Dear All
Asalamualykum Wa Rahmatullah Wa BarakatahuThe MINAB, as you will know, is an independent community led voluntary organisation which aspires to work for the pleasure of Allah and for the betterment of Muslims in the United Kingdom. It is an advisory body that will facilitate good governance of Mosques and improvement in the performance of Imams. It will do so through provision of guidance and by consensus on Standards and Good Practice. The MINAB is non- sectarian in its outlook; it represents the diversity of Islam; it has no role in matters of theology and it has a broad based and accountable system of representation.
The Steering Group of the MINAB, consisting of representatives from four national organisations, namely the Al-Khoei Foundation, British Muslim Forum, Muslim Association of Britain and the Muslim Council of Britain, assisted by experts, are planning to start the nationwide membership drive shortly. In this connection you will wish to know that the Constitution, amended following months of extensive public consultation in the earlier part of the year, provides for all Mosques, Islamic Educational and Academic establishments engaged in the training of Imams and/or Islamic teachers, as eligible for membership of the MINAB. We very much hope that your organization will join the MINAB and you will shortly receive guidance on seeking membership of the MINAB.
The final draft of the constitution is on our website: www.minab.org.uk
By joining the MINAB you will become part of a strong, dynamic and vibrant community committed to better governance and improved standards. You will have the support and help of experts on an on-going basis. You will receive advice and assistance on matters of governance, legal compliance and good practice.
We take this opportunity to draw your attention to a very important deadline relating to Immigration Rules. From November 2008, there will be a change in the current Immigration law which will require all organisations who may wish to bring a prospective employee into the United Kingdom from outside the EU to register in order to receive a licence.
The Home Office has published guidelines and these can be accessed at:
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/employersandsponsors/pbsguidance/sponsorapplicationsguidance.pdf
For your convenience, we have summarised relevant parts of these guidelines in a brief and are enclosing it with this letter.
It is important to note that the new law affects all organisations in the UK and are not just limited to religious institutions. MINAB has no direct involvement in the creation of this law, neither will it take responsibility for its implementation.
It will be the duty of each Mosque or religious organisation to make an individual application if they need to invite Imams and/or religious workers from abroad. It is strongly recommended that applications be made before 1st October 2008 so that you are licensed on time.
Wishing you all Ramadhan Mubarak and May Allah accept all your prayers and Amal.
Munawer Rattensey
Acting Chair of MINAB
