CoEJ Holds Second Executive Council Meeting in Leicester
On February 8th 2025, CoEJ held its second Executive Council Meeting of the term 2024-2027 at Masjid al-Husayn in Leicester. Community leaders from across the region gathered to discuss critical issues pertaining to our Jamaats, as well as our direction going forward.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the MKSI Leicester community for their warm hospitality and excellent arrangements as hosts.
Key Discussions and Updates
Keynote Address by the CoEJ President
The CoEJ President reflected on CoEJ’s journey, quoting Imam Ali (a.s): “Opportunity passes away like the cloud” ( Nahjul-Balaghah/saying 21). He emphasised the need to act decisively and highlighted three key challenges that turned into where the community came together for collective action
- Lebanon Emergency Appeal: CoEJ Jamaats united with Who is Hussain and WF Aid to send aid, demonstrating the power of collaboration.
- Assisted Dying Bill Advocacy: CoEJ partnered with Majlis-e-Ulama to send a letter to MPs, reaffirming our commitment to policy activism.
- Detainment of Sister Fatema-Zainab Rajwani: CoEJ and Hyderi Jamaat advocated for justice, engaging Jamaats with a letter to the Secretary of state for Justice.
He also underscored the outcome of strong capacity building, as seen in facilitating a burial in Stuttgart, Germany: The Fiqhi guideline derived from the investments done during COVID times by The World Federation, an amazing community member, originating from Karachi, Pakistan, on the ground in Stuttgart , and CoEJ acting as the facilitator – made the burial possible.
He emphasised the importance of the “Husayni spirit” for the activities we need to undertake, sharing a special Quranic anecdote from Sura al Zumar (verses 71 & 73) as well as Kamil al Ziyaraat.
Looking ahead, he shared a packed timeline with the upcoming spring, summer and autumn full of activities.
Honorary Treasurer’s Report
A financial overview was presented and deep dives in various aspects, including:
- Financial strategies to cater for growth: Within the Financial Strategies & Investments Board, Br. Adil Kachwala has been appointed Lead for the Property Investments chapter.
- Imam Raza (a.s) Hardship fund and the inclusiveness of all member jamaats. The response from the Executive Council reached consensus to support the Hardship fund by pooling together resources and funds.
- The positive news that our fundraising campaigns are resonating and attracting new and “unique” donors. Only the Lebanon attracted over 380 unique new donors.
OpenFajr Presentation
A groundbreaking project led by a dedicated team in Birmingham was showcased by Dr. Shahid Merali. Over a year, a specialist all-night camera captured minute-by-minute images of the horizon to determine accurate Fajr timings. These were rigorously reviewed by scholars, academics, and community leaders, leading to a scientifically backed and widely accepted Fajr timetable.
🔗 Learn more at: www.openfajr.org
Secretary General’s Update
The Secretary General provided updates across various CoEJ boards and initiatives, highlighting:
- Lebanon Campaign: Over £80,000 raised and two 40-foot containers of aid successfully sent, now landed in Tripoli. He expressed his gratitude for the passion and dedication of the volunteers from various communities who were instrumental during the project
- Upcoming Events: Among others, we are working towards the MAMT tournament, a Hajj seminar scheduled soon and Camp CoEJ 2025, which has been oversubscribed, demonstrating high interest towards it.
- Islamic Board: The largest board, with major strides including the launch of QARI’s online Qur’an competition (140+ registrations).
- Financial Initiatives: Increased efforts in Gift Aid maximisation.
- Leadership Development Programme (LDP): Will be back in 2025 with a focus on Islamic leadership qualities.
- Women’s Board: A values-based vision, with an upcoming event about preparation for 15th Sha’ban.
- Outreach & Advocacy:
- Letter on the Assisted Dying Bill and the detainment of Fatema Zainab Rajwani—many community members used the CoEJ template to write to MPs, and some received responses.
Update on secretariat Initiatives:
- End of Life & Palliative Care: Currently in Phase 1 (Awareness Campaign), with Phase 2 to focus on document development and service accessibility.
- Recognition & Awards: Plans to introduce community excellence awards at the upcoming AGM.
- Hardship Fund: Updates made to the application process and support mechanisms.
About the MKSI Leicester Community
The MKSI Leicester Jamaat has grown from a small group of families in the 1960s into a thriving and self-sustaining community. Starting with gatherings in homes, the Jamaat formally established itself in 1974 with the purchase of 172 Mere Road as its first Imambargah. As the community expanded, it moved to Husseini Mosque (127 Loughborough Road) in 1983, followed by the construction of Masjid-Al-Husayn, which was officially opened in 2007.
Today, MKSI Leicester continues to flourish with 150+ families, state-of-the-art facilities, and a strong focus on digital transformation and property investments to ensure long-term sustainability. With ongoing initiatives in education, religious services, and financial self-sufficiency, the Jamaat remains committed to serving its members and fostering a strong, united community.