2023-12-31-accounts

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1201607 REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 11613566

SOHBET SOCIETY

(A company limited by guarantee without share capital)

TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED

31 DECEMBER 2023

SOHBET SOCIETY

Contents	Page
Legal and administrative information	2
Trustees’ Report	3 -4
Accountant’s Report	5
Statement of Financial Activities	6
Balance Sheet	7
Notes to the Financial Statements	8-16

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SOHBET SOCIETY

Legal and administrative information

Trustees

Bilal Karaduman

Yusuf Kar

Mustafa Balci

Company Number: 11613566

Charity Number: 1201607

Registered Office address

337 Fore Street, London, N9 0NU

Accountants

AA Accountancy Services 244 Chase Road London N14 6HH

2

Sohbet Society Annual Report 2022-2023

Advancing the Religion of Islam for the Public Benefit in the UK

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Objectives

3. Sohbet

4. Mentoring

5. Retreats

6. Excursions

7. Qur'an Lessons

8. Social Events

9. Fundraising

10. Conclusion

1. Introduction

The Sohbet Society is pleased to present its annual report for the year ended 31 December 2023. Over this period, we have worked diligently to fulfil our objectives of advancing the religion of Islam and promoting understanding of Islamic teachings in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. We have achieved this through various projects and activities tailored to meet the spiritual and social needs of our community.

2. Objectives

Our primary objective, in line with our charitable mission, is to advance the religion of Islam by following the Holy Quran and teachings of the prophets. To achieve this, we have focused on the following activities:

• Holding prayer meetings.

• Organizing lectures and discussions.

• Celebrating religious festivals.

• Producing and distributing literature on Islam.

These activities are aimed at enlightening others about the Islamic religion, fostering understanding, and promoting interfaith dialogue.

3. Sohbet

Sohbet Society takes its name from one of our most widespread activities – Sohbet. Sohbet, meaning 'to talk, converse, discuss, and engage,' involves hosting religious circles or study groups. These gatherings, comprising between five to ten participants, provide a safe and friendly space for discussing faith, religion, and society. We read and reflect on religious texts, typically excerpts from the Qur'an or religious commentaries, during these sessions, which are convened weekly.

4. Mentoring

We provide one-to-one religious mentoring to adult Muslims, focusing on the requirements of religious and spiritual life. These mentoring sessions are conducted through visits, offering personalized guidance and support to our community members.

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5. Retreats

Throughout the year, we organize retreats that centre around reading, prayer, spiritual activities, and discussions. These retreats, which last between three to five days, are held in rural country homes, providing a peaceful environment for reflection and spiritual growth.

6. Excursions

Recognizing the value of outdoor excursions and trips, we organize short excursions throughout the year. These trips offer participants the opportunity to think, reflect, and renew their spirits.

7. Qur'an Lessons

Understanding the Qur'an's meaning and learning to read it in its original Arabic form are central to our activities. We provide classes and one-to-one lessons in Qur'an reading for adults, promoting spiritual growth, and enabling prescribed prayer.

8. Social Events

We believe that faith is not only personal but also social. To foster social engagement and community, we organize medium- to large-scale social events. These events include public conferences, celebrations, and summer fairs, providing opportunities for people to explore and experience religion in a public context.

9. Fundraising

We organize an annual fundraising dinner where we request our beneficiaries to support our work by making annual donations payable over monthly or quarterly instalments. These donations are crucial for sustaining and expanding our activities.

10. Conclusion

The Sohbet Society remains committed to advancing the religion of Islam and promoting understanding and harmony in the communities we serve. We are grateful for the support of our members, donors, and partners who have made our efforts possible.

We look forward to continuing our mission in the coming year, striving to create a more informed and engaged community. Thank you for your trust in our organization.

For more information or to request additional details about our annual activities and financial statement, please contact us at 02081233323 or [e-mail] .

Sincerely,

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SOHBET SOCIETY

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO TRUSTEES OF SOHBET SOCIETY

I report on the accounts of the charity for the period ended 31 December 2023 which are set out on pages 10 to 20

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the terms of the Charities and Trustee Investment Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts Regulations 2006. The charity trustees consider that the audit requirement of Regulation 10(1) (a) to (c) of the 2006 Accounts Regulations does not apply. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts as required under section 44(1) (c) of the Act and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of independent examiner’s statement

My examination is carried out in accordance with Regulation 11 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeks explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.

Independent examiner’s statement

In the course of my examination, no matter has come to my attention other than disclosed below.

1.which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:

•to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 44(1) (a) of the 2005 Act and Regulation 4 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations

•to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with Regulation 8 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations have not been met, or

2.to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached .

AA Accountancy Services

Chartered Certified Accountant

244 Chase Road, London, N14 6HH

Date: 16/10/2024

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SOHBET SOCIETY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

(Incorporating income and expenditure account) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Unristricted Notes Funds INCOME AND EXPENDITURES £ INCOMING RESOURCES Incoming resources from generated funds: Voluntary income 2 87403 Activities for generating funds 3 1980 Investment income 4 Incoming resources from charitable activities 5 Other incoming resources 6 TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 89383 RESOURCES EXPENDED charitable Activities 7 74307 Governance Costs 8 5488 Other resources expended 9 0 TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED 11 79795 NET INCOMING/(OUTGOING) RESOURCES before transfers 21 9588 Transfersbetween funds - NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS FOR THE YEAR 9588 Total Funds at 1 January 2023 -9352 Prior Year Adjustment (Note 20) 0 Total Funds at 31 DECEMBER 2023 236 =====	Restricted Funds £ 0 0 0 0 - 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 0 0 0 0 =====	2023 Total £ 87,403 1980 0 0 0 89383 74307 5488 0 79795 9588 - 9588 -9352 0 236 =====	2022 Total £ 48,417 2676 0 0 525
			51618
			50363 5490 0
			55853
			-4235 -
			-4235 -5117 0 -9352 =====

The notes on pages 12 to 22 form part of these accounts.

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SOHBET SOCIETY

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023

Notes 2023 ₤ 15 0 Programme related investments 16 0 0 Debtors 17 2700 Investments 0 4079 6779 18 -6543 236 19 0 236 ===== 21 0 21 236 236 ===== FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets CURRENT ASSETS Cash at bank and in hand Restricted funds CHARITY FUNDS Unrestricted funds CREDITORS:Amounts falling due within one year Total assets less current liabilities Net current assets / (liabilities) CREDITORS:Amounts falling due more than one year	2022 ₤ 0 0
	0 0 0 1576
	1576 -10928
	-9352 0
	-9352 ===== 0 -9352
	-9352 =====

The notes on pages 16 to 24 from part of these accounts. Approved by the Board of Trustees on 30 September 2024 and signed on its behalf by Bilal Karaduman, Trustee.

Bilal Karaduman Chairman

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SOHBET SOCIETY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

1.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, with the exception of investments which are included at market value, and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective April 2008). The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP), 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities' published in March 2005 and applicable accounting standards.

1.2 Fund accounting

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

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

Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.

1.3 Incoming resources

All incoming resources are included in the Statement of financial activities when the charity has entitlement to the funds, certainty of receipt and the amount can be measured with sufficient reliability.

Donated services or facilities, which comprise donated services, are included in income at a valuation which is an estimate of the financial cost borne by the donor where such a cost is quantifiable and measurable No income is recognised where there is no financial cost borne by a third party.

Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Income tax recoverable in relation to investment income is recognised at the time the investment income is receivable

1.4 Resources expended

Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been included under expense categories that aggregate all costs for allocation to activities. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular activities they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of the resources.

Governance costs are those incurred in connection with administration of the charity and compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements.

Grants payable are charged in the year when the offer is made except in those cases where the offer is conditional, such grants being recognised as expenditure when the conditions attaching are fulfilled, Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end are noted as a commitment, but not accrued as expenditure.

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SOHBET SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

1.5 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

All assets costing more than £ 500 are capitalised.

Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following bases:

Fixtures and fittings 25% reducing balance

1.6 Foreign currencies

Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date.

Transactions in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the rate ruling on the date of the transaction.

Exchange gains and losses are recognised in the Statement of financial activities.

1.7 Programme related investment

Programme related investments are stated at the cost of investment.

2. VOLUNTARY INCOME Donations Grants Voluntary Income 3. TRADING ACTIVITIES Charity trading income Charity trading income-Domestic Net income from trading activities	Unristricted Funds £ 62376 25027 87403 Unristricted Funds £ 1980 1980	Restricted Funds £ 0 0 Restricted Funds £ - 0	2023 Total £ 62376 25027 87403 2023 Total £ 1980 1980	2022 Total £ 24929 23488
				48417
				2022 Total £ 2676
				2676

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SOHBET SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

4. INVESTMENT INCOME Unristricted Funds £ Rental Income 5. INCOMING RESOURCES FROM CHARITABLE Unristricted Funds £ Educational Activities 6. OTHER INCOMING RESOURCES Unristricted Funds £ Other incoming resources 7. EXPENDITURE BY CHARITABLE ACTIVITY SUMMARY BY FUND TYPE Unristricted Funds £ Direct costs 74307 Governance costs 5488 79795 SUMMARY BY EXPENDITURE TYPE Staff Costs £ Investment Income 36343 Meeting Expenses 36343	Restricted 2023 Funds Total £ £ 0 0 ACTIVITIES Restricted 2023 Funds Total £ £ 0 0 Restricted 2023 Funds Total £ £ 0 0 Restricted 2023 Funds Total £ £ 0 74307 5488 0 79795 Other 2023 Costs Total £ £ 74307 110650 0 74307 110650	2022 Total £ 0
		2022 Total £
		2022 Total £
		525
		2022 Total £ 50363 5490
		55853
		2022 Total £ 0 0
		0

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SOHBET SOCIETY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

8. GOVERNANCE COSTS Unrestricted Funds £ Governance- Accountants fees 600 Governance - Other expenses Governance - Premises costs for head office Governance - telephone Governance expense - computer expenses 61 Governance expense - wages and salaries 4039 Governance expense - NI 788 Governance - depreciation - tangible fixed assets 5488 ==== 9. OTHER RESOURCES EXPENDED Unrestricted Funds £ Loss((profit) on disposal of fixed asset 0 ==== 10. DIRECT COSTS Basis of Unrestricted Allocation Funds £ Educational supplies Direct 0 Charitable Contribution Direct 1330 Volunteer expenses Direct 30000 Premises Direct Insurance Direct 385 Consultancy fees Direct Professional fees Direct 1000 Printing, Postage and Stationary Direct 28 Equipment Hire Direct Telephone Direct Travel and substance Direct 3148 Repairs and Renewals Direct Bank Charges Direct 256 Paypal fee Direct 0 Subscriptions Direct 3 Miscellaneous Direct 227 Advertising Direct 270 Meeting expenses Direct 0 Computer costs Direct 546 Wages and salaries Direct 36343 Pension Direct 771 Purchases Direct 74307 ==== 11	Unrestricted Funds £ 600 61 4039 788	Restricted Funds £ 0 ==== Restricted Funds £ 0 ==== Restricted Funds £ 0 ====	2023 Total £ 600 0 0 0 61 4039 788 0	2022 Total £ 500 8 0 4457 525
	5488 ==== Unrestricted Funds £		5488 ==== 2023 Total £	5490 ==== 2022 Total £
			0 ==== 2023 Total £ 0 1330 30000 0 385 0 1000 28 0 0 3148 0 256 0 3 227 270 - 546 36343 771 0	0 ==== 2022 Total £ 0 2961 0 0 359 0 0 107 0 75 0 0 266 0 156 15 492 5481 0 40114 337
	74307 ==== 11		74307 ====	50363 ====

SOHBET SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

11. ANALYSIS OF RESOURCES EXPENDED BY EXPENDITURE TYPE

Staff Costs Depreciation Other Costs 2023 £ £ £ £ Investment Income 0 0 74307 74307 Meeting Expenses 0 0 0 0 Charitable activities 0 0 74307 74307 Governance 4827 0 661 5488 Other costs Loss on disposal of fixed assets 0 0 0 0 4827 0 74968 79795 12. ANALYSIS OF RESOURCES EXPENDED BY ACTIVITIES Activities undertaken Total Directly Support Costs 2023 £ £ £ Investment Income 74307 0 74307 Educational Activities 0 5488 5488 Total 74307 5488 79795	2023 £ 74307 0	2022 £ 0 40114
	74307	40114
	5488 0	4982 508 0
	79795	45604
		Total 2022 £ 50372
	79795	50372

13. NET INCOMING RESOURCES

This is stated after charging:

13. NET INCOMING RESOURCES This is stated after charging:
	2023	2022
	£	£
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets: owned by charity	0
Auditor's remuneration	0	0
Governance Accountant fees	600	500

During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration (2020 -£NIL). During the year, no Trustees received any benefits in kind (2020 -£NIL).

During the year, no Trustees received any reimbursement of expenses (2020 -£NIL).

14. STAFF COSTS

Staff costs were as follows:

Wages and salaries Social security costs The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:	2023 £ 40382 788 41170 2023 No.	2022 £ 44571 525
		45096
		2022 No.

No employee received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 in either year.

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SOHBET SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

15. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

15. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Cost At 31.12.22 Additions At 31.12.23 Depreciation At 31.12.22 charge for period At 31.12.23 Net book values At 31.12.23 At 31.12.22	TOTAL £ 0 0
	0
	0 0
	0
	0
	0

16. PROGRAMME RELATED INVESTMENT

Market Value At 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2023 At 31 December 2022	Mortgage £	Mortgage £	£	Alterations to Premises £	Total £

Programme related investments enable other charities to further their charitable objectives as well as ours in advance of furthering the education of students throughout the UK.

Total bank loans at the year end of £0 are owed in relation to the Programme Related Investments held.

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SOHBET SOCIETY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

17. DEBTORS

EBTORS
	2023	2022
	£	£
Due after more than one year
Other Debtors		0
Due within one year
Trade debtors	2700
Other debtors	0
	2700

18. CREDITORS: Amount falling due within one year

2023 £ Bank loans and Overdraft Trade creditors Other taxation and social security Other creditors 5928 Accruals and deferred income 615 6543	2022 £ 271 10657
	10928

19. CREDITORS: Amount falling due after one year

	2023	2022
	£	£
Bank loans
Other creditors
Creditors include amounts not wholly repayable within 5 years as follows:
	2023	2022
	£	£
Repayable by instalments

Bank loans are secured by way of a charge over the freehold buildings of the charity.

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SOHBET SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

20. PRIOR YEAR ADJUSTMENT

There is no prior year adjsutment this year

21. STATEMENT OF FUNDS

Designated Funds General Funds General Funds-all funds Total Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Restricted funds-all funds Total of funds SUMMARY OF FUNDS General Funds Restricted funds	Brought Forward £ -9352 -9352 0 -9352 Restated Brought Forward £ -9352 0 -9352	Incoming Resources £ 89383 89383 0 89383 Incoming Resources £ 89383 0 89383	Resources Expended £ (79795) (79795) (79795) Resources Expended £ (79795) -79795	Transfers In/Out £ 0	Carried Forward £ 236
				0	236
				0	0
				0	236
				Transfers In/Out £ 0 0	Carried Forward £ 236 0
				0	236

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SOHBET SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

22. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS

Tangible fixed assets Programme related investments Debtors due after more than 1 year Current assets Creditors due within one year Creditors due in more than one year	Unrestricted Restricted Total Total Funds Funds 2023 2022 £ £ £ £ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6779 0 6779 0 -6543 0 -6543 0 0 0 0 0
	236 0 236 0

23. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

There was not any related party transaction with any of the trustees this year and last year.

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