The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of God is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And God multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And God is all-Encompassing and Knowing. (Qur’an 2: 261)

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Respected donor,
Salamun alaykum
 

Trust this email finds you in the best of health and iman.
I am writing this to request for your contribution towards the renovation of Exeter AhlulBayt
Centre (Az-Zahra Centre) located in the university city of Exeter. The below summary outlines
the background, growing need and estimated costs for the renovation of the centre.
 

Background:
Exeter AhlulBayt Centre (Az-Zahra Centre) is the only centre in the entire Southwest region
of the UK. We are a small, well-knit Shia community of two hundred individuals from the
United Kingdom, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Iraq, India, Pakistan, East Africa, and elsewhere. Our
shared values are shaped by the teachings of the Qur’an and AhlulBayt (peace be upon them).
As a community, we embrace democratic values as evidenced by our regular elections of board
members who strive to serve the congregation. We also have a functioning constitution, which
was formulated in consultation with the community members. We are a registered charity
under the charity commission for England and Wales with the registration number 1186925.
 

Growing need:
The single most need for expanding the centre is to cater to the need of our madrasa children.
We have a total of 42 children who attend Sunday madrasas throughout the school year
calendar. These children are divided into 4 classes out of which two are conducted in a small
hall with a partition of curtain between them. The voices of the teachers and students often
clash with each other hampering their concentration. The other two classes are extremely small
leaving no space for sitting let alone putting chairs and desk. As such, all our madrasa children
and teacher sit on floor with no conducive learning environment (photos attached).
Beside weekly Thursday night programs, we also hold majalis on the birth and death
anniversaries of our Imams. In the majalis, particularly during Muharram and the month of
Ramadan the community members sit adjacent to each other in a very tight space with little to
no room for adequate ventilation. The space for salat in congregation is another major issue.
The kitchen is not sufficiently big enough to cook meals for our congregation and hence
community members often cook in their home and bring to the centre which is not always
feasible. The very small area for the women – often mothers with little children – in the centre
is yet another reason why we believe the centre requires extension and renovation.
 

Plans and cost:
In the light of the dire need of the space, particularly for the children and women of our
community, the managing committee has decided to extend and renovate the current premises
so it could accommodate our immediate and long-term needs. After months of discussions with
the architect and local planning permission bodies, we have now obtained necessary planning
permissions which will allow us to construct an upper floor (for women and two madrasa
classrooms) and a renovated ground floor (for men and two madrasa classrooms). The cost for
the extension and renovation is estimated to be £200,000.
It is our earnest appeal to support us in this project by donating generously so the future of the
community is secured both socially and religiously. We firmly believe that a vibrant religious
centre will result into a prosperous, spiritually healthy and law-abiding citizens. May Allah swt
reward you abundantly for all your contributions to keep the message of Qur’an and AhlulBayt
alive.

 

Your sincerely,
Hasnein Kanani
Assistant Secretary General – Exeter AhlulBayt Community
+44 7967179679

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Please donate generously with the bank details below.

 

Account name: THE EXETER AHLULBAYT
Sort Code: 51-61-23
Account number: 72657405
BIC: NWBKGB2L
IBAN: GB70NWBK51612372657405

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https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/azzahracentre

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