Jaffari Islamic Center at Bayview, Toronto, was once again the venue of the third Executive Council meeting held  from Thursday 24th March to  Saturday 26th March 2005. 

This was yet another well represented meeting enabling community leaders from Canada, the United States, Dubai, Africa and Europe to deliberate, converse and respond to the current challenges and decisions before the World Federation.  In addition to networking with members of the Secretariat, Office Bearers and Board Chairs, this was a great opportunity for participants to share and learn of some good practices taking place in Toronto.

An aerial view of the delegates who attended the meeting

State of the Community
The President of the World Federation, Dr Ahmed Hassam highlighted how most of the manifesto commitments have been met. He stated that the strategic plan is moving along well and acknowledged the support from most of the regional federations and Jamaat members.  Centralisation is taking place albeit gradually. He stressed that the focus of the World Federation remains the preservation of our religious identity, the elevation of our spiritual self, the eradication of illiteracy, poverty and disease. 

Dr Hassam addressing the community

Pointedly, he addressed the Councillors that these issues know no borders and as such the work of the World Federation has no borders.  It will work in any area where it feels it can add value.  Partnership is welcome and where none was forthcoming, the World Federation would not flinch form venture on by itself.  He stressed how there is a gap in leadership in most areas where the youth are disengaged.  However, when the youth are given the challenge, they embrace it with all their heart.  Dr Hassam also shared his observations on the disunity and in-fighting taking place within our community, how some of our centres are half empty, members are unable to maintain these centres and now seek help and financial support from the World Federation.  Our community looks upon the World Federation to solve many of their problems, especially financial. Unfortunately we do not have a magic wand but are ready and willing to assist our communities worldwide on their needs. He urged all to give financial support to the World Federation so that it can meet the communities’ expectations. There is also a disturbing rise of inappropriate use of huqooq monies by some of our institutions and the guidance produced by the World Federation seem not to be adhered to.  The Boards and Desks have been empowered to deliver the agenda and the budgets have been devolved.  It is now time for us to have leadership at all levels that facilitates and empowers our community.

Strategic Plan
A thorough progress report was given on the strategic plan “Creating Futures Together 2003-2008” and how the various Boards and Desks were implementing the plan.  Milestones that have been agreed were highlighted and progress against these milestones identified.  The Executive Council was also given an opportunity to review the document. 

Tsunami Relief
An update on the World Federation’s work on Tsunami Relief was highlighted.  A six-phase action plan has been agreed and the focus of the World Federation has been on resettlement rather than emergency relief.  Over £75,000 has been collected and there were still monies coming in.  Dr Hassam highlighted the generosity of individuals and the worldwide community who have donated towards this humanitarian cause.

Volunteer Handbook
A Volunteer Handbook was presented and this is now being consulted with all volunteers.  This will be an opportunity to establish guidelines for new and existing volunteers.

Africa Economic Upliftment
A progress report on the Africa Economic Upliftment plan was presented.  Noting the conspicuous absence of the delegation from Africa, Azad Kanani, the Hon Treasurer, highlighted the quantum steps taken by the World Federation in two areas:  education and housing.  Discussions with a Bank have been going very well and Inshallah the Bank Directors will be visiting Dar-es-Salaam soon to meet with the Office Bearers of the Africa Federation to finalize the loan scheme both for housing and education.  

Progress on Bam
Progress on the Bam Project was presented on behalf of Executive Councillor Mohsin Kanji.  The project is on course and on budget.  The hawza being built from the donations received from the community will be ready by June 2005.  A need for a temporary library was identified and this has been provided and is now in use. Both these projects have been realised through the effort and support of our community worldwide.

Update on Tableegh Initiatives
Further to the manifesto pledge made by the President towards an investment in a sustainable programme of tableegh activities, the Chairman of Islamic Education Board, Shaikh Safder Jaffer gave a concise review of progress made.  In Qum, support to raising the standard of the students studying at the hawza is taking place.  At the same time, support to the Khoja students is on the increase.  Outreach programmes in Bosnia are getting strengthened, and the focus on disseminating the message of the Quraan and the ahlulbayt is increasing.  Partnerships with other educational establishments are also taking place. Dhakireen training programme in North America is going to be launched shortly via the Academy for Learning Islam in Vancouver.  Publication department has established a 9 point quality assurance guideline for publications.  Shaikh Safder stressed that at times bureaucracy at regional federation level is preventing the realisation of a sustainable investment in tableegh and this does need to be addressed if the grassroot in that area are to benefit from the work undertaken by the World Federation.

Capital Projects Standard Operating Procedure
This paper was tabled and after much discussion, it was agreed that it needs further input from regional federations.  It was agreed that this be undertaken and be presented at the next Executive Council meeting.

Presidential Election Standard Operating Procedure
This document, which was drafted by the Electoral Commissioner, Amir Somji, was unanimously approved for adoption and implementation.  The procedure will be reviewed after the next election and any further changes that may be required be incorporated and represented at an Executive Council meeting.

Accounts
The Hon Treasurer, Azad Kanani, presented the accounts.  He highlighted that income for the year ended 31st December 2004 is up by around 18%.  At the same time, Secretariat expenditure is down by around 20%.  He stressed that with the full support of the Office Bearers; the Treasury will be prudent and cut the cloak according to the cloth without compromising delivery.  Boards and desks have assumed some degree of financial responsibility.  A recent secretariat review was undertaken and its recommendations will be implemented.  The Treasury will continue to give priority to the delivery of manifesto and the strategic plan objectives.  He highlighted that innovative funding methods need to be explored but the traditional methods need to continue. 

Elections
Gulamabbas Dinani was unanimously elected as the Vice President due to the vacancy left after Marhum Sultan Davdani’s untimely demise.  This left a vacancy for an elected Executive Councillor and Gulamabbas Najafi was unanimously elected to that position.