The

Friday Bulletin
Rabi' ul Thaany 07,1435/February 07,2014

The Weekly Muslim News Update

Anger over Mombasa mosque killings

Issue No. 562

Kakamega School Mosque row resolved

Sheikh Ibrahim Lethome, a member of the Jamia Mosque Committee emphasizes a point during a press conference at Jamia Mosque where the leaders condemned the police raid on a Mombasa mosque which left six people dead,

An angry wave of condemnations greeted the police raid on Masjid Musa last Sunday in Mombasa which led to the death of six people. The violence and bloodletting was blamed on the excessive use of force by the police when they moved in to stop a meeting organized by the youth. At the same time, organizers of the event were also put on the spot for their actions which leaders argued gave an excuse for the police to take brutal measures against them and violate the sanctity of the mosque. The youth were emphatically told to observe and adhere to the laid down laws, and employ peaceable methods of settlement of grievances through dialogue and engagement based on respect for the sanctity of life and preservation of peace. Whereas we do not support any illegal activity by any person whether Muslim or non-Muslim, the action by the police cannot be justified at all.

It sets a very bad precedent and places of worship should be respected, said a statement released on Wednesday by the Jamia Mosque Committee. In this regard we take great exception to the action of the police of hurling teargas and storming into the mosque in shoes and shooting inside. What will stop them from bringing sniffer dogs into mosques? read the statement signed by Ibrahim Yusuf Ahmed, the assistant secretary general of Jamia Mosque Committee. The leaders said often times, the security organs instead of exploring peaceful and acceptable means of solving the problems related to extremism, only appear to take a retaliatory approach. If the government is sincere about tackling the problem of violence and extremism, it should not be seen as retaliating and putting up a show
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A row surrounding the construction of a mosque at Kakamega High School compound has been resolved and the construction works that had earlier been interrupted are expected to continue this week to completion. Following external interference by people who were not happy with the setting up of a mosque at the institution, the school Board and Parents Teachers Association (PTA) met last week in an emergency meeting in attempt to contain the simmering situation. The Kakamega Senator Bonny Khalwale was reportedly opposed to the construction of the mosque in the school on the grounds that it will lead to religious intolerance. There is no church in the school compound and I do not see any reason for a mosque to be built in the area, he told the Friday Bulletin last week insisting that the matter needs to be addressed by the school board and the PTA. The meeting unanimously endorsed the project and resolved that the construction should continue as it had earlier been approved and further affirmed that no one should be hindered in practicing his or her faith as the constitution is clear about this. ''We are sensitive to the needs of all our students and staff and we know that Muslims have to pray at least five times a day at certain fixed times. We decided to put a mosque for them in the compound to spare them the trouble of having to make five trips in a day to access the nearest mosque that is two kilometres away.'' said the school Principal Oliver Minishi. Story Continued To Page 8

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The Friday Bulletin

Rabi' Ul Thaany 07, 1435/February,07 2014

Anger over Mombasa mosque killings

Continued From Page 1

of might but rather rise above this and apply the law. The use of excessive use of force will undoubtedly breed more violence, the statement further said. The Jamia Mosque committee called for a lasting solution to this problem suggesting strategies which include addressing the root causes of violence and radicalization as well as engaging with the youth. Religious leaders should engage the youth and guide them. We call upon the youth to refrain from any violent activities, listen to the leaders and seek advice, said the press statement. The leaders came out to forcefully to dismiss suggestions from the government to shut down the mosque and the nearby Sakina mosque as a way of containing the radicalization of the youth. We are hearing of the possibility of closure of the Mosque. This is unacceptable and should NEVER happen. No mosque should be closed but the government should be vigilant to ensure law and order is maintained, the statement further said. On his part, the Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar told the government not to even contemplate closing down the two mosques as this will be seen by Muslims to be an action of religious intolerance adding that it will further aggravate the problem. We sincerely hope that such reports are untrue as no government can harbor intent of such extreme transgression against any faith. It will be an act of provocation, which we strongly oppose, he said. He stressed that a lasting solution based on engagement and dialogue must be sought. The MP for Mvita Abdulswamad Sharrif termed the operation as a blunder and told the police to work within established legal parameters which do not infringe on the rights of individuals. The leaders questioned why the police who had had prior knowledge of the planned gathering, failed to take any pre-emptive measures and instead chose to storm the mosque in the most contemptuous manner after the afternoon prayers, when other worshippers besides those participating in the questionable function were bound to be present. The Muslim Human Rights Forum on its part said the security organs are obligated under the constitution and international laws to strictly uphold the human rights of all while executing their tasks of maintaining law and order and should avoid the use of excessive force as this only inflames the situation. We aver that use of excessive force by the security organs only fuels the embers of terrorism. Through such acts of unnecessary violence they fall prey to terrorist propaganda and unwittingly abet the radicalization and terrorist recruitment processes, said Al Amin Kimathi the executive director. The youth were also told to observe and adhere to the laid down laws, and employ peaceable methods of settlement of grievances

through dialogue and engagement based on respect for the sanctity of life and preservation of peace. Though provoked, the extreme reaction by those youth who resorted to brutally killing and critically injuring police officers are, similarly, unacceptable. For this we condemn unreservedly the violence and lawlessness by both the police and the youth, he added. The leaders called for the release of children, minors and women saying that there was no reason to warrant their continued detention and keeping them in custody goes against local and international laws. A total of 129 youths who were arrested on Sunday were arraigned in court on Monday, when they were charged with being connected to Al-Shabaab. Senior Resident Magistrate James Wambura ordered the suspects remain in remand at the Shimo-La-Tewa Prison for five days to allow the prosecution to complete investigations into the allegations.

Muslims urged to support own institutions

Muslims have been called upon to take a cue from other communities and support the growth of their financial institutions. These sentiments were made by Omar Sheikh, the incoming managing director of First Community Bank (FCB) who observed that the support is a critical element in driving the growth of Muslim based institutions. In his remarks when he officially took over the reins of leadership from his predecessor Abdullatif Essajee, Omar who hitherto was the head of the Islamic banking division at Industrialization Cabinet Secretary Adan Muhammad Barclays Bank pointed to (left) and Omar Sheikh the newly appointed managing several institutions which director First Community Bank during a farewell party have registered tremen- for the outgoing managing director Abdullatif Essajee. dous growth due to strong support from their communities and said it was prudent for Muslims to take similar measures as this will greatly contribute to the socio economic development of Muslims in the country. Other communities have come out to support their institutions which have propelled them to be among the leading banks in this country. We need to borrow a leaf from them and fully support our own institutions as this will ultimately benefit the community, he said. He pledged to take the bank to greater heights as well as create more opportunities in the growth of the Islamic banking sector. We have laid winning strategies and defined the avenues for execution to tap the fast untapped opportunities in the Islamic banking market with a view to propelling this institution to its rightful place in the market, he said. Omar Sheikh is credited for founding the La Riba division of Barclays Bank in 2005 which became the first Islamic banking window to operate in the country. Speaking at the event, the industrialization minister Adan Muhammad who was the chief guest hailed the bank for its role in propelling the growth of Shariah compliant banking in the country. He lauded the appointment of Omar Sheikh saying that his experience in Islamic banking will take the bank to the next level of growth. He came from Barclays to join an institution which was consistence with his dreams, said the former managing director of Barclays Bank. His predecessor, Abdullatif Essajee leaves FCB to return to his academic career at the University of Nairobi. He served the bank as its non-Executive Director for two years and Executive Director for four years and it was during his tenure that the bank attained profitability.

Rabi' Ul Thaany 07, 1435/February,07 2014

The Friday Bulletin

Da'wa
Anas Hlayhel

Islams Antidote to Extremism

seem to follow these days. We Muslims have turned into a very emotional people. Even when we claim to be defending the honor of the Prophet salallahu alayhi wa sallam, we violate the very advice of the Prophet. When our Prophet salallahu alayhi wa sallam is insulted, we see people bursting into the streets full of anger. They burn flags, they destroy property, and they scream their lungs out. Is this really how the Prophet salallahu alayhi wa sallam would like us to show our love towards him? Or is it better shown through following his example? No doubt, the Prophet salallahu alayhi wa sallam had emotions. But his emotions were controlled by intellect and reason, and were controlled by the Qurn and wisdom. When we love our sheikhs (religious leaders) we love them too much. But when we turn against them, we hate them to death. The Prophet salallahu alayhi wa sallam taught us to be moderate even when it came to simple rituals. In casting rocks during Hajj symbolizing the casting of the devil out of our lives, he advised that we use small rocks. The Prophet salallahu alayhi wa sallam in fact made using big rocks a sign of extremism. Nowadays we see some Muslims throwing even sandals during Hajj thinking they're getting at the devil. Perhaps, they don't realize that it might be the devil playing them since they're not following the way of their Prophet salallahu alayhi wa sallam. Another example is how we scream Allh Akbar for any occasion. One time the Companions were going over a hill and they started shouting Allh Akbar. The Prophet salallahu alayhi wa sallam commanded them to calm down and he said, Take it easy on yourselves! For sure the One you're calling is neither deaf nor absent. Indeed the One you're calling is all-hearing and very near.We Muslims nowadays need to take it easy, but with intellect and reason!

Islam addresses the topic of extremism much more than many people think. What's interesting about the Islamic approach is that it solves the problem at its roots instead of attempting to solve the symptoms. My motivation for writing this piece is twofold. First is to counter what has become a fact in the minds of many nonMuslims that Islam is synonymous to extremism. Second and more importantly is to address some relatively recent examples of Muslim extremism and the fact that this goes against the very essence of Islam. The Qurn does use the word Ghuluw which can fairly be translated as extremism. In an address to the People of the Book, the Jews and Christians, it says: Oh People of the Book, don't go extreme in your religion, and do not say about Allah except the Truth. Indeed, the Messiah Iysa the son of Maryam is the Messenger of Allah, His Word revealed on Maryam, and a spirit sent from Him [Surah An-Nisa' : 171] In essence, the Qurn is saying that people can go into extremes in how they show love to a person. A good example is Prophet Iysa peace be upon him. While one group went extreme in opposing Iysa, another went extreme in loving Iysa to a point that they worshiped Jesus and claimed that he was God or the Son of God. Now this type of extremism is not limited to the People of the Book. This is why Prophet Muhammad salallahu alayhi wa sallam warned his followers of the same. In a Hadith narrated by Bukhri he said, Do not exaggerate in praising me like the Christians have exaggerated in praising Iysa the son of Maryam. Rather, say that I'm the Servant of Allah and His Messenger. That doesn't mean the Muslims later always followed this injunction. You still find examples of such exaggeration in Madeeh or Muslim poetry praising Prophet Muhammad salallahu alayhi wa sallam. For example, in a rather famous poem called al-Burda praising Prophet Muhammad salallahu alayhi wa sallam, the author claims: So it's from your generosity this life and the Hereafter And from your knowledge, is the knowledge of the Tablet and the Pen, According to Islam, the [Preserved] Tablet has a record of what's going to happen since the creation of this World till the Day of Judgment. Now, to claim that Prophet salallahu alayhi wa sallam has all this knowledge is not only an exaggeration but it goes directly against the Qurn that clearly states that only Allah knows the unseen or the future. The Prophet's knowledge on the other hand is limited to what Allah revealed to him. The Islamic history is not void of figures which Muslims went extreme over either. A prime example, an example that has quite a resemblance to the Iysa example in fact, is the person of Ali bin Abi Talib, the cousin of the Prophet salallahu alayhi wa sallam. As one group fought Ali, mostly due to political reasons, another group started showing extreme love towards Ali and his family, till believing that they are infallible or even divine. Although the group that showed enmity or hatred towards Ali has very much dissolved in history, there are still sects nowadays that show the extreme and undue love towards Ali such as the Shia and the Alawite. In fact, going extreme in showing love or hatred towards anyone is the foundation of the many examples of extremism we see out there. Going extreme in loving a leader or a religious figure leads to blind following and to the conviction that they can never err. Again, Prophet Muhammad salallahu alayhi wa sallam warned us against such tendencies. He said in a Hadith found in Tirmidhi: Love the one you love a little easy, for he could turn into someone you hate one day. And hate the one you hate a little easy, for he could one day turn into someone you love. In other words, we always need to take it easy when it comes to matters of love and hate. Don't be blinded by either love or hatred. I keep marveling at this invaluable advice that we Muslims can't

Eldoret Mosque appeals for fund

Matunda Jamia Mosque in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County has embarked on a Sh10 million waqf (endowment) project to upgrade its facilities. The leadership is appealing to wellwishers, Muslim charitable organizations and donors to come out and support the initiative. The proposed project which is adjacent to the mosque will form part of waqf property when developed and the proceeds will be used to support the welfare of Imams, madrassa teachers and educate needy children in the area. Speaking to the Friday Bulletin, the treasurer Shaaban Waziri said that the plot has been in disuse for a long time since it was donated to the mosque by an individual and he went on to express his fears that it may be taken over by the county authorities if it remains undeveloped. He disclosed that the proposed two storey structure will provide commercial space which will generate income to support social development programmes. ''We are looking towards improving the socio-economic welfare of the Muslim community and stop stretching our hands out to people,'' said Waziri. 'We are appealing to our Muslim brethren to come out and donate generously towards this noble cause of Allah and Allah would reward them here in this world and hereafter.'' he further appealed. More information on the project can be accessed from the treasurer Sheikh Shaaban Waziri through 0728-610-922.

Topic: Ikhlas part 2 By: Ustadha Maryam Ibrahim 9th February 2014 2.00 pm -4.00 pm Venue: Makina Mosque Kibera
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SUNDAY LECTURE

The Friday Bulletin

Rabi' Ul Thaany 07, 1435/February,07 2014

WOMEN

Do Muslim Women Need Financial Independence?

Sadaf Farooqi I often come across rather polarized views regarding women and wealth. On one end, are the slightly misogynistic myths that purport that if a woman is allowed to earn her own money and become financially independent, she becomes too headstrong and rebellious, and loses interest in living a simple life that is spent mostly at home, with her family as her main focus. Consequently, many of those who endorse this myth oppose higher education for girls (lest these girls become too difficult to control) and discourage or outright disallow women of any age from doing anything besides their domestic duties of serving their husbands, taking care of their homes, and raising their children. Surprisingly, men and women who hold such beliefs think nothing of the women in their family wasting time watching television, idly surfing social media and the Internet, gossiping on the phone, reading fashion magazines, or splurging whatever money they possess in beauty salons, clubs and malls. On the other extreme exists the belief that all women should get highly educated and work full-time in order to be as, if not more, materially successful and financially independent as men. Most of those who endorse this latter concept believe that every woman should work at a full-time job in order to prove that she is doing something worthwhile, focusing only on ascending the corporate ladder no matter how loudly the ticking of their biological clocks resonates in their own ears, or how intensely they secretly desire maternity and a slower, more peaceful life that is totally in their own control. For many of those who possess such strong views, women who choose to just stay at home and raise a family are akin to losers. Any Compromise? The reality is that women should be allowed to grow and mature according to their own individual selves, and yes, in my opinion, their first priority (either before or after marriage) should be their home I strongly believe in and endorse this tenet of Islam. I think that full-time, physically demanding jobs are for men because they have been obligated by Allah to work hard to provide for their families, whereas financial empowerment is for women. Now let me explain what I mean, before you think that I just contradicted myself! Having a job means that you are practically someones servant (yup, even if you are CEO of your organization, because if the CEO doesnt deliver results, he will be out of his job, and stripped of his flashy set of company-maintained wheels right after the next annual board meeting, will he not?). While a Muslim man has no choice but to join the rat race of employed corporate professionals as soon as possible, in order to fulfill the obligation of providing for his family, women have been spared the pressure of awaking at the crack of dawn to go out, take orders from someone else, and spend most of their day doing tasks that will be checked for performance appraisals later. Women have been absolved from taking orders from others about what to do all day, because what most of them might really want to do is wake up at their own leisurely pace, prepare and consume a lazy breakfast at home without being rushed, and proceed to spend their day as they please not as someone orders them to, in return for payment. Definition of Success: Financial Freedom Todays women have been largely duped into believing that a successful person is the one who is kept on a tight leash by his employer, albeit paid highly on a monthly basis and provided impressive perks in return for giving their fixed daily time and efforts to the duties of their job, and that too, strictly according to their employers wishes. Most empowered working professionals today, will readily agree that the truly successful people are those who achieve enough material success/financial freedom in life, which allows them to retire early and lounge around next to a pool in their own mansion/farm/ranch/seaside retreat, sipping a (non-alcoholic) drink, and henceforth focus all their efforts on philanthropy and humanitarian work aimed at improving the lot of those in the world who are less privileged than themselves. Yet, despite this widely accepted definition of worldly success (which is equated with complete financial freedom, as I said), many still look down upon the similarly empowered Muslim woman who has been absolved from having to work for someone else in return for a salary. She has been, instead, allowed to lounge around like this in her home, enjoying full financial security by having her husband provide for her, which allows her ample time and opportunities to do other kinds of beneficial work for others, on her own terms; work that she fits into the spare time lying around in her schedule - a schedule that is dictated primarily by her home-related obligations and duties. When women do not want to be liberated by the excellence that Allah has provided to them through Islam (by absolving them from having to work in order to provide for themselves, or for others), but instead, want to earn it themselves by working outside the home, just like men. The fact is, that for most young, single women who are used to supporting themselves financially by working at a strictly structured full-time job, it is often very difficult to become entirely dependent on their husbands for money after marriage. It is another fact that many men (at least in the part of the world from which I hail) get intimidated by powerful and wealthy women. They prefer to marry women who are, and will continue to be, financially lesser-off than them and entirely dependent upon them for money. Such women are (according to their perception) easier to satisfy, control, and tame into submission. What I am saying is, that if a wife earns more money than him, a husband might start to change towards her in his attitude and behavior. This is a fact (not one that I am endorsing, but just stating) that exists all around the world, whether we like it or not. Anyhow, what I want to say is that I do not subscribe to either of the polarized beliefs regarding women and wealth that I have mentioned above. My beliefs lie somewhere in between: I think that even though a womans base should be her home (where she works and stays most of the time, arising from it only on the basis of need), she should not let her spare time the one left over after she is done with her domestic duties go to waste. Rather, she should spend it in doing beneficial work for humankind, which is very easy to do in the current day and age, with the Internet and telecommuting options making it possible to bring about global good from within the confines of ones own home office. I also think that if women efficiently manage the money and other financial assets that they possess (and as life goes on, they will be possess more and more wealth, I can tell you that much, but only if they discipline themselves to save it, spend it wisely, discharge their zakah scrupulously, and give supererogatory charity regularly for the sake of Allah), they can become financially very secure without needing to work for an employer ever. I refer to the Quran and sunnah as usual, whenever I am pondering about something in my mind (which is currently the issue of women and wealth), and I try to find answers therein.

Rabi' Ul Thaany 07, 1435/February,07 2014

The Friday Bulletin

YOUTH
Mariam Anwar

My Reflections on Valentine's Day

Prophet Muhammad: Da'wah to the Quraish
During this time, and afterwards, the Angel Jibril continued to appear before Muhammad and always reminded him of the same thing. Muhammad had been chosen as Allahs Prophet, and it was his task to go and tell the people to do good and to worship no other god but Allah. Muhammad must also tell them to spend their money on helping poor people who had too little money themselves. At last, Muhammad began approaching the people of Makkah. He chose beautiful words to tell them of Allahs wishes, hoping that by this means, he would appeal to them: When you have enough to eat and there is a poor man who is hungry, then you must give him some of your food to eat and some of your clothing to wear. The sick must be nursed and the orphans must be cared for. If you do all these things, as Allah wishes, you will be rewarded. But if you refuse, warned, you will be punished very severely. Unfortunately, most Makkans just laughed at what Muhammad told them. Worse still, they refused to worship Allah and went on believing that it was more important to have a lot of money. Some of them even threw stones at the Prophet, and they killed some of those who followed him and believed in Allah alone. Their enmity grew and eventually the people of Makkah decided that Muhammad, his family, his relatives and his friends, should be driven out of the town. So they sent them to a valley in the mountains outside of Makkah, and nobody was allowed to visit them there or to bring them food. They had to stay in that desolate place for almost three years, and grew so hungry that often they ate the leaves of threes, since they did not have enough food. Life there was so bad that before long, Khadija, the Prophets wife, died. Muhammad was very sad. Then the Angel Gabriel appeared and explained to Muhammad that Allah wanted to help him. He should take his friends and family away from Makkah and take them to another town, called Madina. The people there were willing to listen to Allahs words, the Angel told Muhammad .
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As Valentine's Day approaches again, I see displays of bright red and pink colour everywhere. Shops have gorgeous red dresses on displays, flower shops increase the prices of red roses, and the gift shops in shopping malls are full of cute teddy bears carrying red and pink hearts, jewelery and watches with special expressions in scripted on them. Even the candy shops have heart shaped chocolates and candies specially wrapped in red and pink on requests! I note young men and women making big plans to celebrate this day together in groups or alone with their "special friends" of the opposite gender (and of course behind their parents' backs)! I see them shopping for special things to wear on this day; from t-shirts, shoes, jewelery and dresses, and even red nail colour to wear with those special high heels!! Oh yes! But let us not forget the abayas with shiny red hearts on them... SubhanAllah! I see this happening all around and in my mind plays yet another scene from a time when the Prophet (peace be upon him) was alive and a young man goes to meet the best of all men and says, "O Messenger of Allah! You are more beloved to me than myself, my family and children. Sometimes when I am at home, I remember you, and I cannot wait until I come and look at you. When I contemplate about my death and your death, I know that you will be with the prophets when you enter Paradise. I fear that I might not see you when I enter Paradise." The Prophet (peace be upon him) doesn't reply... but then Allah reveals a verse which takes care of the young man's concerns! Allah says, "And whoever obeys Allah and the Messenger, then they will be in the company of those, on whom Allah has bestowed His favour, of the prophets, the steadfast affirmers of truth, the martyrs, and the righteous. And excellent are those as companions." [An-Nisa 69] I remember this beautiful incident as my eyes well up and I think of the lucky young man to whom Allah himself responded to, SubhanAllah. The way this man expressed his sincere love for the best of all men - he loved the Prophet for the sake of Allah and wished to gain the mercy, pleasure and paradise of Allah by being close to His Prophet through loving him and following him. His mind was busy with the concern of, not this world, but that of the next life. What about us? We seem too busy following the customs and rituals of the non-Muslims. The fact of the matter is that the idea of loving the Prophet and following his Sunnah is in a far and distant corner of our minds. We as Muslims have been neglecting the orders and prohibitions of Allah and the Sunnah of the Prophet for quite some time now, and the results are obvious for those who look around. We read, we observe, we witness the numerous signs and warnings given by Allah - but again, we forget and we ignore them. The horrifying images of bloodshed, the tears, the killing and burning of innocent Muslim brothers and sisters have been converted into images of cute red and pink hearts and teddy bears. We persist in following the ways, customs, and behaviour of the people who caused or supported this humiliation and injustice to our fellow brothers and sisters. It seems strange that after all of this, we enjoy imitating them and celebrating their shallow festivals. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, "Whoever imitates a people is one of them." [narrated by Ahmad, 2/50; Abu Dawood, 4021] In another hadith, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said to the companions, "You will certainly follow the ways of those who came before you (bit by bit, step by step) until Continued to page 6

The Friday Bulletin

Rabi' Ul Thaany 07, 1435/February,07 2014

CAR: Muslims Killed, Peacekeepers Watching

By Amnesty International New evidence of the slaughter of women, children, and the elderly gathered by Amnesty International underscores the extreme dangers faced by the Muslim minority in the Central African Republic. The organization is calling for a more robust peacekeeping effort to protect civilians outside of the capital. More than 50 Muslims were killed in two attacks investigated by Amnesty International in villages north-west of the capital, Bangui. The victims include at least six children, five women, and three old men. Two girls, aged seven and 18 months, were the youngest victims; the oldest was 70. International peacekeeping forces are failing the Muslim community, said Joanne Mariner, Amnesty Internationals senior crisis advisor in Bangui. Scores of people were left unprotected from vicious anti-balaka reprisals at a time when such attacks were entirely predictable. Christian Militias, Empty Muslim Towns Both attacks were carried out by Christian anti-balaka militias, which now wield effective power in many of the towns and villages northwest of the capital. The two towns, Boyali and Bossembele, like several others in the region, are now entirely empty of their Muslim populations, which fled in fear of their lives. Amnesty International delegates found that houses in Muslim neighborhoods in both towns had been looted and burned. Some anti-balaka members in the area were wearing looted Muslim caps and clothing. The first attack took place on 14 January in the town of Boyali, about 130 km northwest of the capital, Bangui. An anti-balaka militia that had mounted checkpoints in the town stopped a truck carrying a large group of people to Cameroon. The Muslim passengers eight to 10 people in all were forced to get off the truck, which was then allowed to leave. Using machetes and knives, the anti-balaka hacked up their captives in the street directly in front of the mosque. The victims included three women and three small children, aged one-anda-half, three, and five. Large bloodstains are still visible on the tarmac. The only survivors of the slaughter were a 12-year-old boy who managed to slip away during the melee, hiding overnight with sympathetic Christian villagers, and a seven-month-old girl who was left on the truck with a Christian woman. As the mother of the baby left the truck, she whispered her family name and the name of a town to the Christian woman, who pretended that the baby was hers and saved her life. The next day, the woman delivered the baby to family members who lived in the town. Mosque Stormed, 25 Muslims Refugees Killed Inside The second attack occurred two days later on the afternoon of January 16 continuing until the following morning, in the town of Bossembele, 30 km north of Boyali. Muslim residents told the Amnesty International delegation that because the ex-Seleka forces based there were abandoning the town, the Muslim community knew it would be vulnerable to an anti-balaka attack. The entire Muslim population tried to flee, but there were not enough vehicles to transport everyone. According to witnesses, some of the Muslims who were left behind engaged in a fire-fight with anti-balaka forces that lasted many hours. In the end, the anti-balaka militia stormed the central mosque, where numerous residents were taking refuge. Numerous civilians were killed. Approximately 25 bodies were found inside the mosque, and another 18 were found strewn around the mosque and nearby streets. Not a single anti-balaka militant was killed in the incident, but among the 43 Muslims who were killed were women, old men, and a seven-month-year old baby. At least 12 others were injured. It is not known how many of the dead and injured were killed in the fire-fight and how many were executed, but multiple sources described a deliberate, close range killing spree. According to the national Red Cross, most of the victims were killed with machetes and knives. Over the past week, Amnesty International has spoken to numerous survivors of the attacks, as well as to eyewitnesses, officials from the national Red Cross, local police, and members of the antibalaka militia that carried out the first attack. Amnesty International delegates interviewed more than 30 people with first-hand information about the incidents, and visited the sites of the killings. The slaughter in Boyali and Bossembeli is part of a larger pattern. While visiting the region over the past week, Amnesty International delegates witnessed massive and uncontrolled looting, the destruction of mosques, and the burning of civilian property. They were stopped at numerous checkpoints manned by unruly anti-balaka who demanded money. They also saw hundreds of anti-balaka militia members openly carrying machetes, hunting rifles, homemade firearms, and, in some cases, assault rifles. Ex-Seleka Abuses Many Christians in Boyali and Bossembeli are extremely angry at the Muslim minority, believing that Muslims have been complicit in ex-Seleka abuses. In the weeks and months preceding these horrific attacks, tensions between the Christian and Muslim communities had dramatically increased. The killing of some 1,000 Christians by ex-Seleka forces in Bangui in early December 2013 was the single worst killing spree carried out by the ex-Seleka, but smaller scale atrocities were committed with frightening regularity. Christian residents in many places, including in the region in question, used to hide in the bush for weeks at a time out of fear for their lives. The possibility of attack was all too real. In Boyali, for example, ex-Seleka forces and Muslim civilians destroyed hundreds of homes belonging to Christian residents on January 7 and 8. Amnesty International delegates counted more than 200 structures that had been burned down in a single area, and heard many stories of ex-Seleka abuses. There were no peacekeeping forces in the communities. The Christian community has suffered enormously over the past year, said Joanne Mariner. The desire for revenge is palpable in CAR. Given how predictable such killings are, more robust peacekeeping steps should be taken to prevent them. As the African Union Heads of States meet to consider the crisis in CAR next week, Amnesty International is calling on decision-makers to ensure that peacekeeping forces are responding effectively to the challenges currently unfolding on the ground.

FEATURE

Valentine's Day
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even if they were to enter a lizard's hole, you would follow them." The companions replied, "O Messenger of Allah, [do u mean] the Jews and Christians?" He said, "Who else?" [Bukhari] As we look around us, we can see this already start to happen. We are blindly following the ways of the non-Muslims and even feel pride in doing so! We need to wake up and submit wholeheartedly to the will and commands of Allah - we need to follow the way of Prophet Muhammad sallaLahu aleyhi wasallam and his companions and their righteous followers. Only then will we find true peace and success. "And whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger and fears Allah and is conscious of Him - it is those who are the successful." [Surah An Nur 52] I will end with this, that the Prophet said, "A person will be with those whom he loves [in the Hereafter]." [Bukhari and Muslim] May Allah put in our hearts the love of those who will be in paradise. Ameen

The Friday Bulletin

Rabi' Ul Thaany 07, 1435/February,07 2014

NATIONAL

Help us in restoring our lost glory-Pumwani mosque appeals

The Pumwani Riyadha mosque committee has made a passionate appeal for efforts from other stakeholders to help address the social problems in the area and improve on the livelihood of the residents. The vice chairman Ali Abdulmajid said the area, particularly the Majengo slums was beset with a growing social problem and it will take concerted efforts and a helping hand from other stakeholders to improve on the wellbeing of the residents. He said poverty, poor living standards and a soaring crime rate posed great challenges and it was time to put in place measures to address the situation. It is unfortunate that our area is always in the news for the wrong reasons. We need to shed off this bad image as it is hindering the progress of our people, he said during a youth entrepreneurship training workshop held on Saturday at the mosque. Many young people from the area, some Safia Ibrahim, the Nairobi regional cordinator of Youth Enterprise Deveopment as young as 14 years are being killed for Fund speaks to youth from Pumwani area on the economic empowerment opcriminal activities while others are arrestportunities provided by the Fund. ed at some border points further denting the image of the area, he said. The vice chairman complained the area had been unfairly isolated and said the committee of the Mosque was ready to work with community leaders, non-government organizations and the government Muslim parents have been urged to develop a strong bond and good relationto uplift the lives of the residents. ship with their children for better and holistic upbringing. Pumwani has a rich Islamic history and we need The advice was given by the deputy Imam of Jamia mosque Nairobi Sheikh to restore its past glory but this can be achieved Juma Amir at a workshop which was organized by Park Road Youth Group in through working together with other stakeholders, partnership with Family Resource Centre. Sheikh Juma Amir stressed on the he said. need for parents to create cordial relationship with their children adding that The chairman of the Family resource Centre Sheikh it remains a parental responsibility to nurture children by inculcating into them Abdullatif Abdulkarim spoke on the rich potential of Islamic virtues as well as guiding them to be responsible people in the society. young people which needs to be harnessed to see to Parents should emulate the Prophet (peace be upon him) on how to bring up it that they played a positive role in the society. He children. He loved his children and provided them with guidance to live us good said many youth had despaired and lost a sense of Muslims, he said during a parental workshop at the weekend. direction as opportunities which could help improve At the same time, parents were advised to spend more time with their children on their lives were increasingly hard to come by. and keep track of their daily activities especially on social media. We need There is big potential of young men and women who to regulate what our children are watching, listening and following in the print, are ready to play a constructive role in the society electronic and the social media said Riziki Ahmed a counselor from the Family but need to be empowered or else they will fall prey Resource Centre. to wrong elements in the society who are eager to She said the social media was also another challenge for the contemporary youth cautioning that parents have to be vigilant to ensure that their children did exploit them, he said. The Nairobi regional coordinator for the Youth Enter- not fall prey to wrong elements who were taking advantage of the social media prise Development Fund, Safia Hassan told young to wreck the lives of the youth. Muslims to also take steps to benefit from the avail- On his part, Sheikh Abdullatif Abdukarim, the chairman of Family Resource Cenable opportunities put in place by the government to tre told parents and in particular mothers to live up to their obligation of raising improve on their lives. The Youth Fund is among their children noting that many have chosen to abandon their responsibilities opportunities which aimed at improving the lives of which endangers the future of the upcoming generation. Many parents have young people but very few Muslim youth are taking left the upbringing of their children to house helps. The innocent children even refer to them as aunties as they feel a sense of closeness to them than their advantage of this opportunity, she said. mothers who choose to spend most of their time away from home, he said The head of the micro finance unit at the First ComAt a young age, children need to have more time with their parents and it is munity Bank Mahmoud Karega appealed to the important at this time for parents to prioritize their roles in inculcating them with youth not to shun informal employment noting that it religion, good character and sound education, the Sheikh added. was also a viable means of uplifting their livelihood. A counselor with the centre Salama Hussein urged parents to deal fairly with The one day training programme was organized by their children and allocate them responsibilities to build their confidence and the Family Resource Centre and it was aimed at en- prepare them for future roles in the society. lightening young men and women from the area on Divorce, drug abuse, poverty, violence and sexual abuse were cited as some the how to start and run small micro enterprise projects challenges facing the upcoming generation in todays society. and the available opportunities to access developA growing disconnection between parents and children were the reason which ment funds. formed the reason for the workshop.

Have mutual relationship with childrenParents advised

Islamic banks asked to help set up education loans board

Islamic financial institutions, the Muslim business community and professionals have been called upon to address challenges being experienced by Muslim students in higher institutions of learning by setting up a Muslim higher education loans board. The Muslim Education Council (MEC) representative at the Kakamega county education board, Hassan Ngeri said the establishment of the board will improve access to education and help Muslim students realize their dreams of pursuing higher education. Speaking to the Friday Bulletin, Ngeri noted that the primary conditions set by Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) of recovering loans with interest (riba) has proved to be a stumbling block to many Muslim students wishing to access the funds, while Constituency Development Funds are compounded with nepotism and corruption when selecting those to benefit from the funds. ''Islamic teachings categorically forbid any dealings in interest, hence many religious conscious needy Muslim students have not had a chance to benefit from the government loan scheme,'' said Ngeri. He urged Islamic financial institutions to come together and put up modalities of setting up Shariah compliant loans board to support Muslim students to further their education as part of their social welfare programmes adding that education is a vital pillar in development of any community hence it was prudent for these Islamic institutions to be involved in the sector. He further called on the Muslim business community and professionals to also participate in education matters by providing support and expertise to improve on education standards in the Muslim community in order to restore the lost glory of the community in the sector. ''Knowledge is the source of power and driving force for sustainable development,'' Ngeri added. On his part, the Kakamega Jamia Mosque and Islamic centre Secretary General Mwalimu Bakari Kweyu stressed on the importance of parents setting up early measures and preparations so that they are able to educate their children without hindrances instead of waiting till the last minute when they run up and down in search of fees.

Daawah work in Our Prisons

Criminal rehabilitation is gaining popularity among many who are forward thinking. Such forms of rehabilitation can help to reduce the number of repeat offenders who return to jail after being unable to adapt to life outside of jail. This can also help to solve some of the more serious cases, such as sexual offenders who may continue in their heinous ways after being released, preying on women or children. Criminal rehabilitation can help to solve the problem of overcrowding in most prisons. The criminal population continues growing, as the death penalty has been abolished, and the state would need to spend more on facilities to house criminals. There are statistics showing that only 35 percent of inmates do not make their way back to prison upon their release. This leaves us with a large percentage of released criminals who do commit crimes and end up being repeat offenders. This poses a major difficulty to society as well as a strain. The government has to fork out huge sums to keep tabs on these possible repeat offenders as well as maintaining the prison systems. Needless to say, the possibility of releasing prisoners who might be repeat offenders is a threat to social safety. However, the scenario does have a light at the end of the tunnel. There seems to be a good reason why some former inmates do not return to jail: it appears that their time in incarceration was spent productively, changing some vital aspect of their personality. Education is one of the ways in which this positive change can be effected. Ummah Foundation through its Prisoners Rehabilitation Program has been in the forefront in bringing change in prisons through Islamic teachings and other technical programs. In Naivasha maximum prison, Ummah Foundation has established an Education Centre that serves as a mosque for the inmates and an Education hub that inmates come together every day to learn and watch prominent Muslim scholars give lectures from the video and Tv set that the Foundation has provided for them. In a very short period ever since Ummah Foundation found its space there, quite a number of new Muslim revertees have embraced Islam. In Kamiti Maximum Prison, Ummah Foundation in collaboration with PRP has started construction of another centre that is similar to the one in Naivasha. With the same setup and programs we anticipate to rehabilitate a bigger number than before through Daawah. Other Prisons like Nairobi Remand, Athi River, Langata Womens Prisons are equally in need of the same services and that is why we call upon all well-wishers to join hands with Ummah Foundation through its Prisoners Rehabilitation Program to see changes in our Prisons through Daawah work. With your help and support we expect to achieve the following: 1-Have an adequate number of educational (secular and spiritual), vocational and work programs being provided to rehabilitate prisoners. 2-Cater for the special needs of our Muslim Sisters at Langata Womens Prisons who need to be provided with sanitary facilities and children clothes. 3-There are certain groups of prisoners remand and short term, young offenders and prisoners with mental health problems- who need our care and satisfactory rehabilitation. We can also help those with minor offences to be bailed out of the prisons. For your participation in this noble initiative contact us: Ummah Foundation Village Plaza,2nd Floor Ngara Road P.O.Box 58717-00200 , Nairobi, Kenya Tel:+254-20-2680610/13, Mobile: +254734845277 E.Mail: info@ummahfoundation.net Web: www.ummahfoundation.net

Kakamega School row resolved

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In October last year, the school sent a plea for well-wishers to construct a place of worship to cater for the spiritual development of Muslim students and staff. A Kisumu based non-governmental organization Da'wah Development Group (DDG) responded positively and started the construction but the project soon came to a standstill after complaints from some quarters that the mosque could be used for illegal activities. The board chairman Nassor Rashid decried what he said was external interference in the running of school affairs by outside forces. He noted that by putting up a mosque in the compound, Muslim students of Kakamega High School would be able to perform their prayers with dignity and would not have to look for empty classrooms to perform their prayers like they used to before. The Imam of Kakamega Jamia Mosque and Islamic centre, Sheikh Ibrahim Saadalla expressed his gratitude to the board and the PTA adding that the mosque will assist in the spiritual development of the students and inculcate good moral values in them to be good and responsible citizens. He advised those assigned in giving spiritual guidance and counseling to students to always adhere to the school rules and regulations for mutual understandings and peaceful coexistence and also ensure students are given proper teachings that instill in them discipline and respect for harmony. Starehe boys centre in Nairobi and Lenana School are among national schools which have established mosques for the institution's Muslim community.

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