2025-08-25-accounts

Trustees’ annual report (including Directors’ report) for the period

Financial period start date: 26/08/2024 Financial period end date: 25/08/2025

Charity name: Qur’an Halaqah

Other name charity uses: QH

Charity registration number: 1175384

Principle Charity Address: 29 Evandale Road SW9 6SU

Structure, governance and management

• Governing Document: CIO - FOUNDATION Registered 26 Oct 2017

• Charitable Incorporated Organisation

• Trustees are appointed as per the charity commission guidelines

Our charity is run by 3 trustees, led by the chair of trustees, who have met regularly to plan, review and evaluate our activities.

Names of trustees who manage the charity:

Miss Seliat Agboola Miss Khudeja Begum Miss Azeezat Akande

We are supported by a wider network of volunteers, totalling 20, who help to carry out the charity’s activities. Trustees agree to review and evaluate the appointment of trustees every 3 years and in selecting individuals for appointment as charity trustees, the charity trustees consider the skills, knowledge and experience needed for the effective administration of the CIO. Our trustees are encouraged to take part in the charity’s activities as well as attend seminars and courses which they believe will enhance their contribution to the charity. Trustees meet for annual reviews and regularly review the key policies that the charity is governed upon as well as our constitution.

Objectives and activities

Our objects as outlined in our governing document is to: advance the Islamic religion for the benefit of the public, particularly Muslim women in the UK, by means of raising awareness, providing information and offering advice about the Qur'anic scripture.

We have realised these objects through the following activities:

1. Producing and/or distributing literature on the Qur’an to enlighten others about the Qur’an and the Islamic religion

2. Providing coaching and mentoring to support Muslim Women and girls in their study of the Qur’an and the Islamic religion

3. Organising lectures and gatherings for Muslim Women to meet to discuss the Qur’an and the Islamic religion

Trustees have worked to ensure that all activities planned and undertaken have been done with regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit. Trustees believe that our activities encourage those that we work with to develop in a holistic manner thus becoming the best version of themselves thus positively affecting their families, communities and supporting their ability to contribute to society at large.

Achievements and Performance

Why This Matters

In a world that pulls women in a thousand directions, they need a sanctuary—a sacred space to reconnect with what truly grounds them: their relationship with the Qur'an.

Our programmes are not a luxury; they are a lifeline for the heart, a source of strength, healing and spiritual renewal. Through companionship with the Qur'an, women are able to find solace during hardship, direction during uncertainty and a stronger connection with Allah سبحانه وتعاىل.

As we continue to develop new transformative activities, we are also working to secure the funding, systems and infrastructure required to sustainably scale our work. Demand for our programmes continues to grow, and our focus is increasingly shifting towards developing the people, processes and resources needed to support that growth whilst maintaining the quality and personal connection that define Qur'an Halaqah.

With the support of our donors, volunteers and community, we are building a movement of women committed to living by the Qur'an and sharing its transformative message with others.

Looking Ahead: Building for Sustainable Growth

Over the past year, Qur'an Halaqah has reached a significant milestone in its development. What began as a small initiative to support women in reconnecting with the Qur'an has evolved into a growing movement serving sisters across the UK and beyond.

As demand for our programmes continues to increase, we have recognised that our greatest challenge is no longer generating interest, but developing the infrastructure, systems and people needed to sustainably meet that demand.

Throughout the year we therefore began shifting our focus from simply delivering programmes towards building the foundations necessary for long-term growth and replication. This has included strengthening our coach development pathway, investing in leadership development, expanding our volunteer network, and increasing our fundraising efforts to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent women from accessing Qur'anic support.

A particularly exciting development was the recruitment of over 60 Qur'an Champions through our events and retreats. These women have committed to being ambassadors for the Qur'an within their families, communities and networks, helping us extend our impact far beyond the programmes we directly deliver.

We believe that meaningful transformation occurs through consistent companionship with the Qur'an. As such, our long-term vision is not simply to host events, but to develop a sustainable ecosystem that enables women to journey with the Qur'an throughout their lives.

As we move forward, our priority will be to strengthen the systems, funding and leadership structures required to scale our work while maintaining the quality, sincerity and personal connection that remain at the heart of Qur'an Halaqah.

Major Projects

Qur'an Development Programme

The Qur'an Development Programme (QDP) remains the cornerstone of Qur'an Halaqah's activities and has now been running successfully for over five years. The programme was developed to provide women with a structured, supportive and holistic framework through which they ‘walk with the Qur’an’ thus deepening their lifelong relationship with the Qur'an.

The programme includes:

• A weekly mudarasah where participants recite and reflect upon the Qur'an together from cover to cover.

• One-to-one coaching and mentoring tailored to individual Qur'anic goals, including recitation, memorisation, consistency and personal development.

• In-person gatherings and community meet-ups.

• Masterclasses covering various Qur'anic sciences.

• Ongoing advice and support for sisters navigating different stages of their Qur'anic journeys.

During the year, participants continued progressing through the programme and building upon the foundations established in previous years. Following the completion of our first collective khatmah of the Qur'an, participants continued their journey through a second reading of the Qur'an, allowing for deeper reflection, stronger relationships with the book of Allah and increased confidence in applying its guidance to daily life.

The coaching element of the programme continues to be particularly valued by participants. Many sisters identify consistency, accountability and community support as key factors enabling them to maintain progress in their Qur'anic goals. The integration of coaching, buddy systems and group revision sessions has helped remove barriers that often prevent women from sustaining long-term engagement with the Qur'an.

As we look ahead, our focus will be on strengthening systems, refining our curriculum and further developing our coaching infrastructure to ensure that the programme can continue to grow sustainably whilst maintaining a high standard of support and care for participants.

Live Online Halaqaat

Alongside our structured development programmes and larger events, Qur'an Halaqah introduced a new feature- hosting a range of live online halaqaat designed to provide accessible opportunities for women to connect with the Qur'an throughout the year.

These gatherings enabled sisters from different locations, circumstances and stages of life to benefit from regular reminders, reflection and companionship centred around the Qur'an.

• Mama's Qur'an Journey

Recognising the unique challenges faced by mothers, Mama's Qur'an Journey was established to provide a nurturing space where women could strengthen their relationship with the Qur'an whilst navigating the demands of family life.

Through reflection, discussion and practical guidance, participants were encouraged to develop realistic and sustainable approaches to engaging with the Qur'an during different seasons of motherhood.

The programme provided both spiritual encouragement and a sense of community for mothers seeking to prioritise their connection with Allah amidst the responsibilities of daily life.

• Maryam (alayhas salam)

Our Maryam (alayhas salam) series explored the life, character and legacy of one of the greatest women mentioned in the Qur'an.

Through studying the Qur'anic narrative of Maryam (alayhas salam), participants reflected upon themes of faith, devotion, patience, trust in Allah and steadfastness during times of difficulty.

The series resonated deeply with attendees, many of whom found inspiration and practical lessons relevant to their own personal circumstances and spiritual journeys.

These online halaqaat continue to form an important part of Qur'an Halaqah's commitment to providing consistent opportunities for women to engage with the Qur'an beyond major events and structured programmes.

Qur’an Coach Training Programme (QCTP)

The Qur'an Coach Training Programme (QCTP) was established to develop advanced Qur'an students and equip them to support other women on their Qur'anic journeys.

The programme continued to train and support a diverse group of coaches from different backgrounds, age groups and life circumstances. Coaches engaged in structured training covering Qur'an recitation, tajweed theory, memorisation methodologies, coaching practice and reflective development.

Throughout the year coaches participated in mentoring calls, reflective journaling and ongoing professional development opportunities designed to strengthen both their Qur'anic knowledge and their ability to support others.

Coaches increased their memorisation repertoire and confidence in supporting students, whilst one coach progressed towards the completion of her ijazah studies.

As the programme develops, our focus is increasingly on establishing sustainable systems through which trained coaches can consistently support women within the Qur'an Development Programme.

This investment in leadership development is essential to ensuring that Qur'an Halaqah can continue to grow whilst maintaining the quality of support offered to participants.

One ongoing challenge has been coach retention and programme longevity. As a volunteer-led initiative, coaches balance their Qur'anic studies and coaching responsibilities alongside family, work and other commitments. This can sometimes place additional demands on a smaller number of active coaches. Moving forward, we will continue strengthening our support structures and developing sustainable models to ensure the programme can grow whilst maintaining high-quality support for sisters.

Community Gatherings and Events

• Qur'an & Me

In collaboration with Al Khaleel, we hosted Qur'an & Me with Dr Rania, bringing women together to reflect upon their personal relationship with the Qur'an and explore practical ways of strengthening that connection.

The event provided a valuable opportunity for sisters to engage with the Qur'an in a supportive and reflective environment whilst connecting with others on a similar journey.

• The Qur'an: My Closest Companion

This was more than an event; it was a spiritual homecoming.

Hundreds of women joined us for an evening centred around one simple but profound question: How do we make the Qur'an our closest companion in times of hardship, uncertainty and change? Led by Ustadha Ola Shoubaki, Ustadha Sumayah Hassan and Ustadha Umm Salihah, the evening created space for honest reflection, meaningful discussion and renewed commitment to the Qur'an. Many attendees shared that the event provided comfort and direction during a period in which both personal and global challenges felt overwhelming. Participants left reminded that the Qur'an is not merely a book to be read but a companion to be lived with.

• Annual Qur'an Retreat: The Refuge – Reflections on the Three Quls

In a world characterised by constant demands, distractions and uncertainty, women rarely have the opportunity to step away from the noise of daily life and reconnect with what truly sustains them. The Refuge was created to provide exactly that: a sacred space where women could pause, reflect and strengthen their relationship with Allah through His Book.

Following a period in which in-person gatherings had been limited, we were delighted to once again host our annual Qur'an retreat. The Refuge welcomed approximately 100 women and 10 children for a transformational weekend centred around Surah Al-Ikhlas, Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas — three surahs that many Muslims recite daily, yet whose meanings offer profound guidance for navigating the challenges of life.

Led by Ustadha Abeer Sadary, Ustadha Sumayah Hassan, Ustadha Ola Shoubaki and Ustadha Umm Salihah, attendees explored how the Three Quls provide protection, perspective and a framework for responding to the trials, fears and uncertainties that every believer encounters. Through Qur'anic reflection, worship, discussion circles and personal development activities, sisters were encouraged not only to understand these surahs more deeply but to live by them.

The retreat offered an opportunity for women to step away from their responsibilities and invest in their spiritual wellbeing. Many arrived feeling overwhelmed, disconnected or spiritually depleted and left with renewed purpose, practical action points and a stronger connection to the Qur'an. At its heart, The Refuge sought to remind women that the Qur'an is not merely a book to be recited during moments of worship, but a companion and source of guidance through every season of life. Whether facing personal difficulties, family challenges or uncertainty about the future, the Qur'an remains the believer's ultimate refuge.

Feedback from attendees highlighted the profound impact of the retreat:

"This retreat has been life changing for me. I am leaving with motivation, inspiration and an imaan boost that I desperately needed to keep me grounded on my journey with the Qur'an."

— Sarah Jane

"This retreat exceeded my expectations. I have clear steps I will be taking over the next couple of months to improve my relationship with the Qur'an in shaa Allah."

— Retreat Attendee

• A Night with Surah Al-Hadid

Our most recent large-scale gathering, A Night with Surah Al-Hadid, brought together women seeking guidance, perspective and hope through the Qur'an.

The event featured reflections from Ustadha Abeer Sadary, Ustadha Hanan Menk and Ustadha Umm Salihah, encouraging attendees to engage deeply with the messages of Surah Al-Hadid and consider how its teachings apply within their daily lives.

The event also marked a significant step in the development of our Qur'an Champions initiative, with many attendees committing themselves to further service and involvement within the wider Qur'an Halaqah community.

Partnerships and Collaborations

We continued to work alongside organisations including Revert 2 Reality, Charity Right & IAP to enhance the range and quality of Qur'anic and Islamic educational opportunities available to women. Through these collaborations, sisters benefited from a variety of events, programmes and speakers, including Na'ima B. Robert and Zohra Sarwari, enabling us to reach wider audiences and enrich our programming. Highlights included Ramadan: A Gift from Allah in partnership with Revert to Reality and Journey to Allah , delivered in collaboration with IAP & Revert 2 Reality.

Supporting Women Through Financial Hardship

A core principle of Qur'an Halaqah is that financial circumstances should never prevent women from accessing beneficial Qur'anic spaces. During the year we continued our commitment to widening access through sponsorship and subsidised places. Through the generosity of our donors and supporters, we raised £9,235.16 in sponsorship and donation funding. These funds helped subsidise programme delivery costs and enabled approximately 40 women to access events and retreats at reduced rates. Many of these women would not otherwise have been able to attend due to financial hardship. This support reflects the generosity of our community and our shared belief that every woman deserves the opportunity to strengthen her relationship with the Qur'an regardless of her financial circumstances.

Future Priorities

Looking ahead, our focus will be on strengthening the foundations required for sustainable growth. Our priorities include:

• Expanding and developing our coaching infrastructure.

• Strengthening systems and processes to support programme delivery.

• Increasing fundraising capacity to ensure accessibility remains at the heart of our work.

• Supporting the continued development of Qur'an Champions and community leaders.

• Creating pathways through which more women can access long-term Qur'anic companionship and support.

Through these efforts we hope to increase our reach, deepen our impact and continue nurturing women whose lives are transformed through the Qur'an.

Financial review

During the year ended 25 August 2025, Qur'an Halaqah received income of £37,919 and incurred expenditure of £42,635. The higher level of expenditure reflects significant investment in the charity's programmes, events and educational activities delivered during the year, including retreats, educational events, community initiatives and resources. As a result, the charity reported a net deficit of £4,716, which was funded through reserves brought forward from previous periods.

Governance and Financial Controls

The trustees recognise that the charity has experienced significant growth in both income and activity during the reporting period. As a result, the trustees have reviewed the charity's governance and financial procedures and identified opportunities to strengthen financial management and oversight. Planned improvements include the implementation of clearer expense and reimbursement procedures, greater separation of trustee and charity finances, enhanced financial reporting processes and the recruitment of additional volunteer support with financial expertise. The trustees remain committed to maintaining robust governance arrangements that are proportionate to the size of the charity and support its continued growth and development.

Reserves Policy

As Qur'an Halaqah has grown, so too has the scale and complexity of its activities. The trustees recognise the importance of maintaining an appropriate level of unrestricted reserves to ensure the charity can continue delivering its programmes, events and support services whilst meeting its ongoing commitments.

The trustees aim to build and maintain free reserves sufficient to cover a minimum of three months' core operating costs and key programme commitments. This includes technology costs, programme delivery, event planning and other essential expenditure required to sustain the charity's activities.

At present, the charity's reserves remain modest as available funds are largely reinvested into programme delivery, subsidised places and the development of new initiatives. The trustees will continue to review the reserves position annually as the charity grows and seeks to strengthen its long-term sustainability.

ACCOUNTS Separate File

Declarations

The company has taken advantage of the small companies’ exemption in preparing the report above.

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report (including directors’ report) above.

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees:

Signature

Full name Seliat Agboola

Position Chair of Trustees

Date 22/06/2026

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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF QUR'AN HALAQAH (Charity No. 1175384)

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Qur'an Halaqah for the period ended 25 August 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the CIO, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.

I report in respect of my examination of the charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. 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 examiner's statement:

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

1. accounting records were not kept as required by section 130 of the Charities Act 2011; or

2. the accounts do not accord with those records.

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.

Zain Khatri MAAT Independent Examiner Date: 24.06.2026

Suite 1, Ideas House 18 Eastwood Close London E18 1BY [phone] [e-mail] www.ztktax.co.uk