Sha'aban 08,1435/June 06,2014 Issue No.

579
This Newsletter contains some of Allahs names. Please do not throw in the trash. Either keep, circulate or shred
Friday Bulletin
The
The Weekly Muslim News Update
www. i sl amkenya. org
Page 2
End wholesale criminalization
of Muslims
Council of Catholic Bishops on the
spot over intolerance
Page 8
Page 3
Kuwait to Distribute 250,000
Quran in Brazil
The Kenya Conference of Catholic of Bishops (KCCB) has
been put on the spot after it abruptly cancelled a lease for a
popular Somali restaurant at its Waumini House in Westlands
area.
Al Yusra Restaurant which operates from Banda Street had
leased space for its upcoming fagship branch in Nairobis up
market business area but a shocker came when it received
a notice of objection from the Bishops council alleging that it
was unaware of the lease which it had entered with leading
estate agent Knights and Franks.
Through its lawyer Rahma J illo, the restaurant termed the
action discriminatory and expressed its shock that the high-
est decision organ of the Catholic Church could take such
a step which negated the principles of integration and toler-
ance among Kenyans. This is not only discriminatory but
highly objectionable in view of recent past screening of Mus-
lim Somalis being profled on grounds of ethnicity. This is dis-
criminatory, unconstitutional and against the teachings of the
Catholic Church, she said in the letter which is also copied to
the National Cohesion and Integration Commission.
The allegation that the reputable frm of Knight and Frank
Limited did not have authority or consent of your client, is not
only a lame excuse but outright false, she added.
In a correspondence dated May 28, the cancel lawyer Charles
Continued To Page 2
Sha'ban: The Neglected
Month
Mombasa county leaders used the Madaraka
day celebrations to raise their concerns over
the harassment of Muslims by security per-
sonnel in the guise of fghting terrorism.
The leaders led by the Mombasa Governor
Ali Hassan J oho faulted the operation and
accused the security personnel of arbitrary
arrests and detentions of innocent people
without following the due process of the law.
Joho said it was unfair for the security offc-
ers to use the ongoing crackdown to intimi-
date and extort money from members of the
Muslim community especially those from the
Somali and Arab communities stressing that
as citizens of this country their fundamental
and constitutional rights are to be protected
and respected.
''We support the operations and all of us need
security to be guaranteed but the profling of
individuals because of their religious or ethnic
background must cease and everyone must
be treated with due respect and in human
manner without violation of his or her fundamental rights,'' said J oho.
Among incidents he cited were the arrest of an expectant mother who
had to part with Sh10, 000 to secure her freedom and detention of a
bridegroom on his way to his wedding. The offcers involved should be
punished because what they are doing is criminal, he said.
J oho stressed that the rule of law must be followed by the security per-
sonnel in the event of any criminal activities instead of administering
collective punishment and victimizing of innocent people.
He called for an urgent security meeting for county leaders to address
cases of harassment and corruption by police offcers in the anti-terror
operations
On radicalization of youth, the Governor said it was imperative the gov-
ernment engaged Muslim leaders and the youth to address the prob-
lem instead of alienating, condemning and taking measures which only
help to escalate the problem further.
Echoing his sentiments, the Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar said it
was wrong for the government to implement policies that violate the
rights and discriminate against its citizens contrary to the constitution
which emphasizes that no one should be discriminated basing on his or
her tribe, colour, creed and religion.
He added that while Muslims voted overwhelmingly for the new con-
stitution expecting it will safeguard their rights and address historical
injustices, the current clampdown is sending a wrong signal that the
much praised constitutional dispensation was not meant to beneft
members of the community.
The Senator stressed that that Kenyans should stand against vested
Continued To Page 8
Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho, the County Senator Hassan Omar and Changamwe
MP Omar Mwinyi in consultations during the Makadara clebrations
NEP bloodletting abhorable
Kuwait to Distribute 250,000 Quran in Brazil
The Friday Bulletin Sha'aban 08,1435/June 06,2014
NEP bloodletting abhorable
Page 2
Continued From Page 1
Bishops on the spot
Kanjama claimed that the premises could
not be used as a restaurant, "due to the
character of the property and the area" but
belying the claims, the same premises had
previously housed the Exotica restaurant
The leased premise was previously a res-
taurant and had all the structure and set up
of a restaurant, including a kitchen. This is
the main reason why our client was inter-
ested in the said premises, said Rahma.
The lease agreement further stipulated that
the premises are to be used as a restau-
rant only and change of user will not be
permitted during the period of the lease
without the lessor's consent.
According to the Al Yusra manager, Abdi-
wahab Feiysal, the church body had way
back in April expressed its reservations at
having a Somali run business at the prem-
ises and this was expressed by the head
of the Catholic Church Cardinal John Njue
in a meeting with the restaurant offcials
which was called at his request at the Holy
Family Basilica.
He was categorical that they are uncom-
fortable with Somali Muslims and proposed
that they will compensate us for the loss of
business. While this was done in bad faith,
we agreed to the proposal but to our shock
the church offered us Sh2 million as com-
pensation. After having invested Sh18.5
million in the business, this is totally unac-
ceptable, he told the Friday Bulletin.
He insisted that contrary to allegations
from the church, they had a valid tenancy
agreement and they had been granted pos-
session of the premises since December
last year. How comes they did not raise
any objections at that time if there was no
agreement. This is an act of mischief and
we did not expect that the Council of Bish-
ops can fabricate lies, he said.
This has been done deliberately and
it is shocking that it came from the high-
est decision-making organ of the Catholic
Church. We are being denied because we
are Muslims and Somalis," he added.
He insisted that they are willing to forego
the matter but the Church has an obligation
to compensate for the investment, loss of
business and anticipated proft during the
six year tenancy agreement.
The manager said failure to honour its com-
mitment, the next point of action will be to
the courts to seek legal redress. They vio-
lently occupied the premises and have not
allowed us access to the area. There are
laws in this country and we believe that we
will ultimately get justice, Abdiwahab said.
The property managers Knight Franks
have maintained a studious silence insist-
ing that they are under "strict instructions"
from KCCB not to speak to the media."
Last Friday, agents from the church
stormed the premises and forcefully evict-
ed a security guard who was left with in-
juries. The case has been reported at the
Pangani police station.
Over the last few weeks, the counties of
Mandera and Wajir have been wreaked
by violence which has left trails of blood-
letting and destruction of property.
The consequences of these horrendous
acts by marauding gangs have left more
than 30 people dead, tens of families
without breadwinners and a host of newly
created orphans and widows staring at a
bleak menacing future.
Hundreds of residents are now classifed
as Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)
after their homes were razed and burnt
to the ground.
Sad to mention, these bloodletting which
has been a perennial occurrence in these
areas and the wider North Eastern region
is being driven by clan differences. Many
lives have been lost, scores left with inju-
ries and property destroyed after people
who erstwhile have been neighbours liv-
ing together in harmony suddenly decide
to turn weapons against each other with-
out even sparing the innocent children
who barely know what is happening. All
these in the name of upholding tribal or
clan rights.
What is more disturbing is
that in such scenarios, even
those who are considered
alims (scholars) tend to put
away the Islamic garb and
adorn the clan attire. Political leaders
who are supposed to bring the commu-
nity together also join the same band-
wagon marshal support to their cause.
Sadly, these horrendous acts happen
among people who have the same faith,
speak the same language, share cul-
tures and traditions and for outsiders it
becomes an intricacy to distinguish their
physical features. But while these fac-
tors in other communities are a source
of strength, to our brothers and sisters
in Mandera, Wajir and the neighbouring
counties, they serve little to bring the
community together.
It has to be understood that no one
chose to be born into a particular clan,
tribe or race. This is a divine decree
which mankind has no control over and
it is foolhardy to take others as adversar-
ies who deserve to die on the basis of
their clan or tribal affliation. In one of the
most remarkable verses which empha-
sis the equality of mankind, the Quran
categorically states, O mankind, indeed
We have created you from male and fe-
male and made you peoples and tribes
that you may know one another. Indeed,
the most noble of you in the sight of Al-
lah is the most righteous of you. (Surat
Hujuraat :13)
Prophet Muhammad on whom be Al-
lahs peace and blessings was clear that
tribalism and racism is a rotten and dis-
honored way of lifestyle and repudiated
those who spread this vice. He is not one
us who calls for `Asabiyyah, (nationalism/
tribalism) or who fghts for `Asabiyyah or
who dies for `Asabiyyah.
In its narrowness, tribalism advocates
blind support of its own people whether
they are right or wrong, oppressing or op-
pressed and does not stand for justice and
harmonious living.
Those who live by these principles and
call them Muslims, could only be practic-
ing the faith from outside the tenets of the
Quran and Sunnah.
One of the driving factors of this carnage is
the so-called Maslah, the traditional courts
system. Some of these killings are per-
petrated when the killers are fully aware
that they will not be individually punished
for their crimes and their actions will be
covered by the community through com-
pensation under the Maslah courts. These
acts of paying money for the victims en-
courages more killings as criminals know
they can get away with murder through
monetary compensation and they will not
be held culpable for their crimes.
While the concept has been borrowed
from the blood money
concept which is derived
from the Islamic juridical
system, it has been cor-
rupted to help criminals
evade justice. This system should either
be reviewed to ensure that criminals are
held culpable or abolished altogether as it
is only helping to foment bloodshed.
North Eastern region is one of the most
deprived areas of the country. The region
has lagged behind in economic develop-
ment and social decadence is widespread.
Child and maternal mortality is among
the highest in the country, the number of
school going children is negligible and
scarcity of food and water is the norm
rather than the exception. In the past few
months, it has faced insecurity challenges
where scores of innocent people have lost
their lives.
It is rather surprising that amidst these
factors, instead of people coming together
to address these challenges, issues of
clan differences and fghting of boundaries
are given priorities.
It remains the obligation of the government
to ensure that the lives and properties of
Kenyans are protected and it should rein
in hard these marauding killers and ensure
that bloodletting comes to an end.
Ultimately, the key to end these senseless
killers lies in the community who must face
hard facts and come out of jahiilya (igno-
rant) practices and embrace virtues which
respect lives and properties of all people
irrespective of their tribal, racial, clan or
religious differences. This is what Islam
teaches us and this is what is required
upon us as Kenyans.
EDITORIAL
The Friday Bulletin Sha'aban 08,1435/June 06,2014
One would agree that from the most unfor-
tunate things possible is to be the rightful
recipient of some good news a present
maybe, a gift of money, a bequest etc but
then one remains unaware of this fact, or
doesn't pay attention to all the phone calls
informing him of such glad tidings.
So there's your present waiting for you,
and you're not really aware to its full worth
or value no-one else is going to claim it
on your behalf and if you knew its real sig-
nifcance, you'd never leave it to waste!
Yet the Prophet, peace be upon him, told
us, as narrated by Al-Imam al-Bayhaqi,
that: "Sha'ban is a month between Rajab
and Ramadhan, much neglected by peo-
ple. In it, the actions of all servants are
raised to the Lord of the Worlds; I love that
my actions are not presented except that I
am fasting."
Here is a man, the wisest and most eager
of creation to obtain all possible good, who
saw this blessed month of Sha'ban very dif-
ferently to many of us. He, peace be upon
him, would never leave it to waste, rather
he would be seen fasting almost the entire
month of Sha'ban, only ever surpassed by
the fasting of the whole of Ramadhan.
So why exactly is that?
There are numerous authentic reports that
detail how the majority of Sha'ban was
spent by our beloved Prophet in a state of
fasting; a state which heightens our God-
consciousness, makes us aware of our de-
sires and the need for their control, makes
us aware of the problems and diffculties
of so many poor people around the world
when we feel those pangs of hunger. The
fasting one becomes very mindful of their
tongue and how they abuse by it, their eyes
and how they deviate from purity, their
hearts and how much flth enters it without
willful control.
All in all, there is nothing more conducive to
sincerely worshipping our Master, the Lord
of the Worlds than doing so whilst fasting.
But doesn't that occur whenever someone
is fasting? Why then the month of Sha'ban?
With Ramadhan just around the corner,
where many of us really do 'make it or
break it' for the rest of the year due to the
quality of our 'ibadah (worship) in it, it be-
comes paramount to prepare properly for
this once in a lifetime opportunity. After all,
do you know whether you'll ever be lucky
enough to greet another one? Weren't
the Sahabah (Companions) described by
Ma'la ibn Fadhl as those people who spent
six months of the year asking Allah to ac-
cept their 'ibadah of their previous Ramad-
han and the next six months asking just to
be allowed to reach the next one?
So often do many of us think we can just
turn up to the show in Ramadhan, take a
seat and watch the game, see the team
win and go home happy at the end. What a
huge mistake.
Page 3
Sha'ban: The Neglected Month
By Abu Eesa Niamatullah
Hence the greatness of
Sha'ban, that blessed op-
portunity to see whether we
can make the mark, the mock
exam before the impend-
ing fnals, the last practice in
front of the mirror before the
key interview .
DA'WA
SUNDAY LECTURE
SUNDAY
Topic: Usihuzunike
By: Ustadha Maryam Ibrahim
8th June 2014 Time: 2.00 pm -4.00
pm
Venue: Makina Mosque Kibera
Spending thirty odd days of Ramadhan
refraining from food and drink from morn-
ing to night isn't the second pillar of Islam
known as siyam. No I think people might
be getting a bit confused there don't you.
That's just a hungry and thirsty person,
someone who in reality, has just wasted
his time.
Rather as the Prophet, peace be upon him,
advised us, we need to avoid all the well-
known slips of the tongue, eyes, heart and
really just our desires in general in order to
be one who fulfls the conditions of Ram-
adhan. We need to make sure that we
adorn our fasting with all other possible
extra good actions such as praying extra
nawafl (voluntary prayers), giving char-
ity, re-establishing family ties, increasing
our social and da'wah (presenting Islam to
non-Muslims) work, displaying generosity
to Muslims and non-Muslims alike, extra
dhikr (remembrance), memorisation of the
Qur'an etc. Surely that is the whole point
here that we fast so as to be more aware
of our actions and that they are presented
to Allah, the Most High, in their best pos-
sible light.
Only with such a high quality day of fasting
can we really have hoped to achieve the
desired consequence that all our previ-
ous sins are forgiven and that we enter His
Garden with His pleasure, if Allah wills it.
But don't think such a day is easy to come
by. Rather it is the exception although it
shouldn't be like that. Hence the great-
ness of Sha'ban, that blessed opportunity
to see whether we can make the mark,
the mock exam before the impending f-
nals, the last practice in front of the mirror
before the key interview although each
practice is important itself, mistakes that
are made here are blessed ones if they
are learned from and not repeated at the
key moment.
This has to be our aim in the remaining
days of Sha'ban. Try and make it a real
and sincere practice effort for Ramadhan
which is only a few weeks away keep
a note of all your external and internal
actions during the day whilst you refrain
from food and drink and be horrifed at the
amount of rubbish we espouse from our
bodies on a daily basis. It's going to be a
major wake-up call and all praise if due
to Allah for that I would rather that I'm
rudely awoken today than be found in a
drunken stupor during Laylatul-Qadr (the
Night of Power) ...
Don't you want to take full advantage of
Ramadhan when it comes? Don't you
want to proft whilst the doors of Heaven
are thrown wide open, the doors of Hell
are slammed shut and our greatest detrac-
tors of all, the devils, are frmly chained
up? Which believer doesn't welcome those
open doors and which sinner of us doesn't
sigh with relief at the taming of the Fire if
but just for a small moment?
For as the poet said: "Whoever is shown
mercy in Ramadhan is marhum (blessed,
receiver of mercy), whoever prohibits for
himself its good is mahrum (devoid of
blessing and good) and whoever doesn't
take provision and sustenance from it is
malum (has no-one to blame but himself)."
So at this 'neglected time', when the ma-
jority of our friends, family and community
are not paying attention to what could be
gained, the environment is not conducive
to steeling one's resolve and focus on that
which is good, where people are concen-
trating on 'enjoying' themselves as much
as possible before the 'hardships' of Rama-
dhan during this time, let us strive to per-
fect ourselves now and learn from our mis-
takes whilst we prepare for the 'Big One',
so as to really achieve the objective behind
fasting and indeed life itself to become
those who are constantly aware of Allah
(al-Muttaqun).
How on Earth can we possibly achieve
this if we just dive into Ramadhan without
a care in the world, not having conditioned
our bodies, physically and spiritually in
Sha'ban? How can we work on preserving
our energy during Ramadhan, not simply
to last till Sunset, but to pray all the extra
sunnah available if we don't try and test
ourselves now? How will we know the
looseness of our eyes if we don't catch the
Family Resource Centre is
organizing a Fundraising
Luncheon and Lecture: Zakah
and Social balance by Prof.
Abdullatif Essajee
Venue: Arabian Cuisine Res-
taurant
Date: 8th June 2014 From
10.30 am.
Proceeds will go towards FRC
activities
For more details contact:
0722785964/0717767888
FUNDRAISING LUNCHEON
Continued To Page 7
SUNDAY LECTURE
The Friday Bulletin Sha'aban 08,1435/June 06,2014 WOMEN
page 4
Fasting is an act of worship and obedi-
ence to God. It humbles the human heart
and makes conscience of Gods pres-
ence.
{The month of Ramadhan is the one
in which the Quran was sent down, a
guidance for mankind, clear proofs for
the guidance, the Criterion; so whoever
amongst you witnesses this month, let
him fast it.} (Al-Baqarah 2: 185)
The Month of Ramadhan will be arriving
in just a few short weeks. Muslims from
around the globe have been awaiting its
auspicious arrival for the past year.
Once it arrives, it will be gone before you
know it.
Make the most of this Ramadhan and
spiritually gear up for an amazing month
of fasting and worship of God. There are
several different areas that you can fo-
cus on now, to ensure that you are spir-
itually ready to shine during this Month.
Get Your Physical Home in Order
Before you can focus on spiritual mat-
ters, you need to get your physical home
in working order. Clutter, dust and disor-
der all take a toll on cognitive process-
es. A home that is in disarray leads to
a thought process that is similarly clut-
tered. A messy living space can create
anxiety, nervousness and worry. All of
these emotions are distracting to the
Muslim when he is seeking to pray and
worship. It also makes fasting and pre-
paring the Iftar meal more diffcult.
Use the next few weeks to your ad-
vantage. Declutter your home by
throwing away useless items and
donating unwanted ones to charity.
Replace broken furniture and appli-
ances with ones that you can afford
to ensure everything is in working or-
der. Dust, mop and polish every sur-
face until it sparkles. Remember that
cleanliness of the home and body is
a great virtue in Islam.
Personally, every Ramadhan I re-
serve one corner of my home that is
exclusively for prayer. That means
that even my children are not al-
lowed to play in that area or disturb
me when I am engaged in worship.
Understand the Reasons Behind
Fasting
Before you can begin the month of
fasting, you need to know why Mus-
lims fast in the frst place. The reason
can be found in the Quran:
{O you who believe! Observing the
fasting is prescribed for you as it was
prescribed for those before you, that
you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the
pious)} (Al-Baqarah 2: 183)
Fasting is an act of worship and obe-
dience to God. It humbles the hu-
man heart and makes conscience of
Gods presence. Fasting also helps
us to control our basic human desires
By Sumayyah Meehan
Spiritually gearing up for Ramadhan
Continued To Page 5
such as thirst and hunger. The fasting person feel
pangs of hunger during the fasting day and can
empathize with the less fortunate who feel similar
pangs due to poverty as a part of daily life. Break-
ing of the fast each day is also a great joy and
mercy from God.
Follow the Sunnah of the Prophet when fasting
in Ramadhan. Turn to Islamic books or articles to
learn about ways in which the fast is invalidated
so that you can abstain from inadvertently break-
ing your fast. In these coming weeks, attempt a
couple of trial fasts so that you can get the hang
of fasting long before Ramadhan begins. I always
try to engage in a few fasting days well before
Ramadhan to prepare my body for the rigors of
the fasting month.
Perfect Your Prayers
If you have not perfected your prayers yet, now is
the time to do it. God Almighty says in the Quran:
{And I did not create the jinn and mankind except
to worship Me.} (Adh-Dhariyyat 51: 57)
The Month of Ramadhan includes the fve daily
obligatory prayers as well as the nightly Taraweeh
prayers, which are recommended for all Muslims.
If your prayers are lacking now, you might strug-
gle to keep up with prayers during Ramadhan. It
is a great sin to miss a single prayer. Perfect your
prayers now. These days you can learn how to
pray properly from a DVD or even on the website
YouTube. If you have any doubts, contact your lo-
cal Imam and ask for assistance in learning how
to perform the Islamic prayer properly.
Spend Time Learning the Quran
For most reverts, their frst encounter with the
Quran is a translation of it in their own language. A
translation is not the same as the real book, which
was revealed and recorded in Arabic. To truly un-
lock the beauty and blessings of the Quran, one
must learn the Arabic language. Start by learn-
ing Arabic alphabet. There are countless books,
workbooks and DVDs available for sale online
that teach the Arabic language. Granted, you
cannot learn an entire language before Ramad-
han commences. But you can take small steps in
the learning process. You should also continue to
read a translation of the Quran, which will help to
increase your Islamic knowledge and understand-
ing of the religion.
Give Up Vices Now!
Vices such as backbiting, slander, lying or cheat-
ing are just a few of the unlawful activities that hu-
mans engage in. There is no room for these types
of vices in the Islamic faith. Purging them from
your heart will work wonders for your faith and
help you live a life in accordance with Islam. The
fasting day can even be rendered invalid as a re-
sult of certain vices. Prophet Muhammad (peace
be upon him) said: "Whoever does not give up
false speech and acting upon it, and ignorance,
Allah has no need of him giving up his food and
drink." (Al Bukhari)
Dont wait until Ramadhan arrives to give up your
vices, do so now to increase the chances that all
of your fasting and worship in Ramadhan will be
accepted.
The Friday Bulletin
page 5
Sha'aban 08,1435/June 06,2014
"Whoever does not give
up false speech and acting
upon it, and ignorance, Al-
lah has no need of him giv-
ing up his food and drink."
(Al Bukhari)
Have you ever wondered why it is diff-
cult to concentrate in your prayer? Or why
your faith throughout the year is not on a
high like it is during Ramadhan? Maybe it
is because we usually jump straight from
a phone conversation into Takbir or be-
cause we just go with the fow in Rama-
dhan and are infuenced by the environ-
ment around us and not our own real
feelings.
A lot of us usually live life and have our
faith dependent on an upcoming major
event i.e. Im going to start reading a
page of Quran a day as soon as Rama-
dhan starts; Im going to start praying Qi-
yam every night when I come back from
hajj; or, Im going to stop smoking when
my child is born. And because of this
way of thinking we usually end up with
an anticlimax; we dont end up giving up
smoking, we dont end up praying Qiyam
and we start reading Quran but then get
back to our normal old self after a few
days or weeks.
This is because these statements or
feelings are based on impulse and not
a real thought out plan. We usually dont
prepare for Ramadhan or hajj or have a
plan for our faith to stay at the increase;
we just go with the fow and expect it all to
happen. Well, it doesnt!
Wouldnt you love to enter the month of
Ramadhan on a real high and have the
effects of this beautiful month be a per-
manent impact on your life thereafter?
How can this be done? Below are the 8
steps for a Legacy of a Ramadhan.
Step 1 Create a Ramadhan Count
Down
Counting down for Ramadhan (whether it
is done mentally or by keeping physical
signs around the home or offce) will help
create hype and buzz in your mind and
amongst the people around you. When
you and others are counting down to the
same event, it becomes part of regular
conversation and excitement spreads.
Step 2 Seek knowledge about Rama-
dhan
This will help you ensure you will do
things correctly and perfectly for Rama-
dhan, it will create a hype as there are
many motivational aspects and events in
the month to look forward to and fnally it
is a reward reaper. The more you know
about Ramadhan the more you can apply,
hence multiplying your rewards.
Step 3 Make a Ramadhan plan
Be it reading the entire Quran, ensuring
you pray taraweeh every night or invit-
ing families over for iftaar; make a list of
things you would like to achieve in the
month and then how you plan on achiev-
ing these goals. It is important that goals
are realistic and it is better that your life
doesnt need to entirely take a different
road in this month (i.e. take the month off
work or change work hours etc.) so that
you may continue to do these deeds af-
ter Ramadhan. Knowing what you want to
achieve in the month will help you stay
focused. Ensure you plan your day eve-
ry night before you sleep when Ramad-
han starts (try to continue this even after
Ramadhan).
Step 4 - Know your life
Be aware if Ramadhan affects anything
that is happening in the month or shortly
after. Do you have exams during Ramad-
han? Or is there a major family wedding
after Ramadhan by a short time? Mov-
ing house? If so, plan for these events
from now. Study now so that you are
prepared for the exams before the month
starts. Be packed and ready to go before
Ramadhan or plan that you do it after so
that it doesnt take time away from your
worship. The last thing you want to do is
spend Ramadhan at the shopping cen-
tres. Buy any Eid presents and prepare
for any wedding before the month starts.
Step 5 Prepare spiritually
We all know that Ramadhan is about Fast-
ing, Praying, Reading Quran and giving in
charity. Start these worships early; dont
expect to just click into it as soon as the
frst day of Ramadhan starts. Start doing
extra prayers from now, start revising and
regularly reading Quran now, get used to
being generous and follow the Sunnah of
the Prophet Muhammad salallahu alayhi
wa salla and fast during Shabaan.
Step 6 Prepare your mind
Fasting is to refrain from more than just
what we consume in our mouth. Start
working on your patience; be extra vigi-
lant with your conversations: ensure you
are not backbiting, slandering or talking
about useless things.
Step 7 Say good riddance to bad
habits
Know what bad habits you have and stop
them from now, dont wait until Ramadhan
begins. If you sleep late, start sleeping
early, if you are a Facebook junky start
cutting down, have a coffee craze, slow it
down etc. It might sound much easier said
than done, but once youve committed
yourself, purifed your intentions make
sincere dua for guidance. InshaaAllah,
these bad habits will be easier done with
than you ever expected.
Step 8 Plan your life around your
worship
For instance; instead of working through
your prayer or setting up meeting etc., at
prayer times, plan that you have a break
at prayer time. Dont take your phone with
you to the place you pray and forget the
world as you stand between the hands of
the Almighty Allah.
YOUTH
8 Simple Steps to Help You Prepare for Ramadhan
Wesam Kerayem
Other vices like drinking alcohol, consum-
ing drugs or engaging in other unlawful
activities should also be completely ab-
stained prior to Ramadhan. If you wait un-
til the fast has begun, you risk the quality
of your fast and may have trouble fulflling
each fasting day.
Open Your Hand
Prophet Muhammad was generous year
round, but he was most open handed dur-
ing the month of Ramadhan. Remember
that in Ramadhan each good deed that we
perform is multiplied by seventy times or
more. It is a good idea to be generous with
your wealth as much as possible. This is
aside from the Zakat, which is poor alms
in the amount of 2.5% of the yearly wealth.
For those who cannot spend freely, there
are other ways to be generous. You can be
generous with your time by offering help to
a fellow Muslim in need or by helping to
make repairs to the local Mosque. Prophet
Muhammad said that even smiling is con-
sidered a charity. So meet your Muslim
brethren in faith with a hearty Assalamu
Alaykum and a smile from ear to ear.
The Month of Ramadhan is like a gentle
breeze that hastens to cool a sweltering
summer night. However, just as quickly as
it arrives, it bids farewell much too soon.
Get ready to welcome Ramadhan today,
so that you can take full advantage of the
blessed days and nights once it arrives.
Spiritually gearing up
for Ramadhan
Continued From Page 4
Islamic Lecture
By Imam Qasim Ahmed, a re-
nowned scholar from the Unit-
ed Kingdom and Founder of Al
Khayr Foundation (An Interna-
tional charitable organization
based in the UK)
The Lecture will be held on Sat-
urday 7th June 2014 at Park-
lands Mosque after Maghrib-
Kindly attend and beneft
The Friday Bulletin
Sha'aban 08,1435/June 06,2014
Islamic insurance provider Takaful Insur-
ance of Africa (TIA) has embarked on
a regional expansion drive opening up
branches in Somalia. Plans are underway
to diversify the operations in Uganda, Tan-
zania and Djibouti.
This was disclosed by the managing di-
rector Hassan Bashir who said the growth
was a demonstration of the growth and im-
pact of the sharia-based insurance model
in the region.
We are emerging as a stronger player in
the insurance sector with adequate capi-
talization to meet the needs and require-
ments of members, he said.
The provider has commenced operations
in Mogadishu, Somalia and the autono-
mous areas of Garowe and Bossaso in
Puntland as well as Hargeisa in the self-
declared republic of Somaliland.
The company is currently in talks with
regulatory authorities in Tanzania, Uganda
and Djibouti which are the next frontier in
the regional expansion drive.
The managing director made the disclo-
sure during a declaration of the surplus
Sh11 million for policy holders who did
not lodge any claims in the year. A further
Sh42 million of the surplus proft will be re-
served in the risk fund.
Takaful Insurance follows the Sharia law
on the principles of shared responsibility
where policy holders come together to pool
their risk in a fund and have an interest in
its performance. In the event that the fund
generates a proft at the end of the year,
the proft is distributed among eligible poli-
cyholders.
The Takaful model of insurance is one
of a kind in Kenya, and with it comes a
high level of transparency regarding the
management of risk funds, a factor that
additionally distinguishes us from the con-
ventional insurer, said the TIA chairman
Abdirahman Sheikh
The CEO of National Oil Corporation of
Kenya (NOCK) Sumayyah Athman who
was the chief guest challenged the com-
pany to come up with additional innovative
products in the oil and gas sector to exploit
the emerging opportunities with the discov-
ery of oil in the country.
Speaking at the event, Abdulla Abdulkha-
lik, the C.E.O of Gulf African Bank one of
the two fully fedged Islamic banks in the
country called for mutual working relations
between Islamic institutions saying that
Takaful insurance in regional growth
page 6
their services are complimentary to each
other.
Takaful provides a wide range of insurance
products which meet Islamic specifcations
include the Takaful Retirements Benefts
Scheme (Pension) and the unique Index
Based Livestock Cover which is an inno-
vative product that insures pastoralists
against loss of forage and livestock. The
product was launched in partnership with
the International Livestock Research Insti-
tute (ILRI).
In attendance at the event were represent-
atives from the Shariah Supervisory Coun-
cil, the Insurance Regulatory Authority, and
the Association of Kenya Insurers among
others.
Mosque leaders in Western Kenya region
have been challenged to exercise effec-
tive leadership when serving the Muslim
community.
Addressing a one week workshop for
Mosque committee leaders at Eshisiru
Islamic and Da'wah centre, the Western
regional chairman Council of Imams and
Preachers of Kenya (CIPK), Sheikh Ibra-
him Sadalla said as community leaders,
it was important for them to lead by ex-
ample through adhering and inculcating
Islamic values in their daily affairs while
serving in their various capacities.
He further stressed that it was prudent
for them to embrace teamwork in order to
bring about unity and development for the
beneft of the local Muslim communities.
Sheikh Sadalla noted that when they
were elected to serve Muslims in their
present capacities, it meant Muslims had
confdent and high hopes in them, and
Mosque Committee leaders urged to serve
Muslims effectively
eyes out now? How will we ever realise
how much we gossip and backbite during
Ramadhan when we don't try refraining
ourselves from the rafath and fsq during
our fasts today?
Surely, the fact that we can perfect our-
selves and reach the true goal during Ram-
adhan simply by exerting ourselves now
during Sha'ban is a compelling argument
for why the Companions observed that
when they saw the Prophet, peace be upon
him, fasting at this time, they thought he'd
never eat again - may Allah bless him, give
him eternal peace and reward him with the
very greatest of rewards!
Last, but certainly not least, for those who
look for bargains and the like at such times
(and who wouldn't considering how miskin
to our Lord we all are!), there is another su-
per jackpot moment in this blessed month.
If all the obvious benefts were not enough,
we also have a special night in which for-
giveness is on a unique limited offer for the
Believers.
The Neglected Month
Continued From Page 6
urged them to come up with strategies
that will enhance and concretize Muslim
unity, development and strength.
''I urge you to work as a team and
strengthen the unity of Muslims in your
areas for prosperity'' he said.
He further pointed out many mosques
were experiencing ineffciencies in their
management committees because of
poor leadership and said it was high time
leaders improved on their leadership
skills through capacity building to effec-
tively serve the community.
The workshop was organized by the
Muslim Group for Development and
aimed at building leadership skills. It
attracted over 145 mosque committee
leaders from Western, Nyanza and Rift
Valley regions.
The chairman of Takaful Insurance of Africa Abdirahman Sheikh (Right) and the managing
director Hassan Bashir exchange notes during the meeting
The Friday Bulletin NATIONAL Sha'aban 08,1435/June 06,2014 Sha'aban 08,1435/June 06,2014
Exponential growth of Islamic fnance forecasted
page 7
The discovery of mineral resources and
the mega infrastructure projects as well
as strategic partnership from Middle East
countries are factors which serve to drive
the next phase of growth in Islamic banking
in the country.
With Kenya having established itself as the
hub of Islamic fnance in the region, the
recent economic developments portend a
great potential for the growth of the sector.
These sentiments were made by the chair-
man of the First Community Bank Hassan
Varvani who lauded the government for its
support for the Islamic fnance sector which
has witnessed exponential growth in the
last six years.
Recent discoveries in oil and minerals in
the region and in Kenya, mega infrastruc-
tural projects such as the rail corridor that
aims to connect South Sudan to Lamu in
Kenya, the Standard Railway Gauge from
Mombasa to the hinterland, a Greenfeld
airport project besides are part of the excit-
ing opportunities that lie before us, he said
in his address during the 11th Islamic Fi-
nancial Services Board conference in Port
Louis Mauritius.
Varvani said regionally, Kenya boasts of a
better qualifed human resource in the Is-
lamic fnance sector and with the sophis-
ticated fnancial and telecommunication
infrastructure has an enabling environment
to drive opportunities in the growth of Is-
lamic fnance.
There is ready access to an expectant
niche market with a multitude of discern-
ing Muslims who have in the past few years
begun to demand shariah compliant foods
and fnance, he observed.
The chairman hailed the regulatory authori-
ties in the country for the unstinted sup-
Muslims urged to maintain reading culture of the Qur'an
Muslims in Western Kenya regions have
been urged to maintain the tradition of
reading and memorizing the Noble-Qur'an
and taking madrasa education seriously.
This was emphasized during Western
Kenya Qur'an recitation and memorization
competition held in Bungoma County at
Tawhid Mosque recently.
Addressing participants, Bungoma county
Commissioner Muhammad Maalim who
was the chief guest said seeking knowl-
edge was the frst command to Prophet
Muhammad Salallahu Alayhi Wa sallam,
hence learning and memorizing the book
of Allah was a fundamental aspect of Islam
and called on Muslims to sacrifce more
time and energy to realize the objectives of
reading and learning the Qur'an.
Maalim noted that knowledge is the only
tool and way to carry the Muslims to the
level of being masters of all affairs and
asked Muslims to emulate the companions
of Prophet Muhammad Peace be upon Him
who despite their old age were eager and
port to make Kenya the hub of Islamic
Finance.
He said at present the two Islamic Banks
control 1% of the banking assets in the
country and have been ranked among the
better performing fnancial institutions in
the country. The opportunities arising from
the growth of Islamic Finance are not lost
on the dominant Conventional banks in the
country and the region, which are similarly
investing in Islamic Financial models either
as Windows or stand-alone subsidiaries,
he further said.
Varvani however, noted that Islamic fnance
was still at its infancy and this necessitates
training more personnel to take the indus-
try to further heights. The three Kenyan
stand-alone Islamic Financial Institutions
employ over 700 personnel, but less than
10% of these are graduates of Islamic Fi-
nance, he said.
The summit attracted key global leaders in
the Islamic fnancial services industry un-
der the theme New Markets and Frontiers
for Islamic Finance: Innovation and the
Regulatory Perimeter. It was hosted by
the Bank of Mauritius and offcially opened
by the Prime Minister Navinchandra Ram-
goolam.
took pain to learn and memorize the Noble
Qur'an.
He further called on Muslim parents to initi-
ate dialogue with their children to maintain
Islamic ideals and keep them away from
immoral behaviours and falling prey to dis-
gruntled groups.
Maalim decried that many Muslim parents
had neglected their responsibilities of be-
ing role model and leaders in their homes
adding that some parents have left their
children lead lives which are inconsistence
with Islamic moral values.
''You cannot be a leader in your house
when your wife and children have their own
way of life, you go to the mosque and your
sons goes to miraa joints to chew the nar-
cotic substance while your daughters goes
to nightclubs. This is not the kind of leader-
ship Islam wants,'' he said.
The county Commissioner reiterated gov-
ernment's commitments to ensure in-
creased security and called on the Muslim
community to cooperate with the govern-
ment offcials in ensuring peace and har-
mony are maintained by reporting suspect-
ed criminals to the relevant authorities
On his part the lower Western Kadhi Sheikh
Kassim Ratori called for the establishment
of secondary level madrasa in the region to
absorb those pupils who complete primary
level to continue with their studies instead
of ending at primary level.
The Imam of Tawheed mosque Ustadh
Malik Kipsang urged madrasas to present
more participants in the competitions as
this will inculcate good moral values, build
self-esteem among Muslim children and
further instill the reading culture of the no-
ble-Quran.
Over 23 Madrasas from Western and Rift
Valley regions participated in the two days
event that was sponsored by Al-Isaan
Community Development Organization
in partnership with the Kadhi's offce and
Bungoma Muslim community.
The managing director of First Community Bank Omar Sheikh (Right), the bank chairman
Hassan Varvani with the Governor of the Bank of Mauritius Rundheersing Bheenick and
Jaseem Ahmed the Secretary General of the Islamic Financial Services Board during the
IFSB 11th summit meeting in Mauritius
The world is going through enormous economic,
developmental and technological changes. These
rapid and wide-ranging changes pose the threat
that the poorer people will be left behind, leading
to more income and wealth gaps between the rich
and the poor and also between the urban and the
rural communities. The risk of social and political
unrest arising from the imbalances and disparities
is too real. The cases indicate ways of dealing with
such challenges by enhancing the capabilities of
the poorer communities.
In light of these facts Ummah Foundation in collab-
oration with Hass Foundation has embarked on a
joint project in Lugari District of Kakamega County.
We have genially adopted measures that enhance
overall educational productivity by constructing 8
classrooms, Administration block, library and oth-
er ancillary facilities for Macho Muslim Secondary
School. It is the only Islamic School in Lugari Dis-
trict (Sub-county) in a poverty stricken setup. This
will go a long way in catering for the needs of our
primary school graduates.
It is our objective that the School will be one of its
kind in the area and will be used to impart useful
knowledge and be a source of proper upbringing of
our students who have lacked the religious moral
backgrounds for a very long time. Previously those
who graduate from the adjacent primary schools
could not fnd a proper Muslim learning environ-
ment but with the establishment of this properly
managed school, a lot is expected both in terms
of academic excellence and moral development.
The project was initiated by Macho Muslim Self
Help Group. They approached Hass and Ummah
Foundations for development funding after strug-
gling with the local challenges for a very long time.
The project has started and we hope in a period of
four to fve months, the School should be ready for
maximum utilisation.
It is mutually agreed that Ummah and Hass Foun-
dations will be the offcial sponsors of the School
after completion but the daily running and manage-
ment will be left to the locals who are represented
by Macho Muslim Self Help Group. Both the Foun-
dations will be involved in improving the effciency
in various operational aspects and policy making
that will see the institution an excellent centre of
learning. We would like to thank Hass Foundation
for their amiable reception of teaming up with Um-
mah Foundation to see this project is a big success.
It is our prayer that Allah Subhaanahu wa Taala will
open other avenues for more like-minded Organisa-
tions to come on board and initiate more projects
that will help boost the general standards of our
people.
We encourage other Muslim groups and organisa-
tions to emulate this inspiring example and work
together to improve the lives of our communities.
Unity has its own way of making the impossible
very possible!
Contact us:
Ummah Foundation
Village Plaza, 2nd Floor, Ngara Rd
P.O. Box 58717- 00200 Nairobi
Tel:020-2680610/13 Mob: 0734 845277
Email: info@ummahfoundation.net
Unity of Good
Purpose
Kuwait's Awqaf Ministry has announced plans to distribute 250,000 free copies
of Quran translations in different languages in Brazil during the FIFA World Cup,
reaching out to a wide range of people for different cultures and backgrounds.
According to the Kuwaiti daily, Al-Qabas, the ministry's Quran Board announced
that it has held a tender for the procurement of the copies.
The board said the required quantity would be in four languages including Span-
ish, Portuguese, English and French. These copies, according the paper, will be
distributed in hotels, stadiums and other public places.
Earlier this month, it was announced that a special guide book has been pub-
lished in Brazil for Muslim fans in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Titled Salam (hello) Barazil, the 32-page booklet has been published by the
Union of Islamic Associations of Brazil in cooperation with the Omani embassy
in the South American country.
Head of the Union Muhammad Hussein Al-Zuqbi said the book provides Muslim
fans with addresses of Islamic centers, places of worship, halal restaurants and
entertainment centers whose activities are in accordance with Islamic Sharia
laws.
He said it also contains a brief history of Islams presence in Brazil and the cul-
ture of Brazilian Muslims.
According to Al-Zuqbi, copies of Salam Brazil have been provided to airlines in
Islamic and Arab countries to be distributed among Muslim passengers traveling
to Brazil.
Kuwait to Distribute 250,000 Quran in Brazil
Dont criminalize Muslims, govt told
interests who wanted the continuation of the status quo and had their minds on
sabotaging the implementation of the constitution.
On his part, the Mvita MP Abdulswamad Nassir told police to observe the rule of
law and stop unnecessary harassment of innocent people saying that residents
are losing faith in the security agencies.
We are wondering whether there has been an Executive order to torture resi-
dents. The operations have been badly conducted and residents are losing a
sense of patriotism, Abdulswamad said.
He said will raise the matter in Parliament and demanded that security offcers
who violate the law should be arrested and charged in accordance with the law.
Continued From Page 1
North Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson has paid a special visit to the Islamic
Center in Belfast, making a public apology to the countrys Muslim community
over comments he made against Islam.
"I have had a very welcoming visit to the Belfast Islamic Centre. I have been
received in friendship, and respect," Robison said outside the Islamic Center
after meeting Muslim leader, Blefast Telegraph reported.
"I came here to make it very clear that the members of the Islamic community
are a very important and valued part of our society in Northern Ireland.
"I know many of you centre on an issue of an issue of an apology - I apologize
to these gentlemen, if anything I said had caused them hurt."
The controversy erupted ten days ago when pastor J ames McConnell of the
Metropolitan Tabernacle in north Belfast told his congregation that a new evil
had arisen and there are cells of Muslims right throughout Britain.
Wading into the controversy, Peter Robinson, Democratic Unionist Party (DUP)
frst minister, supported McConnells claims in an interview with the Irish News
newspaper.
In a bid to calm rising anger in North Ireland, Robinson issued a statement in
which he apologized to Muslims who had been hurt or distressed by his com-
ments.
The apology followed Robinsons meeting with three members of Belfast's Is-
lamic Centre on Thursday to discuss the fall-out from his comments in support
of anti-Islamic pastor McConnell.
During Tuesdays visit, the Irish First Minister was offered a one-hour tour inside
the center after which he offered the public apology.
Irish Minister in "Public" Apology to Muslims
The Friday Bulletin is a Publication of Jamia Masjid Committee, P. O. Box 100786-00101 Nairobi, Tel: 2243504/5 Fax: 342147
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