Jamatkhana and Institutional Updates

"The role of the Ismaili Imam is a spiritual one; his authority is that of religious interpretation. It is not a political role. I do not govern any land. At the same time, Islam believes fundamentally that the spiritual and material worlds are inextricably connected. Faith does not remove Muslims — or their Imams — from daily, practical matters in family life, in business, in community affairs."

Mawlana Hazar Imam,
Address to both Houses of the Parliament of Canada in the House of Commons Chamber

Criminal Offences: The Law on Restriction of Movement
New laws came into force on 26 March 2020, which in broad terms means that it is now a criminal offence for any person (other than a homeless person or one fleeing domestic abuse) ‘to leave the place where they are living without reasonable excuse’. Failure to abide by the new law constitutes a criminal offense and could result in a £60 fine or attendance at Court. For more information click here.

Mindful Monday Moments
Mindfulness is for everyone and has been proven to help with stress, anxiety and depression. This week's session is dedicated to parents. All of you parents who have had your children home from school due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. It has been a stressful time so the Aga Khan Health Board has developed this video to offer you a way to relax. Watch this week's video in Gujarati or English.

For a playlist featuring Aga Khan Health Board’s Mindful Moments see Gujarati or English.

For all other Aga Khan Health Board audiovisual content please click here.

Savvy Saving
If you have money in a fixed rate savings account (an account that promises a fixed interest rate, if the investor agrees not to withdraw for a fixed period of time), there is usually a penalty for withdrawing money before the fixed period ends. However, some banks have agreed to allow access to money without charge, either through early access to or cancellation of the account. Check with your bank if you are able to withdraw money and under what conditions. Note: if you have a good interest rate, only withdraw if necessary. For more information, review the accessing money in savings accounts section on the Which? Website. If you are looking to put money into a savings account before interest rates change, visit MoneySavingsExpert for details of the best rates.

Ismaili Volunteer Corps Cadets
The IVC is proud to launch a series of weekly activities for the Cadets to take part in. Even though we are temporarily apart, we will still stay united and connected. Let’s use this downtime to remember our values and have fun!

Showcase your talents and celebrate the diversity in our Jamat with “Record and Send”, more details can be seen on The Ismaili UK Facebook page.

For the younger members we have a colouring sheet, to remind us of our values.

Send your photos and videos to: ivc.cadets@iiuk.org, along with your full name, age and Jamatkhana.

Ensure entries for the above are received by Saturday, 4 April.

Are you a Buy-to-Let Landlord?
As a Buy-to-Let Landlord, the recent government announcements have implications for you. Over the next three months you will not be able to start any eviction proceedings regardless of your tenants’ payment status. Recognising the additional pressures COVID-19 may put on landlords, the government has confirmed that the three month mortgage payment holiday applies to landlords whose tenants are experiencing financial difficulties due to coronavirus. At the end of this period, landlords and tenants will be expected to work together to establish an affordable repayment plan, taking into account tenants’ individual circumstances. Reach out to your mortgage provider to determine if you can secure the three month mortgage holiday and if there are any other ways to reduce your annual costs given the reduction in interest rates.

ITREB Thought of the Day: #MotivationMonday
In 2008, Mawlana Hazar Imam said, “World and faith are inseparable in Islam. Faith and learning are profoundly interconnected. The Holy Qur’an sees the discovery of knowledge as a spiritual responsibility, enabling us to better understand and more ably serve God’s creation.”

Rather than worrying about things we cannot control, or the places we cannot visit, why not spend some time learning a new language, trying a new recipe, practicing a musical instrument, or engaging in a new hobby like knitting, painting, or meditation? Although you cannnot visit loved ones right now, does not mean you cannnot stay connected. Our faith teaches us to care for the most vulnerable members of our community and society.

Spending more time at home provides an opportunity to reach out to friends and family members, to check how they are coping, ask whether they are sufficiently prepared, and to share a sense of hope for the future.