Dhul-Hijjah 30,1435/October 24, 2014 Issue No.

599
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
Page 7
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Continued To Page 4
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Muslims women advised against Tetanus
vaccination
The conservatory orders banning
the wearing of the hijab at an Isiolo
school were last week set aside un-
til the determination of the case.
In a case fled by Muhammad Fugi-
cha, a parent of St Paul Kiwanjani
Day Mixed Secondary School, the
High court sitting in Meru allowed
female students to wear the dress
which is a mandatory requirement
of Islamic law.
Through a Nairobi lawyer Ali Mah-
mud Muhammad, the parent ar-
gued that the orders banning the
hijab were discriminatory and had
affected learning at the institution
as Muslim female students were
being denied entry into the school
compound. Some of the students
are candidates expected to sit for
their Kenya Certifcate of Second-
ary Examinations (KCSE), he told
the court.
The lawyer further argued that de-
nying Muslim students the right to
wear head scarfs and trousers is a
breach of their constitutional rights
to freedoms of worship and should
be reversed.
The wearing of the hijab is part and
parcel of the freedom of conscience,
religion thought and belief as en-
shrined in Article 32 of the constitu-
tion of Kenya and the same is be-
ing restricted and limited and being
derogated from its core essential
content by the petitioner contrary to
article 24 (2) (c) of the constitution
of Kenya, he told the court.
In an action which drew outrage
from the Muslim community, Justice
Nzioki wa Makau on September 22
acceded to a plea by the Method-
ist Church to ban the wearing of the
hijab at the school.
While the school is under the spon-
sorship of the church, the lawyer
however, maintained that it is a
public educational institution which
is wholly supported by the govern-
ment through the tax payers money
and all the teachers and non-teach-
Court suspends anti-Hijab orders
at Isiolo school
Kenyan rendition victims Muhammad Ali (Left) and Idris Magondu (Centre) together with
one of the Ugandans who are accused in the July 2010 bombings in Kampala, Uganda
follow proceeding in the constitutional court. The court rejected their plea for release after
their contention that their arrrest and rendition did not follow the law. See Story on Page 7.
Muslim women have been advised to stay
away from the ongoing tetanus vaccination
campaign being carried out by the health min-
istry.
Speaking during last weeks Friday Khutbah
(sermon) at Nairobis Jamia Mosque, the
Dawah offcer Muhammad Abdallah sent out
a caution note that the countrywide vaccina-
tion programme which targets women who are
of reproductive age could have adverse health
effects.
He urged women and girls to boycott the vac-
cination until the air is cleared as scholars and
Muslim health practitioners carry out further
investigations regarding the vaccine.
We should not allow our women and daugh-
ters to be vaccinated with this vaccine until
further notice he reiterated.
He raised queries why the vaccine was be-
ing administered on women between the ages
of 14 and 49 saying that this could point to a
covert population control scheme. Why only
target women who are at child bearing stage
and why is the tetanus vaccine not being ad-
ministered to men? questioned the Dawah
offcer.
On his part the Supreme Council of Kenya
Muslims (SUPKEM) Deputy Secretary Gener-
al Hassan Ole Naado urged Muslims to shun
Editorial:Vision 2030 for
Muslim youth needed
Protest as Lamu curfew is
extended
'High profile' suspect
released
The Friday Bulletin
Page 2
EDITORIAL Dhul-Hijjah 30,1435/October 24, 2014
It is often said that the young generation
is the foundation of a vibrant and produc-
tive future society. Indeed, affrmative ac-
tion that focuses on nurturing young men
and women has positive ramifcations
not only for them but for the society as
a whole.
This is why communities take initiatives
to nurture and empower the youth to lay
a frm foundation for the future wellbeing
of the society.
Coming to the Muslim community, there
are a myriad of challenges facing the
youth which are detrimental to their future
well being. At the Coast, drug abuse is
rife among young men and women and
it is not a secret that the vast majority of
addicts are Muslim youth.
In the predominantly Muslim areas of
North Eastern, miraa chewing forms
among the most important social activities
for the youth. Instead of bettering their
lives, like ruminant animals they choose
to spend most of the day nibbling at taste-
less twigs which have a rebounding effect
on their health and social welfare.
In general, Muslim youth perhaps take
a commanding lead in the unemployed
sector. Lack of education and marginali-
zation have for the most part contributed
to this social challenge which is rampant
in many Muslim communities.
It is a distressing fact that at the national
level, the identity of Muslim youth is main-
ly identifable with radicalism, extremism,
violence and terrorism and not positive
Islamic values and productive activities
which have a resounding impact on so-
ciety.
But all said and done, there is a need
to take an in-depth look at the challenges
facing our youth and explore means to
solve this problem.
It is imperative that the Muslim leadership
develops a social and economic blue print
which aims at nurturing their ambitions and
harnessing their potential. A Muslim Youth
Vision 2030, for instance should identify
the problems and outline short and long
term strategies to address the challenges.
As an example, various socio-economic
programmes tailor made for the youth are
currently available but are hardly accessed
by young men and women due to igno-
rance and other factors.
Over the years, the Youth Enterprise De-
velopment Fund has disbursed billions of
shillings to uplift the lives of youth but even
after these funds were disbursed through
Islamic fnancial institutions to ensure Sha-
riah compliance, only a tiny fraction of Mus-
lim youth benefted from these funds.
Presently, the government is aggressively
encouraging the youth to join the revamped
National Youth Service (NYS) where they
will beneft from a host of training activities
in various felds while the Kenya Defence
Forces have announced a recruitment
exercise for servicemen and technicians.
Such opportunities should not be left to
pass and Muslim youth need to be encour-
aged to take up these opportunities.
It is also crucial to inculcate among youth
the virtues of seeking an honest living. Re-
grettably many opt to remain idle and shun
informal opportunities which could help
them uplift their lives and probably serve
as a stepping stone to achieve higher eco-
nomic potentials.
It is a disturbing fact that in the informal
economy such as jua kali artisans, small
scale traders, the boda boda industry,
hawking, shoe shiners and boda boda
business, it is a rare occurrence to fnd
Muslim youth engaging in these economic
opportunities which requires minimum spe-
cialized training.
Even basic work in the booming construc-
tion industry, our youth remain a missing
factor and in some cases, mosques are
entirely constructed by non-Muslims.
This state of affairs needs to changed for
the better and modalities should be put in
place to nurture youth to ensure that they
are productive citizens who can contrib-
ute to the welfare of the society and the
nation at large
At the same time, the government needs
to see Muslim youth as good citizens who
like others, can also contribute to national
development and not pariahs who are a
threat to national security.
Instead of demonizing youth from areas
such as Majengo in Nairobi and Mom-
basa, it should come up with strategies
and work with Muslim leaders to address
these challenges which will go a long way
in empowering youth to be good citizens.
Condemnation and repeating what has
now become the radicalism mantra is
not a solution to tackle this challenge but
what is needed is genuine and sincere
strategies to change this situation.
Projects such as the Darul Irshaad Poly-
technic which is expected to be among the
few Muslim run institutions in the country
providing technical training to young men
should be accorded government support
as they aim at positively nurturing young
people.
Ultimately, individuals, the community
and the government all have a responsi-
bility to morally, socially and economically
provide a better life to the youth. Ignor-
ing this critical segment of the society
will leave them vulnerable to dangerous
wolves who are bent on exploiting them
and the ripple effect will trickle down to
the whole society.
A Muslim Youth Vision 2030 needed to address youth challenges
Fears over Tetanus
vaccination
For the fourth straight month, residents of
Lamu County will continue living under a
challenging environment of a dusk-to-dawn
curfew that portends more social and eco-
nomic hardships for area residents.
Following this weeks extension of the or-
der which limits movement during the dark
hours by the Inspector General of Police
David Kimaiyo, area leaders have lodged
their protest to the government against that
the order which they maintained is con-
tributing to the breakdown of social and
economic structures of residents of Lamu
Island.
Lamu governor Issa Timamy expressed his
anger at the order saying that it will worsen
the economic situation of the county. In the
last three months, the county incurred a
revenue loss of Sh500 million while thou-
sands of people have been left without
work and poverty levels are at an rising at
astronomical levels.The fshing sector and
small traders have no business. The curfew
has created a culture of dependence and
this does not augur well with able bodied
citizens of the county, he said at a press
conference in Mombasa.
The governor maintained that there was
peace on the island and called on the gov-
ernment to lift the curfew.
Woman representative Shakila Abdalla
read mischief in the order saying that it was
aimed at killing the local economy.
On his part, the Haki Africa Executive Direc-
tor Hussein Khalid said the curfew is push-
ing further the poverty index of the local
population and having a negative impact
on fshing and tourism which are the main
economy mainstay.
While residents of the island continue to
suffer from soaring poverty levels and so-
cial hardships, he said, it has been business
as usual for those on the mainland who de-
pend on farming which is conducted during
the day unlike fshing which takes place at
night. In addition, he said the curfew is de-
nying the predominantly Muslim resident
their constitutional right to worship as it they
Protests as Lamu curfew is extended
cannot go out for evening prayers.
The Mombasa based rights group further
reiterated that the negative impacts of the
curfew outweighed the gains so far made
and that insecurity can only be curbed if the
government works closely with the people
rather than victimizing them.
Civil society organisations such as the Law
Society of Kenya (LSK) and Muslims for
Human Rights (MUHURI) have threatened
to go to court and compel the police to with-
draw the curfew.
The groups have argued that the order is
discriminatory as several parts of the coun-
try which have suffered waves of insecurity
did not see the imposition of a curfew.
In recent days, residents have held dem-
onstrations in Lamu town protesting the
curfew and demanding its withdrawal. The
curfew was initially imposed to stabilize the
security situation in the area after spate of
attacks in July rocked the Mpeketoni area
leaving over 100 people dead.
The Friday Bulletin
Page 3
DA'WA
Dhul-Hijjah 30,1435/October 24, 2014
SUNDAY LECTURE
SUNDAY
Duration: 1 Months
Timings: 5.00 - 6.30 pm
Days: Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
venue: Jamia Multi-Purpose Hall.
Register yourself to know your Religion
REVERTS' CRASH PROGRAMME
Allah Subhanahu waTa'ala has chosen and
given preference to certain days and times
that are special and sacred in our religion.
The Prophet of Allah SalAllahu alayhi
wasallam said, The division of time has
turned to its original form which was cur-
rent the day Allah created the heavens and
earth. The year consists of twelve months
of which four are sacred: three consecutive
months, Dhul-Qa'dah, Dhul-Hijjah and Mu-
harram, and Rajab which comes between
Jumada and Sha'ban. [Bukhari and Mus-
lim]
Virtues of Muharram
It is one of the four sacred months. Allah
Subhanahu waTa'ala said, Verily, the num-
ber of months with Allah is twelve months
(in a year), so was it ordained by Allah on
the Day when He created the heavens and
the earth; of them four are Sacred. That is
the right religion, so wrong not yourselves
therein (9:36)
It is the best month to fast in after Rama-
dhan. The Messenger SalAllahu alayhi
wasallam said, The best fasting after
Ramadhan is the month of Allah Muhar-
ram, and the best prayer after the obliga-
tory prayer is prayer at night. [Muslim]
The Messenger SalAllahu alayhi wasal-
lam said, The best fasting after Ramadhan
is the month of Allah, Muharram. [Muslim]
The Prophet SalAllahu alayhi wasallam
called this month the Month of Allah.
When Allah AzzawaJal connects His Name
to something, it shows the great status and
virtue of the subject.
This month contains the day of
'Ashura(the tenth of Muharram).Ibn Abbas-
RadhiAllahuanhu was asked about fasting
on the day of 'Ashura and he said, I do not
know of any day on the Messenger of Allah
SalAllahu alayhi wasallam fasted that was
better than this day. [Bukhari and Muslim]
This day is known as the day Allah saved
Musa Alayhi salaam and the Children of
Isra'el from Fir'awn.
Fasting the Day of 'Ashura is an expiation
of a year of sins. The Prophet SalAllahu
alayhi Wasallam said: Fasting the day of
Arafah I hope Allah will expiate thereby for
the year before it and the year after it, and
fasting the day of 'Ashura I hope Allah will
expiate thereby for the year that came be-
fore it. [Muslim]
Mourning the Death of Husaynibn Ali?
Al-Hafdh ibn Katheer Rahimahullah, known
for his work of tafseer, states regarding this
act of mourning the death of Husayn ibn
Ali RadiAllahu anhu, Every Muslim should
mourn the killing of al-Husayn (may Allah
be pleased with him), for he is one of the
leaders of the Muslims, one of the scholars
of the Sahabah, and the son of the daugh-
ter of the Messenger of Allah (peace and
blessings of Allah be upon him), who was
the best of his daughters. He was a de-
voted worshipper, and a courageous and
generous man.
Muharram, the Month of Allah
Yusra Owais
But there is nothing good in what some
people do of expressing distress and grief,
most of which may be done in order to
show off. His father was better than him
and he was killed, but they do not take his
death as an anniversary as they do with the
death of al-Husayn. His father was killed
on a Friday as he was leaving the mosque
after Fajr prayer, on the seventeenth of
Ramadhan in 40 AH.
'Uthmaan was better than 'Ali according to
Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah, and he was
killed when he was besieged in his house
during the days of at-Tashreeq in Dhul-Hi-
jjah of 36 AH, with his throat cut from one
jugular vein to the other, but the people did
not take his death as an anniversary.
SUNDAY LECTURE
Topic: Wajib kwa mja anapoam-
rishwa na Allah
By: Abu Hudheifa
Date:26th Oct 2014
Time: 2Pm- 4Pm
Venue: Makina Mosque Kibra
The best fasting after
Ramadhan is the month of
Allah Muharram, and the
best prayer after the ob-
ligatory prayer is prayer
at night. [Muslim]
'Umar ibn al-Khattaab was better than 'Ali
and 'Uthman, and he was killed as he was
standing in the mihraab, praying Fajr and
reciting the Qur'an, but the people did not
take his death as an anniversary.
Abu Bakr al-Siddeeq was better than him
but the people did not take his death as
an anniversary. The Messenger of Allah
(peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)
is the leader of the sons of Adam in this
world and the Hereafter, and Allah took him
to Him as the Prophets died before him,
but no one took the dates of their deaths as
anniversaries on which they do what these
people do on the day that al-Husayn was
killed.
The best that can be said when remem-
bering these and similar calamities is that
which 'Ali ibn al-Husayn narrated from his
grandfather the Messenger of Allah (peace
and blessings of Allah be upon him), who
said: There is no Muslim who is afficted
by a calamity and when he remembers it,
even if it was in the dim and distant past,
he says Inna Lillahi wainna ilayhi raaji'uun
(verily to Allah we belong and unto Him
is our return), but Allah will give him a
reward like that of the day when it befell
him.Narrated by imam Ahmad and Ibn
Majah, end quote from al-Bidaayah wan-
Nihaayah.
Good Deeds for This Month
Fasting. The Companions and the right-
eous predecessors rejoiced in the com-
ing of this season. The Prophet SalAllahu
alayhi wasallam did not fast in succession
for one month other than Ramadhan, so
it is not recommended to fast the whole
month.
The best days to fast in Muharram is
the day of 'Ashura and one day before it.
Imam Shaf'i and Imam Ahmad both stated,
It is mustahabb [recommended] to fast
both the ninth and the tenth, because the
Prophet SalAllahu alayhi wasallam fasted
the tenth and intended to fast the ninth.
Fasting the White Days. The Prophet
SalAllahu alayhi wasallam said, Fast-
ing three days of each month is fasting
for a lifetime, and 'the white days' are the
thirteenth, fourteenth and ffteenth. [an-
Nasa'i, Saheeh] Ibn 'Abbas Radhi Allahu
anhu said, The Messenger of Allah, may
Allah bless him and grant him peace, did
not fail to fast the white days either when at
home or on a journey. [an-Nasa'i] These
days are the 13th, 14th and 15th of the hijri
month.
Increasing in duaa when you are fast-
ing. The prayer (dua) of the fasting person
will not be refused. [Al-Bayhaqi, Saheeh]
Qiyamu lLayl. The Prophet SalAllahu
alayhi wasallam said in the hadith, and the
best prayer after the obligatory prayer is
prayer at night. [Muslim] In this month we
can complete two deeds that the Prophet
encouraged.
Protecting yourself from sins. Allah
Azza waJal said about the sacred months,
so wrong not yourselves therein (9:36)
Imam Sa'di Rahimahullah said in his tafse-
er regarding this ayah,Allah states that He
has made them a measure of time for His
slaves, which they may use for worship-
ping Him, and thank Allah for His blessings,
and they serve the interests of His slaves,
so beware of wronging yourselves therein.
The pronoun may also be understood as
referring to the four sacred months, and
this forbids them to wrong themselves in
those months in particular, as well as it be-
ing forbidden to do wrong at all times, be-
cause it is more forbidden at this time, but it
is worse at this time than at others.
Increasing in good deeds in general.
May Allah Subhanahu waTa'ala accept our
deeds and allow us to reap the benefts of
those days and times He has selected over
others.
The Friday Bulletin
Page 4
Dhul-Hijjah 30,1435/October 24, 2014
A reminder about the new Hijri year
Many people will not be aware that we
have entered the new hijri year 1436. Had
this been the frst day of the Gregorian cal-
endar, every one of us would have known
about it and some may have even celebrat-
ed it. This refects the fact that we have be-
come detached from our faith-based herit-
age. Many Muslims are oblivious to the hijri
calendar, such that most are unaware of
what lunar year or month we are currently
in. Most of our children are unaware of the
names of the Arabic months let alone name
them in the correct order.
The concern is not with regards to cel-
ebrating the new hijri year, as we do not
celebrate any day except the two Eids
Eidul-Adhha and Eidul-Fitr. Rather, it is a
matter of being connected and aware of
the Islamic emblems. It is a matter that
links this ummah to its root and heritage.
Three of the pillars of Islam are carried out
according to the Islamic calendar: Zakah,
fasting and the Hajj.
A Muslim is obliged to calculate his or her
wealth and the zakat payable at the same
time every Islamic year (that is when the
persons hawl comes to an end), and thus,
it is highly signifcant for an individual to
know what consists of a complete hijri year.
The new moon being sighted for the ninth
month of the hijri calendar is an indication
for Muslims to begin fasting. Consequently,
it is regarded important for a Muslim to be
aware of the hijri calendar and the debate
on the subject of the new moon. Similarly,
Hajj occurs during the twelfth hijri month:
Dhul-Hijjah. Allah says in the Quran,They
ask you about the new moons. Say: These
are signs to mark fxed periods of time for
mankind and for the pilgrimage.[Al-Quran
2:189]
The Hajj (pilgrimage) is (in) the well-known
months.[Al-Quran 2:197]
In addition to these pillars, there are a
number of other Islamic activities and
practices that should be implemented in
accordance with the Islamic Calendar. Al-
lah says,Verily, the number of months with
Allah is twelve months (in a year), so was
it ordained by Allah on the Day when He
created the heavens and the earth; of them
four are Sacred.[Al-Quran 9:36]
In his exegetical work Al-Qurtubi said about
this verse that on the Day when He created
the heavens and the earth demonstrates
that His ordainment was even before the
act of creating the heavens and earth, and
that He calculated these months, named
and ordered them on that day. He re-
vealed the knowledge of this ordainment
to Prophets in the form of revelation. This
is the meaning of the number of months
with Allah is twelve months (in a year) its
ordainment is everlasting. Al-Qurtubi went
on to say that this verse indicates that the
laws of worship and other things pertain to
months and years as understood by the
Arabs rather than months as understood
by non-Arabs, the Romans and the Copts,
even if their months do not extend beyond
twelve months.
It is narrated from Abu Bakrah (may Al-
lah be pleased with him) that the Prophet
(peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)
said,The division of time has turned to its
original form which was in existence the
day Allah created the heavens and earth.
The year consists of twelve months of
which four are sacred: three consecutive
months, Dhul-Qadah, Dhul-Hijjah and Mu-
harram, and Rajab of Mudhar which comes
between Jumada and Shaban.[Bukhari
and Muslim]
The frst month of the hijri year, Muharram,
is a sacred month which has a number
of virtues. It has been narrated from the
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be
upon him) that after Ramadhan, the most
rewarding time to fast is in the month of
Muharram. It was narrated that Abu Hurai-
rah (may Allah be pleased with him) said,
The Messenger of Allah (peace and bless-
ings of Allah be upon him) said:
The best fasts after Ramadhan is the
month of Allah Muharram, and the best
prayer after the obligatory prayer is prayer
at night.[Muslim]
The Prophet called this month the month
of Allah as an indication of its great sta-
tus. However, it is evident that the Prophet
(peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)
did not fast any month completely except
Ramadhan. Thus the hadith encourages
fasting regularly in the month of Muhar-
ram and not an indication to fast the entire
month.
The iddah of a female widow is four lunar
months and ten days. The iddah of a wom-
an who does not see a period due to age
is three lunar months. Allah tells us in the
Quran,And those of your women as have
passed the age of monthly courses, for
them the iddah (prescribed period), if you
have doubts (about their periods), is three
months, and for those who have no cours-
es their iddah is three months likewise, ex-
cept in the case of death.[Al-Quran 65:4]
If the signs of bulugh (puberty) within an
individual are absent, the age of the per-
son so as to ascertain the attainment of
bulughis calculated according to the hijri
calendar and not the Gregorian one. The
kaffarah (expiation) for sexual intercourse
during Ramadhan, Dhihar, and killing by
mistake, is fasting two Islamic months con-
secutively which are between 29 and 30
days. It was narrated from Ibn Umar (may
Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet
(peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)
said,
We are an unlettered nation, we do not
write or calculate. The month is such-and-
such or such-and-such meaning some-
times it is twenty-nine and sometimes it is
thirty.[al-Bukhari and Muslim]
Some practical steps to propagate the
use of the hijri calendar.
Firstly, we have to realise that Islam itself
propagates the hijri calendar. We are able
to carry out various practices according to
the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon
him) through the use of the Islamic calen-
dar. Moreover, we have to ensure that we
use the Islamic calendar for all of our Is-
lamic activities. Our mosques should have
facilities that digitally display both the hi-
jri and Gregorian calendars. In addition to
this, we should also display wall calendars.
Families can play an important role by re-
minding their children of the importance of
certain hijri dates in the life of a Muslim.
Is it permissible to congratulate others
on the new hijri year?
The matter is fexible as there is no textual
evidence to prohibit this action nor to allow
it. However, it should not become a regular
habit as it wasnt the practice of the Com-
panions of the Prophet.
It is He Who made the sun a shining thing
and the moon as a light and measured
out their stages that you might know the
number of years and the reckoning. Allah
did not create this but in truth. He explains
the signs in detail for people who have
knowledge.[Al-Quran 10:5]
According to exegetes, the main function of
the sun is that it is a source of light where-
as the moon is an object that is utilised to
determine the Islamic year
Sheikh (Dr) Haitham Al-Haddad
the tetanus vaccination as an independent
study is made to determine its effect on
health.
He further argued that despite the con-
cerns, the health ministry has not refuted
claims that the vaccination is not a popula-
tion control strategy. The government has
not refuted that the jab is meant to steri-
lize women and control the population, he
said.
The calls come amid concerns raised by
the Catholic Church that the tetanus vac-
cine contains Human Chorionic Gonado-
tropin better known as Beta HCG which
causes infertility in women.
Last week the health cabinet secretary
Dr. James Macharia refuted concerns that
the tetanus vaccine can cause infertility in
women while stressing that the vaccine as
safe and certifed.
The tetanus vaccination campaign has
been sponsored by the WHO and UNICEF
and is targeting girls and women of child
bearing age in Kenya (between the ages of
14 to 49 years old).
Fears over Tetanus
vaccination
Continued From Page 1
The Friday Bulletin
page 5
The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to
Indias Kailash Satyarthi and Pakistans
MalalaYousafzai for their struggles against
the suppression of children and for young
peoples rights, including the right to edu-
cation. That is great news, and it might
almost mean Nobel Peace Prize makes
sense again, after being awarded to Barack
Obama in 2009 for his extraordinary efforts
to strengthen international diplomacy and
cooperation between peoples, and to Eu-
ropean Union in 2012 for over six decades
contributed to the advancement of peace
and reconciliation, democracy and human
rights in Europe.
Still, there is something that really troubles
me. How come we (meaning the West) al-
ways recognize the devils of the East, the
torments children like Malala had to and
have to go through (in her case, with the
Taliban), but always fail to recognize our
own participation in creating those devils?
How come we never talk about the things
our governments are doing to the children
of Pakistan, or Syria, or Iraq, or Palestine,
or Yemen? Lets just take drone strikes as
an example. Last years tweet by British MP
George Galloway might illustrate this hy-
pocrisy.
If Malala had been murdered in a drone
strike the UK media would never even have
told you her name.
Galloway is absolutely right. We would nev-
er even know her name. But, since Malalas
story fts into the western narrative of the
oriental oppression (in which the context
underlying the creation of the oppression is
left out), we all know Malalas name. Like
Assed Baigwrites: This is a story of a native
girl being saved by the white man. Flown to
the UK, the Western world can feel good
about itself as they save the native woman
from the savage men of her home nation. It
is a historic racist narrative that has been
institutionalised.
Journalists and politicians were falling over
themselves to report and comment on the
case. The story of an innocent brown child
that was shot by savages for demanding an
education and along comes the knight in
shining armour to save her. The actions of
the West, the bombings, the occupations,
the wars all seem justifed now, see, we
told you, this is why we intervene to save
the natives.'
The problem is, there are thousands of Mala-
las West helped create with endless wars,
occupations, interventions, drone strikes,
etc. One can hear how little we know about
the drone strikes its aims, targets, results.
Right now we have the executive branch
making a claim that it has the right to kill
anyone, anywhere on Earth, at any time, for
secret reasons based on secret evidence,
in a secret process undertaken by unidenti-
fed offcials. That frightens me. This is how
Rosa Brooks, a Georgetown professor and
former Pentagon offcial under President
Obama, explained the US policy on drone
strikes during a congressional hearing last
year.
That is the reality we are not being present-
ed with. Another reality is the story of Abeer
Qassim Hamza al-Janabi, 14-year-old Iraqi
girl, who was gang raped by fve U.S. Army
soldiers and killed in her house in Yusufyah
(Iraq) in 2006. She was raped and murdered
after her parents and six-year-old sister Ha-
deel Qasim Hamza were killed. Also not ir-
relevant to mention is that Abeer was going
to school before the US invasion but had to
stop going because of her fathers concerns
for her safety.
And while the West applauds Malala (as
they should), I am afraid it might be for the
wrong reasons, or with a wrong perspective.
It feels like the West wants to gain an agen-
da that suits them or the policies they want.
That is also why Malalas views on Islam
are rarely presented. She uses her faith as
a framework to argue for the importance of
education rather than making Islam a justif-
cation for oppression, but that is rarely men-
tioned. It also doesnt ft.
So, my thoughts were mixed when I heard
the news about the Nobel Peace Prize. On
so many levels. They still are. Weve en-
tered a new war, and peace prize award
ceremonies now seem ridiculous.
Sure, we must acknowledge the efforts of
those who are fghting for a better world, but
when it is done in a way that feels so cal-
culated, unidimensional, loaded with secret
agendas and tons of hypocrisy I just cant
celebrate it.
Why I cant celebrate Malalas Nobel Peace Prize
John Oliver
Muslims urged to support own education institutions
Muslims in Western region counties have
been called upon to come out and support
the promotion and growth of education in
their institutions of learning.
These sentiments were made by the Kaka-
mega county education board member,
Hassan Ngeri who observed that the sup-
port from Muslims and its leadership is a
critical element in driving the growth and
improvement of education standards in the
Muslim community and Muslim owned edu-
cational institutions.
Addressing the regional Muslim Education
Council (MEC)secretariat stakeholders'
forum at Jamia Plaza conference hall in
Mumias, Kakamega county last week, Ngeri
noted that education institutions from other
communities and faith in the region which
have registered tremendous growth and
academic success due to strong support
from their communities and it was prudent
for Muslims to take similar measures as this
will greatly contribute to the socio-economic
development of Muslims in the region and
the country at large.
''Other communities and faith have come
out strongly to support their institutions
which have propelled them to be among
the leading education institutions and aca-
demic giants in the region and the country
at large.We need to borrow a leaf from them
and fully support our own institutions as this
will ultimately and greatly beneft the Muslim
community,''he added.
Ngeri who is also the MEC regional repre-
sentative said the community was endowed
with resources that should be invested in
schools, universities and other educational
institutions to provide opportunities for fur-
ther progress in the Muslim community.
At the same time, he expressed concerns
over the poor state of infrastructure in many
Muslim-owned and sponsored institutions in
the region which he observed, contributed
dismal performance in national examina-
tions.
In his remarks, Ngeri told Muslim leaders to
explore more avenues to support the edu-
cation of Muslim children to mould them into
better citizens who can serve the communi-
ty and the nation at large and called on par-
ents to ensure that their children received
a holistic education covering religious and
contemporary saying that this will produce
young people and scholars who will raise
higher the banner of Islam and Muslims
hence revamped the lost glory of Muslims in
education sector.
The forum was told that the prevailing situ-
ation where the job market favoured those
with secular qualifcations was another im-
portant reason why Muslim parents should
not focus only on Islamic oriented educa-
tion. There are thousands of great stu-
dents who have graduated from Islamic
oriented universities who are boda boda rid-
ers, taxis drivers and matatu touts because
there is nobody who is ready and willing to
hire them, he said.
A call was also to Muslim parents to encour-
age their children to embracetheteaching
profession in order to take up the teaching
of Islamic Religion Education (IRE) and ad-
dress the defciency of IRE teachers,adding
that the shortage was adversely affecting
the education of Muslim children who are
being forced to take Christian Religious
Education(CRE).
The forum brought together educationists
and other stakeholders to address chal-
lenges being experienced by Muslim edu-
cational institutions in the region in order to
improve education standards in the Muslim
community.
Dhul-Hijjah 30,1435/October 24, 2014
The Friday Bulletin
page 6
Dhul-Hijjah 30,1435/October 24, 2014
In the last week of September 2014, Ken-
yan newspapers ran a juicy story about the
closure of an Islamic institution in Macha-
kos County on allegations of recruiting and
radicalizing youth into violent religious ex-
tremism. The following are excerpts from
stories as published by a number of news-
papers:
The Daily Nation, the People Daily and the
Standard Newspapers have all published
stories where security offcials notably the
director of criminal investigations Ndegwa
Muhoro asserting that the government
is targeting religious schools that teach
Jihadism, and those that have been re-
cruiting youths for radicalization. He went
ahead to state that a madrasa in Machakos
( read Darul Irshad) was closed and others
are being monitored around the country.
The director of communications at the
Ministry of Interior Mr Mwenda Njoka was
quoted by the People Daily, saying that
Darul Irshaad Centre was closed down on
suspicion of being involved with shady ac-
tivities since 2011.
Indeed, Darul Irshaad Center in Matun-
gulu, Machakos County was closed down
pursuant to a directive contained in a let-
ter dated 13 May, 2014 from the Ministry
of Interior and Coordination of National
Government. The letter by the Machakos
County Commissioner was addressed to
the Deputy County Commissioner and
reads as follows: The County Intelligence
Security Committee has recommended the
closure of the above centre (Darul Irshaad
Centre). Use your DSIC team to effect the
closure today and inform the offce accord-
ingly.
Following the closure, a delegation from
the affected institution sought and secured
a meeting with the Deputy County Com-
missioner to get an explanation why the
Centre was ordered shut down and have
the order rescinded.
According to available minutes of the meet-
ing, the Deputy County Commissioner
Patrick Mwangi who was accompanied by
DO 1 Katelon and area OCPD Mr Chesire
admitted that there was very little his team
could do to rescind the order, pointing out
that he was only a messenger effecting the
order which had come from his superiors
in Nairobi. He, particularly, pointed out that
the then Principal Secretary for the Ministry
of Interior, Mr Mutea Iringo is the one who
had issued the order.
The Deputy County Commissioner re-
minded the Darul Irshaad delegation that
since President Uhuru Kenyatta had made
it clear that County Commissioner would
be answerable to what happens in their
respective jurisdictions, he was forced to
act on the order to close the institution,
especially after a newspaper article once
quoted Tanzanian President Jakaya Kik-
wete saying that terrorists responsible for
Government and media should paint accurate picture of
war against terrorism
By Hassan Ole Naado
the insecurity in the East African region
were being trained in Nguluni. He also told
the delegation that he received many calls
from area businessmen and other leaders
demanding an immediate response to the
claims of terrorism activities in the area
and was at pains to explain.
Mwangi eventually let the cat out of the
bag, telling the delegation that the order
to close Darul Irshaad Centre had been
received much earlier, but his team lacked
the grounds to effect the order. In this re-
gard, he dispatched two teams to inspect
the institutionthe teams were from the
Public Health department and the other
from the Education Department.
The Public Health team submitted a report
which gave the institution a clean bill of
health except recommendations that a few
repairs and sanitation works be carried out
to ensure maximum compliance with pub-
lic health standards nothing in the report
recommended closure of the institution on
health grounds.
The education team also seems to have
prepared a report, but the report was not
served on the institutions management.
However, the delegation would learn from
the meeting with the Deputy County Com-
missioner that the report alluded to non-
compliance with registration requirements
of learning institutions.
According to Mr Mwangi, the education re-
port said that despite Darul Irshaad Centre
being duly registered at the national level,
it had not been registered at the county
government level. Besides, the report said
that the government was not aware of what
was being taught at the centre, and that the
Ministry of Education was not aware of the
syllabus of the institution.
At the conclusion of the fact-fnding meet-
ing, the Deputy County Commissioner
commended the delegation for seeking an
appointment with him before taking any
other step. He however told them that the
matter was now out of his hand and that
any administrative action to re-open the
institution lay at the next level and that it
was upon the institutions managers to un-
ravel what really led to the closure of the
centre.
Following the fact-fnding mission with the
Deputy County Commissioner, the admin-
istrators of Darul Irshaad Centre moved to
court seeking orders to set aside the deci-
sion to shut down the institution.
In response to the institutions suit papers,
the County Commissioner of Machakos
acknowledged that Darul Irshaad Centre
was closed down based on the reports
of the county public health and education
departments. Nothing in the County Com-
missioners replying affdavit alluded to
closure of the institution on grounds of na-
tional security. In fact, the County Commis-
sioner acknowledged that the public health
issues in question were merely as a result
of complaints from residents, and that the
institution had enrolled students who were
above the age of attending religious edu-
cation. Nothing about terrorism and radi-
calization appears in the County Commis-
sioners replying affdavit.
Be that as it may, the question isif Darul
Irshaad in Matungulu was shut down on
grounds of public health and non-com-
pliance with registration requirements of
educational institutions, why did CID boss
Ndegwa Muhoro announce to the media
that the centre was shut down on grounds
of terrorism and radicalization? Could this
have been one of those malicious cases
of give the dog a bad name and have the
excuse to kill it?
These are some of the issues the Muslim
community is calling upon the government
to handle with extreme care and honesty if
at all there is a genuine will within the gov-
ernment to fght and win the war on terror-
ism. Extra judicial killing and indiscriminate
arrest of terror suspects; false accusation
and targeting of Islamic institutions; and
misleading propaganda through the media
are not the way to deal with the so called
radicalization and violent extremism.
I, therefore, call upon the government and
media to learn to verify their facts before
linking individual Muslims Islamic institu-
tions to terrorism. The damage done to
Darul Irshaad Centre is irreparable be-
cause the reputation of the centre is totally
destroyed due to the misleading media
reports that the centre recruits youths for
radicalization into terrorism, yet the true
facts say something else.
The writer is the Deputy Secretary General
of the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims
(SUPKEM).
OPINION
ing staff are government employees.
The Church was also accused of failing to
abide by a resolution made by the Isiolo
County Education Director and the County
Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to al-
low the students to wear the Islamic dress.
The Methodist Church went to court seek-
ing orders to stop the female students from
putting on the Islamic dress at the school
on the premise it amounts to discrimination
against Christian students.
Of the more than 400 students at St. Ki-
wanjani Secondary School, a vast majority
of the student population who comprise at
least 80 percent of population are Muslim
students
Continued from Page 1
Anti-Hijab orders suspended
The Friday Bulletin NATIONAL
Dhul-Hijjah 30,1435/October 24, 2014
He was arrested in a dramatic operation
by gun blazing security offcers on a Nai-
robi street, bundled into a waiting Suba-
ru vehicle and detained at three different
police stations before being released af-
ter six days in detention-well beyond the
mandatory period of 24-hours stipulated
by the law.
According to police, Ali Adan Omar was
a high profle and dangerous terror sus-
pect linked to the Al Shabaab militia and
supplied the group with weapons and in
addition, he was involved in the recruit-
ment of youth to join the illegal group.
Questions as high profle suspect released on ID charge
Rendition Kenyans
committed to trial
However, when he appeared in court
on Tuesday after going through what
the Nairobi businessman considers be-
ing the most traumatizing experience of
his life, a charge of falsely obtaining a
national identity card and being in Ken-
ya illegally were the only accusations
brought against him.
He is now a free man after a Sh500, 000
bail was slapped on him following his
plea of not guilty.
Now the Independent Police Oversight
Authority (IPOA) is investigating what
appears was a clear case of police har-
assment. In addition, the agency has
also launched a probe into a case of
extortion which came to light in a KTN
television expose where an offcial said
to be from the Anti Terrorism Police Unit
(ATPU) is recorded during a phone con-
versation demanding for a Sh100, 000
in return for Alis freedom.
I am an innocent person and the claims
of obtaining an ID illegally are trumped
charges to exonerate their crimes
against me, Ali told The Friday Bulletin
a day after he regained his freedom.
While the court documents indicated
that he obtained his ID in 2003, he con-
tends that he frst obtained the document
in 1993 and subsequently obtained the
new generation ID in 1996.
His dramatic arrest happened last week
along Koinange Street and attracted a
host of wananchi who unsuccessful de-
manded that the offcers identify them-
selves to differentiate their actions from
The Constitutional Court in Uganda dis-
missed a petition by rendition Kenyans
challenging their prosecution in Uganda.
In a four-hour ruling on Wednesday, the
fve judges declined to release them argu-
ing that they had been handed over volun-
tarily by their countries.
The eleven suspects had petitioned the
court challenging the manner in which they
were brought to Uganda from Kenya and
Tanzania without extradition orders by a
competent court.
But the judges led by acting Chief Justice
Stephen Kavuma unanimously ruled that
the Ugandan authorities had not hand in
their arrest and ordered the high court to
proceed with their trial. The two countries
voluntarily arrested and surrendered the
suspects to the police of Uganda, he said.
The suspects had also complained about
torture and ill treatment at the hands of
Ugandan and foreign security operatives
but the judges said that the complaints can
be addressed by the High Court.
They had also called for their confes-
sion not to be used in the trial because
the statements were extracted from them
through torture.
The Kenyans include Idris
Magondu,Hussein Hassan Agade, Mu-
hammad Adan, Omar Awadi Omar, Mu-
hammad Hamid Sulaiman, Yahya Su-
laiman Mbuthia, Habibb Sulaiman Njoroge.
There are accused alongside Ugandans
Isa Ahmed Luyima, Hassan Haruna Luyi-
ma, and Abubaker Batematyo in the July
11, 2010 twin bombings in Kampala which
killed 76 people.
The rendition of the Kenyans sparked off
protests from Muslim leaders, the judiciary
and civil society organizations which pro-
tested at the manner of their extradition as
it was inconsistence with the law.
During the Eid ul Adhha prayers, Momba-
sa Senator Hassan Omar called on Presi-
dent Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy Wil-
liam Ruto to fulfll their pre-election pledge
to have them brought back and face justice
in the country.
criminals. The offcers who were later
identifed to be from the Pangani-based
Flying Squad Unit later handed him over
to the ATPU who assured him of justice.
They assured me of my safety and af-
ter investigations they said I did not ap-
pear in their list of terrorism suspects,
he said.
He was frst detained at Pangani before
being transferred to Muthaiga and Kili-
mani police stations.
On Monday, KTN television relayed a
phone conversation of what it said was
an ATPU offcer calling his family to de-
mand a Sh100, 000 to facilitate his re-
lease. The matter was reported to the
offcer in charge of police reforms Leo
Nyongesa who pledged that investiga-
tions will be made and the actions taken
against those found to be culpable.
Incidentally, the extortion attempts hap-
pened on a day President Uhuru Keny-
atta took to the podium at Mashujaa Day
to state that the greatest roadblock to ef-
fective government is corruption. Ask-
ing for bribes or paying them weakens
systems and destroys hope, he said in
his address to the nation.
Speaking of his traumatizing experi-
ence, Ali said it was a relief that he f-
nally gained his freedom and accused
the security offcers of harbouring an
unknown sinister motive against him. I
do not know what their intention was but
they were up to no good, he said while
praising the actions of the wananchi and
the media for standing up for his rights.
The Council of Imams and Preachers of
Kenya (CIPK) national elections for new of-
fce bearers will be held in December.
The national chairman Sheikh Abdalla At-
eka confrmed to The Friday Bulletin that
Mombasa will host the council's Annual
General Meeting (AGM) which will also fea-
ture the elections.
Sheikh Ateka said that only delegates who
comprise county chairmen, secretaries and
treasurers will be permitted to participate in
the elections.
He disclosed that notices have been sent
to all delegates in their respective coun-
ties to carry out registration exercise and
subsequently hold grassroots elections and
already the exercises are ongoing in parts
of Western, Nyanza, Coast and Rift Valley
regions respectively.
The chairman called upon Muslim schol-
ars, Imams and Preachers in the electoral
regions of Central, Nairobi, Eastern and
North-Eastern regions to register as CIPK
members and participate in the grassroot
elections and play a positive role in shaping
the councils activities.
''CIPK activities have for the most part been
seen confned to the traditional Muslim ar-
eas and main urban centres in Coast and
North-Eastern regions leaving out many
other parts of this country, this trend and
wrong assumption needs to be eliminated
for inclusivity, effective leadership and ser-
vice delivery,'' said Ateka.
He noted that all posts will be open for con-
testation, adding that the polls will be free
and fair, further stressing that all arrange-
ments and measures have been put in
place to ensure the elections are held in a
transparent manner.
Ateka urged all county offces to liaise with
the national organizing secretary Sheikh
Muhammad Khalifa and national coordina-
tor Fahim Twaha for information on the elec-
toral plans.
CIPK to hold polls in December
SUNDAY
Do not approach the prop-
erty of an orphan, except with
good intentions.
And keep your promises, for
you will be questioned about
every promise you make.
(Surah al-Isra 17:34 )
FROM THE NOBLE QUR'AN
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.org. Printed by Graphic Lineups Limited-Kweria Road info@graphic.co.ke
Disaster preparedness
Recently we just got the climate analysis from the metrological
department that the weather pattern will change from mid Sep-
tember onwards. The analysts went ahead and warned of pos-
sible foods and dire consequences of evacuations and relocation
of many people across the country.
Over the years, the most affected parts are Muslim dominated
regions like Coast, North Eastern, and Upper Eastern. Many fami-
lies have lost their livestock which forms the basic source of their
livelihood.
During both times of foods and drought many families are left with
famine, crops destroyed and loss of property. We need to step up
some disaster preparedness mechanisms so that we dont start
running around when the damage is already done.
For the past years Ummah Foundation in collaboration with other
Muslim funding Organisations both in Kenya and abroad have
struggled with these challenges of food relief and water supply
programs in the Northern Region but the situation still remains
the same year after year. The propensity of the government and
its development partners to emphasise relief instead of pursuing
real development raises a few questions. Who benefts from the
status quo? Are drought affected communities mere pawns in a
major conspiracy masterminded by the global aid industry? These
are burning issues that deserve a discussion of their own.
As a means of getting our Muslim community out of this vicious
circle we need to think outside the box, emphasize and encour-
age our communities to invest heavily in Education. That is the
only weapon we can use to compete favourably with the rest of
the Kenyan populace. Education is the key that can be used to
change the old trend and set new formulae where Muslims par-
ticipation in the policy making and leadership can be recognised.
That is why Ummah Foundation has given a lot of weight on edu-
cation bursaries and scholarships.
To be successful we need to work together to fght poverty, hun-
ger and ignorance. Can you help sponsor a Muslim child who is at
the verge of dropping out of school due to lack of fees? Can you
help Ummah Foundation achieve this noble goal? Give your sad-
aqa and Zakat to Ummah Foundation and your donation will make
a big change in this Ummah of Muhammad (peace be upon him).
For your contributions send your donations to or write a cheque in
the name of Ummah Foundation.
Ummah Foundation
Village Plaza 2nd Floor, Ngara Road
P.O.Box 58717-00200, Nairobi, Kenya
Tel:+254-202680610/13, Cell: +254-734845277
Email: info@ummahfoundation.net
www.ummahfoundation.net
HUD MOHAMED SALAH is an eight-year-old
boy who has been diagnosed with a kidney ail-
ment. He requires surgery to save his Kidneys
urgently. He has been referred to Apollo hos-
pitals in New Delhi India. The treatment and
travel cost is approximately US$20,000 (Ksh
1,780,000). It is our prayer that you will fnd it
MEDICAL APPEAL
in your heart to contribute to this noble cause to
assist us save the Kidneys of this young child.
For further details and coordination, please liaise with Br. Muhammad
Osman Warfa of Jamia Mosque.
Please send your contributions to; HUUD MOHAMED SALAH, MEDI-
CAL AID ACCOUNT, GULF AFRICAN BANK, A/C No. 1400138101
MPESA Contributions can be made through 0721380966
Reports about Israeli plans to divide Al-Aqsa Mosque compound
between Muslims and Jews have sparked angry condemnations
from Palestinian offcials, who called for holding an "emergency
Arab and Islamic summit" to discuss the worrying development.
Israel is racing against time to legitimize storming of the Al-Aqsa
Mosque compound by herds of extremist settlers, Ahmed Qurei,
a member of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation
Organization (PLO), said in a statement cited by Anadolu Agency
on Tuesday, October 21.
The offcials calls followed reports about drafting an Israeli bill to
divide Al-Aqsa mosque between Muslims and Jews.
According to the Arab Knesset member Masoud Ghanayim, "the
draft law, which has been prepared by the interior parliamenta-
ry committee in the Knesset, stipulates that Jews can perform
prayers in Al-Aqsa Mosque," the Palestinian newspaper Feles-
teen reported.
This is based on a proposal that gives Muslims and Jews equal
rights in their access and use of the holy site. It also specifes cer-
tain locations where Jews can perform their prayers," Ghanayim
added.
Under the alleged law, which will be voted next month by the
Knesset, civil protests and demonstrations in Al-Aqsa compound
are banned.
Lamenting the stance of the Arab countries that emboldened
Israeli's provocations in the world Muslims' holiest site, Queri
vowed: "the Jerusalemites will not stand hand-tied toward these
aggressive Israeli schemes, which risk dragging the holy city to a
cycle of violence and religious warfare."
Al-Aqsa is the Muslims frst Qiblah [direction Muslims take during
prayers] and it is the third holiest shrine after Al Ka`bah in Mak-
kah and Prophet Muhammads Mosque in Madinah, Saudi Arabia.
Arab Summit urged over Al-Aqsa