Partner Organisations
Shariah Advice is only effective when applied in a manner which gives consideration to legal, tax and regulatory issues. This approach requires active collaboration professional advisers. Al Qalam are happy to confirm we have agreements in place to work with the following companies, to ensure our advice is not only shariah complaint but also legally valid, and structured in a tax efficient manner in accordance with regulatory requirements.
Utrujj Foundation
www.utrujj.org
Utrujj is a well established provider and facilitator of Islamic educational services in the UK, established in 2001. A registered charity, Utrujj was one of the first institutes to pioneer complete Islamic modules during evenings and weekend. Its success is driven by the relevance and flexibility of its courses, which appeal to a wide range of students. Courses in Fiqh, spirituality, contemporary issues, Tajweed, are some of the areas which provide students a complete learning and spiritual experience. Furthermore, each course is designed to stimulate students in a highly interactive environment. Utrujj aims to equip students with the tools and techniques on how to approach the Qur'an and other sources of knowledge. It also aims to help improve the character and develop a community link between students. Utrujj aims to expand its mediums by developing a structured learning syllabus as well as e-learning.
The Needle Partnership
www.theneedlepartnership.com
The Needle Partnership is a law society regulated firm of solicitors. The firm is headed by Sharon Sakinah Needle. Sharon is both a solicitor qualified in England & Wales and a Barrister in Malaysia. In addition she was admitted to the Selangor (Malaysia) Shariah Bar in 1992. Sharon has studied Arabic and Shariah law at Umm Ul Qura University in Mecca, and for 4 years at the International Islamic University in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Sharon has been involved in Islamic Finance and Investments at a senior level for almost two decades, both in Malaysia and the UK, advising numerous banks such as HSBC, United Bank of Kuwait, Bank Bumiputra Malaysia and Malayan Banking Berhad. Sharon is also working closely with a large private equity group and setting up a virtual Islamic Investment fund. In addition to being highly proficient in English, Sharon is fluent in Malay/Indonesian and has a working knowledge of Arabic.
1st Ethical Limited
www.1stethical.com
1st Ethical Limited are the UK’s only national firm of shariah compliant tax advisers and financial advisers. The firm is regulated by the Financial Services Authority, and has over five years of experience in advising on bespoke tax mitigation strategies, Islamic Wills and halal investments and pensions. The firm has participated in consultation exercises with both the FSA and HM Treasury over the framing of legislation pertaining to shariah compliant financial products and Islamic Wills, and has published an extensive range of literature in the field of Islamic Finance. 1st Ethical is part of the 1e Group, which is within the largest 60 accountancy / financial advisory firms in the UK, when measured by fee income.
