Our constitution

1. Name

The organisation is known as Hujjat-ul-Islam, Hitchin, referred to in the constitution as “the Centre”. It is non-party in politics.

2. Purpose and objects

The Centre exists to advance Islam and Islamic education. Its purposes include Islamic education for children; providing and maintaining religious classes, a mosque, libraries and cemetery facilities; promoting knowledge of Islamic culture; raising lawful funds; and receiving gifts and property in support of its objects.

3. Membership

Membership is open to adult Muslims living in and around Hitchin and Letchworth, irrespective of nationality. The Board may also admit associate members or well-wishers, although associate members do not have voting rights.

4. Rights and duties

Subject to the constitution, members may attend general meetings, stand for election, express an opinion and vote. Members may inspect the Centre’s accounts with written notice, must pay contributions determined by the Board and must follow properly adopted rules. Fundraising in the Centre’s name requires authorisation.

5. Termination and disqualification

The clause explains resignation, subscription arrears and the Board’s power to terminate membership after the member has an opportunity to be heard. It also lists circumstances in which a Board member may be disqualified, including certain criminal convictions, prolonged unexplained absence and being a paid employee of the Centre.

6. Composition and term

The Managing Board comprises 18 elected members. At least two-thirds must be permanent residents of Hitchin and/or Letchworth. The Board elects a President, Vice-President, Honorary General Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Honorary Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer from among its members. Its term is two years.

7. Powers and duties

The Board directs the Centre’s policy and general management. Its responsibilities include appointing trustees and subcommittees, co-opting members within the stated limit, managing property and funds, employing staff and teachers, administering trusts and acting to further the Centre’s objects.

8. President

The President chairs meetings, maintains order, signs proceedings and resolutions, oversees compliance with the constitution and acts as one of the authorised financial signatories. The President has a casting vote where votes are tied.

9. Vice-President

The Vice-President works with the President and assumes the chair and relevant powers when the President is absent.

10. General Secretary

The General Secretary conducts the Centre’s business, manages correspondence, convenes meetings, keeps minutes, prepares the annual report and serves as one of the financial signatories.

11. Assistant Secretary

The Assistant Secretary supports the General Secretary and carries out the role’s duties during the General Secretary’s absence, subject to the financial-signatory provisions.

12. Treasurer

The Treasurer banks income, maintains proper accounting records, presents financial statements, supports the annual audit, collects membership subscriptions and serves as one of the authorised financial signatories.

13. Finance

The financial year runs from April to April. Accounts are audited at least annually. The Centre’s bank account is operated under the joint signatures of any two of the President, Honorary General Secretary and Treasurer, and audited accounts are circulated to registered members.

14. Meetings

Board meetings take place as necessary or once every three months. The clause sets notice periods and procedures for annual, emergency, special and dissolution meetings, including the circumstances in which members may require a special meeting.

15. Procedure, voting and quorum

The constitution sets the business of the annual meeting, election arrangements and voting procedures. Ordinary questions are decided by a simple majority, with a casting vote for the chair when votes are equal.

Ordinary Quorum: 10 elected members must be present at a meeting for motions to be voted on and passed. Specified constitutional meetings require a two-thirds quorum.

16. Property and constitutional changes

Decisions concerning immovable property, dissolution of the Board or constitutional amendments require written notice to registered members at least 21 days before the meeting and approval by a two-thirds majority of those present and voting. Amendments must not cause the Centre to cease being charitable.

17. Dissolution

Dissolution requires the support of at least two-thirds of registered members present and voting at a specially convened general meeting. Any remaining assets, after debts and liabilities are met, must pass to another Muslim charitable organisation with similar objects and cannot be distributed among members.

18. Legal standing

The Centre may sue or be sued in its own name in a court of competent jurisdiction.