Neasden Mosque & Islamic Centre (N.M.I.C)

I have been working in Neasden for over 5 years and have witnessed firsthand the Muslim community flourish from a dormant community, to the thriving Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jama'a family, it is today. The LFC has become a hub of the community and though it was not intended in the first instance, as a place of worship, it has developed into a mini mosque, where I lead all 5 congregational prayers, Alhumdulillah.

As an imam, it is my desire to serve the community and cater for them in a fully fledged masjid; therefore I sought and by the grace of Allah(swt) have found a wonderful building, with the intention of converting it into a Masjid.

Initial Costs

The freehold cost for the property alone, minus legal costs, renovation etc is £630,000, of which a deposit of £250,000 must be made within the next few working days. An additional £100,000 is sought for the immediate refurbishment needs. The property in question is a wonderful opportunity and holds many benefits, being in a prime location and perhaps the only such location. It is therefore my most humble request and utmost desire that you help us to secure the future of Neasden's Muslim community, in investing in the proposed Masjid.

The Beloved Prophet Muhammad(saw) said, "Whosoever builds a mosque for the sake of Allah the Almighty, Allah the Almighty will make a house for him, in Paradise." (Tirmidhi)

I sincerely hope you will consider this noble cause. Your kind and most generous help would be most appreciated, not just by myself, but by the Muslim community at large.

May Allah(swt) put endless barakah and blessings in your every endeavour, Ameen.

Wa'alaikum salaam warahmatullah,

Imam Mohammad Yazdani Raza (Misbahi)
Imam & Chairman of the London Fatwa Council

Darul Misbah, UK

Shaykh Yazdani teaches the more mature seekers of knowledge, the traditional sciences, to illuminate their contemporary lives. The syllabus is currently under development and will be online once completed.

Neasden Islamic Academy (N.I.A)

What we want to achieve?

Neasden Islamic Academy (NIA) will provide children with a primary Islamic education. NIA aims to equip boys and girls aged 8 to 13 with the essential knowledge and understanding of Islam. Thus it is hoped, will help the children make better choices and be prepared to lead an Islamic way of life and contribute positively to the society as a British Muslims. The academy's curriculum has a strong emphasis on engaging and interactive teaching.

The purpose of Neasden Islamic Academy is to set the foundation for the building of an Islamic personality; to enable them to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence, to distinguish right from wrong and to respect the law, to encourage pupils to accept responsibility for their behaviour, show initiative and understanding and how they can contribute to community life, to provide them with a broad general knowledge of public institutions and services and assist pupils to acquire an appreciation of and respect for their own and other cultures in a way that promotes tolerance and harmony between different cultural traditions which will help them to become responsible and productive citizens who will confidently meet the challenges of the future.

How we teach?

NIA strives to provide an inspiring and challenging learning environment, the styles, the methods and the approaches that forms the academy's way of teaching are based upon the teachings of the Qur'an and Sunnah. The Academy's way of teaching and learning encourage children to be self-disciplined, self-motivated, active and independent learners. It develops and fosters Islamic behaviour in children by means of discussion and appropriate examples. The Academy rejects any sort of punishments which degrade the child or hinder self-esteem. We have a strict behaviour policy which will work in partnership with parents and guardians in which children play an active role.

What we teach?

The academy's curriculum is organised to cover four main areas/subjects of learning, which are;

• Aqeedah
• Fiqh
• Seerah
• Du'a

Islamic etiquette and manners are taught throughout the curriculum; encouraged through presentations and talks delivered by students themselves, to their peers. At the NIA, we believe practical demonstration of Islamic etiquette and manners, by teachers, will instill the like, in our students.

Resources and Facilities

Both classrooms are equipped with whiteboards and projectors. Students will be provided with workbooks and folders. Teaching will take place with students seated on the floor; a practical demonstration of the traditional Islamic teaching and learning.

A number of teachers at the Academy have gained Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and are teachers at mainstream schools. All staff members are required to undergo a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check to ensure that they are suitable to work with children and young people. Staff members' undergo regular training to ensure consistency and continuity in the quality of teaching and learning is maintained.

Behaviour & Discipline

The Academy heavily focuses on encouragement of good behaviour through positive encouragement and positive rewards systems. There are different reward systems in place to facilitate this. However discipline is an issue in which no compromise can be accepted. Our religion emphasises the need for discipline as an essence to living. The emphasis in the Academy is on promoting good conduct. However should there be a need to correct any minor cases of misbehaviour. The Academy policy is referred to.

If a pupil misbehaves the following are the steps which will be taken in ascending order.

• The teacher issues a clear warning speaking calmly but firmly and clearly giving a message that the misbehaviour cannot be tolerated.
• If the pupil repeats the behaviour, report to the parent.
• If the pupil repeats the behaviour, report to the Principal.
• If a pupil continues to misbehave, the pupil may be excluded.

Rewarding good behaviour

Positive behaviour and achievement (academic and non-academic) in the Academy is continuously reinforced by teacher comment, letters to parents, certificates as well as merit systems.

Classroom rules

• Arrive on time with the necessary books and equipment, prepare to start work straight away and if in any case one does arrive late always apologise.
• Everyone in the class must address one another courteously and respectfully. Good manners and a high standard of behaviour are expected at all times.
• Only teachers direct what goes on in the classroom, pupils should; sit, work and should behave as directed by the teacher. Interruptions, rudeness and disobedience will not be tolerated in the classroom.
• Always raise a hand to ask a question or to make a contribution to the lesson.
• Do not disturb others or allow yourself to be distracted.
• Complete all class work and homework to the best of your ability. Catch up on missed work as soon as possible.
• All students must dress according to the uniform code at all times. Do not come to school wearing make-up, jewellery or immodest clothing.
• Eating during class is not permitted
• Keep all books, equipment and property free from graffiti, damage and waste.

Good Akhlaaq within the classroom

Commitment to learning;

• "To seek knowledge is compulsory on every Muslim” (Sunan ibn Majah)
• "Who takes the path hoping for knowledge, Allah SWT makes easy for him the path to Paradise. Verily, the Angels lower their wings for the seeker of knowledge out of pleasure of what he si doing. Verily, all in the Heavens and Earth seek forgiveness for the knowledgeable over the ignorant is like the excellence of the moon on the night of the full moon over all the planets. Verily, the learned are the heirs of the Prophets, the Prophets do not dinar or dirham, but they are inherited in knowledge and he who takes it takes a great bounty.” (Abu Dawood, ibn Majah and ibn Hibaan)

Good manners;

• "Nothing is weightier on the Scale of Deeds than one's good manners” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)
• "Prophet SAW was never obscene or coarse, rather He used to tell us that the best among us were those with the best manners” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)

Respectfulness towards others, especially to one's teacher;

• "He is not of us who does not respect our elderly, show mercy to iur youth and know the right of those who teach us” (Al-Tirmidhi)
• "Are those equal, those who know and those who do not know” (Al=Zumar 39:9)

Safe guarding one's tongue

• "He who truly believes in Allah SWT and believes in the Last Day should speak good or keep silent” (Sahih Muslim)
• "A true Muslim is he who keeps others safe from his tongue and hands” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)

Avoidance of grudges and hatred

• "It is not lawful to a Muslim not to speak to his brother for more than three days” (Sahih Muslim)
• "And do not let the hatred of others make you swerve to worng and depart from justice. Be just, that is nearer to piety” (Al Ma'idah, 5:8)

Humility and self-improvement

• "O you who believe! Let not a group scoff at another group, it may be that the latter is better than the former...” (Al Hujaraat 49:11)
• "Verily, Allah SWT has revealed to me that you should adopt humility. So that no one may wrong another and no one may be disdainful and haughty towards another” (Sahih Muslim)
• "Nay, verily a believer may not twice be bitten from the same hole” (Sahih Muslim)

Modesty;

• "Every religion has its characteristic and the characteristic of Islam is modesty” (Muwatta Al-Malik)
• "Modesty brings nothing but good” (Sahih Muslim & Bukhari)
• "Modesty is one portion of belief” (Sahih Muslim & Bukhari)

Patience and avoidance of anger

• "The strong is not the one who overcomes the people by his strength, but the strong is the one who controls himself whilst in anger” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)
• "Kind words and forgiving of faults are better than sadaqah (charity) followed by injury...” (Al Baqaraah, 2:263)

Honesty

• "...be with those who are true (in word and deeds)” (Al Tawbah 9:119)
• "Verily, truthfulness guides to righteousness and righteousness guides to Paradise” (Sahih Bukhari & Muslim)

Enjoining good and forbidding what is evil

• "The believers, men and women are protectors of each others, they enjoin what is right and forbid what is evil” (Al Tawbah 9:71)
• "Whoever amongst you sees an evil should change it with his hand, if he is unable to that then with his tongue and if he is unable to do that then with his heart and that is the weakest level of imaan” (Sahih Muslim)

Being mindful of one's time and remembering Allah SWT

• "By time! Surely the human being is at a loss, except for those who have faith and do righteous deeds and exhort one another to truth and exhort one another to patience” (Al Asr)
• "Surely in the remembrance of Allah SWT do hearts find rest” (Al-Ra'd 13:28)

Home-school agreement

At NIA we strongly believe that for our schooling to be effective, it must be complimented and reinforced in a pupil's home life. To this end the Academy expects parents/guardians to;

• Practice and reinforce the Islamic values and ethos of the Academy at home with their children.
• Go over the Academy's rules and Good Akhlaaq policy with their children to signal both their support and commitment to developing and maintaining good behaviour within the Academy and home.
• Check pupil homework and make sure that set tasks are completed and handed in on time.
• Be prompt on payment of fees
• Follow the appropriate Academy's procedures, if they wish to raise any issues or concerns with members of staff
• Be respectful and courteous to; staff, other parents and pupils at all times

Academy Organisation

NIA runs classes at the London Fatwa Council offices. Classes are organised based upon the child's; age and gender. Boys and girls will be taught separately, therefore there are two classes per level. Level 1 comprises of children aged between 8 and 10 and level 2 caters for children aged 11 to 13. There are no more than 15 pupils per class. Level 1 class are to be taught on Mondays and Wednesdays from 17:00 to 18:30 and Level 2 classes will be taught on Tuesdays and Thursdays also from 17:00 to 18:30.

Term dates are in accordance with schools in the London Borough of Brent.

Admission Procedure

• Application for a place at the NIA is to be made using the NIA Application Form.
• Children are admitted by selection, applications for September intake are invited from May every year.
• The minimum age for level 1 admission is 8 years and for level 2 is 11 years. Applicants will be invited to an informal interview in August.
• Unsuccessful applicants should re-apply the following year as previous applications are not automatically considered during the next enrolment period. The Academy does not operate a waiting list.
• Children applying may also be required to sit admissions tests.
• Upon a successful application an offer will be made in writing and an acceptance slip is required to be returned.
• We must stress that places are limited and will be given on a first come first serve basis.
• Parents who are considering sending their child to this Academy may speak with Academy staff, by making an appointment at or calling, the London Fatwa Council.

NIA use the following admission criteria when selecting pupils;

• Children of the right age group for which places are available
• Children whose needs can be met by the Academy
• Children who live close to the Academy
• Children who have siblings at the Academy

Attendance & Punctuality

NIA has a strict policy on regular attendance and punctuality. Children are expected to attend every class, on time. Children may be taken off the register if they are late for 3 consecutive classes or miss 2 weeks in a row without prior authorisation from the teacher in-charge or Principal.

Contribution/Fee

NIA is a non-profit making organisation which runs on the fees received per student. The current fee per student is;

• Enrolment - £20 (Payable at the beginning of the academic year)
• Annual Contribution - £390. This is based upon a 39 week academic year, comprising of two classes per week, at £5 per class.

A one-off yearly fee of £390 can be paid at the start of the academic year. Alternatively three equal instalments of £130 can be paid at the commencement of each term.

Homework

At NIA homework is integral to the curriculum and is set on a regular basis. The academy provides a homework diary and parents are asked to support their child by checking the diary and signing it every week. The diary also forms a means of dialogue between parents and staff.

The Academy recommends regular discussion between parents and children regarding homework and about what their child is learning at the Academy and how he/she is coping with the work.

Parents/guardians may support what is being learnt by;

• Testing their child's knowledge in preparation for a test
• Checking homework for neatness of presentation
• Directing their child to suitable reference book/information
• If a student experiences genuine difficulty in completing homework parents/guardians may provide enough guidance to allow the child to complete the homework themselves, rather than giving them the direct answer.
• We also strongly recommend and encourage that students fulfil all their religious obligations at home.

Pastoral Care

The relationship between staff and pupils is of paramount importance in developing the physical and mental well being of each child. Pupils are allocated tutors who take the responsibility of developing each child in order to fulfill their potential in academic and social forums. The tutors will approach the development of each child in an Islamic context and encourage a similar application of thought to everyday scenarios. Pupils are encouraged to approach tutors for advice and help no matter what their concern.

Islamic Etiquettes

The whole purpose behind Neasden Islamic Academy is to provide an environment in which pupils can achieve educational success. The most important factor of this success would be to promote the understanding of Islam in each child and its implementation of Islam in their daily lives. To this effect the Academy implements practical reminders and issues instructions for manners and behaviour as situations arise.

Parents and the Academy

The Academy encourages parents to get involved on a continuing level and this is optimised through the use of the homework diaries and informal discussions. Parents are further encouraged to participate in Academy activities and volunteer for classroom assistance as required. Parent's evenings are held twice a year to monitor the progress of children and discuss the development of the children.

Academy Uniform

Girls

• Black jilbaab (loose fitted and to ankle length)
• White hijaab or headscarf (to be worn correctly at all times)

Boys

• White thobe (loose fitted and to ankle length)
• White cap

Assessment

Teachers assess children through observation as well as setting structured tasks when appropriate. Children will also have the opportunity to evaluate their own work at the end of each term. At the end of the year children have a final assessment which is used to decide whether individuals are ready to progress to the next level or remain in the same class.

Child Protection

Neasden Islamic Academy recognises the fundamental right of protecting its' pupils from all aspects of child abuse. This Academy recognises its legal duty to work with other agencies in protecting children from harm and responding to abuse. The staff seek to adopt an open attitude towards pupils as a part of their responsibility for pastoral care. Staff hope that parents and pupils feel free to talk about any concerns and see school as safe place if there are any difficulties at home. Pupils' worries and fears will be taken seriously if they seek help from a member of staff. However, staff cannot guarantee confidentiality if concerns are such that referral must be made to the appropriate agencies in order to safeguard the child's welfare.

Child abuse may stem from the home, school or even a child's relative. Therefore it is imperative to take all possible measure to stop child abuse taking place.

LFC Staff training and development

All staff and volunteers at LFC and NIA have undergone First Aid training and routinely undergo training for development.

LFC Ramadhan Blessings

Ramadhan is a blessing and the LFC makes the most of this noble illuminated month through our thirty day iftar program, taraweeh prayers and illuminating lectures.

Deen Intensive Tours

Shaykh Yazdani travels extensively to deliver lectures and deen intensives. In 2010 alone, Shaykh travelled to Sudan, with the Radical Middleway, where he illuminated students at The Sudan University and delegates at the ‘Sudan – the middle nation’ conference.

Later Shaykh travelled to the holy lands with a group of students where he lead Ummrah and Ziyarah tour and delivered a series of lectures based on ‘Our Master Muhammad’ and the ‘Barzanji Mawlid’.

During the summer Shaykh enthralled the village of Velenia in Slovenia with a series of lectures during his week long stay.

UK based deen intensives are in the pipelines, Insha Allah.

Keep visiting the website for more updates and planned tours.

Iqra Girls’ School (I.G.S)

The Iqra Girls' school is a project to build a girls school in UP, India.

Peace Charity

The Peace charity is in the process of being registered. Once running, will serve the community in the UK and abroad on humanitarian, social and developmental issues.

Get Involved

Find out about the latest volunteering opportunities at the LFC.

Donate

Donate generously to keep LFC afloat and help the community. Donations can be made in person at LFC or via standing order using the following information;

Santander
263 Neasden Lane
London
NW10 1QQ

Account number: 24604819
Sort code: 090127
Payment Ref: 786-018