Frequently Asked Questions
The Al-Ihsan Trust have introduced a Frequently Asked Questions page which allows everyone to view some of the key issues and queries from members of the public, and also provides a platform to ask questions and clarification as we proceed through the phases of construction. Our aim is always to be as transparent as possible.
If you would like to ask any questions, please submit your question/query from the Contact page of the website, and we will try to respond as soon as possible.
If we feel the question is quite generic and the information would benefit other members of the public, we will post the question and answer on the website. All questions and answers posted on the website will be anonymous and will not include any personal details of the individual who submitted it.
If you would like to ask any questions, please submit your question/query from the Contact page of the website, and we will try to respond as soon as possible.
If we feel the question is quite generic and the information would benefit other members of the public, we will post the question and answer on the website. All questions and answers posted on the website will be anonymous and will not include any personal details of the individual who submitted it.
Why do we need another Masjid?
Over the last 6 decades or so in Batley alone, the local community has grown from a few dozen to over 50% of the population, which is now Muslim. The need has grown and the community has come together to develop local facilities to serve discrete local areas. Staincliffe and the surrounding areas is no different to other areas and the Al-Ihsan Trust believes the area will now benefit from its own facility hence this project has been initiated after considerable planning and consultation.
Over the last 6 decades or so in Batley alone, the local community has grown from a few dozen to over 50% of the population, which is now Muslim. The need has grown and the community has come together to develop local facilities to serve discrete local areas. Staincliffe and the surrounding areas is no different to other areas and the Al-Ihsan Trust believes the area will now benefit from its own facility hence this project has been initiated after considerable planning and consultation.
Who is the Masjid for?
The Masjid is the house of Allah-Tala and is open to anyone and everyone. As part of the plans presented to the community an undertaking was given that the new Masjid will specifically facilitate the inclusion of women and girls with separate entrances to enter the building.
The Masjid is the house of Allah-Tala and is open to anyone and everyone. As part of the plans presented to the community an undertaking was given that the new Masjid will specifically facilitate the inclusion of women and girls with separate entrances to enter the building.
Why is the building so elaborate which could be expensive to build when a cheaper building could be built?
The Masjid is being built in an area with a grade 2 listed building and surrounded by blanket Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs). During the planning process the planners from Kirklees Council insisted on a building design which was modern and contrasted with the old house at the Al-Hikmah Centre.
This has been a long and iterative process. Al-Ihsan Trust commenced pre-app discussions with the planners in October 2015. We had to withdraw the initial application on the advice of the Planning Officers and resubmitted the full application on the 14th December 2017.
The design and location of the building has been changed 3 times at the request of Planners from Kirklees Council and the current version is what was eventually accepted and approved by the Planning Committee.
The Masjid is being built in an area with a grade 2 listed building and surrounded by blanket Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs). During the planning process the planners from Kirklees Council insisted on a building design which was modern and contrasted with the old house at the Al-Hikmah Centre.
This has been a long and iterative process. Al-Ihsan Trust commenced pre-app discussions with the planners in October 2015. We had to withdraw the initial application on the advice of the Planning Officers and resubmitted the full application on the 14th December 2017.
The design and location of the building has been changed 3 times at the request of Planners from Kirklees Council and the current version is what was eventually accepted and approved by the Planning Committee.
Why has the cost not been disclosed?
During this period we have addressed the many concerns raised by the Planning Officers and others which carried with it cost implications namely:
As we are in the process of acquiring the land from Indian Muslim Welfare Society (IMWS), we can now start to agree all the detailed designs of the building with greater cost certainty. This will then enable the design team to produce a tender pack and commence a tender process and Insha-Allah lead to a position of appointing a qualified construction partner and start the physical building works on the site.
During this period we have addressed the many concerns raised by the Planning Officers and others which carried with it cost implications namely:
- Relocated the building from its original space.
- Reduce the scale of the building on 2 occasions.
- Addressed security issues.
- Strengthened the site management plan and demonstrated the impact of traffic flow will be improved as a result.
- Worked with Kirklees Council on a tree replacement scheme.
As we are in the process of acquiring the land from Indian Muslim Welfare Society (IMWS), we can now start to agree all the detailed designs of the building with greater cost certainty. This will then enable the design team to produce a tender pack and commence a tender process and Insha-Allah lead to a position of appointing a qualified construction partner and start the physical building works on the site.
Whose name will the property be in?
Al-Ihsan Trust is a separate body from the IMWS. It is a constituted body and is registered with the Charity Commission and has its unique Registered Charity No: 1165411. This is important to be aware of as the Al-Ihsan Trust is accountable under Charity Law and has to comply with requirements to demonstrate transparency and accountability. Al-Ihsan Trust is also a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). The asset will be in the name of Al-Ihsan Trust.
Al-Ihsan Trust is a separate body from the IMWS. It is a constituted body and is registered with the Charity Commission and has its unique Registered Charity No: 1165411. This is important to be aware of as the Al-Ihsan Trust is accountable under Charity Law and has to comply with requirements to demonstrate transparency and accountability. Al-Ihsan Trust is also a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). The asset will be in the name of Al-Ihsan Trust.
Which school of thought will the Masjid follow?
The Hanafi school of thought.
The Hanafi school of thought.
Who are the members?
At present there is no membership and the local community will decide at an appropriate time as the building comes closer to practical completion milestone Insha-Allah.
Anyone is welcome to join the working group.
At present there is no membership and the local community will decide at an appropriate time as the building comes closer to practical completion milestone Insha-Allah.
Anyone is welcome to join the working group.