The second Executive Council meeting was held on Saturday 25th September 2004 at the newly constructed Baab Ul Ilm Centre in Leeds, UK.  This was a well represented meeting with participants attending from Canada, the United States, Africa, Europe, Aden, Dubai and Pakistan. The meeting provided community leaders with the forum to deliberate, converse and respond to the current challenges and decisions before the World Federation, and also presented an opportunity to bond and network with members of the Secretariat, Office Bearers and Board Chairs. 

The Executive Council in session

Tributes to Marhum Zulfikarali Khimji
The former President of the World Federation, Dr. Hasnain Walji, paid an emotive tribute to the late chairman of the Africa Federation, Marhum Zulfikarali Khimji. He acknowledged the substantial work that Marhum Zulfikarali Khimji had undertaken during leadership, and commented upon the important qualities all community leaders must possess which include faith in Allah (SWT). The Vice Chairman of Africa Federation, Dr. Asgherali Moledina also thereafter paid a tribute to Marhum Zulfikarali Khimji.

State of the Community Address
The President of the World Federation, Dr. Ahmed Hassam, opened his address by acknowledging the support of the councillors and volunteers, many of whom had travelled significant distances to attend this meeting. It was the commitment and drive of these individuals that ensured the Secretariat was able to fulfil the functions mandated of it. The President was particularly delighted that, with the kind hospitality of Leeds Jamaat, this meeting was able to be held at the recently inaugurated Baab Ul Ilm complex.

Dr Hassam spoke of the pressing need to centralise the collection and disbursement of HUQOOQ funds, and to improve upon the leadership of local Jamats that they might collaborate to help achieve this aim. He continued to highlight the sense of disengagement prevalent amongst many members, especially the youth, and called for initiatives to help address this problem.

Citing an example of the work carried out by the office of Ayatullah Seestani, that he had observed during his last visit  to Qum, he described  a specifically dedicated observatory that is used for making decisions about moon sightings. This observatory, equipped with astronomers, monitors lunar movements on a daily basis; this is an under utilised resource by our community and one that we should endeavour to take advantage of.

Tableegh work and poverty eradication continue to be a priorities and this year in excess of $250,000 has been budgeted for the Ramadhan Relief project. All present were requested to take this project back to their constituents to publicise and request donations for this noble cause.

Dr Hassam concluded by saying that the milestones achieved by his predecessors continue to play an important role within the organisation, and that his team was focussed on building upon these existing foundations to ensure the World Federation is able to reach out to its members from the grassroots up.

Time Capsule
After Zohrain namaaz a memorable ceremony was performed where Presidents of WF, NASIMCO, CoEJ and AFED came together to contribute towards a time capsule buried in the grounds of the Baab Ul Ilm complex. Intended to capture the spirit and direction of the World Federation and its members at this point in time, key strategy documents, DVDs and other items were buried in order to be preserved for future generations.  This time capsule is going to be opened on the 50th anniversary of the World Federation.

Progress Report on Bam Earthquake
Project leader Mohsin Kanji updated the meeting on the activities underway in Bam, Iran. Whilst much reconstruction of both permanent and semi permanent nature has already begun, a further area for consideration was highlighted. It had become apparent that one of the many repercussions of the devastation caused by the earthquake was that much of the literary resources had been destroyed. Mohsinbhai brought attention to the concerning fact that other parties were using this as an opportunity to propagate alternative messages, and that it was imperative that we ensured correct Islamic information and books were available to the people of Bam. The proposal was to assign two containers which were to stand as semi permanent libraries which could be stocked with shia literature.

Dr. Hassam also acknowledged the importance of WF work in Bam and that the World Federation shall continue to support this type of work as part of its objective was humanitarian relief. He stated that several donors had contacted him and specifically donated for this project.

Proposed processes and procedures for funding capital projects within the remit of the World Federation of KSIMC
The President spoke about the problems our communities are having in raising funds for building their centres. Jamats must carefully consider the long term ramifications of committing to high value projects. Additionally, proposals ought to be assessed in light of demographics to assess whether the size and particular design of a centre is really necessary and viable needs He requested local Jamats to use the services of Muhsin Dharamsi, who is a qualified engineer and would be able to provide useful advice during the planning stages.

Masum Somji introduced the project, and then Gulamabbas Kassam gave a presentation on the Capital Working recommendation. Dr. Hassam thanked the people for their preparations, and acknowledged that their expertise would be useful for their future.

A lengthy discussion then took place with contributions from a number of participants. Matters raised will be addressed and appropriate responses posted on the website in due course.

IEB Tabligh Initiatives
The Chairman of IEB, Sheikh Safder Jaffer highlighted the recent activities of IEB, and spoke of the wide variety of activities it is engaged in. The IEB is broadly divided into two sections, one dealing with external affairs and the other concentrating on internal tableegh matters. The former is under the leadership of Sheikh Mohsin Jaffer whilst Nisar Sheraly oversees the latter. Sheikh Saleem Bhimji has been appointed as the director of publications.

Some of the work of IEB includes:

• Bosnian Desk
• Radio Programs
• Tableegh in Sindh
• Tableegh amongst disabled
• quran.org.uk
• IEB Qum Office

The IEB is working towards establishing short and long term religious courses and to also offer alternative options for gap year students.

Donations Policy for Non-Monetary Gifts
Dr. Walji highlighted the problems that MAB currently faces when receiving non-monetary donations. In the past these have included containers full of items, especially medicines which would be donated to areas where those medicines would not be useful. A document to address the protocol in accepting or declining gifts from donors was proposed and agreed.

The President of the World Federation acknowledged this work and requested the Chairman of IEB, Sheikh Safder Jaffer to take this on and carry this project forward.

Proposals for Standard Operating Procedures for Electing the President of the World Federation of KSIMC
Whilst there was broad agreement that the operating procedures for electing the President needed to be open and transparent, there was much discussion as to whether the proposal highlight would satisfy this requirement. This project has been left open for comments and consultation until the end of December.  Comments to be directed to the Electoral Commissioner
 
Africa Economic Development
The Chairman of Africa Federation, Alhaj Ramzan Nanji gave an update on this project. The Chairman acknowledged the work of his predessor Marhum Alhaj Zulfikarali Khimji and advocated the need for funding for education for the youth of Africa.

Following the crisis in Somalia, many brothers had migrated to eastern Africa. With help from the WF many of these have now received protected Tanzanian citizenship.

There is also a plan to establish a Hawza in Africa to educate our youth and community; assistance was sought from the World Federation as to modes of implementation.

Dr. Moledina, the vice chairman of AFED addressed the meeting about the launch of BLESS (Bilal Loan Education Scholar Scheme). He explained how the system had been created to provide educational opportunities, the fruits of which would be a benefit for all of our communities.

Housing was also a top concern, and the lack of ownership meant that many were unable to improve their situations. He reinstated the need for working in harmony and avoiding the duplication of works carried out by our community. Anverali Rajpar, the Chairman of the Housing Board for AFED, explained the project in more depth, mentioning that the main aim of this board was to ensure that our members get on to the property ladder and ensure their security.

Approval of Minutes and Financial Report
The minutes of the 1st Executive Council held in Brampton, Canada in March 2004 were approved.

Whilst presenting the financial report of the first six months of 2004, the Treasurer began by stating that the overall income has increased, following a steady trend of financial blossom.  Every Executive Councillor has a constitutional right to inspect the accounts and treasury would satisfy any demand. He reiterated the $250,000 pledge for Ramadhan Relief, and requested all to donate generously towards this noble cause.

The council proposed a vote of thanks to the treasurer and his team for the excellent financial reporting.

Any Other Business
The ‘Any Other Business’ section began with a mention by Dr. Hassam that according to the constitution the President, Vice President and Treasurer are the Trustees of the WF. However where one of these three officials is non-resident in the UK, as the current VP is, the constitution provided for the appointment of a replacement.  Yasin Rahim’s appointment to this post was proposed and seconded.

The President of CoEJ, Dr. Anwer Dhanji acknowledged Dr. Hassam’s request of working as one ijaza and restated that we should work under one banner. He stated that he is working with the member Jamats to ensure that CoEJ is made part of a regional body of the World Federation as soon as is practical.

The head of external desk of WF, Dr. Akber Mohamedali stated that we should move out of the mentality of just thinking about ourselves only, and that we should adopt strategies where we can focus on building friendships, relationships and alliances with other Shias and Muslims and Non-Muslims in order to move forward, terming this the best way of Da’awah.

Shabber Dhalla outlined the on going work on compiling the Volunteers’ Handbook.  It is important to train volunteers on the modes of working and the Handbook seeks to set out in clear terms a method for achieving objectives and providing redress for any issues of concern.