South Lakes Islamic Centre
- Our charitable purpose
South Lakes Islamic Centre is a registered charity. All funds received are treated as a trust from our donors and will be used only for charitable purposes in line with our governing documents and Islamic principles.
The primary purpose of all donations is to support the establishment, construction and development of the Masjid and associated facilities in the South Lakes area. This includes, but is not limited to, land purchase costs, professional fees, planning and legal costs, site preparation, construction, utilities, safety measures and any other costs that are reasonably required to complete and maintain the project.
- Use of donations
Unless clearly agreed otherwise with the donor, all donations will be treated as general charitable funds. These may be used for:
The construction and development of the Masjid and its facilities
Essential operational costs that allow the project and its activities to function
Community services, education and programmes that support the local Muslim and wider community
All expenditure will be in accordance with Islamic values and United Kingdom charity law.
- Surplus and leftover funds
If, after completion of a particular phase of construction or project activity, there are surplus funds remaining, these funds will not be returned to donors. Any leftover funds will be used for the ongoing charitable purposes of South Lakes Islamic Centre. This may include:
Repayment of any Qardh Hasanah taken
Further development and improvement of the Masjid and its facilities
Community development initiatives and services
Running and operational costs of the charity and the Masjid
Decisions on the use of such funds will be made by the committee and trustees, acting collectively and in accordance with their legal duties.
- Volunteer committee and trustees
All members of the committee and all trustees serve in a voluntary capacity. They do not receive any salary or personal financial benefit from the charity’s funds.
Where necessary, reasonable out of pocket expenses may be reimbursed, for example travel costs for charity work. Any such reimbursement will follow clear procedures, require evidence such as receipts, and will be recorded transparently in the charity’s accounts.
- Donor intention and restricted donations
If a donor clearly specifies that their donation is for a particular permitted purpose, for example a specific aspect of the building project or a defined charitable activity, we will make every reasonable effort to honour that intention and restrict the funds accordingly.
If, for any reason, it becomes impossible or impractical to use restricted funds exactly as requested, the committee and trustees will seek a solution that most closely matches the donor’s intention, within charity law and Islamic guidance, seeking scholarly guidance where necessary.
- Zakat and other Islamic donations
Where donors wish to give Zakat, Sadaqah (Lillaah and Sadaqah Jaariyah included) or other forms of charity, they should clearly indicate this at the time of donation. Undefined donations are accepted as Sadaqah.
Zakat funds, where accepted, will be used only in accordance with mainstream Islamic guidelines for eligible recipients only. Sadaqah, including Lillah and Sadaqah Jaariyah donations, will be used as indicated under headings 2. and 3.
- Qardh Hasanah (Benevolent Loans)
From time to time, supporters may wish to assist the charity through Qardh Hasanah, that is, a benevolent loan which is interest free and given solely for the sake of Allaah.
Where Qardh Hasanah is accepted, the following will apply:
Qardh Hasanah is treated as a loan to the charity, not as a donation. The capital amount remains the right of the lender.
No increase, benefit or favour of a financial nature will be given in return for the loan, in line with Islamic teachings.
The terms of the Qardh Hasanah, including the amount and intended timeframe for repayment, will be recorded in writing and acknowledged by both parties.
Repayment will be made from available funds in a manner that does not place the charity in financial hardship or prevent it from meeting its essential charitable obligations.
The lender may, at any time, choose to forgive part or all of the outstanding amount and convert it into a donation for the charity.
The charity may, at any time, choose to return the qardh prior to the deadline of repayment if they are in the financial means to do so.
By accepting Qardh Hasanah, the charity recognises the trust placed in it by the lender and will act with care, fairness and transparency in managing and repaying such funds.
- Compliance and ethical use of funds
All funds will be managed in a manner that:
Complies with the law of England and Wales
Follows the guidance of the Charity Commission
Respects Islamic principles, including avoiding the use of funds for activities or investments that are prohibited
We will not knowingly use or invest funds in any activity that conflicts with these principles.
- Transparency and reporting
We are committed to transparency and accountability. Summary information about income, expenditure and key projects will be shared with the community through appropriate channels. Full accounts are prepared in line with legal requirements and submitted to the Charity Commission.
Donors are encouraged to contact us if they have questions about how funds are being used.
- Refunds of donations
Donations are generally non refundable. In very exceptional cases, for example a clear administrative error, the committee may consider a refund request. Any such decision will be at the discretion of the trustees, taking into account charity law and the best interests of the charity, on a case by case basis.
- Review of this policy
This donation policy may be reviewed and updated from time to time by the trustees and committee to ensure that it remains compliant with charity law, reflects best practice and continues to align with our Islamic values and community needs.
May Allaah accept from all who contribute with their wealth, time and effort, and make this Masjid a source of benefit, guidance and mercy for the community.