Jamadal Awwal 27,1438/February 24, 2017 www.jamiamasjidkenya.org Issue No.

721

The

Friday Bulletin The Weekly Muslim News Update

Police extrajudicial killing claims 122

Kenyans- Amnesty report
A
n international human rights organi-
zation has indicted Kenyan security
agencies of being behind the extra-
judicial killing and disappearances of 122
Kenyans by October 2016.
Amnesty International said the forces also
carried out torture and enforced disap-
pearances during counter-terrorism opera-
tions targeting Al Shabaab militants.
In the report titled Amnesty International
report 2016/2017- the state of world hu-
man rights Amnesty said despite in-
creased cases of human rights violations
by security forces, Kenyan government is
yet to conduct any meaningful inquiry into
the killings with the aim of bringing those
found culpable to book.
In the context of counter-terrorism opera-
tions targeting al-Shabaab, security agen-
cies were implicated in human rights vio-
lations, including extrajudicial executions,
enforced disappearances and torture. De-
spite an increase in reported cases of these
violations, meaningful investigations were
not carried out with a view to ensuring ac-
countability said the rights group in the re-
port released on Wednesday.
In December 2016, Coastal based lobby
group Haki Africa said it documented at
least 81 cases of extrajudicial killing and
enforced disappearances in the coastal
region alone, with the major victims being
members of the Muslim community who
are either perceived by security agencies
as suspected terrorists or sympathisers of
terrorist organisations.
The London based rights group also took
issue with the plan to evict thousands of
Somali refugees out of the country saying
the government put the lives of the refu-
gees at risk when it announced the plans
to shut down Dadaab the worlds largest
refugee camp.
The short timeframe, government state-
ments about the repatriation process and
the lack of security in Somalia raised
concerns that the repatriation of Somalis
would be forced, in violation of internation-
al law, and put at risk the lives of tens of
thousands of people said the report.

'Census reduction
gov't ploy to
marginalize NEP'
North Eastern leaders have criti-
cized attempts by the national
ge 2 government to reduce the popula-
tion of North Eastern in the 2009
census as a sinister move meant
to further marginalize the region.
The population of Mandera, Wajir
and Garissa counties were dis-
puted and new estimated figures
reducing the population of the
three counties to 1.3 million people
up from 2.3 million were adopted
in 2012 for use by various gov- Cabinet secretary of Trade, Industry and Co-operatives Adan Muhammad (Middle) with
ernment agencies including Ken- Lands and Settlement principal secretary Mariam El Maawy (Right), principal secretary of
ya National Bureau of Statistics Trade, Industry and Co-operatives Ali Noor Ismail,Taqwa sacco chairman Dr. Ahmed Yusuf
(KNBS). and the head of Islamic banking at Kenya Commercial Bank Jaffar Sheikh Abdulkadir dur-
In June last year, the government ing the official launch of Taqwa Front Office Service Activity (FOSA) on Wednesday.
through the National Treasury an-
nounced that the revised census figures parameter for county funds allocation ac- listed as first, second and third respond-
will be used to allocate revenue to the counting for 45 per cent of total revenue al- ents, while the National Assembly and the
counties in the financial year 2017/18 after location, reducing the census figures would Senate are enjoined as interested parties.
the Court of Appeal in May 2016 officially mean less funds and hence less develop-
authorized the use of the estimated figures ment for the region. In their submission through lawyer Issa
for the three counties. Mansur, the governors challenged the
A High Court in Nairobi is expected to make constitutionality of using projected figures
The decision incensed NEP leaders a ruling on the matter on 15 March after rather than enumerated figures by the
who criticized it as blatant discrimination governors Ali Roba (Mandera), Ahmed Ab- Commission on Revenue Allocation argu-
against the people of North Eastern saying dullahi (Wajir) and Nathif Jama (Garissa) ing that CRA has previously relied on the
it amounts to the advancement of system- appealed against the ruling. published figures.
atic marginalization of the region by suc-
In the petition, Commission on Revenue The decision by the first and second re-
cessive government regimes.
Allocation (CRA), Kenya National Bureau spondents to use the data of the altered
They said since population is the main of Statistics and the Attorney General are Continued To Page 2
This Newsletter contains some of Allahs names. Please do not throw in the trash. Either keep, circulate or shred
The Friday Bulletin
Taqwa Sacco credited with changing Muslims lives
Taqwa Sacco the first shariah compliant
Sacco in Kenya has been lauded for con-
tributing to the improvement of Muslims
lives through the provision of financial sup-
port.
The cabinet secretary of Industry, Trade
and Cooperatives Adan Muhammad said
the pivotal role played by the co-opera-
tive in alleviating the lives of its members
as well as its contribution to the countrys
economy can no longer go unnoticed.
Speaking as the chief guest when he pre-
sided over the official unveiling of Taqwa
Front Office Services Activity (FOSA) on
Wednesday in Nairobi, Adan said Taqwa
has provided financial inclusivity to the
Muslim community through the provision of
interest free loans to enable the populace
access funds for wealth creation.
Poverty is one of the global challenges
facing billions of people today and this is
as a result of people lacking access to fi-
nances. Therefore we are glad when insti-
tutions such as Taqwa Sacco step forward
to bridge this gap, he said.
The CS said the launch of FOSA will set
pace for the growth of the co-operative
especially in the untapped Islamic micro-
finance sector pledging his ministrys full
support in creating the right legal and regu-
latory environment for co-operatives.
Family of brutally murdered girl cry for justice
A family of a three-year-old girl Rahma
Lulu who was brutally murdered last year
in a shocking incident in Mukuru Kwa Njen-
ga area of Nairobi has accused the Police
of frustrating their quest for justice.
The parents of the deceased are now call-
ing on the Independent Policing Oversight
Authority (IPOA) to intervene and ensure
that justice is served.
The distraught father Khatib Masoud said
the officers are delaying investigations into
the killing of their daughter whose body
was found dumped in a pit latrine on No-
vember 25 2016.
Speaking to the Friday Bulletin Khatib fur-
ther pointed out that despite their numer-
ous visits to Embakasi Police station, no
headway has been made by the police in
investigating the matter.
He said the report and results released
by the government pathologist Johansen
Oduor has not been picked by the police
officers to facilitate the investigations.
According to Khatib, the police are deter-
mined to ensure the family does not get
justice a move that has forced him to
lodge complaint with the Independent Po-
licing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
The father managed to get the report from
the Pathologist and lodged a complaint
with IPOA.
''I want justice for our daughter. She was
an innocent child and the culprits linked to
the killing should be brought to book for
justice to prevail,'' Khatib said.
Speaking to the Friday Bulletin, the Inde-
Page 2
Jamadal Awwal 27,1438/February 24, 2017
He urged the deposit-taking SACCO to take
advantage of the largely unbanked Muslim
market by launching innovative and revolu-
tionary products and services such as Sha-
ria compliant insurance.
I encourage you to go a step further and
provide halal insurance to cover any unfore-
seen risks he added.
The cooperative which was operating
through the Back Office Service Activity
(BOSA) was early this year, granted the
deposit-taking licence by the Sacco Society
Regulatory Authority (SASRA), becoming
the third Islamic financial institutions to be
granted such a license.
Kenyans co-operative movement has been
ranked as worlds fastest growing sub-sec-
tor, rated first in the continent and in posi-
tion seven globally.
Addressing members in the same event
which also saw the rebranding of the Sac-
co, Lands and Settlement Principal Secre-
tary Mariam El Maawy told Muslim women
to join the Sacco and benefit from its wide
array of products and services.
The PS urged the Taqwa management to
address the financial needs of Kenyans by
opening up more FOSA branches in the ru-
ral areas of Northern Kenya and Coastal
region and other areas dominated by Mus-
pendent Policing and Oversight Author-
ity (IPOA) Chief Executive Officer Dr Joel
Mabonga confirmed to the Friday Bulletin
that the oversight authority has received the
complaint pertaining to the murder of the
three-year-old girl and working on it.
''We have received the complaint and re-
corded a statement from the father of the
deceased and already investigations have
been launched for action,'' said Mabonga.
He gave an assurance that within three
weeks the authority will issue a compre-
hensive report pertaining to the killing of the
young girl for further action to be taken.
An autopsy report conducted at City Mor-
tuary indicates the child was raped, stran-
gled, and her body bore broken limbs and
multiple injuries resulting from being hit by
a blunt object.
On the fateful morning, Lulu left home for
her madrasa lessons at a local mosque and
never to come back only for her body found
dumped three days later in a madrasa toilet.
After the discovery of the body, angry resi-
dents took the streets in protest demand-
ing the police to investigate the matter and
ensure that the culprits are bought to book.
JAMIA MOSQUE QUR-AAN AND HADIYTH COMPETITTION 1438 H/ 2017 CE
Registration for this years competition is now open. Madrasah or Islamic Institution wishing
to be included in the Qur-aan and Hadiyth competitions should register with the Dawah Of-
fice in Jamia on or before 03rd Rajab 1438 H/ 31st March 2017. The participating Madaaris
should be in Nairobi County and its Environs. Late Registration will not be
entertained.
lims.
Taqwa Sacco chairman Dr. Ahmed Yusuf
said despite myriad challenges faced by
the cooperative particularly on legal and
regulatory, the institution has made tre-
mendous growth in the recent past.
He noted that although their capital base
has been restricted by their model to strict-
ly adhere to Islamic financial ethics, they
have devised alternative measures and
now boast of a capital base of over more
than 400 million shillings.
Through FOSA, members can now access
new shariah compliant services such as
cash deposits, withdrawals, ATM transac-
tions and mobile banking.
NEP census row
Continued From Page 1
census figures for the three counties for
the population parameter for the share-
able revenue for the year 2017/2018 was
made arbitrarily, irrationally, maliciously
and in bad faith with the collateral purpose
of reducing the revenue the three coun-
ties are entitled to, read court documents
seen by The Friday Bulletin.
The county bosses accused the Kenya
National Bureau of Statistics of acting in
bad faith and unjustifiably circulating and
using altered census figures barely three
years to the next census.
On his part Isiolo deputy governor Mu-
hammad Guleid wondered why the Kenya
National Bureau of Statistics made an er-
ror of nearly one million in the census fig-
ures it obtained in the region.
It is understandable that errors could oc-
cur, but not to the extent that a figure is
revised down nearly by a million. That is
just a lot by any measure he said in his
weekly write-up in the Standard Newspa-
per on Monday.
Guleid noted that North Eastern has been
marginalized for decades and reduc-
ing the funds in the advent of devolution
would further marginalize the region.
Besides, this region was already under-
developed and definitely more resources
are required to bring it up to par with the
rest of the country, he added.
Mandera senator Billow Kerrow who has
been very vocal on the matter, said the
governments plan to cut more than 3 bil-
lion shillings from the counties revenue
allocation would be catastrophic for the
regions development.
If we lose this case, the implication for
North Eastern in future will be bad. We will
lose billions in revenue, said Billow.
The Friday Bulletin
The mother of tests balancing Islam with difficult parents
Bushra Abdallah
Weve all been there. That situation where
our parents are displeased with us for
choosing to study a subject other than
Medicine or Engineering at university. Or,
opposing our choice of partner who is
deemed to be unsuitable because theyre
from a different culture or tribe.
We seem to get through these situations
one way or another. But how do we deal
with practicing Islam whilst our family and
friends refuse to understand our newfound
ways?
Allah tells us in the Quran: Worship Allh
and join none with Him (in worship), and do
good to parents (Surah An-Nisa; v. 36)
Therefore, we are supposed to worship Al-
lah and be good and dutiful to our parents.
Its pretty clear-cut and straightforward,
right? Wrong. Its actually not as straight-
forward as we would like it to be. There
is a profound emphasis on obeying ones
parents within Islam, however first and
foremost, we are all in pursuit of Allahs
Pleasure.
This can only be obtained by following His
Commands and following the example
of His Messenger, Prophet Muhammad
peace be upon him: Say (O Muhammad
to mankind): If you (really) love Allh then
follow me, Allh will love you and forgive
you your sins (Surah l-Imran; v.31)
So when a brother or a sister is in a situ-
ation where they are being asked to take
off their hijab or shave off their beard, what
should they do? Should they disobey their
parents and go against their demands, or
should they disobey Allah and comply with
their parents desires?
Although obeying Allahs command is
our ultimate priority in this life; when con-
fronted with such a situation, I have heard
about many brothers and sisters reacting
very harshly to their parents, to the extent
of breaking ties with them. Instead of ex-
plaining to their parents that they cant go
against Allah and His Messenger, they hurt
them by lashing out at them, which usually
culminates in a huge argument.
This totally goes against the attitude that
Islam teaches us with regard to treating
our neighbors, let alone our parents. Of
course, we would all love to have parents
who support us throughout the thick and
thin of our Islamic improvement. But have
we ever stopped to think that their antago-
nism towards their reborn Muslim child
might be partly attributable to the childs
conduct with them?
I guess the million-dollar question is: how
do we find the balance between being du-
tiful to our parents without losing our pa-
tience with their antagonism, and being
true worshipers of Allah?
All it requires is love and patience. Many of
us take our parents for granted, expecting
them to understand our slant on the deen.
Some of them have grown up knowing Is-
lam through their parents and relatives,
or doing things because imaam said so.
If theyre not Muslim, then they might not
know anything about Islam or, due to poli-
tics and misconceptions in the media, even
hate it. We need to learn how to deal with
DA'WAH Jamadal Awwal 27,1438/February 24, 2017
this in the most sensitive manner possi-
ble.
When people hate or dislike something
we do, its mainly because they dont
understand why were doing it. To make
the situation worse, if we react badly to
our parents disapproval of our practice
of Islam, it only makes them think badly
of the way we are following Islam or our
similarly Islamic friends. To avoid such
a situation even arising, I believe we
should begin by explaining our basis for
changing our ways in a loving manner.
Some people are insensitive to their
parents personalities, especially when
it comes to what is important to them. I
know of someone whose father really
loves music, which has been a cause of
conflict between parent and child for sev-
eral years resulting in heated arguments
and the child being disrespectful to their
father.
What this person initially started off doing
for the sake of Allah actually ended up
displeasing Allah due to not being able to
practice the basic Islamic etiquettes with
their own parents.
A tried and tested way to get your point
across is a five-step plan:
1. Think about the issue that is most
important to you.
For example, if you are worried about
having to attend a mixed gathering full
of free-mixing and the fact that your par-
ents dont pray salah regularly, then filter
through what is most important to you
first. In this case, salah is far more impor-
tant, so it is necessary to talk about that
first. Pick your battles carefully.
2. Knowing what your parents are re-
ceptive to.
If your mother loves receiving flowers,
then do that for her before you speak to
her. Tell her how much you love her and
that you want the best for her in the du-
nya and the akhirah. And then go on to
tell her about the importance of salah, its
benefits and what it means not to pray.
The above is an example, but what I am
trying to highlight is the importance of ob-
serving your parents needs before you
approach them with something so sensi-
tive. Theyll appreciate you for paying at-
tention to their little likes and dislikes.
3. Keep your cool
In such situations, parents might get an-
noyed at the fact that their child, whom
they have brought up and whom they
have taught everything he or she knows,
is telling them how to live their lives. They
will get upset or argue with you, but at
such times, the best thing to do is just
step back and keep quiet. Dont say any-
thing until theyve calmed down a little.
Most importantly, dont lose your temper.
Not only will it undo everything you have
done so far, you will also accrue sin for
being rude to your parents.
4. Maintain good adab
Good manners are observed by eve-
ryone, especially your parents. Being
helpful, polite and tending to their needs
around the home may help them realise that
they have been blessed with a righteous
child. Sometimes we are so engrossed in our
own lives that we end up ignoring our par-
ents. If you dont live with your parents for
whatever reason, try to visit them more often
than once a month or send them gifts.
Islam teaches us to be well-mannered; its
inherent within the deen. In fact, I feel that
the more devout a Muslim becomes, the bet-
ter his manners should be towards his family.
Lead by example.
5. Lastly, dont lose hope
Guidance is only within Allahs Power, not
our own. Only Allah will give your parents
and family hidayah. Make sincere dua for
them, be good to them and keep trying. Be
an example to everyone around you and
keep your intentions pure.
We will all experience this at some point in
our lives, but we should view these obstacles
as tests. Allah never burdens His slaves with
more than they can bear and ultimately, we
should use such tests as a way of coming
closer to Him.
I leave you with a thought-provoking story.
There was once a father and son. When the
father reached old age, the son began think-
ing about the inheritance money that would
be due to him upon his fathers death. His
greed eventually overcame him and he be-
came impatient, as it seemed his fathers
demise would not be imminent. He therefore
devised a plan to murder his father, and on a
quiet night, approached his fathers bedside
as he slept. He tied his father up and carried
him to a nearby bridge. As he was about to
throw him off the bridge, his father stopped
him and calmly said to him, Son, before you
throw me off, just walk a couple of yards to
your right for that is where I threw my own
father from this very bridge.
Ultimately, what we do to our parents will be
done to us by our children. May Allah guide
us all. Ameen.
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The Friday Bulletin
Kindness to parents : The value of motherhood
In several verses of the Quran, God makes
clear that duty, kindness and gratitude to-
wards parents is an essential part of Islam.
However, women in Islam, particularly
mothers, have been singled out for the up-
most respect and devotion. God Himself
tells of the hardships involved in mother-
hood. And we have enjoined on man (to
be dutiful and good) to his parents. His
mother bore him in weakness and hardship
upon weakness and hardship... (Quran
31:14)
In the time of Prophet Muhammad peace
be upon him, a man asked permission to
go on a military expedition. The Prophet
asked the man if he had a mother, when
he replied yes, Prophet Muhammad said,
Stay with her because Paradise lies be-
neath her feet. (Ahmad, Al-Nasai) What
wonderful imagery these words invoke:
Mothers and children gazing at each other
with love and gratitude. Tiny hands closed
within larger hands. A touch to the face in
times of stress and illness, or the warmth
of a loving mothers voice. Images of
mothers nurturing and caring for their chil-
dren, in health or sickness, in good times,
or trying times. Paradise lies at the feet of
mothers; but what exactly do these words
mean? Simply, the gates of Paradise are
open for those who cherish and respect
their mothers.
The role of the mother in the Islamic family
is as equally important if not more as the
role of the father, who is the provider and
protector of his family. Not only does she
go through both the joys and difficulties of
pregnancy and giving birth, she dedicates
the whole of her life to nurturing and car-
ing for her children. It is her responsibility
to raise and to educate them to be right-
eous and pious human beings. She cooks,
cleans, nurtures and educates, she is also
responsible for their spiritual, emotional
and physical health and well-being. In re-
turn, children owe their mothers care, love,
affection, respect and dutifulness. The
task God assigned to mothers is large and
sometimes overwhelming. Accordingly,
the reward for a righteous mother is noth-
ing less than Paradise and in this life, she
is esteemed and honoured.
Who is most worthy of good compan-
ionship?
In a hadeeth of Prophet Muhammad peace
be upon him, a man came to the Prophet
asking, Who among the people is the most
worthy of my good companionship? The
Prophet said, your mother. The man said,
Then who? The Prophet said, then your
mother. The man further asked, Then
who? The Prophet said, then your mother.
The man asked again, Then who? The
Prophet replied, then your father. (Saheeh
Al-Bukhari, Saheeh Muslim)
From only these two sayings of Prophet
Muhammad peace be upon him, we are
able to understand the importance of moth-
ers in Islam. However, in these days of
materialism it is easy to forget that God ob-
ligated us to honour our parents, especially
our mothers. Sometimes we find ourselves
uttering words of contempt or complaining
about our parents. This sort of behaviour
Page 4
WOMEN Jamadal Awwal 27,1438/February 24, 2017
is not from Islam. Allah reminds us that As busy as our lives may be it is of great
Prophet Yahya alayhi sallam (also known benefit to look back at the lives of the
as John the Baptist) was dutiful towards Prophets, and our righteous predecessors,
his parents both loving them and obeying to see how they treated their parents, par-
them. He said: O Yahya! Hold fast the ticularly their mothers.
Scripture. And We gave him wisdom while The companions behaviour
yet a child. And (made him) sympathetic to
men as a mercy (or a grant) from Us, and Abdullah ibn Umar, a leading scholar from
pure from sins and he was righteous. And among Prophet Muhammads companions
dutiful towards his parents, and he was nei- once saw a man carrying his mother on his
ther an arrogant nor disobedient (to God or back and going around the Holy House in
to his parents). (Quran 19:12-14) Makkah. He did not complain or show any
signs of annoyance; rather he kept repeat-
Additionally, in the Quran, we are able to ing a line of poetry comparing himself to
hear the words of Prophet Issa (Jesus) a camel. He looked at Abdullah ibn Umar
alayhi sallam ; he describes himself by and asked him whether by so doing he dis-
coupling his obedience to God with his du- charged his debt to his mother. Ibn Umar
ties towards his mother Maryam. Verily! I said, No. You have not even paid back
am a slave of God. He has given me the one twinge of the pain she felt when giv-
Scripture and made me a Prophet; and He ing birth to you. Muslims who are obedient
has made me blessed wheresoever I be, to God can never be unmindful or unkind
and has enjoined on me prayer, and alms, to their parents. Great reward is offered
as long as I live, and dutiful to my moth- to those who treat their parents, especially
er, and made me not arrogant, unblest. their mothers, with affection and gentle-
(Quran 19:30-32) ness, but a stern warning is also given.
The importance of obedience to parents
After obedience to Allah and His Messenger peace be upon him, it is most important
to be obedient to one's parents. Being polite and helpful to one's parents is the duty
of every Muslim.
Children sometimes do not realize how much their parents have done for them.
Every mother bears the pains of pregnancy and childbirth. She often spends many
sleepless nights patiently caring for her baby's needs. If the baby is sick, parents
nurse him to health. They gladly spend their money and time to buy clothes, food
and medicine for the baby and toys to make him happy.
As their child grows, they try to provide him a good education and a loving home.
They are there for all important events in their child's life, from his first words
to his college graduation, professional career and marriage, giving him all their love
and support. Even if he makes a mistake, they never stop loving him. Most of all,
they pray that their child will grow up to be successful and happy in this life and in
the Hereafter.
Returning the love and kindness of parents
Parents feel very happy if their son or daughter is kind, polite, helpful and obedient.
If their child is rude, disobedient or lazy, they feel dissapointed and even embar-
rassed. After all, the way a child behaves reflects on his parents.
When they become old and too week physically to care for themselves, parents need
loving care, just as they gave their children when they were young. We should never
forget that if our parents had not taken care of us when we were young and help-
less, we probably would not have survived. We truly owe our lives to our parents, so
taking care of them in their old age should be our pleasure.
The Qur'an commands us to show kindness to parents in the following words:
Your Lord has decreed that you worship nothing but Him, and that you be kind to
parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them
a word for contempt, nor repel them but address them in terms of honor. And, out
of kindness, lower to them wing of humility, and say: My Lord! Bestow on them Your
mercy, even as they cherised me in childhood. (Al-Isra' 17:23-14)
Obedience to Allah come first
If parents ask their children to do something which Allah has forbidden, children
should obey Allah over the order of their parents. However, they should respect-
fuly explain to their parents the reasons for their disobedience. If the parents are
not Muslims, Rasulullah taught us to be kind and respectful to them. We should take
care of them and continue to explain Islam to them.
How to be obedient and hepful to Parents
In every home, many chores need to be done. When a child comes home from school,
he should make it a point to help his parents before going off to play. Tidying up,
washing clothes, mowing the lawn are a few ways we can help our parents. By offer-
ing our help, we show them how much we love and respect them.
Children should do their best to obey their parents. Children should not argue with
their parents, refuse to help them, or make a fuss over every small matter. If a
child is asked to take a bath, change clothes, do the vacuuming, or do homework, he/
she should try to do so as soon possible. Respecting our parents' wishes is another
way we can show our parents we love them.
 The Friday Bulletin
How do we relate to non-Muslim relatives?
Dr. Aisha Hamdan
For those who have studied, pondered,
and struggled with the idea of becoming
Muslim, there is often great relief when the
realization comes that Shahada must be
pronounced.
As time goes on and more knowledge is
acquired regarding the deen, another re-
alization soon begins to surface, the chal-
lenges and questions have not ended and
may only have just begun. This is particu-
larly true when it comes to the issue of
dealing with and relating to non-Muslim
relatives, especially those with whom one
has developed a close relationship.
This topic is particularly relevant for women
due to the fact that more new converts are
female (although the trend may be chang-
ing as more men enter Islam) and also be-
cause women may have more opportunity
to visit with and spend time with other fam-
ily members. If children are involved, this
will most definitely be the case. We under-
stand, of course, that parents and other
relatives should be treated with kindness
and respect and that there are serious con-
sequences for one who severs the ties of
kinship.
The challenges and questions that arise
concern the boundaries and specific guide-
lines that need to be established for deal-
ing with non-Muslim relatives, primarily as
it pertains to practical aspects of the reli-
gion.
General guidelines
1. Educate them about Islamic beliefs.
One of our main goals each time that we go
to visit family members should be to teach
them about Islam. I have heard from many
women that this is one of the most difficult
things to do and that they would much rath-
er conduct dawah [invitation to Islam] with
strangers.
This may be due to the fact that if a stran-
ger does not accept what we are saying
we can just go on our way, but when family
members do not understand or are reluc-
tant to enter discussions, it may put a train
on the relationship.
Regardless of the difficulty that we en-
counter, dawah to family members should
be given first priority. Out of love for them
we should have a strong desire to share
the special gift that Allah has given us and
attempt to save them from the hellfire. It is
important to understand that this should be
done with special care, gradualness, and
an understanding of the unique qualities,
beliefs, and circumstances of each indi-
vidual. This may require a great deal of
persistence and patience, but we should
never give up nor despair of Allah's mercy
and guidance. Of course, if our efforts were
successful this would solve a great deal of
problems.
2. Educate them about specific Islamic
practices and requirements.
For family members to understand the
changes that a new Muslimah has made in
her life, they need to be educated about the
YOUTH Jamadal Awwal 27,1438/February 24, 2017
specific practices, requirements, and pro- particularly difficult and members have re-
hibitions. This should always come with an fused to be respectful towards one's reli-
explanation of the rationale for each action gion, then it may be essential to limit visits
so that a complete and true understanding or put conditions on where visits will take
may be obtained. If family members realize place. It may, for example, become a rule
the logic involved in the religion it may be in your family that visits will only occur in
easier for them to accept and even begin to your house and that certain beverages are
respect these practical aspects. not allowed.
This obviously means that the Muslimah This would obviously be the easiest way to
needs to be educated herself, but this control what occurs during these times and
should only be one more incentive to con- be another effective way to introduce rela-
tinuously gain knowledge. It is also helpful tives to "life as a Muslim". It is always im-
to become familiar with the religions of oth- portant to remember that ties of kinship are
er family members so that some common important but not at the expense of lead-
ground may be shared. ing us to disobedience to Allah. Allah says,
For example, stimulating discussions may "But if they strive with you to make you join
be generated around the fact that refer- in worship with Me that of which you have
ences pertaining to requirements for hijab no knowledge, then obey them not, but be-
and fasting, and prohibitions against pork, have with them in the world kindly" [31:15]
alcohol, and usury (interest) are present in Use creative ways to engage family mem-
both Christian and Judaic teachings and bers. Creativity can go a long way some-
books. This may also be effective in gen- times and be especially effective in more
erating other questions such as why there difficult situations. Discussions about Islam
are such similarities between these three may be stimulated by sharing an interest-
religions, the only answer can be that there ing and attractive book, pointing out a re-
is one Allah who has sent the messages cent story in the newspaper, or by watching
since the beginning of Man. a video that introduces Islam or covers a
3. Consider putting conditions on visits, particular topic. The Muslim who is really
such as frequency and location proficient can divert relatives with inter-
esting talk or useful activities and enter-
There will obviously be times when it will be
tainment such as sports activities, board
necessary to place limitations during visits
games, computer games, etc.
with families. For example, it would not be
appropriate to sit in areas where alcohol or This will give the others an alternative to
pork is being served or where inappropri- forbidden things and make for a much more
ate programs are being watched on the TV. enjoyable experience for all. It will be espe-
One can discreetly move to another room cially helpful in alleviating the worry that is
often present when children are involved.
if this is an option. In families where it is
Children from Good Hope Children Home in Kariobangi, Nairobi with the manager
of the centre Sheikh Bakri Juma Zuberi express their excitement after receiving
foodstuffs donated by Admins Group, a WhatsApp social media group.
The group has launched a campaign to collect foodstuffs for distribution to vari-
ous homes in and around Nairobi. Donations can be made at the following collec-
tion centres; Park Road Mosque (Ali Khalid 0721162555), Al Ameen Mosque Juja
Road (Sheikh Khalfan 0722993571), Bilal Mosque Memon Estate South C (Zahir
0722 361631), City Park Mosque (Salim 0722300333), Masjid Yusuf (Imam Yusuf
Industrial Area opposite Police station 0713474707), Masjid Sheikh Bashir Runda
(Sh Omar Khamis 0727079829), Anwar Masjid Karen (Azar 0733800387, Ustadh Ali
0718611299) and Maahad Institute Pangani (Ustadha Mariam 0723 735994
Page 5
The Friday Bulletin
WhatsApp Mosque drives social progress in Kilifi village
Two men set off for a business trip from Nai-
robi which took them 660 kilometres to a ru-
ral area in Kilifi county little knowing that the
journey will lead to the establishment of a
multi-functional mosque that has turned out
to be the most important community facility
promoting various social initiatives in the vil-
lage.
In July last year, Nairobi businessman Yu-
suf Mapenzi and Haji Hemed Muhammad,
a finance and banking expert arrived at
Chakama village, 60 kilometers West of Ma-
lindi and as a tradition among Muslims when
they first visit an area, sought from the locals
directions for the mosque. To their conster-
nation, they were directed to an incomplete
structure with overgrown grass which also
served as garbage dumping site.
It was further depressing when they were
told that the initiators of the mosque had
abandoned the project and passed on the
responsibility to the local people to explore
ways of completing the facility. Without a
mosque, the Muslim residents did not have
a place to pray in congregation and further in
the absence of an Imam, they lacked a spir-
itual guide and mentor. In this area, Islam
barely existed and faced a bleak future.
The deplorable situation stimulated Yusuf
and Haji to devise plans of establishing a
mosque in the area to reinvigorate Islam.
I could not imagine an area where Islam
basically did not exist. I could not imagine
how they faired during Ramadhan, Yusuf
explained on the driving force behind the ini-
tiative. The community was destitute and
we decided to intervene, by completing their
masjid, he added.
On coming back to Nairobi, the idea was
shared with other well-wishers gaining their
support and further driving the impetus for
the establishment of the mosque. The so-
cial media platform WhatsApp served as the
ideal platform to start off the project. We
estimated that we needed to raise approxi-
mately Sh500, 000 (US$ 5000) to complete
the masjid, so if I had a group with 250 mem-
bers, each contributing Sh2000 (US$ 20) we
would raise the amount in one day, he fur-
ther explained.
The Chakama Masjid Project was thus born
with an initial 10 members and exponentially
grew to over 200 individuals. Within three
days, Sh750, 000 had been raised on the
platform exceeding the expectations and
setting in motion the establishment of the
first mosque in Chakama. I was so excit-
ed by the spirit shown by this noble group
that I made a personal promise to them that,
Bi idhni llah ( by Allahs will) the people of
Chakama will have a masjid and start to pray
before the end of August 2016, said Mapen-
zi who has been the main face of the project
who has to set up base in the village where
he spends most of his time overseeing the
project.
On August 3 2016, a five member group
which comprised the two initiators of the
project, Khidher Adam, Sheikh Ahmed Jama
and Dr. Faraj Al Kizim backed by the 250
WhatsApp group members embarked on a
660 kilometre journey to Chakama to kick
start the project.
Page 6
FEATURE Jamadal Awwal 27,1438/February 24, 2017
On arrival, they took steps to
find the owners of the land host-
ing the uncompleted mosque
and they were sent back to Ma-
lindi to meet the land owner. To
their shock, the owner claimed
that he was not aware that a
mosque was being constructed
on his land and to further complicate the
issue, he demanded that the mosque
should be handed to his family upon com-
pletion.
To overcome the unexpected complexities,
the team decided on a fresh start- look for
an alternative land, purchase and begin
the construction of the mosque. On arriv-
al at Chakama, things moved very swiftly,
land was identified and by 2pm we were
signing agreements for the piece of land
at the local Sub-Chiefs office, explained
Mapenzi. We got someone to start clear-
ing the land immediately in preparation
for the Asr salah, and Allahu Akbar by
Asr the first Adhan in history was heard in
Chakama and has never stopped, he said
referring to the open air which was aptly
masjid named Masjid Quba after the first
mosque to be built by Prophet Muhammad
peace be upon him upon his migration to
Madina.
Things moved fast and in a spate of one
month, a temporary mosque was built,
complete with (wudhu) ablution area, toi-
lets and shower facilities for both men
and women. A solar power system, public
address system and piped water provid-
ing the precious commodity to area resi-
dents are among the other amenities at
the mosque.
Further, a full time resident Sheikh was
employed and a madrasa which provides
a regular feeding programme to more than
80 pupils are among the progress so far
recorded. We have had very good re-
sults where many are returning to the fold
of Islam Alhamdhulilah. The mosque is do-
ing well and we are actively engaging the
community in solving socio-economic and
educational affairs, Yusuf said. We are
approaching schools to explore opportuni-
ties to enhance literacy among the com-
munity. We have also been distributing
books and clothes donated by well-wish-
ers to local residents regardless of their
religious background and in addition, we
are also exploring medical support to ad-
dress health challenges among the com-
munity, he further explained.
Quba mosque has also partnered with a
local primary school to introduce Islamic
Religious Education (IRE) in the curricu-
lum and in a move to improve on the social
ABOVE: The current mosque at Chaka-
ma Village. BELOW: An artisit impres-
sion of the proposed Masjid Quba
which is planned to be the hub of Is-
lamic activities in the area.
welfare of the local residents, the mosque
has initiated a kitchen garden project
which allows families to grow vegetables
and fruits all year round in a very limited
space. The project is being undertaken in
conjunction with a Nairobi based non-gov-
ernmental organization Centres for Health
and Education Programmes (CHEPs).
This pilot project aims at enabling the
community around to have food security in
every house hold. Our intention is to work
with all families to uplift the level of educa-
tion and social progress in the village and
beyond, he said.
From the success of the project, the origi-
nal idea of having a fully sustainable per-
manent mosque which would serve as the
hub of Islamic activities and an education-
al resource centre in the area was revived.
The mosque was conceived and projected
to cost Sh7 million. The expenses have
been reduced due to the provision of pro-
fessional services by some group mem-
bers. At present, Sh2.4 million has been
raised and a further Sh2 million is needed
to complete the project.
Unfortunately the contributions from
WhatsApp have considerably gone down
and the construction has been tempo-
rary halted as we look for other sources
of fund. We call upon people of goodwill
to be part of a great story that is already
touching hundreds of families in Chaka-
ma. This is a great opportunity for you to
invest in building the mosque and a the
Prophet salalallahu alayhi wa sallam said,
this will earn you a house in paradise, he
said as he passionately appealed to well-
wishers to provide a hand of assistance
towards the completion of Masjid Quba.
Donations towards this worth cause can
be made through Mpesa Paybill business
no. 985050 Account 0270063502. Depos-
its can also be made through Gulf African
Bank Haji and Mapenzi- Masjid Quba
donations account number 0270063502.
Swif transfers can be channeled through
The Friday Bulletin
It is a new beginning for Pumwani mosque-interim chairman
The new chairman of the interim committee
of Pumwani Riyadha Mosque has pledged
to foster unity and development for the
area residents.
Speaking after the committee was intro-
duced to worshippers on Sunday, Ambas-
sador Yusuf Nzibo, a former commissioner
with the independent Boundary and Elec-
toral Commission (IEBC) said with the sup-
port of the community, the committee will
succeed in its endeavor to promote unity
and enhance on social development.
Unity has been one of the most pressing
challenges and we will work with all stake-
holders to ensure that the goals and ob-
jectives of the mosque are met. With your
support we will be able to fulfil our mandate
and ensure that the mosque appropriately
serves the local people and contribute to
the progress of the community, he said.
Former committee vice chairman Ally Ab-
dulmajid welcomed the appointment as he
exuded confidence that it will work on end-
Bungoma Muslims benefit from ZFA dairy goats project
Over 200 Muslim families from Western
Region received dairy goats from the Zakat
Foundation of America (ZFA) in partnership
with the Islamic Youth Community organi-
zation (IYCO).
The 400 goats were handed over to the
families on Saturday by the Zakat Founda-
tion East Africa Regional Representative
Mohammed Wangusi, under the Livestock
Husbandry Program.
Speaking in Bungoma during the presenta-
tion ceremony Wangusi said the livestock
husbandry program targets widows and
youths and has created 17 permanent jobs
and 200 casual jobs since the inception of
the project in 2014.
Wangusi said the initiative was driven by
the need to address the socio-economic
challenges faced by the local Muslims and
the farming potential of the community.
''This project will help provide opportunities
for widows and orphans engage in goat
farming and even grow to dairy farming,''
he said.
Da'wah director Muhammad Abdallah leaves Jamia
Nairobi Jamia Mosque long serving Direc-
tor of Dawa Muhammad Abdallah is now
the new Muslim chaplain of University of
Nairobi.
Muhammad took up his new position last
week ending more than 13 years of dedi-
cated service of driving da'wah work which
remains the most important activity of Ja-
mia mosque, the largest Islamic centre in
the country.
''I believe have served my bit and it is time
to move on because in any given institu-
tion there is transition which has to be
witnessed and accomplish for prosperity,
Muhammad said.
Addressing a luncheon organized for
NATIONAL Jamadal Awwal 27,1438/February 24, 2017
ing the persistence wrangles that for many
years had plagued the mosque.
I wish the Committee well in their endeav-
or to unite the Muslim Community of Ma-
jengo, the ultimate goal being ending the
leadership wrangles that have permeated
the society and Pumwani Riadha Masjid
Nairobi, he said.
It is my hope that all Muslims from across
the divide will respect the interim team and
give it maximum cooperation and support
as they set out on this arduous but achiev-
able and noble goal, he said as he also
appealed to the government to come out
clear on the matter of the disappearances
of former officials of the committee whose
whereabouts remains a mystery.
Other members of the nine man commit-
tee appointed by the government to run the
committee on an interim basis include Ab-
bas Gullet, Salim Mola, Muhammad Said,
Salim Ibrahim, Issa Miriti, Juma Muham-
mad, Mahmoud Karega and Hussein Ally.
He exuded confidence that the Zakat Foun-
dation of America will continue reducing
donor dependency by strengthening the
capacity of the needy families to provide for
themselves when it comes to basic needs.
The Representative pointed out a Sav-
ings and Credit Cooperative Organisation
(SACCO) is being established to enable
families to sale their farm products through
the Sacco to enable the farmers access
credit facilities to further improve on their
lives.
Apart from Livestock husbandry the Zakat
Foundation of America has drilled water
wells and boreholes to supply water to lo-
cal communities for both domestic use and
farm for irrigation purposes.
The Kanduyi Assistant County Commis-
sioner (ACC) George Lugo who was the
chief guest at the presentation ceremony
advised beneficiaries to use the project as
a yardstick to perpetuate a positive cycle of
prosperity and eradicate poverty
him by Jamia members of staff, Muham-
mad praised the support from Committee
members and staff and their commitment
in serving the Muslim community as he
stressed that he will still continue to be in-
volved in some dawa activities of Jamia
mosque.
Jamia Mosque deputy Imam Sheikh Juma
Amir praised the former da'wah director for
building confidence and cordial relations
among the Jamia staff members and the
entire Muslim community.
The dawa programmes of Jamia Mosque
are now being run by Muhammad Sheikh.
Kisumu Muslim women
to venture into poultry
project
In its strategy to achieve self-sufficiency to
contribute to the transformation of Muslim
women and orphans, the Kisumu based
Sisters With A Mission (SWAM) Muslim
development group is set to venture into
poultry keeping project to serve as an in-
vestment for the group.
According to the chair-lady of the group
Rehema Akidah, the proposed project
will provide opportunities for the group to
generate income in order to support social
development and contribute to women em-
powerment in the Muslim community.
Rehema said the initiative was driven by
the need to address the socio-economic
challenges faced by the local Muslims,
stressing that the venture will help combat
food insecurity in the region as well as alle-
viate poverty among the residents through
the sale of eggs, chickens and consump-
tion of meat. ''This project will help provide
opportunities for local Muslims especially
women and widows to engage in poultry
farming ventures which will uplift their lives
and have a positive bearing on the soci-
ety,'' said Rehema.
The chair-lady decried that large popula-
tion of the Muslim community live in abso-
lute poverty and called on Muslim organi-
zations to promote economic sustenance
to the unfortunate through setting up viable
projects that could transform their lives.
She disclosed that the group will engage
veterinary officers in educating the local
communities on matters pertaining to ag-
riculture and poultry keeping to help them
realize their full potential and improve their
lives.
REVERTS COURSE
Jamia is very please once again to announce
the commencement of the Evening Reverts
Crash Programme Classes.
Timings: 5.00 Maghrib Prayer.
Venue: Jamias Multi-Purpose Hall
Days of Studies: Monday, Wednesday and
Friday
The classes are FREE for all Muslims.
VACANCY
Secretary/Receptionist
An upcoming Islamic television station is
seeking a reputable individual to serve as
Secretary/Receptionist
Qualifications
Relevant qualifications obtained from a rep-
utable institution
At least three years experience in handling
administrative and secretarial duties.
Good knowledge of Microsoft office suite
Good communications and interpersonal
skills
Ability to work under pressure
Please email your CV to tamazcomm@
gmail.com by 3rd March 2017.
Only shortlisted candidates will be con-
tacted.
Page 7
 Help our disabled
People living with disabilities in this country are quite a multiplicity. no longer move unless through support and engaging them in
We have physical disability, brain dysfunction, albinos who have daily physiotherapy programs that are curative in the long term.
skin disorders, blindness, deaf or hearing disability and Autism People with mental disabilities are the forgotten lot; this country
spectrum disorders (ASD) that are characterized by social-interac- lacks community-based mental health systems and in-patient
tion difficulties, communication challenges and a tendency to en- care for both children and adults with emotional and behavioural
gage in repetitive behaviours. Across board Ummah Foundation problems, and assistive technological devices for people who are
for years has been working in partnership with other well wishers, blind or deaf. The only noticeable health facility is Mathare mental
advocacy groups, service providers and state agencies mandated hospital that is not competent enough to cater the for the arising
to take care of people living with disabilities to ensure that the daily cases that are appalling. In this case Ummah Foundation
rights of people with disabilities are protected and that they and offers spiritual counselling that is done by our Sheikh who goes to
their families have access to quality programs and services that the mental hospital once in a while to ascertain the issues on the
meet their needs. In our own small ways, Ummah Foundation ground. Services to these people need a lot of concerted efforts
has provided wheel chairs, blind canes, hearing aids and part- and pulling resources together to make a meaningful impact. We
nered with the Kenya Albino Associations to avail sunscreens and thank our partners who in many ways have given us support by
glasses for people with skin disorders. donating wheel chairs, tri-cycles, blind canes, crutches, paraple-
Our other services to these disadvantaged groups include , but gics and hearing aids for the sake of our brothers and sisters who
are not limited to, the provision of health care for people with spe- suffer from the limitations. We would encourage more to give us
cial needs like those who have suffered spinal injuries and can more assistance so that we can increase our coverage scope.
People with minor blindness or cataracts can be assisted through
eye health screenings and as-
sessments and minor opera-
tions can be done to remove the
cataracts. This is a one day event
RAF INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
RAF INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
that can be sponsored to facili-
tate a very big number of affect-
ed patients. Previously Ummah
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Foundation has carried out such
medical camps in Isiolo, Wajir and
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Moyale. This practice if continu-
Applications are invited from qualified persons for the following vacant positions on full-time ouslybasis
implemented can stop a lot
Applications are invited from qualified persons for the following vacant positions on full-time of our people from being blind or
basis visually impaired. We would like
Name of Post No. of Posts Minimum Requirements and Experience
Name of Post
No. of
Minimum Requirements and Experience
to reiterate the fact that Ummah
Faculty of Business Posts
and Management Foundation has given priority to
Faculty of Business and i. Management
PhD in Business or related field the disabled as we encourage
i. PhD in Business or related field them to take technical and brail
ii. Appropriate teaching experience at University
Senior Lecturer
Senior Lecturer 01 01
ii. Appropriate teaching level
experience at University level related courses that can change
iii. Evidence of research and academic leadership. their lifestyles. We are proud of
iii. Evidence of research and academic leadership. Brother Abdi Gamadid who is
i. PhD in Business/Management
Lecturers 01 i. PhD in Business/Management blind. He went through our spon-
ii. Appropriate teaching experience at University level
Lecturers 01 ii. Appropriate teaching experience at University sorship and today he is a qualified
Faculty of Education (Arts) trained teacher in Garissa and he
level
i. PhD in Education (Arts) is living beyond disability.With the
Faculty of Education01
Senior Lecturer (Arts) ii. Appropriate teaching experience at University level
growing life challenges we pro-
iii. Evidence of research and academic leadership.
i. PhD in Education (Arts) pose that people with cerebral
i. PhD in Education (Arts) palsy, spina bifida and traumatic
Lecturers 03 ii. Appropriate teaching experience at University
Senior Lecturer ii. Appropriate
01 teaching experience at University level
level brain injuries could be accom-
Administrative iii.
Staff
Evidence of research and academic leadership. modated in a rehabilitation home.
Assistant i. Bachelors degree in Library and Information Science Services include counselling,
02 i. PhD in Education (Arts)
Librarian ii. Relevant experience in library services at university level. respite care for affected individu-
Lecturers 03 degree orii.Diploma Appropriate teaching experience at University
Secretaries/ Bachelor in Business with relevant als, and referral services to other
02
Receptionist experience in secretarial level
practice. community-based resources. We
Administrative Staff Bachelor degree in Commerce or Business Administration would therefore call upon all well
Accountant 01 or CPA with relevant experience in university accounting and wishers to team up with us in mak-
i. Bachelors degree in Library and Information
reporting procedures. ing a lasting impact in the lives of
Masters Science our sisters and brothers.
Assistant Librarian 02 degree in Commerce or Business Administration or
Finance Officer 01 ii.
full CPA (K) with relevant Relevant
experience experience inaccounting
in university library services at
Contact us:
and finance procedures. university level.
Ummah Foundation
Bachelor degree or Diploma in Business with relevant
Secretaries/Receptionist
RAF 02 by the Commission for Higher Education as a private
International University is accredited Village Plaza, Ngara Rd, Nairobi
experience in secretarial practice.
University located in Kisaju (52 km) from Nairobi. The University offers competitive salary, staff
Bachelor degree inopportunities. P.O. Box 58717- 00200
Commerce or Business Administration
accommodation facilities, and career development with progression
Accountant 01 or CPA with relevant experience in university accounting Te l ; + 2 5 4 - 2 0 2 6 8 0 6 1 0 / 1 3 ,
Interested applicants should forward their latest andCVs reporting procedures.
to hr@riu.ac.ke with a covering letter 0734845277,
indicating the position applied for and how theyMasters
meet thedegree
criteria in
required. Email: info@ummahfoundation.
Commerce or Business Administration
Finance Officer 01 or full CPA (K) with relevant experience in university net
Open Until: Positions Filled Date of Interviews:
accounting and finance 13procedures.
th
March 2017
Web: www.ummahfoundation.net
NB: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
RAF International University is accredited by the Commission for Higher Education as a
The Friday Bulletin is a Publication of Jamia Masjid Committee, P. O. Box 100786-00101 Nairobi, Tel: 2243504/5 Fax: 342147
private E-mail:
University located in Kisaju
fridaybulletin@gmail.com (52bykm)
Printed Signalfrom Nairobi. The
Press Limited-Lords University
House-Tom offers
Mboya Street competitive
signalpresslimited@gmail.com
salary, staff accommodation facilities, and career development with progression