The British Board Scholars and Imams (BBSI) is a national Imams, scholars and Islamically literate academics board which works with Imams and scholars for better dialogue and cooperation.
The Board of British Scholars & Imams is an independent, non profit, non political, non sectarian body in the UK. Its foundational conception was realised in early 2013. It conducts its affairs within the Islamic paradigm and the written constitution.
The Shura (consultative) board is elected every three years at the national Board of Scholars and Imams conference. Fifty members are elected from the various regions of the UK to make up the council. The council elects the office bearers consisting of the Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and the addition of five auxiliaries for a three year term. The office-bearers will be responsible to maintain the transparent governance of the body.
The British Board Scholars & Imams is a coalition of Imams and Scholars. Its primary focus is to work on jurisprudence and theology. It does not seek to duplicate the work of existing bodies. Its activities fill the gap within the British Muslim’s scholarly community of producing work which is based on a cross-denominational foundation within Sunni Islam.
In order to become a member of the BBSI a person must fulfil at least one of the following conditions:
- Graduate of an Islamic seminary/university
- Full or part time Imam of a Mosque
- Demonstrate extensive study background traditionally with scholars
- PhD on Islamic studies and adequate knowledge of the classical disciplines
- Non UK residents are able to join to enhance better cooperation and networking.
The British Board of Scholars & Imams is funded by its members, well-wishers and the general public.
The British Board of Scholars & Imams does not promote a particular madhab (school of thought), it fosters better understanding and dialogue among the rich and diverse Islamic tradition. The papers displayed and the opinion and views expressed are only the views of its authors.
The Board of British Scholars & Imams works with any other body or group that seeks better understanding and collaboration. The BBSI encourages Imams and Scholars to become members and affiliates. However, it appreciates some may not for whatever reason. It will seek and welcome co-operation and collaboration on mutual respect and solidarity.
The members and affiliates of the British Board of Scholars & Imams may already be part of such projects and platforms. The BBSI will work with the many bodies of that nature and act as facilitators and intermediaries for better understanding and collaboration.
The BBSI’s Imams Union will initiate activities that will support the welfare of Imams at Mosques in the UK. It will establish an Imams Pension Fund for long term growth and development.
The Board of British Scholars & Imams is comprised of male and female scholars. Anyone is able to become a member as long as they meet the criteria of membership of the BBSI.
The British Board of Scholars & Imams members range from resident Imams at mosques, academic lecturers at higher education institutions, chaplains and community practitioners. It will work with Muslim academics to raise the scholastic standards and discourse within the Muslim community.
The British Board of Scholars & Imams is an ecumenical, non-political community led organisation of Imams, Scholars and Muslim academics. It will work with any entity which seeks to foster better understanding and collaboration to work for the betterment and well-being of the British Muslim community and the wider British community.
Many of the British Board of Scholars & Imams members will be teachers at the many Maktabs (evening and weekend Islamic schools). It will work with the various Maktab bodies to help improve teaching and learning among the youth.
The British Board of Scholars & Imams conducts its affairs to improve and enhance the lives of Muslims. In this vein it works with the various Muslim charities to support them in their service to humanity.
Many of the BBSI’s membership are part of inter-faith bodies all over the UK. The BBSI works with other clergy bodies to be a ecumenical religious voice in the UK on issues affecting our community.