Group (SLIFG) which aims to promote harmony and joint working, this was done mainly through Zoom meetings where we discussed important topical issues from a multi-faith or intra-faith perspective, and also virtual faith community events such as prayer circles, Iftar and festivals took place.
We have continued to maintain links with the West London Synagogue (WLS), however this has been largely on an informal basis and we look forward to expanding our input particularly with the Women’s Group as conditions return to normality.
AQRT UK continued to take part in the NHS London Clinical Commission Group (CCG) Engagement Forum on COVID. This group looked at effective engagement methods with faith and community groups in order to brief on the local COVID situation, and tackle misinformation and barriers to accessing services. We took part in a number of targeted events to support this work. We were also involved in London Assembly briefings and initiatives.
AQRT UK is a member of the National Council for Voluntary Organisation (NCVO) and during the year we have used their information and training services.

A few examples of Interfaith activities we were involved, are highlighted below:

An intra-faith panel discussion at the Menon Centre on Healing Mind Body and Soul which covered health issues primarily in Muslim community
A walk in Lambeth visiting historical Islamic sites
Participation in a seminar held by the West London Synagogue (WLS) joint Muslim Jewish project which supports vulnerable communities; this included Nisa Nashim women’s network and Feeding Folk projects of WLS
Involvements in the Mayor Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC), this included:
The People’s Question time which is an opportunity to put questions to the
Mayor of London and London Assembly members including questions on policing, safety, housing, economic situation etc.
We joined the panel “Building a stronger community” which focused on the
East African community in London
We attended the Holocaust Memorial Day remembrance ceremony for those affected by genocide
We also joined a panel discussion on building initiatives to promote social mixing for local groups in London

Promotion of Islam and Sufism

The promotion of Sufism and Islam took place online and onsite the weekly congregational zikrs. This was delivered through talks followed by questions and answers before or after each zikr where principles, methodology, practices, stories and culture of Sufism are discussed and taught. Spiritual teaching by the AQRT UK chaplains was also provided online after the Monday congregational zikr on a one-to-one basis, as well as in depth phone calls to discuss Sufism. Further opportunities for contact, as well as email discussions come via social media. We also use our Inter Faith work as an opportunity to promote Islam and Sufism.

Page | 5

ANSARI QADIRI RIFAI SUFI ORDER OF THE UNITED KINGDOM Trustees’ Annual Report 31 March 2022

The spiritual head of our Sufi order Shaykh Taner Ansari and his wife Shaykha Muzeyyen Ansari were invited by AQRT UK to provide teaching in London in September and in November 2021. Shaykh Taner Ansari and Shaykha Muzeyyen Ansari led the Tuesday congregational zikrs In November 2021 during their stay in London which were attended by an average of 55 to 65 people from different faiths. Our spiritual leader and his wife also provided teaching to AQRT UK members as well as one to one consultation.

Every year AQRT UK organises a Sufi study trip under the lead of the spiritual head of our Sufi order Shaykh Taner Ansari and his wife Shaykha Muzeyyen Ansari. In September 2021, a Sufi trip in Andalusia was organized from 22 September 2021 to 26 September 2021. The program is an international Sufi gathering of the Ansari Qadiri Rifai Sufi orders from USA, UK, Germany, South Africa, Mauritius, Canada and anyone interested in learning Sufism. Due to COVID-19, the attendance was restricted to a smaller number than usual. The program included the visits of religious sites across Andalusia, the Sufi teaching of the spiritual head of our order Shaykh Taner Ansari and his wife Shaykha Muzeyyen Ansari and also the networking with other Sufi groups of the Ansari Qadiri Rifai Tariqa as well as anyone who comes in peace and who wish to explore the sights visits and the teaching program along the way. The theme of the 2021 Andalusia Sufi study trip was “Following the Footsteps of Ibn Arabi” and was successfully attended by 13 persons who visited Granada, Cordoba and Seville.

In addition, we have continued supporting isolated and ill students and members by regular phone contacts.

Work to relieve poverty

Being a very small charity, this aspect of our charitable objectives during the COVID-19 pandemic was dramatically impacted due to the loss of donation and also the availability of our volunteers. This is still an area which we aim to expand despite the COVID-19 pandemic that has negatively impacted our ability to fundraise and apply for funding. We have developed an emergency programme through which families and individuals experiencing hunger, poverty, homelessness and who need emergency support are provided with food and essential goods upon assessment. We collected and donated clothing to refugee groups in 2021.

We are committed to develop the work stream and we are attempting to attract funding and form partnerships with like-minded voluntary organisations who are already working in this field. This will include recruiting, training and placing our trained volunteers to support activities such as soup kitchens, foodbanks, drop-in centres, night shelters etc.

Our membership and trustees have diverse cultural backgrounds and include social workers, medical professionals, and Safeguarding consultants. We also have links to the Sufi and wider Muslim community. Consequently, we are able to respond quickly by providing support to address and meet urgent needs. We have experience of working in partnership including local Social Services and other voluntary sector organisations. We are currently restrained by limited funding and availability of volunteers.

Page | 6

ANSARI QADIRI RIFAI SUFI ORDER OF THE UNITED KINGDOM Trustees’ Annual Report 31 March 2022

Future aims and objectives

Our charity objectives will continue to shape the trustees’ future plans with a target to expand our activities especially on work to relief poverty. Being a very small charity with limited funding solely based on individual donations at this stage, we intend where possible to focus on partnership bids which will maximise resources by preventing duplication. However, the impact of the COVID19 pandemic presents major challenges both operationally and financially, as well as increasing the need for services as more people face poverty and isolation.

Financial review

AQRT UK had total receipts of £12,500 as shown on the Receipts and Payments Accounts. For the year ended 31 March 2022, there were net receipts of £998 (2021: net payments £495). All AQRT UK assets are held for the furtherance of its objectives and are adequate and sufficient to meet its objectives. AQRT UK did apply for grants during the year ended 31 March 2022 but was unsuccessful. AQRT UK does not employ any staff and trustees do not receive any remuneration. Trustees and volunteers can receive reasonable travel allowance subsistence cost.

Reserves policy

The trustees review the reserve policy of the organisation annually. Their decision on the level of the reserve depends on the level of the unrestricted funds available. For this year, they decided that the current level of reserve should be maintained at least at a level equivalent to approximately three months' expenditure (excluding the collection and distribution of Zakat, Fidya, ninety percent of tithing and our community activities and programme). The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of any significant drop in the organisation's funding, they will be able to continue AQRT UK's current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised.

This leaves free reserve at 31 March 2022 of £662 which is equal to around 5 months average expenditure during the year ended 31 March 2022.

Principal funding sources

The current Charity’s main source of income is through individual donations, donations at zikr, zakat, fidya and ten percent on each tithing collected by members. The total amount donated at Zikr was £nil.

Restriction on funds

Restricted income includes ninety percent tithing payable to the Islamic Sufi Order of Qadiri Rifai Tariqa of the Americas based in New York, USA, linked to the teaching, training, spiritual development and individual support provided to the Charity’s members.

Restricted income includes zakat and fidya and these funds are to be used solely for the relief of need, financial hardship and for AQRT UK activities.

Investment Policy

There are no restrictions on the Charity's power to invest but as we do not have available funds to make investments this is not an immediate issue for us.

Page | 7

ANSARI QADIRI RIFAI SUFI ORDER OF THE UNITED KINGDOM Trustees’ Annual Report 31 March 2022

Trustees’ responsibilities

The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and the Receipts and Payments Accounts (“financial statements”) in accordance with applicable law and receipts and payments accounting.

Charity law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the receipts and payments of the charity for that period.

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate 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. 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.

The trustees’ annual report was approved by the Board of Trustees on 30 January 2023 and signed on its behalf by:

Amina Jappie

Chair of the Ansari Qadiri Sufi Order of the UK

Page | 8

ANSARI QADIRI RIFAI SUFI ORDER OF THE UNITED KINGDOM Independent examiner’s report Year ended 31 March 2022

Independent examiner's report on the accounts

Section A Independent Examiner’s Report

----- Start of picture text -----
Report to the trustees/ Charity Name
members of Ansari Qadiri Rifai Sufi Order Of The United Kingdom
On accounts for the year 31 March 2022 Charity no 1172565
ended (if any)
Set out on pages 10 - 11
(remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets)
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above
charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31/03/2022.
Responsibilities and As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation
basis of report of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act
2011 (“the Act”).
----- End of picture text -----

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have examiner's statement come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

 accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or

the accounts do not accord with the accounting records

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

Date: 30/1/2023 Signed: Name: Irfan Hussain BFP FCA Relevant professional Fellow of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales qualification(s) or body (if any): Address: 14 Honister Gardens, Stanmore, Middlesex HA7 2EH

Page | 9

ANSARI QADIRI RIFAI SUFI ORDER OF THE UNITED KINGDOM Accounts Year ended 31 March 2022

	ANSARI QADIRI RIFAI SUFI ORDER OF THE	ANSARI QADIRI RIFAI SUFI ORDER OF THE	ANSARI QADIRI RIFAI SUFI ORDER OF THE	1172565	CC16a
	UNITED KINGDOM
	Receipts andpayments accounts
	For the period from	Period start date	To	Period end date
		01-Apr-21		31-Mar-22

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 £
A1 Receipts
Donations	1,861	-	-	1,861	492
Tithing	1,062	9,557	-	10,619	9,590
Zakaat and Fidya	-	20	-	20	580
	-	-	-	-	-
	-	-	-	-	-
*Sub total*(Gross income for AR)			-	12,500
	2,923	9,577			10,662


A2 Asset and investment sales, (see table).
	-	-	-	-
	-	-	-	-	-
*Sub total*	-	-	-	-	-

*Total receipts*	2,923	9,577	-	12,500	10,662

A3 Payments
Premises rent	360	-	-	360	600
Teaching program	2,458	-	-	2,458	-
Bank charges	172	-	-	172	151
General expenses	712	-	-	712	806
Zakaat and Fidya	-	-	-	-	-
Tithing paid	-	7,800	-	7,800	9,600
	-	-	-	-	-
*Sub total*	3,702	7,800	-	11,502	11,157

A4 Asset and investment purchases, (see table)
	-	-	-	-
	-	-	-	-
*Sub total*	-	-	-	-	-


*Totalpayments*	3,702	7,800	-		11,157
				11,502

*Net of receipts/(payments)*	- 779	1,777	-	998	- 495
A5 Transfers between funds	-	-	-	-	-
A6 Cash funds lastyear end	1,441	3,580	-	5,021	5,516
*Cash funds thisyear end*	662	5,357	-	6,019	5,021

Page | 10

Year ended 31 March 2022