The Journey of life, its paths & destinations

 

I went for a walk in a nearby Valley Park. This comes after some emotional and thoughtful weeks after the sudden death of a university sister. I worked with her in the Leicester University Islamic Society, which I presided over 24 years ago. She died from an illness that she hid from her closest. Her death shocked all who knew her and worked with her.

 

She was loyal, shy, caring and principled. After leaving University, she took on her family business and expanded it. Many remember her conduct with family, employees, suppliers, and customers. She was a role model for many, and many relied on her for her leadership and the selfless care she gave to them.

 

Her death invoked memories among the group of her university friends. Although it had been 24 years since I had met or spoken to her, it also made me revisit my steps back then.

 

As I walked through the park, I contemplated my life journey. Strangely, the changing scenery and paths around me started to talk to me in my imaginary world. I began to paint a picture in my mind of my life journey.

 

This path led to other paths; sometimes, I took the wrong turn, turned back, and chose another path. This reminded me that our lives take similar paths and turns.

 

I started my walk in the park by choosing a path with a target destination: Swan Lake. This path led to other paths; sometimes, I took the wrong turn, turned back, and chose another path. This reminded me that our lives take similar paths and turns. After University, I took a path and made decisions that dictated my next 24 years. I started to revisit and question my paths as my memories returned to those moments 24 years ago.

 

The weight of the “what if” moments started to play heavily on my chest as if failures of lost opportunities underpinned my worldly successes.

 

Allhamdulillah, I may have had a promising career and life that many may desire. I discussed this in a recent radio interview (see link below). Yet, my mind started questioning this for all the paths I could have taken, the lost opportunities, and the many achievements that could have been different and perhaps better. The weight of the “what if” moments started to play heavily on my chest as if failures of lost opportunities underpinned my worldly successes.

 

I felt sadness and pain as I walked and crossed different paths. This was not about personal wealth but the impact on broader society and infrastructure.

 

Was I lost in my life journey? I questioned myself as I continued my walk. Lost in my thoughts, the path opened to my set destination. It is a beautiful lake with stunning majestic swans gliding through the water under a clear blue sky, making everything clear to observe and enjoy.

 

 

A painful reality hit me as I sat on the bench to soak in the moment, processing my thoughts. The sister’s death reminded me of the temporary nature of this destination, this world, these life paths that we choose to walk on, these destinations that we set ourselves, and all our life struggles. It all eventually dies and moves on.

 

What is left after we are gone is what matters. What matters are the memories of the moments we live, the impact we have on the lives of others, and how they remember us, just like the memories of this sister.

 

What is left after we are gone is what matters. What matters are the memories of the moments we live, the impact we have on the lives of others, and how they remember us, just like the memories of this sister. We remember her legacy, kindness, principles, leadership, and caring nature.

 

This realisation influenced me and replaced my immediate memory of my path choices. I remembered the sounds of the birds chirping, the cool breeze, the happiness of people who walked past me, and the kindness of the old couple who warned me of some rough paths ahead. I concluded that it is not the choices of the life paths that we take that matter; it’s what we do with them and how we conduct ourselves as we walk them that define us.

 

I revisited my life journey to find these moments. I was accompanied by a loving and caring wife, the childhood of my beautiful daughter, and our travels as a family, making every moment worth living for. During my professional work, solving and resolving problems in charities and successfully dealing with crises they find themselves in is an aspect of my life that matters, not career choices.

 

We may think we chose the wrong path or ended up in the incorrect destination—this does not matter, as it all ultimately dies. God decides our paths to test us.

 

We may think we chose the wrong path or ended up in the incorrect destination—this does not matter, as it all ultimately dies. God decides our paths to test us. We should focus on what stays and lives on: the memories and impact we leave on this temporary world. We need to fill our paths with these memories, regardless of the paths that we embark on.

 

Content with my conclusions, I returned to my car as if I had found a treasure in my quest as I remembered this special sister.

 

Having lived my old memories once more, one thoughtful memory braced me. A poetic verse of a famous Sufi poet, Altaf Hussain Hali. I read and memorized in Urdu as a kid. It went on something like this:

 

Valuable lessons are taught to us by graves.
We find this treasure from this burial.

 

I had found my treasure through the sad death of this special sister of ours. May Allah swt grant her the highest paradise. Ameen.

 

End.

 

Author: Nasir Rafiq is the Managing Partner of Dua Governance Chartered Accountants & Business Advisors. He is also a community leader and Chairs many initiatives and organizations.

He spoke about his career in a radio interview with local community radio station UnityFM. Man on a Mission – a Personal Story of Faith, Change and Impact (See link).

The Gaza Crisis, UK Mosques & Muslim Charities

The recent Gaza crisis has affected us all. Thousands of civilians have lost their lives in Gaza. The social media and news coverage of women, children and the vulnerable being killed is heart wrenching. Over 2m of the population of Gaza is deprived of water and fuel and face a dire humanitarian crisis as highlighted by independent UN agencies.

In times like this, many feel obliged to act and campaign – this is not only a natural human response, but also embedded within the faith of many Muslims.

In times like this, many feel obliged to act and campaign – this is not only a natural human response, but also embedded within the faith of many Muslims.

The Muslim international relief charities play a crucial role and provide a valuable service in facilitating this donation to the intended population of Gaza.

Recently I have been contacted by concerned individuals asking various questions relating to donating or raising funds to Gaza. In this blog, I provide some answers to three questions:

Question one: Can my charity raise money for Gaza?

It all depends on the charitable objectives and purpose of your charity. If your charity has an objective to provide relief from poverty and / or to provide relief to disaster-stricken people and it does not restrict to a particular location other than Gaza, then your charity can raise funds for Gaza.

The following consideration are important to note:

1. Due diligence of delivery partner – Hamas proscription

Vast majority of Muslim charities, if not all work through a delivery partner in Gaza. Funds are transferred to these partners to deliver the relief projects. Gaza is governed by Hamas and under UK law it is proscribed as a terrorist organisation. Hence it becomes illegal if any funds of a UK charity end up with Hamas. So, UK charities must satisfy themselves on the following:

  • the delivery partner is not controlled by individuals on the UKs sanction lists.
  • The delivery partner does not use suppliers connected to a sanctioned entity or individual.
  • The delivery partner does not pay rent or taxes to the Hamas regime.

Vast majority of Muslim charities, if not all work through a delivery partner in Gaza.

2. The ability to deliver relief

Charities will also need to check the ability of the partner to deliver the projects in Gaza. This can be checked by obtaining the following: Governing documents, Bank statements, past project reports, organisational charts, policies, project proposals and references.

3. Satisfying the banks

Transferring monies to Palestine generally and Gaza especially is not easy. Banks expect charities to have done their due diligence and will often request evidence to confirm this.

Lack of timely evidence after the bank requests information often results in the UK bank or corresponding bank or banks in Gaza blocking or returning the funds.

4. Disclosing the name of the delivery partner

When preparing the annual financial statements, charities are subject to charity accounting rules called (SORP). These rules require charities to disclose the name of the delivery partner used in that period and the amounts paid to them in that year and in the prior year.

I sometimes find some charities attempting to omit this information in their annual statements giving a false impression to readers of the statements as if the charity directly delivers projects in Gaza.

Overheads paid to separate entities that deliver projects on behalf of the UK charity are not disclosed in the UK charity accounts. This is one of the reasons why for transparency purposes the charities are required to disclose the name and total amount paid to the deliver partner in their annual financial statements.

Overheads paid to separate entities that deliver projects on behalf of the UK charity are not disclosed in the UK charity accounts.

Question two: Can my Mosque raise funds for Gaza?

Yes. and this depends on the charitable objectives of the charity that runs this Mosques. Mosque charities often have objectives that are restricted to furthering the religion of Islam by providing a facility to worship – this may not allow fundraising for international relief projects unless a clear link can be made with the act of worship. For example, Mosques may be able to raise Zakat funds and use a delivery partner in Gaza to execute the Zakat funds to the needy.

Mosques can partner with international relief charities and provide them access to their congregation and facilities to directly raise funds for Gaza. Mosques can enter into agreements with these charities to restrict the funds to specific projects and be compensated on any costs incurred in raising these funds.

Question three: Can Mosques carry out political campaigns and activity for Gaza?

Generally, the answer is No. Charity Commission has detailed guidance on this topic. The link to this detailed guidance can be found here.

The general rule is that a charity can carry out campaigns and / or political activities only if it furthers their objectives stated in their governing document. Mosques seldom have human rights objectives in their trust deeds or constitutions. Therefore from Mosque platforms and / or using Mosque resources to lobby local or central government for a foreign policy change in relation to Gaza may not strictly be considered an allowable activity. This does not mean Mosques cannot or should not voice their concerns or carry out activities in responding to this crisis.

Below is a list of activities Mosque can and should carry out:

1) Educating the congregation on the current situation in Gaza through religious sermons and lectures.

 

2) Making statements that link back to faith, sanctity of life, religious harmony and coexistence with other faiths.

 

3) Providing facilities and access to congregations to activists for education, petitions, protests all for awareness purposes.

 

4) Providing young people safe spaces to discuss the issues with a faith lens and in the context of the society Mosques operate in.

 

5) Inviting local politicians to address the congregations on their positions.

 

6) Trustees or employees in their personal capacity and personal time campaigning and carrying out politically activities. In conducting these activities, the trustees and staff must ensure the associated charity / Mosque is not brought into disrepute.

 

7) Engaging with local councils, police, and central government to ensure safety of congregation and Mosque facilities and compliance to laws.

 

8) International relief / aid charities can make statements and lobby government on humanitarian grounds. Mosques can provide logistics and congregation support to these charities.

 

Author:

Nasir Rafiq BA, FCA is the Managing Partner of Dua Governance Chartered Accountants, an ICAEW firm specialising in charity financial governance and accounts.

Nasir works and deals with a large portfolio of Muslim charities and Mosques in UK advising them on accounts and governance issues.

Nasir is the former Finance & Corporate Services Director of Islamic Relief Worldwide and holds many senior positions within the Muslim community.

Email: info@duagovernance.com

End –

Bank Account Closures & UK Muslim Charities

 

The Nigel Farage’s bank account closure with a bank for the rich has hit a nerve for the Government and the media. The calling of the banking leaders to Downing Street and the resignations of the Group CEO and its subsidiary Banks CEO shows this was no little crisis.

This whole saga as it played out questioned the role of banks in our lives and wider society.

I deal with banking issues regularly for my charity clients, large and small. I have seen many examples, good and bad, so it’s imperative to understand the role each plays to understand the real issues.

 

The Banks and their role in business and society

Banks are private businesses, set up to make money for their shareholders. They are not politically aligned (we think so). Yes, during the banking crisis of 2008, the Government stepped in and now owns 39% of the NatWest Group – this is rare and did not change the business objectives of the bank.

Banks are subject to stringent anti money laundering and government sanctions regime with hefty fines when it goes wrong. All designed to regulate the banking conduct to the government domestic and international needs hence international events and wars make this a constant changing environment for sanctions. The introduction of the Politically Expose Person (PEP) protocols to stop corruption by people misusing public office adds another dimension to banking responsibility and risk management.

Nigel Farage was picked up by his bank as a PEP but what made the story interesting is that after he made a subject access request, he found that his political views were also considered as a reputation risk for this niche bank and its niche clientele.

 

“The Nigel Farage story has shaken the very foundations of trust in the wider banking system”.

 

This has shaken the very foundations of trust in the wider banking system. Given the control banks have on individuals and entities, this very notion that banks consider political views when not obliged by regulations, becomes problematic.

 

So where do the Muslim charities in the UK fit into all of this?

 

 

The impact of 9/11 was a game changer for Muslim charities operating in the West. Muslim charities suddenly found themselves working in high-risk countries subject to sanctions or where sanctioned entities operated. The resulting sanctions regime instantly choked many international charity banking facilities without explanation.

No regard was given to any legal or illegal activity as the “perception” of the “ability” to breach sanctions started to dictate the banks risk management process and de-risking. The Muslim sector became guilty until proven otherwise. The International relief sector already had inherent risks of money laundering, aid diversion and fraud for banks to consider, for the Muslim charity sector, it became just that more challenging to convince banks in this new environment.

 

“As a result of de-risking of banks, many individuals unfairly paid the price and their associated charities despite having done nothing wrong or illegal”

 

Another dark side of this additional scrutiny by banks was the spotlight on Trustees. Their social media profile and historical news coverage on the web searches started to become a vital part of the bank’s due diligence. The banks started to de-risk charities based on unfounded risks and perceptions relating to trustees. Many individuals unfairly paid the price and their associated charities despite having done nothing wrong or illegal.

Despite this, the Muslim charities in UK generally responded positively. Charities improved their due diligence processes and vetting of partners and responding to banking queries. Many Muslim charities now use the same due diligence software to vet their partners and staff as the banks.

Despite the pressures since 9/11, the Muslim sector in UK has exponentially grown with talks of annual income reaching £1bn in UK. This could not have been possible without the partnership Muslim charities have with their banks. However, in transferring money abroad charities continue to face blocks and funds returning. In some instances, and surprisingly, banks have been trigger-happy in closing banking facilities without any explanation. Even charities with just UK operations also affected.

 

So, what should be done, a question I am often asked. My response:

 

1. Financial Standards must not only be improved, but they should also be exhibited.

The Muslim community bruised by constant unfair and malicious media headlines, at times feels as if the whole world is against them. So, when a bank asks legitimate questions, some wrongly see this as an attack on their faith, creating an “us and them” narrative. This approach risks undermining real issues relating to good governance, compliance systems, proper due diligence, and effective audit trails for “end use of funds”.

 

“Muslim sector should confidently and boldly market and exhibit the progress made in addressing compliance and governance issues”

 

Muslim sector should confidently and boldly market and exhibit the progress made in addressing compliance and governance issues. Muslim organisations should sign up to a standard that works for banks and helps to demonstrate good financial governance.

Sometimes the race to raise monies creates pressure to look good before donors with emotional marketing material in the year-end financial statements, ignoring the needs of other key stakeholders like banks.

Muslim charities like all charities should learn from the mainstream charities that practice good governance. Often such charities, in their annual audited financial statements, will discuss their governance or when it fails against their actions plans and risk management extensively. They do this to assure their stakeholders that they understand the risks relevant to them and how they mitigate these risks.

 

2. Effective or meaningful third-party check or oversight over the banks decision to close an account.

When a charity finds itself with a bank closure notice, it finds limited alternative options for new banking facilities. This has a devastating impact on the vital and often life and dignity saving work charities deliver.

 

“There is no effective or meaningful third-party check or oversight over the banks decision to close an account”

 

There is no process to ensure the decision was fair and risk driven. It becomes easy for the banks to close an account instead of spending resources to manage their risks by requesting and assessing relevant information to satisfy themselves.

Charities should lobby the Government and the Charity Commission to address this gap in the system on the back of Nigel Farage’s high-profile case. The banking sector should be subject to detail regulations and guidelines that are shared with the wider public and charities so that all know what is expected of them.

Standard complaints to the Financial Ombudsman Service does not address this issue, given the urgent and devastating impact on bank closures.

 

3. Covid crisis caused the banks to prioritise businesses over charities.

The Covid crisis placed a significant burden on banks for opening bank accounts for businesses as Government grants were restricted to having a bank account. As it transpired many in their thousands did not. To address this need, mainstream banks prioritised businesses over charities.

 

“Some high Street banks stopped opening charity bank accounts or gave extraordinary long processing times”

 

As a result, some high Street banks stopped opening charity bank accounts or gave extraordinary long processing times. Muslim charities were hit the hardest as requirements for that additional bit of scrutiny meant it was no longer commercially viable to entertain them. This is unacceptable as the same banks have been making huge profits.

The Government should make it mandatory on banks to address the requirements of the charity sector as part of their business, so it is not ignored or undermined for commercial reasons- there is no better corporate social responsibility than this for the banks.

Muslim Charities play a vital role in addressing the needs of the most vulnerable, often stepping in when governments fail. This vital service is not possible without the banks facilitating this.

It’s time real issues are discussed and resolved on both sides for betterment of mankind, society, and country. It is in the Government and wider society’s interest to do so and the sector should lobby on this basis.

Nobody wins with the blame game on both sides ignoring the real issues.

 

Author:

Nasir Rafiq BA, FCA is the Managing Partner of Dua Governance Chartered Accountants, an ICAEW firm specialising in charity financial governance and internal audit.

Nasir works and deals with a large portfolio of Muslim charities in UK and has been advising them with their banking issues, working with many high street banks.

Nasir has directed treasury functions in large UK Muslim charities with operations worldwide.

Email: info@duagovernance.com

Turkiye / Syria Earthquake, the Relief and Sanctions

The scenes of the earthquake rescue have been heart wrenching. With the coldest nights upon the effected, seeking shelter in the buildings that have survived, has become a challenge for many. This risk of collapse, aftershocks and the memory of the disaster that struck, is too much.

Many charities are reporting a record-breaking fund-raising campaign.

The world has responded, and UK charities have once again responded to the call. Many charities are reporting a record-breaking fund-raising campaign. Despite the cost-of-living crisis, rich and poor have reached deep into their pockets, some even donating their household items to awaiting containers ready to go.

The dark open secret

In the midst of this crisis where the best of humanity has come out, there is an open secret with dire consequences on the most desperate – the sanctions over Syria.

As the Syrian crisis began, banking financial sanctions were imposed on the Syrian Government, making aid transfer of funds to Syria impossible. The current focus is on the eastern Turkyie and only the areas of Syria under the control of Turkyie Government. The rest of Syria under the Syrian Government control is out of reach with the affectee losing out.

The sanction regime

The UN and / or the UK government place financial sanctions / restrictions to achieve a specific foreign policy or national security objective. The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI), part of His Majesty’s Treasury (HM Treasury), provides information for charities operating internationally in its guidance for the charity sector. Those working in the international charity sector must refer to this.

In the banking world, the risk associated with charities working in sanctioned countries is considered to be high. Consequently, Muslim charities working in Syria often become a target.

UK financial sanctions apply to all entities and persons subject to UK law, wherever they are in the world. These cannot be ignored as it is crime to breach these sanctions.

The banks take sanctions seriously and will not engage in business if there is a risk of a sanction breach. In the past banks have attracted hefty fines from regulators for facilitating a sanction breach. In the banking world, the risk associated with charities working in sanctioned countries is considered to be high. Consequently, Muslim charities working in Syria often become a target.

Recently an update to Syrian sanctions regulation came into force. Although this opened a restricted corridor for INGOs, I expect only the large mainstream non-Muslim INGOs to benefit. Many Muslim charities may still lose out.

So what should charities do

A meaningful due diligence is a must to have any credibility with the banks. Five key components being:

1. Know the sanctions: Its not enough to operate a international relief charity just driven by faith values. Those running the charities must know the sanctions regime and therefore must refer to the OFSI list of restriction before engaging an individual, partner, or supplier for work in Syria.

2. Adopt the right policies: This is the minimum standard required to operate within the international relief sector. Anti money laundering policies, sanctions compliance policy, counter terrorism financing policy, anti-fraud and bribery policies are ALL relevant – these may be separate documents or all on one. The coverage and trustee approval is what matters.

Charities operating in high risk countries are often subject to enhanced due diligence by banks. As part of this, the banks assess compliance to policies and expect to see real examples showing compliance. Therefore, these policies should be relevant and up to date.

3. Audit Trail matters: High risk banking transactions are flagged up by the banks AI systems. Charities are then contacted for information relating to these transactions. This includes the following:

  • Background on the recipient of the funds – this is where the documents confirming checks against the OFSI lists matter. Personal references do not count.
  • Rationale of the transfer – this is where project proposals, project invoices become relevant. Charities that compromise on paperwork and run based on verbal assurances, lose out.

Complying with sanctions is a legal requirement and a crime if breached

4. Employ the right people: Complying with sanctions is a legal requirement and a crime if breached. Charities should ensure that the right senior person is the overall lead for compliance to the policies. Staff normally in the finance department independent to Programmes should ensure that the necessary checks are completed and documents completed before transfers are made.

Management override of policies compromises a key control for banks.

5. Relationship with the bank manager: Charities should treat the bank as a member of their team. They often have more intelligence over charity finances and business relationships than charity trustees and management think. Be open and ensure the bank to be one step ahead, so when you transfer funds, the bank systems already expect such a transfer. Banks don’t like surprises as the whole ani-money laundering regime is based on “knowing your client”.

Banks don’t like surprises as the whole ani-money laundering regime is based on “knowing your client”.

Working in the international charity sector requires embedded and robust due diligence processes and an able management to navigate through the complexities of international fund transfers. Mere good intensions are not enough.

And it is also the case that the politics and resulting sanctions can restrict vital humanitarian aid that saves lives and protects dignity of those in most need. There is a cost that humanity pays.

 

End –

Author: Nasir Rafiq is a widely experienced Fellow Chartered Accountant (ICAEW) and a Charity Financial Governance Expert.

He is the Managing Partner of Dua Governance, a Charity Governance specialist accountancy firm.

Nasir has held many senior finance positions within the UK charity sector and continues to advise many charities on financial governance matters.

Email: info@duagovernance.com

Businesses – A force for good, the Islamic concept

Often businesses are considered to be secular, money-making entities that have nothing to with religion or morality.

 

Attributes such as cheating, tax avoidance, aggressive marketing, deception, and exploitation at the cost of preventable harm and wellbeing are by which businesses and corporate world in general are sometimes identified with.

 

This is not the case as far as the Islamic concept goes.

 

Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) was a businessman when he became a Prophet at the age of 40. At the time he was married to Khadijah RA, a prominent businesswoman In Makkah. Makkah was in the middle of some famous trade routes. One route was to Shaam (Syria) in the north during the hot summer months and the other to Yemen in the south during the winter months.

 

The nobles in Makkah were mainly traders. This is why some of the early noble companions of the Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) were traders and businessmen. They continued their trades and businesses after accepting Islam whenever they had the opportunity to do so. Some prominent companions known for their successful businesses and wealth are Abdur-Rahman ibn ‘Awf (RA) and Uthman ibn Affan (RA), both were among the ten promised paradise and glad tidings.

 

Islam promotes business and trade – this activity becomes a force for good for humanity. Islam therefore provides a comprehensive framework for businesses to operate within. Unfortunately at times this is overlooked and ignored by Muslims over technical debates concerning permissibility of individual business transactions.

 

Some aspects of this framework are as follows:

 

Islam focuses on consumption, and this dictates production and supply

 

In Islam what is not permissible (Harram) to consume is also not permissible to produce. This sets an important principle. A moral guide for businesses. Businesses become champions of promoting what is permissible (Halal). Mosques and Scholars can educate and give advice, but the actual Halal activity is facilitated by businesses, and this is what then influences consumer behavior – In Islam, business is not just about profits, they promote the good (Halal) as well.

 

The approach of Islam to Halal and Harram is set by the Holy Quran. It allows everything and prohibits exceptions (Quran 02:173). Being religious does not restrict business thus Islam provides ample opportunity for businesses to supply and produce.

 

Honesty and accountability should be at the heart of business ethics

Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) was known for his honesty and accountability in his business dealings. This is what stood him out and led to his marriage to his first wife Khadijah (RA). Even his enemies vouched for his honesty and accountability in his business dealings. His companions followed his example.

Quran refers to the story of the Prophet Shoaib (RA) and how God punished the people of Madyan (Midian) for not giving full measure and weight in their business dealings and for creating mischief (Quran 07:85).

 

In Islam honesty and accountability is at the heart of business dealings and reporting. As part of the Islamic faith, one may be able to dodge earthly regulators, the belief dictates the ultimate accountability to be in the grave and on the Day of Judgement. This is what focuses the mind and ensures honest and transparency in business dealings and reporting.

 

Social responsibility is a mandatory worship (Zakat) for businesses in Islam

 

It is obligatory on every able Muslim adult, and this includes business owners to give Zakat (religious donation) each year. This is traditionally 2.5% of one’s savings more than a year less short-term liability. Islam prescribes those that should benefit from Zakat funds, these individuals being the most vulnerable in society.

This way the most vulnerable in society became stakeholders in businesses and businesses contribute to the uplifting of the society they operate within.

 

Another aspect of Zakat contribution is the way it is calculated. Its not based on in year profits as traditionally business taxes are instead the focus is on the top half of the balance sheet, being the net savings more than a year. Through this mechanism God ensures wealth is not accumulated in fewer hands in savings assets and that instead assets are put into use for generating further economic activity and charity.

 

In Islam business performance generates and decreases wealth

Usuary is prohibited in Islam and it is replaced with trade and business. Money is not treated as a product that can be hired out instead it is invested in business. The investor becomes a stakeholder in the business with success and failure resting with all. This ensures wealth is generated and decreased based on business performance and effort and not on social class and privilege.

 

The consequence being that an Islamic business mind then becomes focused on business activity and performance and not on maximising wealth without effort or risk.

 

The concept of business success and failure rests with the Almighty

Business performances often very much rely on nature and factors outside the control of humans, business owners, employees, and suppliers. The recent pandemic has taught us this lesson in a very hard and real way.

 

Quran (18:32-44) refers to a story of two businessmen. One boasted of his wealth and business strength and while the other reminded him of his limitations before the Almighty. The one that boasted eventually saw his crops destroyed by nature overnight with nothing left.

This way the most vulnerable in society became stakeholders in businesses and businesses contribute to the uplifting of the society they operate within.

 

Another aspect of Zakat contribution is the way it is calculated. Its not based on in year profits as traditionally business taxes are instead the focus is on the top half of the balance sheet, being the net savings more than a year. Through this mechanism God ensures wealth is not accumulated in fewer hands in savings assets and that instead assets are put into use for generating further economic activity and charity.

 

In Islam business performance generates and decreases wealth

Usuary is prohibited in Islam and it is replaced with trade and business. Money is not treated as a product that can be hired out instead it is invested in business. The investor becomes a stakeholder in the business with success and failure resting with all. This ensures wealth is generated and decreased based on business performance and effort and not on social class and privilege.

 

The consequence being that an Islamic business mind then becomes focused on business activity and performance and not on maximising wealth without effort or risk.

 

The concept of business success and failure rests with the Almighty

Business performances often very much rely on nature and factors outside the control of humans, business owners, employees, and suppliers. The recent pandemic has taught us this lesson in a very hard and real way.

 

Quran (18:32-44) refers to a story of two businessmen. One boasted of his wealth and business strength and while the other reminded him of his limitations before the Almighty. The one that boasted eventually saw his crops destroyed by nature overnight with nothing left.

The Power and Art of Mediation

In the past two decades, I have been involved with many high profile mediation’s. This has become a key feature in many of my past and present engagements.

 

Be it, disputes between trustees, disputes between employee and trustees, issues with regulators or between family business partners. Each time, I came in when all options have been exhausted and there is a stalemate, risk of self-destruction or Charity Commission intervention.

 

With Allah’s blessing, I have always prevailed and have been able to resolve the matter amicably. My suggested solutions and plans achieved satisfaction by all parties and a “win win” solution for all with a clear way forward, Allhumdulillah.

 

Although the outcomes were satisfying, the journey to it was often bumpy with lots of grit, patience, and sacrifice involved.

 

My approach to mediation is not conventional. Often the traditional culture forces the disputing parties to accept each other’s demands. Emotions and Islam is used to exploit each parties guilt and force corporation on moral grounds. This seldom results in long term and lasting solutions.

 

My approach is far, from it.

Mediation should be about justice, fair judgement and agreeing on what is right and fair, in the context of the overall objectives of the organisation and its expected destination.
 

For me, mediation is about justice, fair judgement and agreeing on what is right and fair, in the context of the overall objectives of the organisation and its expected destination.

 

This should not be about personal wins. Mediation or compromise should be about both parties winning, not the strong overcoming the weak which is often seen in traditional mediation.

 

In each mediation, I employ the following same principles:

 

Mediation requires a SMART overall objective

 

I determine the overall SMART objective. Something, I can visualize and touch. Something that makes both parties stronger and win. This is the utmost important part of any mediation. Weak or no objectives, results in outcomes that are weak and at times unfair.

 

Empathy is the ingredient to success

 

I place myself in each parties’ shoes and explore the pressure points. Having empathy is the key ingredient for building trust. Empathy should be the starting point for any mediation.

One must see wood from the trees

 

Once the pressure points are identified, I iron them out against the overall objective. It is at this stage; I separate out the noise and the wood from the trees.

 

Baggage needs offloading

 

People carry baggage that they need help with offloading

 

People carry baggage that they need help with offloading. Sacrifices and compromises must always be for a bigger objective and cause.

 

I make an effort to identify and offload this baggage which is often built up over a longer period based on personal experiences and perceptions. Often brushed under the carpet and ignored – never dealt with and it becomes the monster that stops common sense to prevail.

 

Once I am left with the genuine concerns and risks, I build bespoke solutions, based on my professional judgments and experiences – Again, against the overall objectives of the mediation.

 

Closure needs work

 

The mediation is then “closed” by all parties agreeing to “my solution”. By this time, I have earned the trust, strong emotions are ironed out and the focus for both parties is on the “win win” solution. The details are agreed and then signed off.

 

All the above is accompanied and peppered with hard work, difficult discussions, listening, patience, moments of quiet meditations and a hard resolve from me with no compromise.

 

Mediation is most relevant at the top

 

People in positions of responsibility often end up carrying lot of baggage – this builds up over time, much depends on them being able to work effectively with each other. This is not always possible, and this inability of being able to work together often risks bringing the whole building down with years of “building” and “achievements” to a dramatic loss.

 

This is where mediation then becomes that tool that can put the train back on its track.

 

Mediation is not about making people love and hug each other – its about achieving objectives and making sure the train gets to its destination.

 

Mediation is not about making people love and hug each other – its about achieving objectives and making sure the train gets to its destination.

 

End –

 

Author: Nasir Rafiq is a widely experienced Fellow Chartered Accountant (ICAEW) and a Charity Financial Governance Expert.

 

He is the Managing Partner of Dua Governance, a Charity Governance specialist accountancy firm.

 

Nasir has held many senior finance positions within the UK charity sector and continues to advise many charities on governance and leadership matters.

 

Email: info@duagovernance.com

Important Lessons from Strawberry Picking

Strawberry picking is a fun day out for all ages. This outdoor activity has it all, sweet fresh berries, a walking exercise and a family fun activity of picking various fruits from their plants.

 

In this innocent activity, one can also “pick” many lessons for individuals and organisations. As I walked through the various fruit lines, I started to pick many of these lessons and came across the following four valuable lessons:

 

Lesson 1: Sweet fruits are on branches that hang down

 

Branches full of fruit are the ones that hang down with the weight of their fruits. This is also true in real life. Individuals that are humble and flexible are the ones that attract people and affection like that branch full of fruits.

Individuals and leaders that are arrogant and inflexible tend to find themselves like those branches pointing in the air with no fruit – nobody likes them or entertains them. Its not the branch that matters but the fruit on it – In real life we forget this.

It’s not the person but the personality and personal conduct matters.

It’s not the person but the personality and personal conduct matters – both define qualities the person and make it so that people benefit.

 

Lesson 2: Size, colour, and design does not matter

 

Many strawberry farms, also grow many other berries as well. From strawberries to raspberries and blueberries. Each berry is different in size, colour, plant, and taste. When ripe and juicy each of them energises the taste buds and gives immense pleasure.

 

The key word here is “ripe” and “ready to eat”.

In real life we focus too much on size, colour, ethnicity, and political affiliations, like the farm the world is full of variety – what should matter is maximising the ability and impact of individuals and organisations.

 

When ready the fruit will taste the best on their own plant – it’s wrong to expect the blueberry to grow and taste good on a strawberry plant or vice versa.

Like plants, individuals are at their best in their own environment and identity – this should be respected, celebrated, and protected for them to “ripe” and excel.

Like plants, individuals are at their best in their own environment and identity – this should be respected, celebrated, and protected for them to “ripe” and excel in all walks of life and organisations. Where this is ignored, it’s the organisations and leaders that lose out from the potential talent and resource those individuals could have offered.

 

Lesson 3: It’s the picking that dictates the quality of the basket

 

The fun in strawberry picking comes with holding the basket and picking the fruit into it. The thousands of plants have thousands of fruits hanging on them at different stages of their life, some ripe and some not as ready. They hang in groups and on different branches. Depending on their position on the plant and branch – they can taste different, sweet, or bitter.

 

It is how and when they are picked determines, the quality of the fruit in the basket. A farm full of fruit that looks unripe may still generate a basket with ripe and colourful tasting fruit. This requires effort and time for the picker to dig deep in finding the ripe fruit.

 

Organisations that have good quality staff have impeccable recruitment practices – they reach out and plan carefully to find and retain the right talent. These organisations then stand out and achieve their objectives – It is then the basket of fruit gives the right pleasure and visuals.

Those that go on a “picking” spree influenced by numbers and digits (nothing more) tend to end up with the wrong mix of fruits in their basket.

Those that go on a “picking” spree influenced by numbers and digits (nothing more) tend to end up with the wrong mix of fruits in their basket. The basket will eventually cost them at the counter and the fruit will be of no use, leaving a bitter taste. I see this often in organisations, especially charities.

 

Lesson 4: Season and gardening make the difference

 

As we are walking out of the farm, we came across some berries out of season – their plants were fruitless and resembled wild bushes with no use.

 

We were so wrong.

 

Given the right season, care and effort the farmers will put into them, they are to taste better than the sweet berries in season we were tasting today.

 

In real life, the same mistake is made with individuals and organisations. We are trigger happy to right them off not realising that we may be meeting them in the wrong season or all they require is care and effort to blossom.

Instead of waiting for the right season or investing in care and training, we judge them and leave them with wrong labels. Hence losing out from the ability and impact they could have shown.

 

Like sweets berries, individuals and organisations require the right environment, care, training, mentoring and guidance to grow and bear fruits for many to enjoy.

End –

 

Author: Nasir Rafiq is a widely experienced Fellow Chartered Accountant (ICAEW) and a Charity Financial Governance Expert.

 

He is the Managing Partner of Dua Governance, a Charity Governance specialist accountancy firm.

 

Nasir has held many senior finance positions within the UK charity sector and continues to advise many charities on governance and leadership matters.

 

Email: info@duagovernance.com Website: www.duagovernance.com

 

The question of control

Trustees often battle with this question with different answers and approaches. Often conflicts between trustees and management are underpinned by this predicament. Charities are set up by humans and run by humans. The mistake is made when the human factor is ignored. The answer to the question of control lies in how humans normally behave and respond.

When a child is born and throughout the toddler years, parents feed, clothe, hold their hands and constantly check on them. When the same child grows up, becomes an adult and starts university the approach of the parents changes. There is no need to directly feed, clothe or hold hands.

The parents approach changes to now ensuring enough money is in the bank account, direction is set, good university is secured with appropriate accommodation. The constant physical checks turn into keeping an eye on academic results, who the friends are and quality of work experience and references. Same child, same parents, same love but the whole approach changes.

If the approach does not change and the parents remain like they were when the child was a baby or teenager then relationships between parent and child risk becoming sour, challenged and damaged. Charities are the same. When they are set up, they need full attention and involvement of the Trustees, however when they grow large, the whole approach must change. When it does not, this results in relationship between trustees and management to suffer and eventually breakdown.

Like the parents learning from other parents before them, trustees must also learn and apply successful experiences of other trustees and charities. Below are some techniques that have always worked.

Reconciling bank statements to information held by the charity

This should never be underestimated. Tidying up book keeping, preparing good quality year end accounts and picking up fraud, all depends on it. This applies to Charites of all sizes and complexities. Banks are third party organisations and they hold information in a certain way reflecting the instructions from the charity trustees and / or management.

When the bank information is reconciled against information held by the charity which reflects how the charity is run, this has an effect of a third party check over charity finances. This is why a charity with good financial control will always have an effective bank reconciliation process. Trustees should concern themselves about it as it aids control.

Checks and balances on the CEO

A charity with a paid CEO / Manager suggests the charity has grown and requires a different approach. Hand holding by trustees and constant checks should no longer be the case. If this is the case then there is something wrong with either the trustees and / or the CEO. The following are five key checks and balances that have proven to work in larger charities:

1. A robust strategic plan and budget that sets out the framework for the CEO to operate within. Without it, a blind ends up leading a blind, creating issues of trust when difficult decisions need to be taken.

2. A CEO reporting and feedback protocol against the agreed strategy and budgets. The reporting skill of a CEO should be assessed at recruitment stage.

3. A competent legal and audit firm that regularly meets trustees and comments on Management decisions and plans. Trustees should make time for such professionals and should take their advice seriously no matter how difficult it may be to accept.

4. Fair and clear HR policies that dictate how human resource is managed with no trustee or management override. HR issues are often bubbling in the background, if not sorted with good policies and their application, then these bubble burst with ugly consequences.

5. An Audit Committee supported by a professional Internal Audit function. Its not enough to have independent members of the Audit Committee if it is not supported by an competent Internal Audit function.

The key message is that Trustees can remain the same in a charity but the approach must change as the charity grows and enters new challenges.

 

Author: Nasir Rafiq is a widely experienced Chartered Accountant and a Financial Governance Expert. He has directed large finance, HR, facilities and IT functions in charities. He is the founder and director of Dua Governance, a charity finance specialist accountancy and business advisory firm.

 

Charity Leaders: Why personal conduct matters

The charity sector represents public benefit. Leaders of charity offices often preside over limited resources in the context of the job required of them. They also take decisions on donor funds and their decisions can have a far-reaching impact on the people that work in charities and / or the beneficiaries.

 

Staff may be asked to sacrifice for the greater good, for beneficiaries sometimes this can be a matter of life and death or economic survival.

 

Charity leaders must be able to lead an effective team; their success depends on it.

Charity leaders must be able to lead an effective team; their success depends on it. In doing so leaders often have to take difficult decisions to bring the best out of them. The team must be able to trust and respect the leader. Leaders can train future leaders only when their followers can see them as role models and mentors.

 

In this context the personal conduct of a leader especially in the charity matters. It becomes the difference between success and failure. A leader may move mountains, people and followers will forget that – however the conduct on how those mountains were moved is what becomes the legacy of that leader.

 

It’s the personal conduct that touches people and followers and becomes part of the human memory and emotional history of the leader.

Below are some common leadership characteristics and conducts that I have experienced in the charity sector that are proven to make a difference:

 

Trust requires building

 

People and followers must be able to trust their leader. It is only through the trusting, it becomes easier for the people, followers and teams to sacrifice and backdown at their personal cost. Trust is created by being able to follow through on promises without compromise. Trust must be earned and does not automatically come with positions – The leader can build it or break it.

 

Trust must be earned and does not automatically come with positions – The leader can build it or break it.

Trust is built by being transparent in public and private communications. Consultations promote trust especially when the followers / team members know that they will be consulted – this builds trust within the team. Trust grows in humility by accepting mistakes when they are made, and all leaders make them. All this requires consistency and patience by the leader.

 

Fairness come what may

 

Leaders enjoy powers entrusted to them over those that follow them. How they use these powers for the greater good of the office they represent identifies their conduct.

 

Those leaders that don’t compromise on fairness tend to be more powerful and effective than those that compromise to benefit family, friends, or personal business interests – A leader may have favorites on a personal level – this must not skew the balance of fairness in the organisation.

Nepotism eats personal conduct like termites eating wood

Nepotism eats personal conduct like termites eating wood. One the face of it the wood has structure, the termites eat it from within. The wood sound then becomes hollow when tapped, just like the leaders that constantly compromise on principles over nepotism. When these leaders are tested, their teams abandon them over their hollow rhetoric.

 

Being fair and more importantly the perception of being fair (as important) is a crucial conduct that effective leaders often display. This requires the leader to stick to policy and process and become a role model in doing so.

 

Justice is not for the weak

 

Humans are not angels – they make mistakes or do wrong. Teams and followers are not immune from it. An effective leader when confronted with wrong, deals with it. As not dealing with it promotes it, grows it, spreads it – there is always a limit on how much dust can be swept under the carpet. Whenever (and it will) the carpet is removed, all is laid bare, and it is then reflected on the conduct of the leader.

 

Justice has its value when it can be felt and seen. This sets the standards and creates an environment where mistakes and wrongs are less made and discouraged. It becomes the moral compass for leaders and their followers / teams – with this compass they cannot go astray.

 

Being just becomes the moral compass for leaders and their followers / teams – with this compass they cannot go astray.

 

The good practice that is practiced

 

Leaders that tend to take personal conduct seriously, often lead organisations with:

  • effective HR and operational policy and processes that are followed,

  • good and consistent performance management processes,

  • effective organisational structures that achieve good quality consultation and accountability,

  • fair and effective recruitment policy and processes – the right person the right job,

  • a skillful rotating board that appoints the leader on merit and holds the leader accountable.

 

End –

 

Author: Nasir Rafiq is former Interim Finance & Corporate Services Director of Islamic Relief Worldwide (2016-2019). He has held many senior finance positions within the UK charity sector and continues to advise many charities on governance and leadership matters.

 

Nasir is the Managing Partner of Dua Governance Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors. A firm specialising in the charity sector.

 

He is a widely experienced Fellow Chartered Accountant (ICAEW) and a Charity Financial Governance Expert.

 

Email: info@duagovernance.com

The Nightmare of Reporting

As I woke up one day, the strangest event had occurred. Suddenly and permanently the requirement to report audited financials had been lifted and no longer required. Just like that, no more annual accounting protocols, costs, or deadlines, no regulators, no fines and no shaming in red.

 

As I switched on the TV news, there was chaos all over the world. The Stock markets had crashed as investors were pulling out. Investments had been made based on guesstimates and bias representations from companies that did not materialise. Safe businesses were suffering huge losses and companies were running out of cash and being forced to close.

 

As legal disputes between shareholders and company managements were being drawn up by expensive lawyers, masses were being made redundant and risked losing their homes and livelihoods.

 

The Government was up in arms as suddenly there was a huge hole in their coffers as many companies understated their results for tax purposes. Hence, the public finances took a hit with many hospitals and schools now risked facing closure.

 

I frantically went online to assess the situation in the charity sector and was taken back by the result. Although there was no shareholding or profit making, the impact was equally severe.

 

Many Institutional funders pulled out from funding charities to implement their projects. These charities had failed to pass the minimum due diligence that came with annual audited accounts. As charities pitched for funding, they overstated their ability to deliver and ended up wasting and losing funds meant for beneficiaries in dire need.

 

The public trust on charities took a hit as there no longer was a credible mechanism to assess if these charities kept their accounts in proper order and if their accounts were true and fair.

What shocked me the most was the sudden holes in the finances that many charities were reporting. As if cash had disappeared. I had considered these charities to be strong in financial governance. These charities were now facing significant error or fraud in their accounts and there was no easy answer as there was no reference to an independent professional check. Consequently, many Trustees and CEO’s were removed from their positions in disgrace.

 

The World had ended up in chaos and it seemed no one was left immune, the rich and poor were equally and adversely impacted. All organisations were paying the price of this catastrophic change in the World.

 

As my confusion and shock peaked, I felt a tap on my head, and it was my wife waking me up for the morning prayer. She was waking me up from this never-ending nightmare.

 

As I sat on my prayer mat after my prayer, it dawned on me how important the annual financial reporting process is to the current World order and trust when dealing with finances. Organisations that take the annual financial reporting seriously not only fulfil a regulatory need they contribute to today’s World order and transparency.

 

I also learnt that preparing and compiling year end accounts process not only fulfils external reporting needs, it also has an effect of providing assurances internally that the accounts are free from any material misstatement, error or fraud.

 

Humans make mistakes and are susceptible to greed or quick wins. If gone unchecked this can accumulate significant harm in finances in the short and the long run. The role of external scrutiny of the accounts is to keep this in check and have a credible reference for internal and external stakeholders.

 

The external reporting process is important to financial governance and therefore requires priority, investment, and attention by those charged with governance of their organisations. They can either treat it as a box ticking exercise or an exercise that keeps their nightmares at bay.

 

End –

 
 

Author: Nasir Rafiq BA FCA is a widely experienced Finance Professional and Governance Expert. He works with business and charity organisations of all sizes and complexities.

Nasir is the Founder Director of Dua Governance Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors. A firm that specialises on governance advisory services to the charity and business sector