CUTCHI MUSLIM ASSOCIATION BLACKBURN COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
NOVEMBER 2025 EDITION ISSUE NO 2
'بِسْمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيْمِ
In the name of Allah, the most Beneficient, the most Merciful
Welcome to the 2nd Edition of our November 2025 CMA Blackburn Community Newsletter
Foreword
Interim Management Committee Update
Our interim management committee remains dedicated to ensuring that all our efforts are focused on delivering direct benefits to our members. In recent months, there have been several notable changes in the composition of the committee, prompted by personal and family commitments.
Abdul Rahim Bhatti and Saftaar Kana have stepped down from their respective positions as Interim President and Secretary. We would like to express our gratitude for their significant contributions during their tenure.
In light of these changes, Hussein Bhojani has assumed the role of President. Mohamed Sahil Haji Suleman has been temporarily appointed as Vice President for the interim period. We are also pleased to confirm that Musa Suleman will continue his role as General Secretary, while Saheera Bhatti has been brought on board as temporary Assistant General Secretary.
These appointments have been made by the current management committee with the aim of maintaining the momentum necessary to address and resolve outstanding legacy administrative matters. The committee is committed to progressing with transparency and efficiency for the benefit of the entire community.
CMA Blackburn Interim Management Committee
Administration Updates
Community Hall Valuation and Tenancy Update
The Executive Committee has recently undertaken an independent valuation of the community hall. This assessment was carried out to determine the current market rentable value of the premises and to consider the most appropriate course of action moving forward. Following this valuation, negotiations were held with the existing tenant regarding the rental terms.
As a result of these discussions, the rent has been increased to £2,500 as of September 2025 and £3000 from 1st October 2025 which the current tenant has accepted including the use of the community hall when we need it for our community events. It is important to note that these terms may be subject to further review, depending on the outcome of ongoing negotiations.
The primary goal throughout this process has been to secure an arrangement that serves the best interests of our members, is consistent with the cultural values established by our founding elders and supports the long-term financial stability of the community.
To ensure that any future agreements fully benefit the community, a solicitor has been appointed to provide legal guidance and oversee the current rental arrangements. Additional updates on this matter will be communicated to members as progress continues.
01
Community Hall Maintenance Update
The management committee has recently conducted a thorough inspection of the community hall. During this assessment, it became clear that the building is experiencing significant age-related maintenance issues that require attention. To ensure transparency and keep all members informed, both video footage and photographs documenting the current state of disrepair have been taken. These materials will be presented for review at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting, allowing members to fully understand the challenges facing the premises.
Given the urgency of some of the maintenance requirements, immediate steps are being taken to address the most critical issues. The fire doors are being replaced as a priority to enhance the safety and security of the building. Alongside this, other essential maintenance works are underway to prevent further deterioration of the hall due to age. These actions are intended to preserve the integrity of our community space for current and future generations.
02
Membership Update
The membership list has been updated to reflect current records. All non members and members are welcome to join our CMA Blackburn WhatsApp Announcements Channel for updates on our progress.
For membership enquiries, please reach out to the CMA via the standard contact channels. Admission to membership is subject to the discretion of the Executive Committee, who reserve the right to decline applications without providing a reason.
Cutchi Muslim Association Blackburn
Telephone or WhatsApp: (+44) 07752 418366
Email: Blackburncma@gmail.com
03
Charity Contribution Update
The funds that were originally set aside for the Rabi-ul-Awal Members Niaz in August 2025, along with the generous contributions made by our dedicated volunteer women during Muharram, have been donated to the Gaza cause on behalf of our members. Further donations were kindly received from other members, bringing the total amount donated to £1,700.
A total of £600 was donated to Islamic Relief, £500 was donated to Blackburn UK Trust and £600 was donated to Emran who is raising money for Medics Across Continents (MAC). Please click on the names to see what humanitarian causes your funds are going towards.
We pray that Allah SWT accepts our intentions and grants ease to the suffering of the Ummah. Ameen.
04
Junior CMA Football Team T-Shirt Design Competition Update
Earlier this year, we invited our CMA “shiny stars” aged between 4 and 10 years to participate in a special competition: designing t-shirts for our junior CMA football team.
We are delighted to announce that the winner of the competition is 9-year-old Rayyan Kana. We extend our congratulations to Rayyan and thank him for his wonderful effort and creativity.
Ladies-only Badminton Sessions
We are delighted to offer FREE ladies-only badminton sessions for our community members. These sessions will take place at Audley Community Sports Centre, located on Chester Street, Blackburn, BB1 1DW. The sessions have started and will run every Friday from 6pm to 7pm.
This is a fantastic opportunity for women to engage in physical activity in a welcoming and supportive environment. You can bring your own badminton racquet or hire one from reception at a minimal cost.
CMA Football Sessions for Young Boys
The CMA Football Sessions for boys aged 5 to 10 years are designed to promote physical wellbeing, foster teamwork, and encourage a genuine enjoyment of football among our younger members.
These sessions provide an excellent opportunity for children to develop their fitness and social skills in a supportive community setting.
Our dedicated Coach, Mateen Kamaluddin is also a Safeguarding Lead and a professional within the education sector, and leads the sessions. His expertise ensures that all children are guided in a safe and nurturing environment. He uses these sessions as a platform to mentor and support our young participants, helping them not only to improve their football skills but also to grow in confidence and character.
The football sessions commenced on 26/10/2025 and have already seen enthusiastic participation from our “young super stars”. Click here to see more photos and video of our young super stars in action on our website gallery Gallery of Events at Cutchi Muslim Association These sessions are held at the indoor pitch in Soccer Dome, Haslingden Road in Blackburn every Sunday, from 14:00 to 15:00.
Should you or a family member wish to take part in any of the activities mentioned above, or if you are interested in volunteering, please feel free to send us a message via WhatsApp on 07752 418366.
Other News Updates
If you need any further information on any of our news articles, please contact us
Provision of Kafan and Ghusl Mayyit Accessories
We are committed to supporting our member families during difficult times by funding the preparation of kafan (shroud coverings for the deceased) and ghusl mayyit accessories packs. These packs are prepared in line with our Islamic values and will be made available to any families who needs this in the event of a bereavement.
Cutchi Marhoom Register
As previously promised, we are developing a comprehensive register and database of all our Cutchi marhoom (those upon whom mercy has been bestowed) who have passed away and are buried at Pleasington Cemetery in Blackburn.
This register will contain essential details, including the name of the deceased, their burial site number, and their exact location on a map. Any support with this work will be greatly appreciated.
The purpose of this register is to assist with the ongoing maintenance of the graves, to inform future generations about the resting places of their elders, and to encourage the recitation of prayers and the paying of respects so that our marhoom are remembered.
Volunteer Opportunities
The management committee is seeking individuals who are interested in contributing to the community by joining their team of volunteers. Working alongside the current management committee, volunteers will have the chance to support ongoing initiatives and assist in fulfilling the organisation's objectives.
If you are keen to offer your time and skills in service of the community, please reach out to us.
Our Previous Newsletters
Click below to see our previous newsletters in PDF format
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