Ali Reza Islamic Centre

Transcription

1 In the name of God, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful. Ali Reza Islamic Centre Information Brochure for Prospective Patrons of the new Ali Reza Islamic Centre. MSI Jamaat of Essex 2009 Chelmsford, Essex Charity No:

2 Introduction by our Jamaat President Brothers and Sisters in Islam Salaamun Alaykum The Ali Reza Islamic Centre is the epicentre of the Essex community, with members from as far as Colchester and Saffron Walden congregating and partaking in the momentous occasions that the followers of Ahlul Bayt commemorate and celebrate out of their love for the Holy Prophet (AS) and his Holy Progeny (AS). 20 years since the establishment of this centre, I am proud to announce that we are at the pinnacle of launching this new project which will InshaAllah provide a better venue and more accommodating facilities so desperately needed due to the steady growth of this community. We therefore pray that you will join us in building not only a new Islamic centre but in laying the foundation that will inspire and motivate our upcoming generation. With salaams and duas Sajjad Manji President 'Those who (in charity) spend of their goods by night and by day, in secret and in public, have their reward with their Lord: on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.' Sura Al-Baqarah Verse 274 Who are we? Our Story So Far In 1978, in the home of Marhum Dr Jaffer Asaria, a group of families in Essex came together to establish majalis for Imam Hussein (A.S.). These families took turns to regularly open their own homes to gather for the pleasure of Allah (SWT). These families became the MSI Jamaat of Essex. After a brief period hiring the Brentwood Co-op Hall, in 1989 the Jamaat opened a permanent place of worship in Chelmsford. This was formally opened in 1990 by Marhum Mulla Asgharali M M Jaffer. The Jamaat has progressed to its present position today. Our Culture We are a diverse and growing community which has established itself through the hallmark principles of faith and organisation - always ensuring a full calendar of events, including a regular Thursday night programme. A culture of encouragement exists where members and guests fulfil their potential on the pulpit, through recitation and in Volunteering to serve the community. There is an active Madressa for over 30 children from 5-14 years. Due to space restraints in the current building, the Madressa is currently based off-site and will, InshAllah, come back in-house to the larger building with better facilities.

3 Why do we need a new centre? Capacity Constraints The need for a new centre cannot and must not be underestimated for our community. The key reason space. Maximum capacity of 70 persons is regularly reached in the months of Muharram, Ramadhan and in key events during the year. During Muharram 1430AH, our centre was regularly accommodating 100 people for each evening s majalis. Ageing facilities for the modern day 21st century requirements of our community. Lack of facilities for on-site Madressa, library and IT facilities Poor access for disabled and elderly persons and poor health & safety specification. The need for a new Islamic Centre cannot and must not be underestimated for our community. The key reason space The current building is an old house built at the turn of the 20th century. Ongoing annual costs of maintenance and repair are high and set to increase. The membership has concluded it a short sighted measure if action is not taken now. Where is the new centre located? The benefits of our location Centrally located in Chelmsford, being equidistant for members residing in Southend, Romford, Hornchurch, Harlow and Colchester. Only 5 minutes walk to Chelmsford main-line railway station, Chelmsford Bus Station, Chelmsford town centre and Anglia Ruskin University (ARU). Quiet non-residential site location University town - Muslim students from the ARU and the University of Essex will benefit. Good employment levels and economic opportunity. Long term investment value due to regeneration of area. Ideal location to establish presence within the wider Essex community. The site is owned freehold and without lien by MSI Jamaat of Essex. Location Unchanged The location is ideal. The old centre will be demolished and a new centre rebuilt Transport links Road: Major roads are the A12, A130 or A414 (15 miles west on A12 to J28 of M25) Rail: Chelmsford Railway Station (35 min direct to London Liverpool Street) Air: London Stansted Airport (18 miles north on A130) Address 4 Regina Road Chelmsford Essex CM1 1PF

4 What will the new centre look like? At a glance It s an up-to-date, multi-purpose building with features worth investing into for our children s future - at a cost-effective price. An approximate 100% increase in floor space that is double the current internal capacity of the centre. Designated wudhoo/prayer facilities for both ladies and gents. Full conference facilities including up-to-date multi-media facilities. Accommodation for guest scholars/ lecturers. Kitchen with full range of heavy duty appliances. Disabled/elderly persons wide access doorways, toilets and stair lift. Fire exit and other approved health & safety features. Increased durability and security to protect our people and assets. The new centre has been approved by the Jamaat as the most effective and efficient way to overcome our current capacity constraints. It s an up-to-date, multi-purpose building with features worth investing into for our children s future - at a cost-effective price. Direct value to our community A projected lifetime of the building in excess of 75+ years and a capacity utilisation of decades at current Jamaat growth rates. Conference & training facilities available to book for UK and international visitors. Establishment of the MSI Jamaat of Essex within the wider inter-faith Essex community. An up-to-date multipurpose building adaptable into office space for realisable returns on investment.

5 What are the plans inside like? Second Floor Plan Bedroom accommodation including bathroom facility for resident preacher or visiting guests. Conference/training hall with multimedia facilities. Fire exit and other health & safety specifications. First Floor Plan Main ladies hall with multi-media facilities Wudhoo facilities for multiple users Disabled access toilet Fire exit and other health & safety specifications. Conservatory (heated) for children s classes or additional space (subject to planning. Ground Floor Plan Main gents hall with multi-media facilities Wudhoo facility for multiple users Disabled access toilet Heavy duty kitchen with multiple appliance and skylights Separate gents & ladies external entrance doors Disabled/elderly access staircase and stair lift

6 When will the centre be completed? April 2009 Approval given by Jamaat General Body to go ahead with project. October % target of total project cost to be raised Oct/Nov 2009 Construction to start Ramadhan 2010 Work completion. Finalisation of building specification Muharrum 1432 AH The arrival of the new Islamic year and the commemoration of Karbala will be the first event in the new Ali Reza Islamic Centre, InshAllah. How will we achieve completion? Membership Governance This building project is approved by the membership and monitored closely by the building committee and the executive committee of the MSI Jamaat of Essex. Executive Committee Trustees Building Committee Works closely with architect, council and building contractors. Project Managers are members of the Executive Committee who will report on a regular basis. Fundraising Committee Fundraising will be driven by charitable donations as follows: Donations from UK and International individuals Sehm-e-Imam Khums funds when approved In line with best practice, the following is assured: Segregated account for building fund. Funds will be restricted in line with the Charities Commission regulations. Project independently reviewed as part of annual audit. Gift Aid declaration available (28% additional contribution for basic rate tax payers). Registered Charity no Total Project Cost Total collected thus far from Jamaat members Donation from Band-e Khuda 500, , ,000 TARGET 280,000

7 How can you help us? Help us to achieve this target in the following ways: By cheque or postal order Please make cheques payable to The Muslim Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaat of Essex and send your donation with the tear-off form opposite to: The Building Fundraising Committee MSI Jamaat of Essex 4 Regina Road CHELMSFORD CM1 1PF Direct bank transfer Please transfer to the fund account as below: Bank: A/C Name: FUNDRAISING TARGET 280,000 Barclays Bank PLC 2 High Street Chelmsford Essex Sort Code: A/C No: The Muslim Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaat of Essex IBAN: GB42 BARC SWIFTBIC: BARCGB22 Pledging Pledge your donation by: 1. using the tear off form opposite 2. at secretary@essexjamaat.org.uk 3. Phone - Br. Nadeem Sheikh ( ) - Br. Fayyaz Haji ( ) Please donate generously. Jazakallah ' The parable of those who spend their wealth in the Way of Allah is as the parable of a grain growing seven ears, in every ear there are a hundred grains, and Allah multiplies for whom He pleases; and Allah is Ample-Giving, All- Knowing. Donation Form Ali Reza Building Project 2009 (Charity No ) Return this form with your donation to: Building Fundraising Committee 4 Regina Rd., Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1PE. Amount you wish to donate: Other - please specify: Are you a UK tax payer? Yes. I declare that I am a UK tax payer. In order to obtain an additional 28% of your donation under the Gift Aid scheme, please provide your National Insurance number and sign this declaration form. I would like MSI Jamaat of Essex to treat all donations I have made since April 2002, and all donations henceforth until further notification, as Gift Aid donations upon which I would like you to reclaim tax. National Insurance No: No. I am not a UK tax payer. Have you enclosed your donation? Yes. No. This is a pledge. Expected date of payment: Name Address Phone Signature Surah Al-Baqarah Verse 261

8 Our young children and volunteers participating in the Essex Jamaat Youth Programme Madressa Sports Day Presentations (Currently held in off-site location) Volunteers serving the community Fellow sisters engaging in discussion 6th Chelmsford (Cathedral) Scout Group visiting the centre The centre as it currently is