Fundraising Appeal for Exeter Ahlul-Bayt Community

In the name of Allah, the Most-beneficent, the Ever-merciful

In those houses which Allah has ordered to be raised and that His name be remembered therein; exalting Him within them in the morning and the evenings (Quran 24:36)

Background:

Exeter Ahlul-Bayt Community is a small well-knit community comprising 200 individuals from various ethnic backgrounds such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan and East Africa. It is the teachings of Quran and Ahlul-Bayt (as) that has facilitated the process of unity despite our ethnic diversity. The community functions on democratic values by conducting regular elections to choose members who volunteer to run and serve the congregation. We have also developed our own constitution which was formulated in consultation with the approval of the entire community. It also gives us immense pleasure that we are in communication with the office of charity commission, after having submitted due documents and related paper-works, for the registration of the community as a non-profit charitable organization.

After several unsuccessful attempts of bidding for purchasing a property in Exeter, we have eventually found a place that could potentially turn into a centre for our community needs. We have estimated the costing of the project that comes to £200,000 (two hundred thousand Pounds) from which £60,000 is expected to be raised from our own Exeter-based community members. This appeal is for the other £140,000 that would help us expediate the process of purchasing the property and the renovation required to meet the need of the congregation.

Current status:

For various religious programs for the holy month of Ramadan, Muharram and the birth / death commemorations of our Imams (as), the community has been renting out various halls and local community centres throughout the year. We have also been renting places for our madrasa classes, which runs every Saturday, for last four years because of renting out different places for events around the year this has caused hardship for parents and the community.

Scope:

Exeter Ahlul-Bayt Community is believed to be the first Shia community in the South West of England who have been running its religious affairs smoothly since last four years. There are almost 40 pupils enrolled in our madrasa which suggests why we believe that a community centre is important for the future of these young community members. Moreover, the University of Exeter continues attracting many students who wants to engage and participate in various religious programs throughout the year. Lastly, one of the most significant activities of our centre is envisioned to be a place for holding inter-faith and intra-faith events.

Appeal:

After several attempts we have now been able to secure a property which used to be a Methodist Church. The project is estimated to be of £200,000 (two hundred thousand Pounds). We are glad to inform that over a period of time we have collected a sum of £60,000 from Exeter-based community. This appeal reaches to you for the remaining expenses related to the project, i.e., £140,000. Our immediate need is £80,000 to secure our bid-offer to be paid by 18th October 2019 and the other £60,000 for renovation of the building to be completed by end of the year 2019.

Kindly support this noble cause of Quran and Ahlul-Bayt (as) by your generous donations and seek the pleasure of Allah (swt). The Imaan Trust Ltd has agreed to fully support this project

https://www.exeterahlulbayt.org