Head of Finance- March & April

Assalamu Alaykum,

All praise is to Allah SWT, we thank him, and we seek his help and guidance, with the best of prayers and purest of salutations on his prophet Muhammad SAW, the mercy gifted to all mankind.

Indeed there is none that is praiseworthy except Allah, all that is good is from him, while all that is evil is from within ourselves.

For the first time since taking on the responsibility of Head of Finance in June, I can really see FOSIS reaching its financial aim for the year, and perhaps surpassing it. I can for the first time say without any uncertainty - by the will of Allah almighty, FOSIS will be completely out of debt by Annual Conference 2010.

Furthermore, as an assurance for future FOSIS generations, on recommendation from the Finance Committee, the NEC has decided to set up a reserve account with the target of maintaining a substantial sum of money as a buffer, to ensure the organisation doesn't fall into debt again.

Over the past 2 months, National and regional projects have been taking place; Speakers Tours, the Media conference, Leadership Training, NUS Conference presence, and much more. Alhamdulilah due to the immense effort of the Finance Committee, the National Executive and the whole of Team FOSIS, when looking back at this year so far, I can only smile - in comparison to previous FOSIS years we have not had a reduction in the number of projects or events, however there is a substantial increase in financial planning which is very evident in the outcome of our projects - the vast majority of projects have broken-even and the percentage of projects causing losses has dramatically decreased.

One can only thank Allah SWT for this great blessing, and an important way of thanking him Almighty is maintaining this new culture we have learnt over the past few years - the hard way - to ensure we use the resources we have to the best of our ability, while maintaining resources for future FOSIS generations.

I think every single member of Team FOSIS should give themselves a pat on the back, and remain motivated to achieve the best iA.

As the Finance Committee radically changes from a debt management committee to that of more long-term planning and as it beings initiating projects of its own, I expect interest will increase in joining the undermanned committee *hint*hint*, especially with interesting projects in the pipe-line such one that aims to sponsor and invest in ISoc events to create a long-term source of income for ISoc events and FOSIS events at the same time!

Sounds impossible? Why don't you join to find out more...

As always, please feel free to contact me on head.finance@fosis.org.uk for questions, comments or criticism.

JAK
WS

Obada Sawalha
Head of Finance

Head of Finance- January & February 2010

Assalamu Alaykum,

All praise is to Allah SWT the creator of the heavens and the earth and our prayers and salutations on the best of His creation, Muhammad PBUH.

Much has been happening over the past few months alhamdulilah.

In December the Finance Committee put through a motion at National Council which passed, alhamdulilah, introducing a few key concepts to our current Project planning system to ensure efficiency and strict financial planning timelines.

National events in December included the National Council itself as well as a tour with Hamza Tzortzis and the Leadership Training Programme organised jointly by FOSIS, MST and FEMYSO.

In January the planning for Palestine Week and Palestine Conference was being finalised as the events drew closer. Sponsors of the project include the Palestinian Return Centre (PRC), Interpal and Educational Aid for Palestinians (EAP).

Speakers' Tours are well underway with 5 International Speakers touring ISocs across all 7 regions over the coming few weeks, special thanks go to Islamic Relief for sponsoring the tours completely.

Plans are also underway for the FOSIS Annual Conference (FAC) and the Freshers' Packs project, in which the Finance Committee has and will continue to play a big part insha'allah.

I would like to end on a very positive note. Alhamdulilah we are on course insha'allah to clear ALL FOSIS debts by FAC this year insha'allah, this is due to everyone's hard work masha'allah and the systems placed over the course of the last year and a half, so lets continue to work hard until we reach the target insha'allah.

As always, please feel free to contact me on head.finance@fosis.org.uk for questions, comments or criticism.

JAK

Wassalam

Obada Sawalha

Head of Finance- October 2009

Assalamu Alaykum,

All praise is to Allah SWT the creator, the sustainer, and our prayer and salutations to the seal of the prophets, Muhammad PBUH.

One can not write a blog for October without mentioning the amazing Charity Week. The effort and dedication shown by students across the regions of the UK and Ireland is phenomenal, and as the results unfold within the next few weeks, it is worth remembering that this is only one example of what we can all do together, united as Muslim students.

October has also seen the start of our long anticipated ISoc101 training sessions, and it will continue throughout November insha'allah, where the Finance Committee will be present to provide advice and tips for maintaining and organising your ISoc financially iA.

You will also notice the newest addition to the ISCC resources section, 'A Financial Guide for ISocs' prepared by our ISCC Finance Officer, Sister Saira Chaudhry, which will also be given out during ISoc101 insha'allah.
http://fosis.org.uk/resources/resource-pool/doc_details/59-a-financial-guide-for-isocs

I'd like to take this chance to thank our sponsors for ISoc101, the Muslim Community Fund (MCF) who have made this project possible.

The Finance Committee is also hugely involved in the preparation of two big upcoming events, FOSIS Winter Conference and FOSIS Palestine Week, both of which promise to be great events insha'allah, so stay on the lookout for more details on our website.

Finally, always remember, if you think you've got what it takes to be a part of the Finance Committee, please do not hesitate to contact me on head.finance@fosis.org.uk. Comments, suggestions and criticism are also welcome.

JAK

Wassalam
Obada Sawalha

Head of Finance- September 2009

Assalamu Alaykum,

All praise is to Allah, we thank him SWT and pray for his guidance, for surely he who Allah has guided can never go astray. And our peace and blessings on the prophet of mercy, Muhammad SAW.

I would like to begin by wishing you all a belated Eid Mubarak, may Allah accept our fasting and prayer during Ramadan, Aameen.

During the past few weeks, the Freshers Packs project has been successfully executed alhamdulilah, with the last of the packs leaving the office last week. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our sponsors whom without their support the project would have never been successful; Islamic Relief, Human Appeal International, Muslim Community Fund, Campussalam, Muslim Research and Development Foundation, Ummah Welfare Trust, Nida Trust and AlMaghrib Institute.

The Finance Committee has done great work in the past few weeks in securing sponsorship for FOSIS events and projects, and that work will continue throughout the year insha'allah.
The next major focus for the committee will be the planned Fundraising Dinner this year, and the FOSIS online shop which we will be selling FOSIS merchandise very soon insha'allah, so keep an eye out!

Finally feel free to send your comments, suggestions or criticism to head.finance@fosis.org.uk.
If you would like to get involved with the Finance Committee then please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Jazakum Allah Khair
Wassalam
Obada Sawalha