Delivering the Vision - Fourth Executive Council Meeting for Term 2024-2027
The Fourth Executive Council Meeting for Term 2024-2027 was hosted by the Husaini Islamic Centre in Peterborough on the 8th of November 2025 to address critical strategic, financial, and operational matters for the community.
The Fourth Executive Council Meeting for Term 2024-2027 was hosted by the Husaini Islamic Centre in Peterborough on the 8th of November 2025 to address critical strategic, financial, and operational matters for the community.
This insightful session laid the groundwork for several initiatives, focusing on strengthening infrastructure, enhancing security, and planning for future growth. The comprehensive agenda ensured that the Council continues to govern proactively and transparently, tackling both immediate needs and long-term vision.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for collaborative discussion among Council members, enabling the sharing of best practices and strengthening coordination between various Jamaats.
The Fourth CoEJ ExCo was extremely productive with the following results and outputs:
The Secretariat update by the Secretary General, Dr. Imran Janmohamed, began with introducing the new look of the CoEJ website (www.coej.org), featuring updates on projects and activities as part of CoEJ’s digital diversification efforts.
Within his update, he discussed European Madaris Department’s (EMD) first Madrasah Leadership Conference that was successfully held at Hujjat Harefield, with 43 participants from 15 institutions from across Europe, focusing on strategic vison and collaboration within Madaris leaders. CoEJ’s QARI hosted impactful programmes, including Recite with Mulla Nazar al-Qatari, which attracted over 400 attendees at the Abbas Islamic Center, Birmingham, and the online Qur’an Teacher Training course which is underway online.
The Seniors’ Ziyarat Trip saw 93 participants from across Europe visiting Iraq’s holy sites on this sacred pilgrimage. The CoEJ Sports Board delivered major successes through the MAMT–Marhaba Ladies Tournament and the MAMT Youth Football Tournament in Milton Keynes, and the MAMT Volleyball Tournament at Hyderi — collectively engaging over a thousand participants from across Europe, and raising funds for WF-AID. The update closed by recognising the collective efforts of all Jamaats, boards, and volunteers, reaffirming that the strength of CoEJ lies in its grassroots community.
The CoEJ President, Br. Arifali Hirji, then addressed the Executive Council for his Keynote Address. He began by acknowledging the hosts, councillors, volunteers, and all attendees, appreciating their continued dedication to the mission of CoEJ.
He opened with uplifting news about the Paris North Madrasah project, sharing how a moment of heartfelt appeal from the President of Paris North Jamaat sparked a wave of generosity across Jamaats. Through collective community support and collaboration with The World Federation and Africa Federation, the project has reached an incredible milestone, now only £29,000 away from full completion — without any need for a mortgage. He encouraged everyone to fulfil their pledges and contribute towards this historic, community-driven initiative via coej.live, reminding them that such acts breathe life into the community’s future.
Transitioning to reflection, Br. Arifali shared a powerful story about faith and conviction — illustrating how true identity is defined not by the gaze or judgment of others, but by one’s steadfast relationship with Allah (SWT). He highlighted the courage of Aun bin Abdullah (a.s) and the spirit of Ahlulbayt (a.s) as models of unwavering faith and authenticity, even amidst immense pressure.
He then linked this message to the challenges faced by Shia Muslims in today’s modern, pluralistic world — where identity often feels diluted amid the noise of conformity and digital self-presentation. He called upon the community to reclaim and own its narrative, to stand firm in faith and values, and to nurture environments where spiritual, educational, and social growth can thrive.
Looking ahead, he outlined CoEJ’s focus areas for the coming months: expanding youth camps, strengthening spiritual development, creating more halal environments for recreation and learning, and ensuring robust governance and safety across member Jamaats.
He concluded by invoking the spirit of Sayyeda Fatima (a.s) and Imam Husayn (a.s), inspiring attendees to stand firm, united, and fearless — ensuring that the voice of truth, faith, and service continues to resonate across Europe.
The Council of European Jamaats would like to extend its sincere gratitude to the host Jamaat, Husaini Islamic Centre, Peterborough, for their exceptional generosity, warm hospitality, and impeccable arrangements that facilitated a productive and meaningful meeting. Appreciation is also extended to all Executive Council members for their commitment, insights, and active participation throughout the session.