Markaz-e-Ahlebait and Mustafa Welfare Society Bolton UK

Registered charity number 1144639

An Institution Striving for the Learning, Practice & Propagation Of Islam through Community Engagement

Mustafa Welfare Society Bolton was formed in September 2010 in a rented premises in Bolton. In March 2011, the constitution of the society was adopted unanimously and in November 2011, the society was registered as a charity no 1144639.  In March 2011 Sunday school (Al-Hujjat Academy) was also started after giving due thought. The society held its first Muharram Ashura Majalis programme in 2010 which was enthusiastically attended by the people of Bolton. It was surprising to find so many people living in Bolton without knowing each other & without having the facility to observe their religious rites appropriately & easily.

The charity bought its own premises, Markaz e Ahlebait on Fletcher Street in 2012 and has developed it into a community centre. Due to financial constraints, this is ongoing. Currently, the ladies section is being renovated.

The charity is also registered for claiming gift aid from Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs.

Aims and Objectives of Mustafa Welfare Society Bolton

Promote the benefit of the inhabitants of the North west of the United Kingdom (the area of benefit) and, in particular, the Shia Muslim inhabitants of Bolton, Lancashire by associating together the said inhabitants and the local authorities, voluntary and other organisations in a common effort:

(1) To advance the Islamic religion for public benefit according to the Shia Muslim doctrine (Fiqah-e-Jaffria); this is based on the teachings of the Holy Quran, The Holy Prophet (PBUH) and the teachings of the Holy Ahlulbayt, as interpreted and codified by eminent, mainstream jurists of the time (Marajaa e Uzzam) from the Shia school of jurisprudence in Najaf or Qom¹; and to promote religious harmony.

(2) To advance the education including the religious education, of the said inhabitants, and promoting their social inclusion, for the public benefit.

1. These are the oldest schools of Shia Muslim jurisprudence, having been established for several centuries. They are renowned for strict adherence to ‘evidence’ and reinterpretation of religious doctrine in accordance with changing times (Ijtehad). They are considered the gold standard, all over the world, when evaluating the performance of a Shia Muslim school. 

 (3) To provide or assist in the provision of sporting facilities for the youth, from the said inhabitants, in the public benefit.

(4) To provide or assist in the provision of  facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation or other leisure time occupation of individuals who have need  of such facilities by reason of their youth, age infirmity or disability, financial hardship or social circumstances with the object of improving their conditions of life.

Governance arrangements, salient features

1. Registered with the Charity commission for England and Wales.

2. Registered with Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs.

3. Large executive committee with a mix of ages comprising of highly accomplished individuals.

4. A robust constitution which is scrupulously adhered to in all matters.

5. Collective decision making.

6. Regular meetings of the executive committee and the general body.

7. External examination of completed year’s accounts, by independent accountant.

8. Part year accounts presented regularly through the year.

Activities of Mustafa Welfare Society Bolton

The Charity carries out the following activities:

1. The Charity provides facilities for worship, Qur’an classes and Sunday school all days of the week including Thursday and Friday (Amal Shab e Juma and Juma prayers). We regularly invite English speakers to Shab e Juma programmes. Shab e Juma programme consists of Dua e Kumayl and other supplications, question /answer sessions about Ahkamaat, manqabat, lectures and majalis. Charity provides facility for daily ba jamaat prayers.

2. We organise Jashn on the wiladat of Masoomin (AS). We also hold majalis on the shahadat of Masoonmin (AS) regularly. We hold majalis during the first ten days of Muharram and also in Safar. Concurrent lectures are organised in Urdu, English and Farsi. We also arrange an interactive sessions for youngsters during Muharram.

3. We run courses for adults and youth on various issues of general and religious interest.

4. We provide the facilities for administering the last rites and offering funeral prayers of deceased Shia Muslims in Bolton metropolitan borough council or surrounding areas.

Members of the Executive Committee

The current Executive Committee of the Charity consists of the following members:

1.  Dr Syed Nayyer Raza

2.  Syed Arsul Hussain

3.  Syed Mazharul Hasan Gilani

4.  Syed Raza Abbas

5.  Farhad Naqvi

6.  Dr Syed Naseer Haider Naqvi

7.  Dr. Syed Muhammad Tabani

8.  Syed Israr Hussain

The following are co-opted members of the executive committee:

1. Syed Muzaffar Hussain Jaffery

2. Syed Muzammil Hussain

A plea for your kind co-operation

We have demonstrated a responsible & committed approach in running the Charity for fulfilling the needs of the Shia Muslim population in the Northwest of England. We have taken the step forward; we now need the cooperation of all Momineen in this noble task. We assure you that your cooperation will be used with due care & diligence. You might have noticed that highly qualified professionals are directly involved in the governance of the institution which shows that the project is worth your support. We appeal to you to cooperate as much as is possible. Your kind donations will Inshallah shall become a Sadaq-e-Jaria for you & also your marhomeen. May the Imam-e-Zamana (Ajal Allah) help us in this task & May Allah guide us all.

We thank you for your attention & co-operation.