The 6th Executive Council Meeting for the term 2006-2009 was held at the Ja'ffari Islamic Centre in Toronto on Saturday 14 June 2008.

Toronto Jamaat entitled the weekend full of events as ‘Rising to New Heights’, which included raising the Minaret at the new centre at 9000 Bathurst. The new centre, which is hoped to be ready for Muharram 1430 is a landmark project for an ever-increasing Shia population in Toronto. As buildings signify development of communities, they need to go hand-in-hand with development of the people who occupy these buildings. The World Federation’s Capacity Building Project aims to develop the youth through leadership development, mentoring schemes and Muballigheen Training Programmes. Click here to find out more about the Capacity Building Programme.

The agenda for the meeting included:

• Progress report on the strategic objectives 2006-2009
• Muballigheen Training Programme Update
• Discussion of the Economic Upliftment Handbook
• Al-Qaaem Capital Project, Peterborough, UK

The meeting began with recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by a welcome speech by the President of ISIJ of Toronto, Razak Damani. Razak bhai talked about our community structures and organisations as an important platform to exchange ideas at a global level.

The President of NASIMCO Hussein bhai Walji talked about Toronto Jamaat as one of the largest Jamaats in NASIMCO, adding that it possessed good examples of best practices.

Feedback from the Councillors on the previous day’s development programme which was on conflict was unanimously positive, with a request on more attendance to these programmes from Executive Councillors. The councillors who participated talked about some of the skills they gained from the programme.

President’s Address
Dr Ahmed Hassam updated the Executive Council and the observers on various community issues. This included an update on the relationship between Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya (BMMK) and Africa Federation. He explained the key issues were discussed at length during the Africa Federation conference at Dar es Salaam, Tanzania in March 2008. It was decided that further discussions shall take place, which will allow BMMK to continue to function under the patronage and guidance of the Africa Federation whilst still retaining its independent registered status. Dr Hassam also briefed the Executive Council on the negotiations between The Regional Council of the Indian Ocean and Africa Federation and how a great deal of progress has been made.

Dr Hassam continued his address by passionately impressing on the Executive Councillors on the development of the Islamic Institute of Postgraduate Studies, indicating that the first year of the institute has been a success, making reference to the first year evaluation report. To view the report, please click here.

The President then ran a brief summary of some of the important meetings he has had since the last Executive Council meeting in Stanmore on 02 March 2008.
He mentioned that he met with the Iranian Ambassador in London, UK, along with the Hon. Treasurer Al Haj Ahmed Daya and the Assistant Secretary General for Islamic Education Sheikh Abbas Ismail. He explained that the purpose of this meeting was to discuss many shared objectives as well as to put forward the community’s views on easing the process in gaining Visa for Ziyarat and for students wishing to pursue education in Iran. Although the meeting in London was fruitful, it was decided that due to the pressing nature of the two issues – further meetings were needed at the Iranian Foreign Office in Tehran.

The President highlighted that he was truly delighted and pleased that he had the privilege to gain an audience with Ayatullah Sistani in late May 2008, together with Al Haj Ahmed Daya and Maulana Zafar Abbas. He indicated that Ayatullah was extremely passionate about the Khoja community, and indicated the high level of respect for our community – to the extent that he remembers our community every morning during his Fajr Duas. In addition, Ayatullah gave a number of messages to our community, including the need for strengthening the unity of the community. In addition, Dr Hassam informed the Council that Ayatullah congratulated the community on the centralisation of the community institutions. Ayatullah Sistani was informed on the progress of the Muballigheen Training Programme. Dr Hassam stated that Ayatullah was extremely pleased to note the success in establishing and promoting the programme and pledged the support of any of his expert scholars towards the programme.

Dr Hassam ended by highlighting his recent trip to Council of Gujerat, a few days before the Executive Council, highlighting the continued poverty within our community in India. He stated that we need to continue our commitment to education in making sure our community members have the skills and the training to be able to take full advantage of the opportunities available in the expanding Indian economy.

Update on the Muballigheen Training Programme
Al Haj Jafferbhai Dharamsi updated on the development of the programme informing the Executive Council that applications are opened for the 2nd year. Jaffer bhai requested all Jamaats to support in creating awareness of this program, especially within their local Jamaats. In addition, he highlighted that the number of volunteers within the MTP team has been growing at a tremendous rate and now stands at over 90 individuals.  Jaffer bhai summarised the first year evaluation report and answered questions from Councillors and observers.

Maulana Zaffer Abbas emphasised on the importance of this programme for our community. He talked about our community as very strong in all fields, apart from religious scholars and that the focus of the Programme was to create vibrant, dedicated and spiritually exceptional Alims to serve our community.

Progress Report on Strategic Objectives 2006-2009
As with all Executive Council meetings, the councillors were briefed on the key deliverables of The World Federation. Al Haj Shan-E-Abbas Hassam briefed the Executive Council on the background behind the strategic objectives entitled the hexagons. To view these objectives please click here . In addition, he indicated that in order to monitor progress, a traffic light system had been developed:

• Green indicated that the strategic objective was underway or had been completed
• Amber indicated that although there had been progress, the project had not come to completion
• Red indicated that no progress had been made and significant work was required between now and the Triennial Conference 2009

Shan-E-Abbas went through all the objectives that had not been delivered (marked as red) and explained the steps that were outstanding in order to make sure they were completed by the end of the term.

Water and Sanitation: A policy paper
This paper was put forward by the Assistant Secretary General for Relief & Economic Development, Shan-E-Abbas Hassam in order to clarify and to focus on the key issues for our community in this area. He indicated that his intention was to raise awareness within the Council of this issue, especially for our community members in Africa, India and Pakistan as well various other regions throughout the world. He continued by explaining the policy of the United Nations and other international bodies and suggested that The World Federation, in partnership with the Regional Federations and agencies create localised needs assessments and work to meet those needs as soon as possible.

In addition, the paper also covered the need to raise funds for this area by working in partnership with the Regions, in order to re-launch schemes similar to the Ali Asgher (AS) Water Appeal conducted by the youth in the past. He suggested that this work would begin as soon as possible once the needs assessments had been agreed.

The paper was formally adopted by the Executive Council. To view the paper, please click here.

Economic Upliftment Handbook
Shan-E-Abbas bhai also put forward a detailed handbook on Economic Upliftment. He explained that as had been previously agreed, the role of The World Federation was to carry out the strategy in order to support the regions. The aim of the handbook was to create a thorough process which would enable The World Federation’s members and agencies to implement Economic Upliftment based on micro credit and small scale loans. Although such work had been conducted in the past, it was important to share best practices and to consolidate the various techniques used by our community.

He also informed the Council that the handbook had been sent to various organisations for their input and was based on the work conducted by NGOs previously, information which was gained through The World Federation’s membership of BOND.

However, it was agreed that due to the fact that Africa Federation were not present at the meeting, it would not be adopted and instead it would be re-tabled at the next Executive Council meeting. In addition, the Council directed Shan-E-Abbas bhai to continue the consultation process until the 30 August 2008 and to amend the document based on the consultation with Regional Members.

To view the paper, please click here.

For further information or to give your views on the paper please email relief@world-federation.org

Al-Qaaem Capital Project
Delegates from the Peterborough Jamaat briefed the Executive Council on their project, to develop a new centre in Peterborough. Councillor Masum Somji, of The World Federation’s Capital Projects team, proposed and the Council agreed that for now Peterborough Jamaat should be granted part Ijaza, only for funds obtained from within members of Peterborough Jamaat. This Ijaza shall be used to pay for the loans taken from members of Peterborough Jamaat for the purchase of the land. Once this is complete, the Peterborough Jamaat shall have to obtain planning permission, following which a full Ijaza may be considered. In addition, CoEJ shall ensure that a Project team is elected in Peterborough, to meet the Capital Projects guidelines. Click here to read more about the project.

Toronto Madrasah Students Present to the Council
Students of the East End Madrasah, Central Madrasah and the As-Sadiq Islamic School participated in an essay competition entitled ‘If I am President of The World Federation...’ The winners were thereafter invited to present their essays to the Executive Councillors.  The students talked about focusing on Tableegh and Humanitarian activities, for the pleasure of Allah (SWT). They highlighted the importance of youth programmes, investment in technology and excelling in academics in order to provide effective resources for Tableegh and participation in politics. Click here  to read the essays.

Some Questions by the Youth to the Leadership
The following are some of the questions asked by the youth:

• As leaders of the community, what is the single most important thing you have done or are doing?
• NASIMCO President Hussein bhai Walji talked about building closer ties between The World Federation and NASIMCO. He talked about NASIMCO building a solid structure so that they can reach out to people within this region and to undertake various activities in the future.
• Dr Hassam stated that for him the Muballigheen Training Programme was the single most important activity he had undertaken, and was thankful for the support obtained from the entire community across the globe.
• In the west, does The World Federation provide loans, grants and scholarships for education, especially in areas like media, journalism, leadership and politics? If so, what are these.
• Dr Ahmed Hassam highlighted the media need that was addressed during the Dubai Conference in 2006. He mentioned the Hiridjee Loan scheme available for females. He also stated that several scholarships in journalism were donated by a participant during the conference. These shall be launched soon by The World Federation, with the education being undertaken in India.
• What is The World Federation doing for the elevation of the standard of living for the less fortunate Shias in terms of welfare and education?
• Executive Councillor Dr Hasnain Walji gave examples of success stories from the Zainabiyya Child Sponsorship Scheme (ZCSS). He highlighted the change in thinking, stating that some 25 years ago he met someone in Gujarat  who was reluctant to send his son to school because  the son would have to leave the job earning a few rupees if he went to school. ZCSS offered to make up for the loss of income to encourage the father to send his son to school. During his recent trip to Gujarat, Dr Walji met the same person, who was now worried about where his grandson  would be able to pursue his University education. 
• The Assistant Secretary General for Relief & Economic Development Shan-E-Abbas Hassam stressed that alleviation from poverty was of critical importance to The World Federation and highlighted some of the microfinance work done very recently by The World Federation in Sri Lanka, where over 70 deserving female Shia Ithna-asheris were given tools to generate an income including cooking pots and sewing machines.

Some Questions by Observers to the Leadership

• In 2006 Conference in Dubai, a presentation was made regarding disability and the importance of catering for the needs of our community members in this area. What progress has been made? 
• CoEJ said a pilot scheme was launched in London and shall be put across other jamaats
• NASIMCO said a new health body has just been formalised and they shall be tasked to take on this project
• Africa Federation said no progress has been made in this area
• The World Federation has recently obtained NGO status, what does this mean for our community?
• Shan-E-Abbas Hassam stated that this would be beneficial for us in a number of ways. Firstly, it would allow for our community to be organised at the highest levels and so able to influence decisions and decision makers. In addition, we would be able to gain opportunities to train our volunteers and staff in a similar fashion to other NGOs and finally it would in the long run possibly allow for external funding or partnership with other NGOs, who have certain specialisms. However, he stressed that a great deal of effort needs to put in place in order to reap these rewards.
• Jafferbhai Dharamsi added that through this status we have been able to open a bank account in Syria without any problem. This was initially a great problem, until he mentioned to the authorities about the NGO status, they asked for the necessary documentation and swiftly allowed The World Federation to have open a bank account.
• Shabbar Dhalla said that through this status, CoEJ found it easier to obtain access to government bodies.
• What is The World Federation doing to engage more youth at meetings where important decisions are made?
• The World Federation has young Assistant Secretary Generals, the youngest being 23 years of age. The Assistant Secretary Generals are tasked with implementing the strategic objectives.
• Through Leadership Training in Europe, they are becoming Office Bearers of Jamaats, eg. Secretary General of CoEJ and Head of Media Desk of CoEJ.
• A young councillor has been appointed in NASIMCO, and shall be discussing capacity and leadership training in their next conference to be held in Vancouver, Canada on 21 June 2008.
• Why don't The World Federation leadership respond to the important issues being raised in the Federation Samachar now and then as a challenge to the community leadership?
• The WF Secretary General Yasin Rahim responded that he had not read the articles in the quarterly magazine and promised that the periodical challenges presented in Federation Samachar would be taken up in the Forum of the Executive Council.  The format of this would have to be thought through.

The venue for the next meeting was a choice between Bhavnagar, India and Paris, France. The councillors voted, and the winning vote was Bhavnagar, India, with dates to be confirmed.

For further information, email secretariat@world-federation.org