Draft:Imam al-Rida (a) Cultural Center (Birmingham)

Imam al-Rida (a) Cultural Center (Birmingham)

Founder	Muhsin Araki
Type	Educational, Religious
Legal status	Active
Focus	Spreading religious culture and teaching the Qur'an and Islamic teachings
Location	England
Website	http://ircc-bham.com

The Imam al-Rida (a) Cultural Center is an Islamic institution established in Birmingham, England, in 2006. Its primary mission is to propagate authentic Islamic culture alongside the Sunna of the Prophet (s) and the Imams (a). The center serves as a focal point for worship—particularly during the Month of Ramadan, Muharram, and other significant days of mourning and celebration. Furthermore, it facilitates religious and national rituals while disseminating Islamic teachings to the local community. The institution is governed by a three-member Board of Trustees responsible for strategic planning and execution in collaboration with other members. The center's overarching objectives include fostering a communal environment for Muslims, deepening religious understanding through Qur'anic education, organizing pilgrimage tours, and commemorating religious and national occasions.

Inception

The Imam al-Rida (a) Cultural Center was officially registered as a charitable organization on September 3, 2006 (Dhu l-Qa'da 11, 1427 AH). It was inaugurated by Muhsin Araki in the presence of various cultural and religious figures based in England. The opening ceremony was timed to coincide with the birth anniversary of Imam 'Ali b. Musa al-Rida (a), underscoring the institution's dedication to promoting authentic Islamic culture and the Sunna of the Prophet (s) and the Imams (a).

Since its founding, the center has consistently functioned as a venue for worship and community gathering, especially during the Month of Ramadan, Muharram, and other periods of religious observance. It also provides a dedicated space for hosting religious and national rituals, as well as educational programs aimed at propagating Islamic teachings.

Board of Trustees

The center is governed by a three-member Board of Trustees tasked with outlining and executing the organization's strategic mandate in cooperation with its broader membership. Additionally, Hujjat al-Islam Muhammadiyan serves as the executive director, holding direct responsibility for the day-to-day management of the complex.

Key Goals and Duties

Congregational prayer at Imam al-Rida (a) Cultural Center on the Nights of al-Qadr

The center outlines its primary objectives as follows:

1. Establishing a welcoming and supportive communal environment for Muslims, with a particular focus on Iranians and the Persian-speaking diaspora.
2. Deepening and expanding religious literacy through structured instruction in the Qur'an and core Islamic doctrines.
3. Commemorating significant religious and national occasions.
4. Providing professional counseling in religious, cultural, and family affairs.
5. Offering formal services and support related to Marriage and Divorce.
6. Printing and publishing educational pamphlets, texts, and books.
7. Coordinating and organizing pilgrimage trips, including Hajj, Umrah, and travel to the 'Atabat.

Website

The Imam al-Rida (a) Center maintains an official website designed to disseminate information regarding its ongoing activities, schedules, and institutional performance. It can be accessed at http://ircc-bham.com.