AHLUL BAIT (A.S.) ISLAMIC CENTRE

MINUTES OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) 30th JULY 2006

The meeting was opened at 4:10 pm with Qira'at by brother Bashier Raheem, who then welcomed all.

An agenda was agreed on.

The meeting was attended by 26 members.

A jointed chairman and secretary's report was tabled. Some highlights of the year were enumerated.

•  debit order
•  transport/taxi
•  youth programmes
•  fundraising
•  awareness from outside of Shi'a community
•  Muharram programme
•  visiting 'Alims
•  Wudhu facilities

The treasurer's report was tabled by Br. Sedick Abrahams.

The management committee was commended for a job well done. The membership was appreciative of Moulana's continuous efforts and also of donations procured. Non-profit organization (NPO) status was applied for.

Debit order system is to be reviewed.

Need for unrealised goals are to be advertised (Abdurahmaan Khan).

•  kitchen
•  roof
•  floor
•  windows

Business plan for income through taxi to be forwarded by subcommittee headed by Mohsen Malik.

Improper use of taxi to be prevented.

Ahmad Sulaiman felt that not sufficient was done for youth activities.

Some felt that one outing, two evenings of stay awake and a camp, in itself was satisfactory, given our resources but added that there was room for improvement.

Sister Zainab Ali reported that the madressa was self-funded but some issues needed attention.

'Alim's Address

Moulana Aftab Haider delivered a lengthy address enumerating the highlights, successes of the past year...............

Some main points are mentioned.

Imam 'Ali (AS) in his Final Will advised Taqwa of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala and to be structured in matters of organization. Besides being pious and mutaqee, we have to be disciplined and organized as well.

Thanks were expressed to Br Basheer through whose functionality we achieved great goals despite difficulties on his is homefront regarding his infant son who, alhamdulillah is well now.

We were successful considering the background from which we came. Despite of our lack of numbers as Shi'a the way forward was to function as a full-scale community.

Despite of our different backgrounds, local and foreign, different perspectives and demographics, it is not an easy task to run a centre as ours. Careful consideration should be given for the above on account of reality. As a microcosm of South African society, we are therefore mostly of working class level. Since financial contribution is limited, it is important to acknowledge that workforce contributions are essential contributors too.

Our Jumu'a congregation has increased especially on holidays. The majority are followers of Ahlul Bayt, but not ready to become involved in Centre affairs. Organizational success needs serious, committed involvement. When there is no movement, some may question why this is so. It therefore behooves all to become involved especially the fresh and young. Those who are involved have been superb. Some programmes are steaming ahead on its own through committed individuals e.g. Madrassa, Fatima Az-Zahra programme, public relations.

Our capacity to improve and our perceived capability has opened up many possibilities and opportunities. Our boat/caravan must move even if we don't know how, but move we must. We are living in ideal times to move on. The Islamic Revolution has opened the flood gates. In Iraq Muslims are developing stronger connections. In Lebanon the leadership has placed us on the map. Here in South Africa even the MJC has been compelled to open doors. This is a "Golden Era" for us. Use it! We are short in conveying the message. Shi'a hatred is diminishing. Shi'a are in the forefront of Islamic affairs for example in Iran, Iraq and Lebanon. Shi'a are part of the mainstream the world over.

Is our capacity limited? We have a "Message of Hope" to all. Moulana suggested that the committee be re-instituted as a whole. The committee has been a team with no tensions, no infightings and no camps. Brother Shaheed Fortune has done a great deal with regard to some disgruntled/inactive members.

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Sheikh Shaheed Mathee will endeavour to rope in the youth especially from Phillipe and Moulana is to provide support, until the youth takes initiative to run on their own. Brother Essa mentioned that projects received no response. The situation at Phillipe needs a re-look. Brother Mohseen and Sister Shireen Mohammed were co-opted onto the committee. Brother Basheer suggested that more subcommittees should be established.

S.A.Parker
Chairman