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2024-12-31-accounts

TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED

31 DECEMBER 2024

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1201607 REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 11613566

SOHBETSOCIETY

(A companylimitedbyguaranteewithoutshare capital) TRUSTEES’ REPORT ANDFINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED

31 DECEMBER 2024

Contents Legal and administrative information 2 Trustees’ Report 3 - 7 Accountant’s Report 8 Statement of Financial Activities. 9 Balance Sheet 10 Notes to the Financial Statements 11 - 19

Legal and administrative information

Trustees

Bilal Karaduman

Yusuf Kar

Mustafa Balci

Company Number: 11613566 Charity Number: 1201607

Registered Office address

Southgate Office Village, Block E, 286-A Chase Road London, N14 6HF

Accountants

AA Accountancy Services 2 44 Chase Road London, N14 6HH

Sohbet Society Annual Trustee’s Report 2024

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

Reference and Administrative Details

Charity Name: Sohbet Society Registered Charity Number: 1201607

Registered Company Number: 11613566

Registered Office: Southgate Office Village, Block E, 286-A Chase Road, London, N14 6HF Trustees (2024):

Independent Examiner: AA Accountancy Services, 244 Chase Road, London, N14 6HH

Table of Contents

1.Introduction 2.Objectives 3.Sohbet

4.Mentoring 5.Retreats

6.Excursions

7.Qur'an Lessons and Spiritual Readings

8.Social Events

9.Fundraising 10.Financial Overview 11.Structure, Governance and Management 12.Trustee and Staff Disclosures 13.Conclusion

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1. Introduction

The Sohbet Society is pleased to present its Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2024. Throughout the year, we continued our mission of advancing the religion of Islam and fostering understanding of Islamic teachings across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. By combining spiritual guidance with social engagement, we have strengthened our community and deepened our collective commitment to faith.

2. Objectives

Our primary charitable objective remains the advancement of the religion of Islam by following the Holy Qur’an and the teachings of the prophets.

We pursue this mission through:

-Holding prayer meetings and religious circles.

-Organising lectures, discussions, and study sessions.

-Celebrating Islamic festivals with the wider community.

These activities provide both spiritual nourishment and opportunities for interfaith understanding.

3. Sohbet

As our name suggests, Sohbet is at the heart of our work. Weekly gatherings of 5–10 participants provide a safe and welcoming environment to study religious texts, reflect on faith, and discuss contemporary challenges. In 2024, these meetings remained one of our most impactful activities, strengthening personal faith and community bonds.

Sohbet Groups (2024):

Additional Sohbet Programmes:

This growth represents more than just numbers; it has led to new friendships, strengthened bonds across different cities, and a closer attachment of the younger generation to Islamic values. Many participants reported experiencing deeper spirituality in their daily lives, stronger family communication, and a heightened sense of social responsibility

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.

4. Mentoring

We offered one-to-one mentoring to adult Muslims, providing tailored support in areas of worship, spiritual life, and community engagement. These personalised sessions continued to help individuals navigate their spiritual journeys with confidence.

• On Saturday evenings, we delivered a 13-week programme with guest speakers on family communication, parenting, and integration.

• A teacher development and mentoring programme for sohbet leaders was organised on Fridays and continued for 33 weeks.

These mentoring activities not only provided religious knowledge but also empowered participants to strengthen family bonds, improve their communication skills, and engage more meaningfully with their communities. Feedback highlighted how parents, in particular, benefited from positive changes in their relationships with their children.

5. Retreats

During 2024, we organised several spiritual retreats lasting between three and five days. These retreats, hosted in peaceful countryside settings, combined Qur’an readings, prayer, reflection, and fellowship. Participants reported a renewed sense of purpose and deeper spiritual connection.

Monthly Camps and Attendance:

The retreats created deep bonds among participants and strengthened the spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood. The serene settings provided opportunities for individuals to reorient their lives, develop greater consistency in worship, and refresh their spiritual outlook. Many expressed that these programmes inspired them to establish regular habits of worship.

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6. Excursions

Our short excursions offered members time for reflection, contemplation, and social bonding in natural surroundings. These outings served as an important balance to our study-focused programmes, fostering both well-being and togetherness.

Excursion Attendance:

The excursions were more than simple outings; they became opportunities to create lasting memories and sustain the spirit of community. Friendships formed during these trips carried over into sohbet groups, enriching them with stronger unity. Young participants, in particular, were observed to gain great motivation and enthusiasm through these activities.

7. Qur'an Lessons and Spiritual Readings

Understanding the Qur’an in its original Arabic remains a cornerstone of our educational work. We continued to provide both group and one-to-one lessons in Qur’an reading and tafsir (interpretation). Many participants have advanced in their ability to recite the Qur’an and strengthen their prayer practices.

Spiritual Readings (Hatim, Cevşen, and Other Supplications):

The progress participants made in reading and understanding the Qur’an has translated into stronger worship and deeper spirituality. Collective recitations such as hatims and Cevshen fostered ashared spiritual atmosphere, reinforcing brotherhood and sisterhood. Many participants expressed that these readings enabled them to build a much closer bond with the Qur’an.

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8. Social Events

We organised several social gatherings, including conferences, celebrations, and community fairs. These events created opportunities for both Muslims and non-Muslims to engage with Islam in an open and inclusive setting.

Religious Festivals:

Spiritual Nights:

These gatherings not only enriched the spirituality of participants but also strengthened their ties with the broader society. Ramadan and Eid programmes brought people from diverse backgrounds together, allowing the beauty of Islam to reach wider audiences. Such events reinforced unity and togetherness, making the spirit of brotherhood more visible in the community.

9. Fundraising

Our annual fundraising dinner successfully brought together supporters to sustain our projects. Attendees pledged both one-off and regular donations, ensuring the continuity of our programmes. We remain deeply grateful to all who contributed.

Fundraising activities provided more than financial support; they demonstrated the community’s devotion to charitable causes. Donors expressed joy in contributing to new projects, and their support became a collective prayer for the wellbeing and success of the Society’s mission.

10. Financial Overview

-Total Income: £140,052 -Total Expenditure: £107,253 -Net Surplus: £32,799 -Donations & Legacies: £106,452.36

-Grant Income: £30,500 -Year-End Net Assets: £33,035

-Average Number of Employees: 7

These figures reflect steady growth in both financial stability and operational capacity, allowing us toexpand our outreach and community impact.

Reserves Policy: The trustees have agreed to hold reserves equivalent to approximately 4 months of operating expenditure to ensure financial stability and continuity of charitable activities. At 31 December 2024, unrestricted reserves stood at £33,035.

Going Concern: The trustees confirm that the charity has adequate resources to continue its activities for the foreseeable future and remains a going concern.

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11. Structure, Governance and Management

The charity is governed by its Articles of Association, which set out the powers and responsibilities of the Board of Trustees. Trustees are appointed on a needs basis, following recommendations from existing board members, and their appointments are formally approved by the Board. The Board also welcomes recommendations from local sohbet groups and study. leaders, ensuring that a wide range of community perspectives are represented.

The Board is committed to maintaining diversity and ensuring that its collective skills, experience, and knowledge remain relevant to the charity’s evolving activities. Trustees are responsible for the overall strategic direction of the charity, ensuring good governance, regulatory compliance, and the effective management and safeguarding of the charity’s assets.

New trustees undergo an induction process that includes an introduction to the charity’s vision, mission, policies, and key operational areas. They are provided with relevant governance documents, including the Articles of Association and the Charity Commission’s guidance on trustees’ responsibilities. Ongoing training and regular updates are offered to ensure trustees remain informed about current regulatory and sector developments.

1 2. Trustee and Staff Disclosures

-No trustees received any remuneration for their role. -There were no related party transactions in 2024. -Staff costs (wages, salaries, NI, pensions) are disclosed in the financial statements; the average number of employees in 2024 was 7.

13. Conclusion

The Sohbet Society remains dedicated to serving the spiritual and social needs of Muslims in the UK while fostering understanding and harmony across communities.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our members, donors, volunteers, and partners who made 2024 such a successful year.

Looking ahead, we are committed to building on this momentum in 2025 and beyond, continuing our mission to cultivate a more informed, faithful, and connected community.

For more information or to request our detailed financial statements, please contact us at: 02081233323

info@sohbetsociety.org

Sincerely,

The Board of Trustees Sohbet Society

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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO TRUSTEES OF SOHBET SOCIETY

I report on the accounts of the charity for the period ended 31 December 2024 which are set out on pages 9 to 19

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: 29/09/2025

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SOHBET SOCIETY

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

(Incorporating income and expenditure account) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted 2024 2023
Notes Funds Funds Total Total
INCOME AND EXPENDITURES £ £ £ £
INCOMING RESOURCES
Incoming resources fromgeneratedfunds:
Voluntary income 2 136952 0 136,952 87,403
Activities forgeneratingfunds 3 2380 0 2380 1980
Investment income 4 0 0 0 0
Incoming resources from charitable activities 5 0 0 0 0
Other incoming resources 6 720 - 720 0
TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 140052 0 140052 89383
RESOURCES EXPENDED
Charitable Activities 7 96933 0 96933 74307
Governance Costs 8 10320 0 10320 5488
Other resources expended 9 0 0 0 0
TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED 11 107253 0 107253 79795
NET INCOMING/(OUTGOING) RESOURCES
Before transfers 21 32799 0 32799 9588
Transfersbetweenfunds - - - -
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS FOR THE YEAR 32799 0 32799 9588
Total Funds at 1 January 2024 236 0 236 -9352
Prior Year Adjustment (Note 20) 0 0 0 0
Total Funds at 31 DECEMBER 2024 33035 0 33035 236
===== ===== ===== =====

The notes on pages 11 to 21 form part of these accounts.

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SOHBET SOCIETY
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024
Notes 2024 2023
FIXED ASSETS ₤ ₤
Tangible assets 15 847 0
Programmerelated investments 16 0 0
847 0
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors 17 0 2700
Cash at bank and in hand 33403 4079
33403 6779
CREDITORS:Amounts falling due
within one year 18 -1215 -6543
Net current assets / (liabilities) 32188 236
CREDITORS:
Amountsfallingdue		 19 0 0
more than one year
Total assets less current liabilities 33035 236
===== =====
CHARITY FUNDS
Restricted funds 21 0 0
Unrestricted funds 21 33035 236
33035 236
===== =====

The notes on pages 16 to 24 from part of these accounts. Approved by the Board of Trustees on 29 September 2025 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 2024

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 2024

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

Monetaryassets 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

Programmerelatedinvestmentsarestatedatthe cost of investment.

2. VOLUNTARY INCOME Unrestricted Restricted 2024 2023
Funds £ Funds Total Total
£ £ £
Donations 106452 0 106452 62376
Grants 0 30500 30500 25027
Voluntary Income 106952 30500 136952 87403
3. TRADING ACTIVITIES Unrestricted Restricted 2024 2023
Funds £ Funds Total Total
£ £ £
Charity trading income
Charity trading income-Domestic 2380 - 2380 1980
Net income from trading activities 2380 0 2380 1980
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SOHBET SOCIETY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
4. INVESTMENT INCOME Unrestricted Restricted 2024 2023
Funds £ Funds Total Total
£ £ £
Rental Income 0 0 0
5. INCOMING RESOURCES FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Unrestricted Restricted 2024 2023
Funds Funds Total Total
£ £ £ £
Educational Activities 0 0
6. OTHER INCOMING RESOURCES Unrestricted Restricted 2024 2023
Funds £ Funds Total Total
£ £ £
Other incoming resources 720 0 720 0
7. EXPENDITURE BY CHARITABLE ACTIVITY
SUMMARY BY FUND TYPE Unrestricte Restricted 2024 2023
d Funds Funds Total Total
£ £ £ £
Direct costs 66933 30500 96933 74307
Governance costs 10320 10320 5488
76753 30500 107253 79795
SUMMARY BY EXPENDITURE TYPE Staff Other 2024 2023
Costs Costs Total Total
£ £ £ £
Investment Income 84106 12627 96733 110650
Meeting Expenses 0 0
84106 12627 96733 110650
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SOHBET SOCIETY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

8. GOVERNANCE COSTS Unrestricted Restricted 2024 2023
Funds Funds Total Total
£ £ £ £
Governance- Accountants fees 600 600 600
Governance expense - computer expenses 46 46 61
Governance expense - wages and salaries 9213 9213 4039
Governance expense - NI 261 261 788
Governance - depreciation - tangible fixed assets 200 200 0
10320 0 10320 5488
==== ==== ==== ====
9. OTHER RESOURCES EXPENDED
Unrestricted Restricted 2024 2023
Funds Funds Total Total
£ £ £ £
Loss((profit) on disposal of fixed asset 0 0 0 0
==== ==== ==== ====
10. DIRECT COSTS Basis of Unrestricted Restricted 2024 2023
Allocation Funds Funds Total Total
£ £ £ £
Charitable Contribution Direct 6549 6549 1330
Volunteer expenses Direct 0 30000
Insurance Direct 0 385
Raising funds Direct 68 68 0
Professional fees Direct 0 1000
Printing, Postage and Stationary Direct 250 250 28
Travel and substance Direct 0 3148
Bank Charges Direct 188 188 256
Subscriptions Direct 320 320 3
Miscellaneous Direct 35 35 227
Advertising Direct 723 723 270
Meeting expenses Direct 1520 1520 0
Computer costs Direct 410 410 546
Wages and salaries Direct 53606 30500 84106 36343
Employer NI contributions Direct 705 705 0
Pension Direct 459 459 771
Grant giving Direct 1600 1600 0
66433 30500 96933 74307
==== ==== ====
====
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SOHBET SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

11. ANALYSIS OF RESOURCES EXPENDED BY EXPENDITURE TYPE

Staff Costs Depreciation Other Costs 2024 2023
£ £ £ £ £
Charitable Activities 0 0 96933 96933 74307
Meeting Expenses 0 0 0 0 0
Charitable activities 0 0 96933 96933 74307
Governance 9474 200 646 10320 5488
Other costs
Lossondisposaloffixed assets 0 0 0 0 0
9474 200 97579 107253 79795
12. ANALYSIS OF RESOURCES EXPENDED BY ACTIVITIES
Activitiesundertaken
Total		 Total
Directly Support Costs 2024 2023
£ £ £ £
Investment Income 96933 0 96933 74307
Educational Activities 0 10320 10320 5488
Total 96933 10320 107253 79795

13. NET INCOMING RESOURCES

This is stated after charging:

2024 2023
£ £
Depreciationoftangiblefixedassets: owned by charity 0 0
Auditor's remuneration 0 0
Governance Accountant fees 600 600

During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration (2023 -£NIL). During the year, no Trustees received any benefits in kind (2023 -£NIL).

During the year, no Trustees received any reimbursement of expenses (2023 -£NIL).

14. STAFF COSTS

Staff costs were as follows:

2024 2023
£ £
Wages and salaries 93319 40382
Social security costs 966 788
94285 41170
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:
2024 2023
No. 7 No.
3

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 2024

15. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

15. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
TOTAL
Cost £
At 31.12.23 0
Additions 1047
At 31.12.24 1047
Depreciation
At 31.12.23
charge for period
At 31.12.24		 0
200
200
Net book values
At 31.12.24 847
At 31.12.23 0

16. PROGRAMME RELATED INVESTMENT

Mortgage Mortgage Alterations to Total
Premises
£ £ £ £ £
Market Value
At 1 January 2024
and 31 December 2024

At 31 December 2024

Programmerelatedinvestmentsenableothercharitiestofurthertheircharitable 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 2024

17. DEBTORS

EBTORS
2024 2023
£ £
Due aftermore thanoneyear 0 0
Other Debtors Due within 0 0
one year Trade debtors Other 0 0
debtors 0 2700
0 0
0 2700

18. CREDITORS: Amount falling due within one year

2024 2023
£ £
Bank loans and Overdraft 0 0
Trade creditors 0 0
Other taxation and social security 0 0
Other creditors 0 5928
Accruals and deferred income 1215 615
1215 6543

19. CREDITORS: Amount falling due after one year

2024 2023
£ £
Bank loans 0 0
Other creditors 0 0
0 0
Creditors include amounts not wholly repayable within 5 years as follow
2024 2023
£ £
Repayable by instalments 0 0

Creditors include amounts not wholly repayable within 5 years as follows:

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 2024
20. PRIOR YEAR ADJUSTMENT
There is no prior year adjustment this year
21. STATEMENT OF FUNDS
Brought Incoming Resources Transf ers Carried
Forward Resources Expended In/Out Forward
£ £ £ £ £
Designated Funds
General Funds
GeneralFunds-allfunds 236 109552 (76753) 0 33035
Total Unrestricted funds 236 109552 (76753) 0 33035
Restricted funds
Restrictedfunds-all funds 0 30500 30500 0 0
Total of funds 236 140052 107253 0 33035
SUMMARY OF FUNDS
Restated
Brought Incoming Resources Transf ers Carried
Forward Resources Expended In/Out Forward
£ £ £ £ £
General Funds 236 140052 (76753) 0 33035
Restricted funds 0 0 (30500) 0 0
236 140052 -107253 0 33035
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SOHBET SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

22. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS

Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
Funds Funds 2024 2023
£ £ £ £
Tangible fixed assets 847 0 847 0
Programme related investments 0 0 0 0
Debtors due after more than 1 year 0 0 0 0
Current assets 33403 0 33403 6779
Creditors due within one year -1215 0 -1215 -6543
Creditors due in more than one year 0 0 0 0
33035 0 33035 236

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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