Epsom and Ewell Islamic Society

Annual General Meeting Report

Sunday 28th March 2010

Secretary’s Report
Report by: Syed Juel Ahmed – Secretary

Respected dear brothers and sister, Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah Wa Barakatuhu

Alhamdullilah it has been an honour and privilege to work for the EEIS.

It gives me great pleasure to present this report of our activities throughout the year. Our work
continues on many fronts, and I will now highlight some of our work on many issues that concern us.

Epsom community remains strong and united. The continuous support and guidance from all members is of
paramount importance in our future successes.

I would like to acknowledge the contribution of all our past Executive Committee team (some of you
may be present today including Br Rassool, Dr Khan, Br Eshan, Dr Raja, Br Cadeer etc.) and general
members of the society who have really worked tirelessly to advance the cause of the society and laid
the foundation for this current Ex. Committee to continue on their hard work.

Right now you may be asking yourself the question - what does the Secretaries do? …..I hope your answer
was not “that they don’t do very much”

Well as your General Secretary along with Br Siddick who is the assistant secretary we are:
 Responsible for being aware of all the activities of all sub-committee
 Responding to letters, dealing with any queries, managing post, etc;
 Organising and schedules meetings, preparing agendas and minutes of meetings;
 Each month reporting to the mosque committee about important actions and
activities;
 Organising mosque membership and sending reminders to the existing members
to renew their membership;
 Helping with arrangements of all activities at the EIC including, school visits,
inter faith activites, lectures, etc.

I will now ask 4 quiz questions. There may be prizes but I can’t reveal them yet.

1) When was EEIS formed? (1997)

2) When did we purchase 177 Hook Road? (2004)
3) What year did EBA and EEIS begin discussions on accurring this premises? (August 2007)
4) What is the significance of the date 29th August 2008? (first Juammh Prayer held here)

Key milestones …. In the history of EEIS… 1997, ….EBA/EEIS partnership, ….first Jummah prayer

Membership and Fees

EEIS is an active, vibrant and growing Society with a current membership list of over 415 members.
There have been a number of new Members joining throughout the year.

We would like to thank those who have already renewed their membership for 2010. For those who
have yet to renew their membership, we urgently request you to complete this ASAP.

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EIC Office
The office has been fully furnished including computers, printers and all other office equipments and
has been fully operational for the past year. All the major activities of the society is run from here
including, Ex Com meetings, Madrassa administration, Imam’s consultaion with the Ummah, plus
many other activities. Future plan is to locate the CCTV monitor in the office which should
aid/enhance the security measures that are already in place.

Jummah
This is well attended every week with a congregation of about 400 musalis and upto 30 ladies.
Jummah collection, this is a very important task which lead by Br Shamim with assistance from our
trustees. Average weekly Jummah contributions have been good approx £400-£500 however our
target is target has set by the committee at £500. Further details will be provided in the treasurer’s
report.

 Ramadhan
The blessed month of Ramadan is by far the most important event in our calendar of activities. It takes
a great deal of planning and preparation to cater for the needs of the worshippers. In this month we
consistently manage to raise substantial funds for the mosque. You may remember Dr Rahman £500
appeal idea which had the full support of the Ex Committee. Alhamdulillah we managed to collect
over £40,000.

Tarawhee prayers were well attended. There was a second jamaat for taraweeh at 12.30 am for
brothers who finished working late.

Provisions for ittekaaf were made and the cubicles put up for that purpose for the last 10 days of
Ramadhan were so popular that they were oversubscribed.

Iftar
The daily Iftar protocol was well organised and run efficiently with Ifter being provided by various
people each day. Br Saffique, Reyad & co. plus sisters (names) were key to it’s suceess.

Disasters’ Relief Fund collection

We have continued on the EEIS tradition of collecting for the affected victims of natural disasters.
This task is lead by Br Shakir. The responsibilities are broad based, transgressing boundaries i.e.
international and national. Last year we had collected for Haiti, Indonesia, Gaza. We also made
collection for zakat and fitre collection which has been distributed in the proper manner.

The Executive Committee

The EEIS is managed by an executive committee.

A number of sub-committees have been set up to take care of specific tasks identified by the ex.
committee.

Summary of the workings of various Sub-Committees are given below:

Mosque Operational Committee

This Committee is lead by Br Abdul Manan. He is putting in huge effort and working tirelessly and
endeavouring to be inclusive to involve as many people as possible from the community to assist him.
He is mainly assisted by Brs Fahim, Shamim, Shelim Bhai, Reyad, Moin, Dilshad and Oomran. Their
work is very broad and extensive. They are all working extremely hard and as a team. For this we are

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most grateful to them and pray that Allah (swt) rewards them in this world and in the hereafter.
Ameen.

There is a continuing programme of ongoing repair & maintenance work carried out to ensure that the
Masjid is kept operational and in good and timely repair which conforms to public safety needs.
Some of the key works that they have carried out in the past year are:
 New Masjid signage has been designed & installed.
 New carpets laid. The initial problem of uneven flooring, in the main prayer hall has been resolved,
including inspection and repair of piping below the floorboards.
 Leak on the flat roof above the staircase has been repaired.
 Replacement of the broken front entrance gate.
 Replacement of the damp floor in the conservatory.
 Replacement of the old water pipe connection to Mosque with the expanded diameter to increase
the water pressure.
 Upgrade of central heating system.
 The new footpath at the rear of the masjid been laid for the safety of the worshipers
 We now have all necessary breakdown cover for gas, electricity.

Future Mosque Projects

1 Windows replacement
2 Zebra crossing
3 CCTV and enhanced security
4 Setting up of Library room
5 Improved shoe rack facility
6 Wudu Khana upgrade
7 Kitchen area upgrade
Br Shaffick is employed on a part time basis as a caretaker and works under the direct supervision of
Br Mannan in order to maintain the premises.
 
Imam and Education Committee
This Committee is led by Dr Khan and assisted by Br Iqbal and myself.

Imams
We currently have two Imams. Moulana Mohammed (Locum) and Maulana Sadique Ahmed as part
time Imam to cover the weekend including Jummah Prayer.

I would like to briefly acknowledge the contribution of Moulana Anise had made to this society. He
was our first Imam at this premises. His contributions include; setting procols and curiculam for the
madrassa, setting up the foundation for adult education and other activities. He was a good leader. He
eventually moved to further his career. EEIS had played a major role in his professional development
for which he was very appreciative to the society.

The Advert for the appointment of a Full time Imam was published in the latest edition of Muslim
News.

The closing date was 12 th March and we are Insha’Allah, hoping to interview any prospective
candidates during mid April. An interview panel has been formulated.

Madrassa
This is one of the major weekly activity for EEIS. Alhamdulillah, we now have around 113 student
registered for the Madrassa. Also we now have 5 paid qualified teachers and two dedicated
administration staff (Tanzim and Zarif) plus many dedicated volunteers (including Brs Nafuaz,
Shakir, Dr Massod, Srs Faiza, Ammena, Nargis …. ). They are all working extremely hard and as a

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team. For this we are most grateful to them and pray that Allah (swt) rewards them in this world and
in the hereafter. Ameen.

Our main concentration is on the development of the next generation by regularly running the
Madrassa classes and implementing various Islamic awareness projects. A working syllabus has been
prepared by maulana Saddick and is being used. On going regular training for the teachers is being
explored and to increase the frequency of madrassa classes.

The Committee has undertaken the necessary CRB checks for all Imams, teachers and volunteers.
Some are currently being processed. 
 
Adult education
Adult education is under the supervision of Maulana Saddick. Tafsir classes takes place on Saturdays
after Esha Salat.
 
Friday Bayaan
This is lead by Moulana Saddick. This is a very popular event which has been re-launched with great
success. It takes place every Friday after Esha salah. Masha Allah, the attendance is growing every
week and we have received very encouraging feedback about this event.

The aim is to make it inclusive for all and to reach and teach the community at large on various
Islamic topics by experts on Islam.

Refreshment and snacks are prepared and served by some very dedicated brothers and sisters. Brs
Reyad, Dilshad and Srs Salma and Nargis and others assist with this arrangement of the event.
 
Finance Committee
This committee is ably run by Brs Rehan and Iqbal and assisted by Brs Shakir and Azeem. Brs Iqbal
and Rehan have worked tirelessly with their team and deserves a lot of credit. We have invested a
significant effort in implementing formal management information systems to effectively monitor and
regularly update and record EEIS’s financial position.

This is an essential piece of work, given that EEIS has grown significantly over the last 2 years and
Insha’Allah will continue to grow and flourish in years to come.

As you will see from our Chancellor’s (Br Iqbal) budget report (sorry Treasurers’ report) what an
extensive operation EEIS has become. There has been an exponential and considerable increase in
the yearly turnover from around £20,000 to well over £147,000.
 
Public Relations Committee
This committee is led by Dr Rahman with support from Dr Khan and Br Eshan with contact with his
Police force.

We continue to work closely with the local council, the police service and other voluntary
organisations with a view to improving the community image and achieving better community
cohesion.

Inshallah we will be meeting with various council leads to develop better relationships to expand &
enhance the cause of the Society and improve facilities for our umma.

We have already met with the new “community engagement officer” from Surrey Police.

Substantial work has been done with every ones help in order to build a better relationships with our
neaiabours - you may remember the highly successful open day we had in 2009 which was lead by dr

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Rahman. For the first time Bishop of Guildford came to our masjid. Many brothers and sisters helped
to make the event run smoothly.

General Communication
We recognise the value of good communications, and are working to ensure that we have an open and
honest policy in respect of Masjid news. To that effect we have held the “Madrassa communication”
meeting with parents last October 2009. It was well attended and had positive and supportive
feedback. This was lead by Moulana Saddick, Dr Rahman, Br Majeed Khan and Dr Khan.

Newsletter- as you know we published the EEIS Newsletter, Issue 1 earlier this month. The newsletter
has been very well received and appreciated.

EEIS Website - Thanks to the effort of Br Shahid (originally set up by Br Hashim), the website has
been given a facelift and is constantly being updated with new information. The objective is to be the
primary site for EEIS information. The web address is www.eeis.co.uk.

Our general IT support is provided by br Iqbal Malameia and also Brs Shahid and Reyad are also on
hand to assit as and when required.

Social Affairs Committee

This is being led Brs Siddick, Dr Adil & family, Iqbal, Fahim, Reyad Caloo and family, Zaheer, Br
Rassol & family and Srs Faiza, Ammea, Nargis, Salma plus many others. They are all working
extremely hard and as a team. For this we are most grateful to them and pray that Allah (swt) rewards
them in this world and in the hereafter. Ameen.

In order to ensure maximum public interaction with the Masjid, we have continued to be very active
socially.
Eid Gathering - Both our Eid gatherings were well attended. We had pot luck for both functions.
 

Ladies Committee
This committee led by Sister Faiza, ammena, Nargis, Salma and many others. They meet regularly
and organise events and classes for Sisters and also the childrens.

Ladies Circle takes place every last Saturday of the month from 5 pm onwards. It is run by Sr Rashida
who gives explanation of the Quranic verses followed by Q&A session. This is a good networking
opportunity for our local sisters.

Sutton High School visit

This was organised Srs Faiza and Nusrat. The head of the RE and a group of girls visited the Masjid.
It was a very successful event much appreciated by the school education board, it involved the
children being informed about Islam, followed by Q&A session. The feedback was very positive.

Pound Lane
Our local school Visited on 1st March. This was organised by Br Mannan and Moulana Foyeze and
assisted by br Reyad.

Sisters Tajweed - classes will be starting soon. They will be held every Saturday after 1.30 pm by Sr
Zainab. It will cost £10 per month.

Visit to the British Science Museum

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This was orgainsed by Srs Zainab and Sr Faiza. Level 2&3 madrassa femail students visited the
Exhibition on “1001 Muslim Inventions” at the Science Museum, South Kensington, London on
Saturday 20/03/10. This was arranged to give the students awareness of the contributions of muslim
scienctist of the golden era to the modern times of today. Seventeen students were accompanied by 5
adults including Dr Khan. I have been reliably informed that he had behaved himself and kept
everyone entertained throughout the day. This was very successful and feedback was very
encouraging. In fact I have a quote here from some of the students “I never know that muslims
scienceist and inventors had huge impact on the sciencetific development of modern time. Did you
know that muslims scienctist had involvement in the invention of clocks, aeroplanes and many of
modern medical developments”

I understand that the students will be writing up a report of their visit which I will inshallah put up on
the notice board for everyone to view.

As result of this success we are now planning a trip for the male students.

Funeral Committee

This committee is led by Br Shakir and assisted by Brs Omraan, Abdul Mannaan and Moulana Foyez.
This is still in its infancy and we inshallah hope to have full facilities in future including washing and
baths facilities. As you all know many years back EEIS has secured an allotment for Muslim burials
at Epsom Cemetery, Ashley Road, Epsom.

Youth Committee
This is led by Moulana Saddick and supported by Brs Reyad, Mumin, Samad, Dilshad and others.

The youth are the future and the greatest asset of any nation or society. The EEIS Ex Com has been
very keen to support & encourage its development.

The group organise regular sports activities like football for children and youth and also the plan is to
organise events for the not so young members of our community. They have organised table tennis
competition during summer 2009 including B-BQ and have plans to oraganise summer Picnics and
outings/trips to interesting places for both educational and social purpose.

Constitution Review Body – This is lead by Dr Khan

Final Statement
Alumdulliah with everyones’ help and support the society is making steady progress and our aim is sustain
this progress.

Individually we cannot be neither effective nor powerful but collectively we can be both.

The Executive Committee would like acknowledge and say thank you for all for your huge support.
Especially the moral support from various brothers and sisters. We are immensely grateful to all our
supporters, donors and volunteers. We also apologise for any transgression on our part. We pray that Allah
(swt) will guide us all and help us to establish a solid foundation for the future generations to enjoy, Ameen.

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 CODE OF CONDUCT FOR THE AGM

 Please respect the sanctity of the Masjid

 Please be gentle and kind to each other
 One question per person at a time
 Question should be relevant to this AGM period
March 09 to March 2010

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR THE AGM

 Please respect the sanctity of the Masjid

 Please be gentle and kind to each other
 One question per person at a time
 Question should be relevant to this AGM period
March 09 to March 2010