UMMAH CONSTITUTION
Definition
The Ummah Burial Services was established on 01/03/2012. It was created to manage burials and funerals services. Membership is open to anyone who meets the specified eligibility criteria.
While the service is primarily for residents of the Midlands region, existing members may retain their membership if they move somewhere else, provided they continue to pay their Membership Fee
ARTICLE 1: Name and Address
• Organization Name: Ummah Wellbeing Services
• Address: 12 Whitmore Road, Small Heath, Birmingham, B10 0NP ARTICLE 2: Scope of the organization
The Scope of the Ummah is strictly limited to burial services and related matters. All activities must be conducted in accordance with Islamic traditions.
ARTICLE 3: Who can become a member
Membership is open to:
• Anyone of Somali origin.
• Couples where at least one of them is Somali.
• Families consisting of a father, mother, and children living at the same address.
ARTICLE 4: Membership Requirements
1. Applicants must read the Ummah Code of Conduct/Rules before joining the organization.
2. Proof of address from the last three months is required (e.g., utility bills, council tax bills, or child benefit letters).
3. The application form must be completed, and the membership fee must be paid.
ARTICLE 5: Health Restrictions
Individuals who are currently ill at home or in the hospital cannot join the Cooperative until their health condition improves.
ARTICLE 6: Residency and Relocation
• Individuals living outside the UK cannot join.
• Current members who relocate may continue their membership if they maintain regular payments.
• The office must be notified if any family member moves away from the registered address.
ARTICLE 7: Processing Times
• Online Applications: Membership becomes active 45 days after payment. • Office Applications: Membership begins on the day the payment is made. ARTICLE 8: Membership Fees (Annually)
• Large Families (Parents and all children at the same address): £100 (Annually)
• Small Families (Parents and young children/students at the same address): £70 (Annually)
• Individuals: £50 (Annually)
> Note: Children must be in education or under school age to qualify under family rates.
ARTICLE 9: Refunds and non-members
• Funds cannot be used for the burial of a non-member.
• Membership fees are non-refundable if more than 14 days have passed since the payment date.
ARTICLE 10: Use of Funds
Fees are used exclusively for the operational costs of Ummah Wellbeing Services and burial matters. This money is not as insurance premium.
ARTICLE 11: Payments Upon Death
Upon a member’s death, payments are made directly to the funeral service provider bank account, or through other legal means compliant with UK law.
ARTICLE 12: Loss of Membership
Membership is forfeited if:
1. The member voluntarily resigns.
2. The member fails to pay dues on time.
3. The member provides false information on their application form. ARTICLE 13: Notices and Updates
• Members will receive a reminder four weeks before their membership expires. If unpaid, a 15-day extension is granted. If payment is still not received, The membership is terminated.
• Communication is primarily via Text Message or WhatsApp.
• Members are responsible for notifying management of any changes to their phone number or address.
ARTICLE 14: Required Documentation After Death
To receive funding, the following must be provided:
1. Death Certificate.
2. The deceased’s passport.
3. Proof of address for the deceased over the last three months.
4. For deceased children: Proof of Child Benefit, Child Tax Credit, or school/college/university enrollment.
> Failure to provide these documents will result in no payment.
ARTICLE 15: Government Assistance
If The family receives government funeral benefits, they must apply for those funds. If the government reimburses the funeral costs, that money must be returned to the Ummah account.
ARTICLE 16: Stillbirths
The fund covers costs for a stillborn child only if the parents have been members for at least three months.
ARTICLE 17: Coverage Limits
1. For deaths within the UK, Ummah covers costs equivalent to a standard burial in Birmingham.
2. Ummah does not cover repatriation costs for members who die outside the UK.
3. For deaths in Asia, Africa, Europe, America, or Australia, local burial costs will be covered only if the deceased was a member for at least six months.
4. Coverage is limited to: The grave/plot, the hearse (transportation of the body), the shroud (Kafan), and the washing of the body. Any costs beyond these are not covered.