**The Council of Ulama Eastern Cape (CUEC) or Lajnatul Ulama was formed at the end of 1999 with the aim of co-ordinating the activities of the various Ulama in the Eastern Cape. The founding members included Moulana Junaid Adam, the current Ameer, and Moulana Is’haaq Ackerdien. The need arose to form an organization as there was an increase in the number of graduating Ulama and there was an ever-increasing demand by the community for the services of the Ulama. Senior Ulama were doing a sterling job in the past but it was felt that the time had come to co-ordinate their current activities and operate from an independent, accessible office. Meetings were held with the Ulama and a formal structure was established.
