## **TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT 2023**
# **ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING WILL BE HELD ON** _**Sunday 21[st] April 2024**_
_**TIME: AFTER ZOHAR SALAH – 1:30PM**_ **VENUE: DAWATAL ISLAM MOSQUE, West Acre Drive, Soothill**
***Please note it is important that all members attend the meeting so Mashura can take place. A quorum of 25% of members as stated in the constitution is required. If the quorum is not present within 30 minutes of the starting specified in the notice of the meeting, the chair may delay the meeting by up to 30 minutes. If the quorum is still not present then the chair has discretion to reconvene the meeting if at least 45 members are present otherwise the meeting must be adjourned. The meeting shall then be reconvened within 7 days of the original meeting.**
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## **Contents**
Agenda ...................................................................................................................................................................... 3 Executive Committee Members, Trustees and Office Bearers Responsible for the Year 2023 ............................... 4 AGM 2022 Meeting Minutes – Sunday 26[th] February 2023. .................................................................................... 5 Chairman’s Report .................................................................................................................................................... 7 Accountants Report ........................................................................................................................................... ….….9 Headteacher’s Report ............................................................................................................................................. 14
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## Agenda
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Item Description
1 Tilawat-E-Quran – 1:50pm
2 Apologies – 1:55pm
3 Introduction – 2:00pm
4 Minutes of last AGM – 2:05pm
5 Matters Arising from Minutes of Last AGM – 2:10pm
6 Accounts – 2:25pm
7 Principal/Madrassah Report – 2:45pm
8 Any other business – 3:00pm
9 Duaa and close – 3:45pm
Timings are approximate and maybe delayed by 30 minutes if
quorum is not initially met.
**----- End of picture text -----**
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## Executive Committee Members, Trustees and Office Bearers Responsible for the Year 2023
Honorary Office Bearers and Trustees
Chairman: Suleman Aswat Vice Chairman: Adam Ravat Secretary: Akbar Dabharia Assistant Secretary: Bashir Khalifa Treasurer: Zaid Umarji Assistant Treasurer: Mohammed Dawood
Additional Trustees Executive Committee Members
Abdul Hai Dokrat Ahmed Aswat Hafiz Habib Dadhiwala Aref Vachhiat Ayaz Vardalia Ebrahim Vachhiat Adam Aswat Hafiz Masihulla Sacha Yusuf Bodiat Hafiz Ismail Lambat Asif Kazi Ahmed Lambat Hafiz Mohsin Mulla Shiraz Valimulla
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## **AGM 2022 Meeting Minutes– Sunday 26[th] February 2023**
Qiraat by Hafiz Habib Dadhiwala
Apologies – Hafiz Masihulla Sacha
**Introduction** by SA thanking those giving up time. Everyone reminded to keep to one meeting, offer opinions and ask questions.
**Minutes of last AGM / Matters** – Secretary advised all to refer to report and copies were available if anyone wished to read/pose any follow up questions.
No matters were brought forward. Minutes approved by Mohammed Laher and seconded by Ahmed Lambat.
**Accounts** - presented by treasurer (Zaid Umarji) who confirmed they have been audited by Chopdats. There is always a receipt backing up any income and accountant report is based upon figures in background. Shared both accountant report and internal figures with members via big screen.
Expenditure is generally approved by the exec and payments have to be authorised by a second payee.
Current overall balance was approximately £215k.
Query raised regarding shortfall on Madresah. This is correct but is balanced through the general account. Fees have been increased and contracts tweaked to reduce shortfall. Ideally we would like to break even but big focus on quality and want to ensure this remains strong. Deficit has been reduced from £28k to £15k per year even after employing an additional deputy head.
Question raised on if we need to approve auditors. The answer was no as we have a rolling contract.
Accounts proposed by Ahmed Aswat and seconded by Ahmed Lambat, also approved by all.
## **Madrassah Report**
Good working relationship with Headteacher and committee. Challenges on new applications and class sizes especially as the numbers are growing.
Safety and safeguarding is highly important. Tweaks made such as utilising doors for better access with fob system in place. Additional individual employed to help drive standards. More huffaaz have completed and now 2 Hifz classes running with 20 children.
Query raised on how new joiners are assessed. 2 weeks at Madresah then placed in relevant classes.
How are salah and madrasah times clash handled. Ensure ustadhs generally look after their class and someone will cover Imam’s class.
## **AOB**
Roof – after meeting on 15/01/2023, another estimate of £115k+ VAT for aluminium roof. Planning application also needs to be submitted. Work will proceed once this has been submitted and approved.
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Babes in the wood conversion – has not been discussed with us, have been looking at options towards the top as the consensus is that a 2[nd] space is required.
Bikes – how were they funded. £5k grant, 10 bikes plus other items secured. Query in regards to the container in the Masjid grounds. This was also clarified with a Mufti. Questions raised over sisters classed, female coached are being used.
Headway with getting new members/maintaining but this is very difficult. Have interacted and looked at ways with engaging others to ensure they are connected to the masjid. Membership system needs to be looked at, also looking at setting up monthly payments.
Ramadhan and Taraweeh – additional taraweeh’s for the future, potentially in the next few years. Iftari time – looking at having more time for iftari before Maghrib salah – to be discussed with Imams.
Election of new committee – Ebrahim Vachhiat stepped down as secretary and trustee but stayed on as exec member.
Chair confirmed anyone on the exec needs to have desire to make a difference and work everyday to make a difference.
No additional members added and existing office bearers stayed on in current posts.
Akbar Dabharia – Secretary
Trustee – Adam Aswat (to replace Ebrahim Vachhiat and keep minimum quota of 10)
Short Duaa by Moulana Ebrahim Miya
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## **Chairman’s Report**
## AWW
All praise to the Almighty and peace and blessings upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad SAW. Through the mercy of the Almighty and Duas of all our beloved Muslim Brothers and Sisters we are now in the 19th year, since the opening of Dawatal Islam Mosque.
The main objective throughout the year has been to try and make the Masjid the focal point for the community of Soothill and to try and ensure that it is frequented as much as possible by those living in the community. To try and achieve this objective we have tried various ways to engage with all members of the community through regular programmes, newsletters, various events and in general just being as honest, transparent, accessible and as open as possible.
Throughout the year we have been blessed to have 3 Imams in Moulana Suleman Saheb, Kari Ebrahim Saheb and Moulana Azhar Saheb who have provided great dedication. We pray that the Almighty accept all their efforts. Ameen. We pray that the Almighty enables us all to work well with all our Imams and benefit the community. May the Almighty accept everyone’s efforts. Ameen.
The Advanced Islamic Studies Classes under the supervision of Moulana Suleman Saheb and Moulana Abubakar Saheb continue to thrive. We now have two male classes established, one for Adults and one for the younger lads. In addition to this the Senior Girls Class (for teenagers and upwards) that has been set up on certain evenings to help the girls that have left Madresah have been well attended. Furthermore, the Sisters Islamic Knowledge Class that runs for 2 mornings during the week has provided a brilliant platform for sisters to increase their knowledge on a number of subjects. We pray that all the classes continue for many years and provide further knowledge to all. May the Almighty accept everyone’s efforts. Ameen.
Our Madresah, Alhamdulilah continues to go from strength to strength. Our Headteacher, Molana Zakariya Saheb, all the Ustads, the Apas, Caretaker and Madresah Committee have provided dedication and commitment to ensure that our Madresah continues to move in the right direction. We appreciate the efforts of all the parents who ensure that their children attend the Madresah as regularly as possible. May the Almighty safeguard all our children and bless all the families. Ameen.
We express our gratitude to the sisters who continue to strive to put on events to help the local and wider community. From programmes in the Masjid, to varied activities in the community centre. The sisters are trying very hard to provide things for all section of the community. We pray that this continues all with our objective to help all sections of the community.
We have a great need to record our appreciation to our Moazzins for the promptness in delivering the Adhan on time for each Salat. In addition to this, we need to record our sincere gratitude to the individuals who observe/d Itikaf during Ramadhan, all the people who assist/ed with feeding the many guests throughout the year for the various programmes, this includes individuals who come for chanda collections, individuals who assist with cleaning the Masjid, the individuals who assist with the food/clean-up programmes and to all the individuals who have contributed or assisted in any capacity. May the Almighty accept everyone’s efforts. Ameen.
We continue to be enlightened by the presence of many prominent Ulamah’s from both locally and nationally. We pray that the Ulamah’s continue to keep coming to the Masjid and blessing us with their presence and advices. We have to take up these opportunities to participate in such programmes. A humble request for all to participate whenever possible as it will only be beneficial.
In relation to the roof, we would like to express our gratitude to everyone for their duas, support and concern. We have had many conversations with many people, shared updates via our newsletters/internal notice boards
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and we have been up front and honest. Work has not gone at the speed we would all have liked but it is progressing and we hope that the remainder of the roof works will be completed in the not too distant future.
Over the last year we did look into the possibility of acquiring the Soothill Working Mens Club building with the intention to assist the brothers/sisters living at the top end of Soothill. We did call a meeting to look at progressing this, however the meeting was very poorly attended and it was felt from the attendees of the meeting that it was not appropriate to take on such a project which would have resulted in the trust taking on a significant debt. Our intention remains to work together to address the needs for the whole of the Soothill area which is ever growing especially with the planned housing developments.
The connection with the Huddersfield Town Foundation, The Soothill Community Association and the Kirklees Youth Alliance has enabled us to continue with the Premier League Kicks Sessions. In addition to this, we continue to partner with various organisations such as: EN:Procure, Spark Skills, In Communities, Mid Yorkshire NHS Trust, Kirkwood Hospice, North Kirklees Insight Team, South West Yorkshire Mental Health Trust, Zarach and Juniper Foods. This is all to help people within the community. We pray that the Almighty accepts everyone’s support and eases the situation for anyone in any troubles and hardships.
The plan for the future is to continue working as hard as possible to ensure that the Masjid is full for every Salaat and to create an environment like that of our Prophet (SAW)’s beloved Masjid-E-Nabawi in Madinah Al Munawwarah.
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is a Mashura for the year*. We sincerely hope that you can come to discuss how we can take things forward. The harsh reality is that we often do not get the required quorum which means that the Mashura is delayed. We are asking for individuals to spare a couple of hours for the sake of the Masjid. There are many challenges ahead which I am sure that we can collectively meet through Mashura.
We ask for forgiveness for our shortcomings and again thank everyone for their support in any capacity. May the Almighty reward everyone. Ameen.
Wsalam
Suleman Aswat
***Please note it is important that all members attend the meeting so Mashura can take place. A quorum of 25% of members as stated in the constitution is required. If the quorum is not present within 30 minutes of the starting specified in the notice of the meeting, the chair may delay the meeting by up to 30 minutes. If the quorum is still not present then the chair has discretion to reconvene the meeting if at least 45 members are present otherwise the meeting must be adjourned. The meeting shall then be reconvened within 7 days of the original meeting.**
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Dawatal Islam Soothill Trust Annual Report 2023
## **DAWATAL ISLAM MOSQUE ACCOUNTANTS REPORT**
## **Responsibilities and basis of report Independent examiner’s statement**
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Dawatal Islam Soothill Trust for the year ended 31 December 2023, which are set out on pages 5 to 6.
## **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 2011 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**
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.
M Lakhi --------------------------------------------- Date 26-02-2024-------------------------------------
Muddassir Lakhi AFA S. A. Chopdat & Co. 134 Bradford Road Dewsbury WF13 2EW
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Dawatal Islam Soothill Trust Annual Report 2023
## **DAWATAL ISLAM MOSQUE INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**
|**Notes Unrestricted Funds**
**Incoming Resources**
Donations Received
77,000
Membership Fees
26,548
Marriage Fees
220
Madresah Fees
104,887
Food/Kitaab income
11
Madresah donations
-
Gift Aid
13,147
Bike Fund
-
Other Income
12,074
**Total Incoming Reserves**
**233,887**
**Resources Expended**
Management and administration 6 243,567
**Total Resources Expended** **243,567**
**Surplus/(Deficit) of Income**
**-9,680**
|**Restricted Funds**
41,450
**41,450**
30,464
**30,464**
**10,986**
|**2023**
118,450
26,548
220
104,887
11
-
13,147
-
12,074
**275,337**
274,031
**274,031**
**1,306**|**2022**
88,937
26,670
440
87,804
2,762
729
11,575
5,000
9,880
**233,797**
238,752
**238,752**
**-4,955**|
|---|---|---|---|
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Dawatal Islam Soothill Trust Annual Report 2023
## **DAWATAL ISLAM MOSQUE BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023**
|**Notes Unrestricted Funds**
**FIXED ASSETS**
Property
803,191
Fixtures & Fittings
17,938
2-3
821,130
**CURRENT ASSETS**
Debtors
Balance at Bank
219,572
Cash
9,513
4
229,085
**1,050,215**
**CURRENT LIABILITIES**
Creditors and Accruals 5
1,835
Net Current Assets
**1,048,380**
**REPRESENTED BY:**
**CAPITAL ACCOUNT**
Accumulated Fund
1,088,524
Movement
Loan
Surplus Income For Year
- 9,680
**1,078,844**
|**Restricted Funds 2023**
803,191
17,938
821,130
41,450
261,022
9,513
41,450
270,535
**41,450**
**1,091,665**
1,835
**41,450**
**1,089,830**
1,088,524
10,986
1,306
**10,986**
**1,089,830**|**2022**
854,459
21,104
875,563
211,815
3,111
214,926
**1,090,489**
1,966
**1,088,523**|
|---|---|---|
|||
1,093,478
- 4,955
**1,088,523**|
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Dawatal Islam Soothill Trust Annual Report 2023
## **DAWATAL ISLAM MOSQUE NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**
## **1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES**
## 1.1 Bases of Accounting
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
1.2 Restricted funds are those which are used in accordance with specific requirements of the funding body.
- 1.3 Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation.
## **2. FIXED ASSETS**
|Balance as at 1 January 2023
Additions
Balance as at 31 December 2023
**3. DEPRECIATION**
Balance as at 1 January 2023
Charge for the Year
Net Value as at 31 December 2023
Net Value as at 31 December 2022
**4. CURRENT ASSETS**
Natwest Bank A/C No – 02838613
Natwest Bank A/C No – 40592189
Lloyds Bank A/C No – 01625172
Lloyds Bank A/C No – 39317960
Lloyds Bank A/C No – 00489747
Barclays Bank A/C No – 83893154
Barclays Bank A/C No – 93233383
Cash|**Property**
1,094,410
-
1,094,410
239,951
51,268
**291,219**
803,191
854,459|**Fixtures & Fittings**
33,348
-
33,348
12,244
3,166
**15,410**
17,938
21,104|**Total**
1,127,758
-
1,127,758
252,195
54,433
**306,628**
821,130
875,563
**2023**
5,362
50,000
25,521
129,347
3,066
44,020
3,707
9,513
**270,535**|
|---|---|---|---|
## **5. ACCRUALS**
|Wages
Repairs and Maintenance
Professional Fees|-
100
1,735|
|---|---|
||
**1,835**|
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Dawatal Islam Soothill Trust Annual Report 2023
## **DAWATAL ISLAM MOSQUE NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**
|**6. EXPENDITURE**
Wages
Insurance
Rates and Water
Light and Heat
Repairs and Maintenance
Postage and Stationery
Telephone
Children’s Gifts
Event Expenses
IMWS Fees
Website
Subscriptions
Legal and Management Fees
Professional Fees
Bank charges
General Expenses
Bike Fund
Depreciation|**2023**
155,741
4,705
1,420
10,866
38,492
708
394
-
2,505
1,880
-
463
886
355
28
636
500
54,433
**274,031**|**2022**
141,318
4,287
1,399
12,269
3,703
800
393
2,870
963
2,160
-
1,222
1,129
345
29
3,324
4,277
58,264
**238,752**|
|---|---|---|
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Dawatal Islam Soothill Trust Annual Report 2023
## **Headteacher’s Report**
I pray this report meets you all in the best of health and Imaan. I am pleased to present to you the annual report highlighting the remarkable accomplishments and progress made by the Madrasah over the past year. It is with great pride that I reflect on the dedication, hard work, and enthusiasm displayed by our staff, students, and parents.
**Academic Excellence:** Students have achieved outstanding targets and quality across all levels of study; Qaidah, Qur’aan, Kitaab and the highlight being our two Hifz classes who continue to excel and break records. Through our rigid curriculum and supportive learning environment, students have consistently excelled. Our teachers' commitment to delivering high-quality education has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in our students' success.
**Extra-Curricular Activities:** Beyond academics, the Madrasah has provided numerous opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities, fostering their personal growth and development. From sports to Hifz competitions, our students have demonstrated their talents and abilities in various domains. These activities have not only enriched their educational experience but also instilled important values such as teamwork, leadership, and resilience.
**Community Engagement:** Our madrasah has continued to strengthen its ties with the local community, actively participating in initiatives aimed at promoting social cohesion and unity. Through charity drives such as kids4kids where our students fundraised a whopping £7041.71 to outreach programs such as visiting the care home; we have been able to make a positive impact on the lives of those around us. This spirit of service and compassion reflects the core values of our institution and reinforces our commitment to making a difference in the world.
**Infrastructure and Facilities:** In line with our commitment to providing a conducive learning environment, significant improvements have been made to our facilities. From classroom and main door security upgrades to additional CCTV in and around the building. These enhancements have not only benefited our students and parents but have also contributed to the overall growth and development of our madrasah.
For the coming academic year extensive discussions have taken place with the Madrasah committee members along with acquiring quotations to upgrade classroom infrastructure. As the Madrasah continues to grow in student number along with supporting our parents in easing their drop off and pick up duties as well as creating more study time for our students, we have devised a plan to accommodate up to 80 percent of our students at one time. We have endeavoured to create a space that inspires creativity, innovation, and excellence. I would greatly appreciate if this can be completed before the last term of the academic year so we may formulate class structure and prepare for any recruitment needs.
**Challenges and Opportunities:** While we celebrate our achievements, it is essential to acknowledge the challenges that we have faced along the way. The past year has presented some obstacles; from the disruptions caused by the roof works and roof leaks to losing valued members of our teaching staff. However, through resilience, adaptability, and the unwavering support of our community, we have overcome these challenges and
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Dawatal Islam Soothill Trust Annual Report 2023
emerged stronger than ever before.
**Looking Ahead:** As we look ahead to the future, I am confident that Madrasah Dawatal Islam will continue to thrive and excel in its mission of providing quality education rooted in Islamic principles. With the continued support of the Madrasah committee members, community, dedicated staff, and enthusiastic students, I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and the positive impact we will continue to make in the lives of our students and the broader community.
In conclusion, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each member of the Masjid/Madrasah for their unwavering support and guidance throughout the past year. Together, we have achieved remarkable success, and I am confident that our collective efforts will propel the Madrasah to even greater heights in the years to come.
May the Al-Mighty reward you all abundantly in both worlds and May He accept us to serve his Deen with sincerity, Aameen.
And all praises belong to the Al-Mighty.
Zakaria Seedat HeadTeacher
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