The

Friday Bulletin
The Weekly Muslim News Update

Issue No. 323

Rajab 17 1430 1430/July 10 2009

New law may interfere with adhan

Offenders risk Sh350,000 fine or 18 months in jail

he new laws against noise pollution could affect the adhan (call to
prayer) when they come into effect in six months time.
The regulations which are being fronted by the Ministry of Environment and

Jamia Mosque Secretary General Abdul Bari Hamid (Right) shares a word
with Ismail S. Variava, the programme manager of Radio Islam in Lenasia
South Africa. Second from Right is Zafar Niaz Chairman of Islamia Madrassa
Soceity and an official from Majlis Ulamaa Transvaal. The officials were on a
visit to Jamia mosque where they met various Muslim leaders.

Mineral Resources which seek to regulate noise

and excessive vibrations could impede on the call
to prayer-a common means by mosques to call the
faithful to prayers which is made five times a day.
Even though the statement published by the Ministry
last Friday does not directly mention the call to prayer
as one of the sources of noise pollution, a regulation
stating that anyone using sound amplification between 9:00 pm and 7:30 am shall be required to obtain licensing will affect the Fajr (dawn prayer) which
is called in the morning usually by 5:30 am.
No person shall use any sound-amplifying equipment in such a way that such equipment is or will be
heard outside of any building between 9:00 p.m. of
any day and 7:30 a.m. to the next day, without a valid
license. Where any person uses or plans to use a
public address system that will emit sound outside of
a building, such person shall secure a valid license,
the circular contained in a public notice stated.
A more worrying phenomenon is that failure to heed
these directives, the authorities may, order the closure of establishments deemed to be emitting noise
or excessive vibrations.
Mosques which are in the vicinity of educational and
research institutions and courts may be forced to
apply for licence to be allowed to call the adhan as
these areas are classified as silent zones.
Sound amplifying device have been mentioned as
one of the sources of noise and these devices are the

Abu Ameenah Bilal Phillips to visit Kenya

This Week

National News

Da'wa

P2

Beng sucessful in this world and the heaafter P3

Women Issues

Relations with non-Muslim relatives

Youth and Children

Can't we be friends?

Feature

Mirra, poverty break Muslim famillies

National News

P4

P5
P6
P7

Story Continues To Page 2

Renowned international scholar Dr. Abu Ameenah Bilal

Phillips is set to visit Kenya for a five day lecture tour.
This will be the second time for the scholar to visit the
country having paid a similar visit in 1998.
During his visit,-between July 23 and 27-he is expected
to give a Friday Khutbah at Jamia Mosque on 24th and
a series of talks in various mosques in Nairobi which
include Park Road mosque, Parklands mosque, Madina
Centre mosque and Makina Mosque in Kibera.
Dr. Bilal Phillips is expected to preside over the launch of
the One Shilling Foundation, a community development
project established by Ummah Foundation and Park
Road Muslim Youth (See story on Page 2).
He will also visit a number of Islamic centres among
them Girls Training Institute of Islamic Education (Maahad-Pangani), Al-Furqan
Story Continues To Page 2

www.islamkenya.com

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The Friday Bulletin

Rajab 17 1430/July 10 2009

NATIONAL NEWS

First Islamic insurance company gets the nod

The future of Islamic financial services in the country
achieved another milestone after the first Islamic insurance
(Takaful) company received authorization from the Commissioner of Insurance.
The CEO of First Community Bank (FCB) Nathif Jama Adam
said this would open up more opportunities for Muslims to
undertake insurance services which meet the requirements
of their faith. Earlier this month, FCB through its subsidiary FCB Islamic Investment Bank acquired another license
from the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) to establish an
Islamic Investment Bank. The investment bank will facilitate
the participation of Muslims in the stock market, trading in
bonds and other investment activities.
Speaking during the official opening of the banks branch in
South C Nairobi, Nathif said the bank was geared to play
a vibrant role in enhancing Islamic financial services in the
country. We are part of this country, we need to be involved
more in the institutions of this country, he said.
Takaful, Nathif pointed out will enable Muslims to purchase
various forms of insurance services without compromising
on their beliefs. The conventional insurance policies presently available are not Shariah compliant and in many cases
Muslims are forced to undertake these polices as they are
mandated by law.
Conventional insurance involves the elements of uncertainty (gharar), gambling (maisir) and interest (riba) which are
prohibited in Islam. The theory of a takaful contract is based
on contracts amongst a group of people who agree to jointly
indemnify the loss or damage that may inflict upon any of
them, out of the fund they donate collectively.
While he applauded the governments efforts in creating a
conducive climate for Islamic banking, the CEO however,
called for the enactment of a separate Islamic Banking Act
to efficiently regulate Shariah compliant financial services in

Guests listen to the address of FCB CEO Nathif Jama address during
the opening of the South 'C' branch

the country. Islamic Banking is currently governed under the Banking Act
though with some minor amendments which allow Islamic banking.
The South C branch, the tenth in the FCB network also houses a call
centre and by next month, the bank plans to open up a Training Centre at
the same facility to provide professional Islamic banking training to its staff
and the general public.
Nathif said the bank was dedicated to expanding its network to reach the
unbanked population and said more branches will be open in Moyale and
the new districts of Habaswein and Masalani in Northern Kenya.

New laws to impact on Adhan

Bilal Phillips to visit Kenya

Story From Page 1

Story From Page 1

Training Institute, Thika College of Shariah and Aisha Centre in

Sigona, Kiambu.
The visit is organized by Park Road Muslim Youth Group.
Dr. Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips was born in Jamaica, but grew up in
Canada, where he accepted Islam in 1972. He obtained a degree
in Islamic Disciplines (Usool ad-Deen) at the Islamic University of
Madinah, Saudi Arabia in 1979 and six years later at the University
of Riyadh he completed his masters in Islamic Theology in 1985.
In 1994, he obtained a PhD in Islamic Theology at the University of
Wales, United Kingdom.
In 1994 he founded the Islamic Information Center in Dubai, United
Arab Emirates (now known as Discover Islam) which is aimed at
correcting misconceptions about Islam. He was a professor of Arabic and Islamic Studies at the American University in Dubai and Ajman University, head of the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies at Preston University-Ajman, UAE. Currently he is the Dean of
the Islamic Studies Academy in Doha, Qatar.
He is also a prolific author of more than 30 books on Islam.
Dr Abu Ameenah presents Islamic programmes on various channels which include Peace TV, Sharjah TV Channel Two, Ajman TV
Channel Four, and Saudi TV Channel Two.
In 2001, Dr. Bilal established the Islamic Online University, the first
accredited Islamic university on the Internet.

ones most employed by mosques to alert worshippers for prayer.

In the regulations, noise is defined as any loud, unreasonable, unnecessary or unusual sound that annoys, disturbs, injures or endangers the comfort, health or safety of others and the environment.
In determining noise levels, factors which are considered include
time of the day; proximity to residential areas and intensity of the
noise-whether it has been enhanced electronic or mechanical
means.
The new laws sets a time frame of six months for complying with the
regulations and offenders risk a fine of Sh350, 000 or a jail term of
not more than eighteen months.
With the increase of mosques in many urban centres and estates,
these laws may be used to not only prohibit the adhan from being
made in residential areas but also to prevent the construction of
mosques.
In 2003, some residents in the leafy suburb of Nyali in Mombasa
went to court opposing the construction of three mosques which
they argued that they will be a source of noise pollution emanating
from the adhan.
In Karatina, attempts were made by some local administration officials in the town to ban the adhan on the same grounds.
In these incidents, protests from the Muslim community however,
thwarted the attempts to prevent the call of prayer being made via
electronic sound systems.

From the Noble Qur'an

Surely Allah Alone has the knowledge of the Hour, He is the
One Who sends down the rain and He knows what is in the
wombs. No one knows what he will earn the next day; and no
one knows in what land he will die. Surely, Allah knows all
this and is aware of everything. (Suratul Luqman (31): 34)

From the Traditions of the Prophet (Hadith)

O son of Adam, so long as you call upon Me and ask of Me, I shall forgive
you for what you have done, and I shall not mind. O son of Adam, were your
sins to reach the clouds of the sky and were you then to ask forgiveness of
Me, I would forgive you. O son of Adam, were you to come to Me with sins
nearly as great as the earth and were you then to face Me, ascribing no
partner to Me, I would bring you forgiveness nearly as great at it.
2

The Friday Bulletin

Rajab 17 1430/July 10 2009

DA'WA

How to be successful in life and hereafter

Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid

Continued from last Week

Another of the means of bringing happiness

and relieving worry and distress is striving
to eliminate the things that cause worry and
to achieve the things that bring happiness.
That may be done by forgetting about bad
things in the past which cannot be changed,
and realizing that dwelling on them is a
waste of time.
A person must strive to stop himself from
thinking of that, and also strive to stop himself from feeling anxious about the future
and the things that he may imagine of poverty, fear and other bad things that he thinks
may happen to him in the future. He should
realize that the future is something unknown, he cannot know what good or bad
things are going to happen to him. That is
in the hand of the Almighty, the Most Wise,
and all that His slaves can do is to strive to
attain the good things and to ward off the
bad things.
A person should realize that if he diverts his
thoughts from worrying about his future and
puts his trust in his Lord to take care of his
situation, and puts his mind at rest concerning that, if he does that, then his heart will
be at peace and his situation will improve
and he will be relieved of anxiety.
One of the most effective ways of dealing
with worries about the future is to recite this
duaa which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to recite:
Allaahumma aslih li deeni lladhi huwa ismatu amri, wa aslih li dunyaaya llati fiha
maaashi, wa aslih li aakhirati llati ilayha
maaadi, wajal al-hayaata ziyaadatan li fi
kulli khayr, wal-mawta raahatan li min kulli
sharr (O Allah, correct my religious commitment which is the foundation of my life, and
correct my worldly affairs in which is my livelihood, and grant me good in the Hereafter
to which is my return. Make my life a means
of accumulating good, and make death a
respite for me from all evil). (Muslim)
And he said, Allaahumma rahmataka arju
fa la takilni ila nafsi tarfata aynin wa aslih li
shani kullahu, laa ilaaha illa anta (O Allah,
for Your mercy I hope, so do not abandon
me to myself even for a moment. And correct all my affairs. There is no god but You).
(Abu Dawuud)
f a person utters these duaas, which
ask that his spiritual and worldly affairs
may be set right or corrected, with proper
presence of mind and sincerity of intention, whilst striving to achieve that, Allah will
grant him what he has prayed for, hoped for
and striven for, and He will turn his worry
into joy and happiness.
If a person experiences anxiety and distress
because of a disaster, then one of the most
effective means of relieving himself of that
is to think of the worst scenario to which
that may lead, and try to accept that. When
he has done that, then he should try to alleviate it as much as possible. By means
of this acceptance and these efforts, he will
relieve himself of his worries and distress,
and instead of worrying he will strive to bring

about good things and to deal with whatever he can of the bad things. If he is faced
with things that cause fear or the possibility
of sickness or poverty, then he should deal
with that by striving to make himself accept
that, or something even worse, with contentment, because by making himself accept the
worst-case scenario, he lessens the impact
of the thing and makes it seem less terrible,
especially if he occupies himself with efforts
to ward it off as much as he can.
Thus as well as striving to achieve something good which will distract him from his
worries about calamity, he will also renew
his strength to resist bad things, and put
his trust and reliance in Allah. Undoubtedly
these matters are of great benefit in attaining happiness and peace of mind, as well as
bringing the hope of reward in this world and
in the Hereafter. This is something which
is well known from the experience of many
who have tried it.
teadfastness of heart and not being disturbed about the imaginary things that
bad thoughts may bring to mind. For when
a person gives in to his imagination and lets
his mind be disturbed by these thoughts,
such as fear of disease and the like, or anger and confusion stirred up by some grievous matter, or the expectation of bad things
and the loss of good things, that will fill him
with worries, distress, mental and physical
illness and nervous breakdowns, which will
have a bad effect on him and which causes
a great deal of harm, as many people have
seen.
But when a person depends on Allah and
puts his trust in Him, and does not give in
to his imagination or let bad thoughts overwhelm him, and he relies on Allah and has
hope of His bounty, that wards off his worries and distress, and relieves him of a
great deal of mental and physical sickness.
It gives indescribable strength, comfort and
happiness to the heart. How many hospitals
are filled with the mentally sick victims of illusions and harmful imagination; how often

have these things had an effect upon the

hearts of many strong people, let alone the
weak ones; how often have they led to foolishness and insanity.
It should be noted that your life will follow
your train of thought. If your thoughts are
of things that will bring you benefit in your
spiritual or worldly affairs, then your life will
be good and happy. Otherwise it will be the
opposite.
The person who is safe from all of that is the
one who is protected by Allah and helped
by Him to strive to achieve that which will
benefit and strengthen the heart and ward
off anxiety. Allah says, And whosoever puts
his trust in Allah, then He will suffice him
(Quran, 65:3). He will be sufficient for all that
is worrying him in his spiritual and worldly
affairs.
he one who puts his trust in Allah will
have strength in his heart and will not
be affected by anything he imagines or be
disturbed by events, because he knows that
these are the result of vulnerable human nature and of weakness and fear that have no
basis. He also knows that Allah has guaranteed complete sufficiency to those who put
their trust in Him. So he trusts in Allah and
finds peace of mind in His promise, and thus
his worry and anxiety are dispelled; hardship is turned to ease, sadness is turned
to joy, fear is turned to peace. We ask Allah to keep us safe and sound, and to bless
us with strength and steadfastness of heart,
and complete trust, for Allah has guaranteed
all good things to those who put their trust in
Him, and has guaranteed to ward off all bad
and harmful things from them.
If bad things happen or there is the fear of
such, then you should count the many blessings that you are still enjoying, both spiritual
and worldly, and compare them with the bad
things that have happened, for when you
compare them you will see the many blessings that you are enjoying, and this will make
the bad things appear less serious.

'Hijab ban in schools a campaign against Islam'

The government has to take practical step to end the discrimination of Muslims students in
schools.
Pointing to the Hijab ban by several schools which include public school, Sheikh Muhammad
Dor, an ODM nominated MP said Muslims were increasingly viewing the practice as an affront
against their religion.
While the ban was mainly confined to areas outside North Eastern and Coast province, the
Sheikh who is also the secretary general of the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya
(CIPK) and Imam of Mbaruki mosque in Mombasa said some schools in Coast province-a
majority Muslim region-had also taken a bold step to ban the Muslim dress.
Speaking to The Friday Bulletin, he said despite the clear constitutional provision of freedom
of worship and the Childrens Act which call for the respect and protection of the religious
rights of children, many institutions were deliberately discriminating against Muslim pupils.

Saturday Lecture
How to interelate with the inlaws
Ustadha Nura
11th July 2009 2.00 pm-4.00 pm
Jamia Mosque Multi Purpose Hall
SISTERS ONLY
3

Story Continues To Page 8

Muslim Sisters' Lecture

Venue: MAKINA LIBRARY (KIBERA)
Date: 11th July 2009
Theme: Nyumba Yenye Furaha
Speaker: SHEIKH JUMA AMIR.

Rajab 17 1430/July 10 2009

The Friday Bulletin

WOMEN ISSUES

How do we relate to non-Muslim relatives?

Dr. Aisha Hamdan offers practical advice to reverts
bers 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 rather conduct dawah [invitation to Islam] with
strangers. This may be due to the fact that if a stranger does not
accept what we are saying we can just go on our way, but when
family members do not understand or are reluctant to enter discussions, it may put a strain on the relationship. Regardless of the difficulty that we encounter, 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 individual.
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.
Educate them about 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 specific
practices, requirements, and prohibitions. This should always come
with an explanation of the rationale for each action so that a complete and true understanding may be obtained. If family members
realize the logic involved in the religion it may be easier for them to
accept and even begin to respect these practical aspects. This obviously means that the Muslimah needs to be educated herself, but
this should only be one more incentive to continuously gain knowledge. It is also helpful to become familiar with the religions of other
family members so that some common ground may be shared. For
example, stimulating discussions may be generated around the fact
that references pertaining to requirements for hijab and fasting, and
prohibitions against pork, alcohol, and usury (interest) are present
in both Christian and Judaic teachings and books. This may also be
effective in generating other questions such as why there are such
similarities between these three religions, the only answer can be
that there is one Allah who has sent the messages since the beginning of Man.
Consider putting conditions on visits
There will obviously be times when it will be necessary to place
limitations during visits with families. For example, it would not be
appropriate to sit in areas where alcohol or pork is being served or

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 diyn, another realization soon begins to surface, the challenges and questions have not
ended and may only have just begun. This is particularly 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 reverts are female (although the trend may be changing
as more men enter Islam) and also because women may have more
opportunity to visit with and spend time with other family members.
If children are involved, this will most definitely be the case. We
understand, of course, that parents and other relatives should be
treated with kindness and respect and that there are serious consequences for one who severs the ties of kinship.
The challenges and questions that arise concern the boundaries
and specific guidelines that need to be established for dealing with
non-Muslim relatives, primarily as it pertains to practical aspects of
the religion. Let's take a look at a few scenarios to clarify the topic.
Read through the scenarios and the guidelines that follow and determine which guidelines should be used for each scenario.
SCENARIO #1
Sarah, a new Muslimah, has always had a close relationship with
her parents and siblings and does not want this to change now that
she has become Muslim. Her family has been very understanding,
even making accommodations for Sarah so that she continues to
feel comfortable during her visits with them. A few examples are:
they no longer serve pork at meals, alcoholic beverages are removed from sight, etc. Several family members have even begun to
ask questions about Islam and its beliefs and practices.
SCENARIO #2
Sumayyah has been a Muslim for almost 5 years now and she has
been struggling with her family since the beginning. When she goes
to visit them, there is often loud music playing or an inappropriate
program may be on the television. Her family does not take her
religion seriously and often joke about her hijab or the "strict requirements" such as prohibitions against alcohol, gambling, etc. Although Sumayyah has tried to teach her family about the things that
make her feel uncomfortable and that are offensive to her beliefs,
the family refuses to change its lifestyle just because she is visiting. She is somewhat shy about discussing these issues with her
family and does not want to offend them. These issues have begun
to concern Sumayyah even more as her children get older and she
worries about the negative influence that her family may have on
them. Holidays are particularly challenging topics.
SCENARIO #3
Zahra is in a particularly difficult situation because each time that
she visits with her family they confront her about her new religion.
This has been occurring for several years since she became Muslim and has become increasingly more serious. Her family is very
upset and unhappy about the changes she has made in her life
and sometimes tells her that she must be "crazy." There have even
been blatant attempts to ridicule and embarrass Zahra, her husband, and their children. Following overnight stays by the children,
Zahra often discovers that they have deliberately been exposed to
things that she has clearly explained as prohibited in Islam. On one
occasion, the family served pork during a meal and joked in front of
the children about the ridiculousness of this prohibition. Zahra feels
very estranged from her family, but worries about breaking the ties
completely. Some of her family members have already done this of
their own initiative.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
Educate them about Islamic beliefs.
One of our main goals each time that we go to visit family mem-

The Friday Bulletin Kitchen

Continued on Page 6

CRISPS FRIED FISH

Ingredients
8 fish fillets
I cup white flour and another 3 tbsp
tbsp baking powder
3 tbsp oil
1 egg white
cup Luke warm water
Salt to taste
Ginger, garlic and green chilies chopped.
Method
Wash and pat dry the fish fillets. Rub juice of lemon, coat with
3tbsp flour and keep aside.
For the batter, mix 1 cup white flour. Add the salt, black pepper,
baking powder, ginger, garlic and crushed green chilies.
Make a well in the centre and add 1 tbsp oil. Gradually add the
Luke warm water and whisk. Keep aside for hour.
Whisk 1 egg white till stiff and fold into batter.
Dip fish in batter and fry till crispy and golden brown.
Share your favourite recipes with our readers. Send them to P. O. Box 4062900100 or email:fridaybulletin@islamkenya.com or fridaybulletin@gmail.com

Rajab 17 1430/July 10 2009

The Friday Bulletin

YOUTH AND CHILDREN

Aneera `Ali

Why Can't We Be Friends?

Many of our children ask why they can't be friends with the opposite
gender. They say it is just friendship and there should be no restrictions
prohibiting them from hanging out or just being friends with the opposite
gender. Within school, work, or the community there is no problem for
young men and women to talk or meet with one another as long as they
are wearing the proper Muslim attire and, of course, abide by Islamic
regulations in this regard. However, if we observe what is happening in
the present society, we will understand that most of the problems that
exist socially do so because of this one issue of men and women having
the freedom to mix with one another without any limitations.
When young boys and girls meet freely in their tender teenage years,
natural changes are occurring they start developing interest in one
another. When they are without limits around one another, this leads
to exploration. This is natural, for they are humans, but this leads to
experiments and emotional involvement. When they experience sexual
contact, it feels good, which is natural.
Sequence of Events
If the girl is unlucky, she gets pregnant and the boy backs off from the
responsibility. The boy's family all of a sudden remembers that he is
young and his future will be ruined. The girl is left with feelings of humiliation, with the possibility of abortion, and with her family unable or
unwilling to support another life. If they can, they do, but most of the
time this is with disapproval. If the girl is left on her own and has the
baby, she may go on with an incomplete education, no other source
of financial support, and unaffordable child care. The children of such
unfortunate mothers repeat this pattern. There are laws providing that
the father of the baby has to be economically responsible for his child,
but he will try his whole life to escape this.
Then you have the diseases that result from these clandestine relationships, the money spent on cures for these diseases.
Regaining Balance
Islam recognizes and allows sexual expression within a framework
where it can be enjoyed without repercussions for the couple, the offspring, and society at large i.e. within marriage.
When someone gets married, he or she is not just signing a paper. In
marriage, the person is recognizing the natural needs of humans and at
the same time entering into a contract before Allah with witnesses who
will ensure that the two individuals are now committed to each other
totally.
The man is responsible for the economics of the household, providing
for the wife and children, and he cannot turn away from his duty. The
woman is responsible for raising and teaching the children, preserving
the household, and then for whatever is of mutual agreement. If they are
faithful to each other they will stay in a healthy and enjoyable relationship in sha' Allah, in which they have completely and totally given themselves to each other and to no one else. It is truly special and beautiful.
This way sex is respected and honored, unlike in schools and on college campuses where sex has become a sport, without value or honor.
How can it be special and wonderful if it becomes so common.

Great Stories

Giving a Helping Hand

Prophet Muhammad (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) and
his companions (radhiAllahu anhum) went on a journey. They travelled by camels.
After much travelling they got tired. On the way
they stopped to rest. They decided to make a small
camp and cook their food. So they put their camels
comfortably to rest and gave them grass to eat. After that his companions decided to divide the work
among themselves.
One companion said, "I will go and slaughter the lamb
for meat." Another companion said, "I will clean the
ground around the camp."
The third companion said, "I will do the cooking."
Prophet Muhammad (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said,
"I will bring wood for the fire."
All the companions (radhiAllahu anhum) said with
one voice, "No, Sir, we will do that for you."
But the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) replied,
"I very well know that you all will do that for me.
But it is not good for me to sit idle while you work. I
am your companion. I must work as much as you do.
Allah does not like any one to enjoy any superiority
over his companions."
So saying, the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam)
went to gather fire wood.
Key Points: It is not good to sit idle while others
work; you should always share the work with your
companions.
ANSWERS TO LAST WEEK CROSSWORDSPUZZLE
ACROSS
3 Paradise
13 Purify
4 Quran
15 Allah
6 Hijab
16 Muslim
7 Torah
9 Fast
11 Hajj

DOWN
1 Shahada
2 Prophet
5 Zakah
8 Ruku
10 Sunnah
12 Islam
14 Imam

Kibaki pledges more funding for Kazi kwa Vijana

President Mwai Kibaki said the Government will increase funds for the
Kazi Kwa Vijana programme in all parts of the country including the
North Eastern Province to ensure the youth are gainfully engaged and
are not involved in criminal activities.
The President stressed that the Government was committed to ensuring equitable distribution of the Kazi Kwa Vijana funds and challenged
the youth to take advantage of the programme to earn a living and also
contribute to national development.
He said that the government was aware of the problems facing the residents of North Eastern province and had stepped up efforts to address
them.
Citing the ongoing famine that has adversely affected many people in
the province, President Kibaki said the Government will increase the
provision of relief food to alleviate the suffering of wananchi while long
term measures are taken to curb the problem.

Plans are underway to import more maize to cushion wananchi

from the famine that has affected many parts of the country, the
Head of State said.
The President also pointed out that the Government was also
working towards finding a lasting solution to the problem of water scarcity in North Eastern Province .
Speaking during the meeting the North Eastern Leaders, led by
Defence Minister Yusuf Hajji and Northern Kenya Development
minsiter Mohammed Elmi, thanked the President lfor initiating
the Kazi Kwa Vijana programme saying it will assist in providing
employment for the youth in North Eastern Province.
The leaders also assured President Kibaki that they will continue working with the Government in ensuring that security prevails in the province.

The Friday Bulletin

Rajab 17 1430/July 10 2009

FEATURE

Miraa, Poverty Break Kenya Muslim Families

kind of responsibility."
Helpless and poor Mrs. Qamar Issa,
Khat is the most commonly-used
37, holds her baby girl on her chest
drug in the region and many men
outside her mundane home in the
have a strong addiction to it caustown of Mandera near Kenyas poing both financial and family stress.
rous border with war-torn Somalia.
In many parts of the barren towns,
The hardworking middle-aged mothmen turn to chewing for more than 12
er has been the sole provider for her
hours of their day. "They abandon us
family since she got a divorce in
completely once they start chewing,"
2008 following a protracted domessays Hareda Idle, a new divorcee
tic controversy in her homestead.
from Garissa, the provinces capital.
She has managed her family chores
"We better part ways with them."
single-handedly, including provision
Religious leaders affirm that addicof meals and medical care for her six
tion to drugs, widespread among the
children. "I am fending for my fampopulation, leads to family disputes
ily like a mother and a father. It has
that usually end with divorce. "Most
been my own responsibility since
couples have in this case failed to get
our divorce."
along and this is attributed mostly to
In an open air market alongside a A mirra trader sits in stack of his wares: Mirra has been

irresponsible husbands who are
dusty street in the remote town,
blamed for various social problems
in North Eastern
found chewing Khat the whole day,"
Qamar endures the scorching
province where it is consumed
on a large scale

Sheikh Mohamed Abdi, a member of
temperatures to eke out a living by
selling vegetables. "With the help of Allah I can care for my children Mandera Council of Imams and Preachers, told IOL.
"These men are always late comers, and mostly they dont contribute
alone," says the bubbly mother of two boys and four girls.
Experts say the story is quite common in the drought-devastated to the family bills."
province where the number of single mothers has been on the rise. But grinding poverty is another major factor in the marriage crisis in
"Divorce rate has been following an upward trend," Rukia Abdille, an the Muslim-majority region. "The basic causes [for divorce] in this
official at the local municipal council of Wajir town, told Islamonline region can be traced to the increasing economic crises and financial
problems," insists Abdi, the Wajir council official.
(IOL).
According to local right groups and religious leaders, roughly 40 He says the divorce rate has been affected by recurring droughts that
percent of marriages in the predominantly Muslim province end in devastated an already fragile traditional economy where people survive on pastoral farming."Because of subsequent droughts, the cost
divorce.
In Mandera alone, an average of 400 family dispute cases are report- of living increased dramatically. The struggle to make a living resulted
ed a month.A spot-check by IOL revealed that more than 50 percent in damaged marriages."
of women in Mandera are divorcees who eke out a living in the most Many warn that children are the silent victims. "While divorce is often
necessary, there is no denying rising divorce rates signal societal isdeplorable conditions.
Qamar says that divorcing her kids careless, drug-addict father is a sues," says Sheikh Muhammad Abdalla, the Kadhi of Wajir.
decision she does not regret. "The father to my children is a Khat Qamar, the Mandera divorcee, laments that no body has taken the
addict," she said, referring to a mild stimulant tree drug common in responsibility of tackling the issue. "The community must stand up to
east Africa. "He often turned late for home, he has never shown any make urgent interventions." (Islamonline.net)

Story From Page 4

Relating with non-Muslim relatives

where inappropriate programs are being watched on the TV. One

can discreetly move to another room if this is an option. In families
where it is particularly difficult and members have refused to be respectful towards one's religion, then it may be essential to limit visits
or put conditions on where visits will take place. It may, for example,
become a rule in your family that visits will only occur in your house
and that certain beverages are not allowed.
This would obviously be the easiest way to control what occurs during these times and be another effective way to introduce relatives
to "life as a Muslim". It is always important to remember that ties of
kinship are important but not at the expense of leading us to disobedience to Allah. Allah says, "If they argue with you to commit shirk,
of which you have no knowledge, then do not obey them; however
you should still treat them kindly in this world..." (Surah Luqman
31:15)
4. Use creative ways to engage family members. Creativity can go
a long way sometimes and be especially effective in more difficult
situations. Discussions about Islam may be stimulated by sharing
an interesting and attractive book, pointing out a recent story in the
newspaper, or by watching a video that introduces Islam or covers a particular topic. The Muslim who is really proficient can divert
relatives with interesting talk or useful activities and entertainment
such as sports activities, board games, computer games, etc. This
will give the others an alternative to forbidden things and make for
a much more enjoyable experience for all. It will be especially helpful in alleviating the worry that is often present when children are
involved.

For Sarah in Scenario 1, all that may be required of her may be

guidelines one and two above. She has a fairly easy path ahead of
her with many opportunities to educate family members about Islam. In actuality, these suggestions should be used with any family
regardless of the particular circumstances.
Scenario 2 As for Sumayyah, she will have a more difficult time
and may need to incorporate step three in her plan for working with
relatives. There is some potential here and distraction may be most
beneficial in reducing the haram activities that family members engage in during visits. She will also need to be creative in stimulating
discussions about her religion and may want to determine the special interests and "soft spots" of each person.
In Scenario 3, Zahra has a challenging road ahead of her and she
may initially want to consider limiting visits with her family, at least
in the short term. She should continue to follow guidelines 1-3 and
may find it helpful to share her struggles with other Muslim women
who would be able to offer support and advice. The most important thing to remember is that Allah is aware of our struggles and
that these are tests for us to see which of us are most righteous.
Allah says, "You shall certainly be tried and tested in your wealth
and properties and in your personal selves; and you shall certainly
hear much that will grieve you from those who received the Scripture before you and from those who ascribe partners to Allah. But if
you persevere patiently and become pious, then verily that will be a
determining factor in all affairs and that is from the great matters."
(Surah Al-imran 3,186).

Rajab 17 1430/July 10 2009

The Friday Bulletin

One Shilling Foundation-On the path to realize the dreams of the Ummah
The thoughts of brightening the future of the Muslim Community has pre-occupied the minds of the Muslim leadership for a long time. Many have spoken on the need for the
establishment of Muslim run social institutions like a Muslim
university and a well equipped modern hospital which would
provide essential services for the Ummah.
All these have remained pipe dreams-at least in Nairobidue to the absence of comprehensive efforts to raise funds
for these important projects.
Muslims in Kenya are estimated to be ten million comprising
a third of the population. With these numbers and coupled
with proper measures, we should not be relying on foreign
financial support to undertake some of these projects.
The concept of every Muslim contributing one shilling per
day has been on the lips of stakeholders for a while but
it was not until this year that the Park Road Muslim Youth
Group started implementing this concept, albeit on a small
scale. Through their efforts, funds were collected from worshippers and channelled to social projects like Ramadhan
feeding programmes in Majengo and Machakos areas.
With this initial success, it was seen that the concept could
play a more important role if taken on a broader national
level with a capacity to improve on health situation, learning
institutions and other social amenities.
With collaboration with Ummah Foundation which has been
involved in uplifting the welfare of the community, the One
Shilling Foundation was thus born.
The Foundation is expected to launch fundraising activities
initially beginning with mosques around Nairobi before extending the concept in other parts of the county.
Every Muslim irrespective of his or her economic status can
easily participate and contribute to this noble cause by donating one shilling. The concept gives Muslims a chance
to contribute to sadaqatul jariya not as it has been misconstrued to be a preserve for the rich. These contributions
will supplement donations by well-wishers whose efforts are
being frustrated by growing needs of Muslims, said Ramadhan Aula, the Programme Coordinator.

The Foundation is convinced that big dreams such as provision of affordable health facilities, development of Islamic learning institutions such as a
Muslim University and provisions of other social amenities that will benefit
the Muslim community in Kenya as a whole will be realized, he added.
To ensure transparency, financial reports will be regularly published and the
Ummah informed on the projects which will be undertaken.
The mosques earmarked to be involved in the project include Jamia mosque,
Abubakar Mosque along Sixth Street Eastleigh, Makina mosque in Kibera,
Bilal mosque in South C, Park Road mosque and Arab Friendship mosque
in Hurlingham. Drop off points have also been set up at Ramadhan Butchery
Hurlingham, Ramadhan Fast Food - River Road, Wabary Ltd - Showbee
Plaza, Pangani and the One Shilling Foundation secretariat- Village Plaza,
Ngara.
Contributions can also be made through ZAP or MPESA to 0732 613 333 or
0717 613 333 respectively

Gulf African Bank General Manager-Operations Ahmed Hashi (left)

presents a television set to Jabir Al-Kindy, Business Banker (right) who
won the set in the ongoing Changamka campaign. The campaign is
open to both staff members and customers.

Concern expressed on low enrollment rates in Universities

Muslim educationists have decried the lower number of Muslim students enrolled in higher institutions of learning.
Although Muslim make up more than 10 percent of the Kenyan populace, this has not been reflected in the percentage of the students
who are enrolled in universities and middle level colleges.
Speaking during the educational and career exhibition held at Cleopatra hall in Malindi over the weekend Professor Muhammad Rajab,
the principal of Pwani University College challenged Muslim parents
to be in the forefront to ensure that their children acquire higher education. He expressed dismay over the low rate of Muslim students
who are seeking admission into institutions of higher learning including Pwani University College. The institution was recently upgraded
to offer university degree programs as a way of reducing the imbalance of education in the province.
The exhibition brought together parents, high school students and
exhibitors from different institutions of higher learning including University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, Jomo Kenyatta University,
Pwani University College, Kenya Medical Training College, Kenya
Institute of Mass Communication, Mombasa Polytechnic and other
exhibitors from local and international universities.
More than 300 participants attended the event which was organized by Malindi Educational Development Authority and Nairobi Area
Muslim Students Association (NAMSA).
NAMSA chairman Taalin Abdullahi noted that the main purpose of
the exhibition was to increase awareness on the educational opportunities available in the institutions of higher learning to the parents
and students who are currently in high school.
It is sad to note that quite a majority of the students do not clearly
understand what is ahead of them after high school, he said.

Most of them do not know the universities in the country and this
exhibition helped them understand the different courses available,
the entry requirements and the other options one can pursue in
case he or she can not make it into their dream career, added the
chairman.

VACANCY TEACHERS
Jowhar Al Islam Secondary School, a well
established community school in Mandera
is seeking to recruit Graduate Teachers
with the following combinations:
BIOLOGY / CHEMISTRY
ENGLISH / LITERATURE
Any one meeting the above qualification to
send their cv and testimonial to:
THE MANAGER
P.O BOX 4563 00506
NYAYO STADIUM
NAIROBI
Before 24th July 2009

World condemns Chinese Muslim tragedy

World countries and organizations condemned on Tuesday, Chinas deadly crackdown and excessive use of force against
Muslim Uighurs, insisting that China must
address the root causes for problems in
the Muslim-majority Xinjiang region. "The
great number of casualties among civilians
indicates that the principle of proportionality of the use of force and fire arms was not
observed," the Organization of the Islamic
Conference (OIC) said in a statement.
At least 156 people died and more than
1,000 people injured on Sunday in Urumqi, capital of China's autonomous Muslimmajority Xinjiang region. The authorities
crack downed on Uighurs who took to the
streets to protest discrimination as well as
cultural and religious controls.
Many have blamed China for the heavy
death toll, saying the protests were peaceful until security forces over-reacted and
fired indiscriminately on crowds. "According to international basic principle on the
use of force and fire arms, law enforcement officials should resort to non-lethal
methods in confronting civilian riots," the
umbrella grouping of 57 Muslim countries
said.
The United Nations also lamented the
high death toll. Navi Pillay, the UN High
Commissioner for Human Rights, insisted
it was "extraordinarily a high number" for

people to be killed and injured in less

than a day of protests.
The OIC insisted that Beijing must do
more to bring justice to Xinjiang.
"The Secretary General called upon the
Government of China to carry out prompt,
effective and transparent investigation of
this grave incident and bring those responsible to quick justice and to take all
possible measures to prevent its recurrence."
The Muslim umbrella organization also
called on Beijing to address the root
causes of the problem. "The Islamic
world is expecting from China, a major
and responsible power in the world arena
with historical friendly relations with the
Muslim world, to deal with the problem of
Muslim minority in China in broader perspective that tackles the root-causes of
the problem," said the statement.
Xinjiang and its Uighur Muslims, a Turkish-speaking minority of more than eight
million, continue to be the subject of massive security crackdowns.
Muslims accuses the government of settling millions of ethnic Han in their territory with the ultimate goal of obliterating its
identity. They also cite a recent government plan that has brought the teaching
of Mandarin Chinese in Xinjiang schools,
replacing their local dialect.

'Hijab ban a campaign against Islam'

Story From Page 1

The Sheikh called for practical action from

the education ministry saying it has to do
more to end the discriminative practice.
In March, education permanent secretary
Karega Mutahi, issued a circular to school
heads asserting that they should respect
the religious faith of their students. This
was after increasing complaints against
the banning of Hijab, forcing Muslim students to offer Christian Religious Education (CRE) instead of Islamic Religious
Education (IRE) and the practice of some
schools forcing Muslim students to attend
church services.
Some of the schools which have discriminative practices against Muslims include
top performing public schools like Kenya
High School, Pangani Girls, Loreto Convent and Sacred heart Secondary School.
Sheikh Dor said the government has a responsibility of safeguarding the religious
rights of Muslim children and its lukewarm
response is a source of concern for the
Muslim community.
Last week, parents from several schools
in Malindi and Kilifi districts threatened to
demonstrate against an order banning the
Hijab in the institutions. Among the schools
include Majaoni secondary school, Paa la
Kumi secondary school, Kakuyuni primary
school, Mka wa Moto secondary school,
Mwijo primary school and Kajiwe primary
school.

Sheikh Muhammad Dor

In a similar development, parents of St

George Girls Secondary School, a public
school in Nairobi have written to the ministry of education complaining about discrimination of Muslim students. The list of
grievances include the ban on Hijab, forcing the students to undertake CRE instead
of IRE and failure by the school administration to provide a place of worship for the
students. While we appreciate the quality
of education our children are receiving at
the school as parents, we would like the
above issues touching on their faith addressed, said the letter which was copied
to among others National Muslim leaders
Forum (NAMLEF), the Supreme Council
of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) and Jamia
Mosque Committee.

The Importance of Giving

To give from ones wealth in charity is from one
of the greatest actions that Allh has blessed
Muslim with. To spend in charity or sadaqah has
been mentioned in numerous Qur'nic verses
and Prophetic narrations. Its importance and necessity simply cannot be emphasised enough for
as the Prophet (sallallhu 'alayhi wa sallam) said,
"Sadaqah is a proof" (Muslim) i.e. to give in charity actually proves a person's religion and faith,
and especially their 'sidq' with Allh which means
'truthfulness and sincerity' with ones Lord.
Allh says in His Noble Book: O you who believe!
Spend of that with which We have provided for
you, before a Day comes when there will be no
bargaining, nor friendship, nor intercession."
The Messenger of Allh (sallallhu 'alayhi wa sallam) said, "There is no day in which the slaves of
Allh arise except that two angels descend, one
saying, "O Allh, replace the charity for the one
who spends!" whilst the other says, "O Allh, destroy the wealth of the one who holds back (from
giving in charity)". (Bukhri and Muslim)
He also (sallallhu 'alayhi wa sallam) said, "O
Son of Adam, if you spend from that extra you
have been given (above and beyond your basic
needs), it will be much better for you. If you withhold it, it will be bad for you." (Muslim and Tirmidhi)
This reality is often very difficult for people to grasp
that whatever one gives in charity is something
which will be a huge source of reward for its giver
and this is the real way to spend our wealth.
It is clear that one should never under-estimate
the value of small good deeds, especially giving
charity, and even more so when you give to others what you might have some need for.
Giving Sadaqah doesn't have to mean making
one go poor. The Prophet (sallallhu 'alayhi wa
sallam) said, "Whoever gives the amount of a
date in Sadaqah from good halal earnings - and
know that Allh does not accept but that which is
good Allh will accept it with His Right Hand and
will nurture the Sadaqah for its giver as you nurture your young colts, until the Sadaqah becomes
like the Mount of Uhud." (Buhkri and Muslim)
The huge reward to be earned in giving charity
is not just the remit of the very rich. The Prophet
(sallallhu 'alayhi wa sallam) said, "One dirham
has become greater than a hundred thousand
dirhams." The companions asked, "How can that
be O Messenger of Allh?" He replied, "A rich
man takes a hundred thousand dirhams from his
wealth and gives it away as Sadaqah. Another
man has nothing except two dirhams, and so he
takes one dirham and gives it away in charity."
(Nas'i)
We find ourselves in difficult times, both individually and as a community. The poor are simply becoming poorer and more desperate, with poverty
and famine raging like an insatiable fire.
One of the greatest responsibilities of life is to
ensure that we do the right thing with the money
we earn giving it away as charity is clearly the
greatest continual action one can do with it until
we enter a grave where that money will be of no
avail.
To give Sadaqah is the expiator of our mistakes
and a very small amount can bring unimaginable
spiritual and material rewards, both in this life and
in the Hereafter.

The Friday Bulletin is a Publication of Jamia Masjid Committee, P. O. Box 100786-00101 Nairobi, Tel: 2243504/5 Fax: 342147 E-mail: fridaybulletin@islamkenya.com or
fridaybulletin@gmail.com. Printed by Colour Magic Production Ltd-Kirinyaga Crescent P. O. Box 9581-00100 Nairobi