The

Friday Bulletin
The Weekly Muslim News Update

Safar 07 1431/January 22 2009

'Al Shabbab pretext used to

suppress Muslims'

Issue No. 351

LEFT: Wananchi attend to a protestor who was shot by police

during the Friday demonstration. Two people were shot dead
by the police.
ABOVE: Part of the destruction on the Jamia Mall building
which was attacked by hired goons as police who were supposed to provide security looked on.

he government is using the pretext that members of

the Somalia Al-Shabab militia had participated in last
weeks Friday demonstration to suppress and curtail the
rights of Muslims.
Muslim leaders under the aegis of the Supreme Council of
Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM), National Muslim Leaders Forum
(NAMLEF) and Jamia Mosque took issue with the Internal
security Minister George Saitoti for his comments on the alleged presence of the militia in the country saying the excuse
was being used as a smokescreen to crack down on innocent
Muslims.
We take great exception to the statement made by the Internal security minister in trying to link the demonstrations to Al
Shabbab so as to justify the violence meted out by the police
against Muslims, said SUPKEM secretary general Adan Wachu on Sunday when he read a joint statement on behalf of the
three organisations.
He accused the police of resorting to excessive force on the
protestors and also violating the sanctity of the mosque when
they fired live bullets, tear gas and water cannons inside the
house of worship. When and where else has this been done
by the security forces since the 2007 post election violence
and why was this done at the Muslims? an incensed Wachu
asked.
He went on to condemn the police for working in cahoots with
organized gangs to participate in acts of thuggery against
Muslims in the Central Business District. Video evidence is
available at all mainstream media houses to prove that, the
hawkers and other elements were mobilized and worked in
tandem with the security forces in the mayhem that was witnessed on the streets of Nairobi, he said.

The same video evidence also clearly shows who did the stoning and
looting while the security forces stood with hands folded watching the
unfolding violence meted against Muslims and destruction of Muslim
owned businesses, he added.
The leaders said the events of last Friday clearly pointed to a double
standard approach on the part of the police pointing out that none of
the looters were apprehended by the police yet scores of Muslims were
detained for participating in the protests which the leaders stressed was
their constitutional right.
Claims that gunshots were fired from the mosque against police officers
were dismissed as a diversionary plot to exonerate the police from their
criminal acts against Muslims.
Wachu who was flanked by the Jamia Mosque chairman Osman Warfa
and Mandera East MP Mohammed Hussein Ali among other leaders
said the government deliberately ignored proposals from Muslim leaders
which would have averted the violence. He went on to add that this was
a calculated move to portray Muslims in a negative light to the Kenyan
public.
The Internal security minister also came under heavy criticism from
Gichugu MP Martha Karua who accused the minister of using the AlStory Continues To Page 7

National News
Da'wa

This Week

P2

The congregational Prayer

P3

Women Issues

Just for husbands

P4

Youth and Children

Strong when you have to be different

P5

Feature

Reflections of the Al-Faisal saga

P7

The Friday Bulletin

Safar 07 1431/January 22 2009

'Where is justice for Muslims in this country?'

This was the painful remark
of a concerned Kenyan
soon after seven Muslims
arrested in the aftermath
of the last Friday protests
in Nairobi were ironically
charged with breaking in
and robbing Muslim-owned
properties.
Among the charges put
forward by the prosecution
in the case of the seven,
was breaking into the Kimathi street branch of First
Community Bank at Jamia
Mosque and allegedly vandalizing and stealing properties estimated to be more
than ten million shillings.
The accused were also
charged with destroying and
stealing properties from the
adjacent Jamia Mall.
Both establishments belong to the Muslim community.
Though it was clear even from video footages that those who
carried out the heinous acts were goons who joined ranks with
the police to attack Muslims, the prosecution went ahead to ironically shift the blame on the victims.
Worse still, those who carried out the attack against the bank
and the mall were seen by witnesses engaging in the criminal
act while the police were looking on and apparently providing
security.
The seven who were brought before Nairobi Chief Magistrate
faced counts which included taking part in an unlawful assembly
and assaulting five officers. They denied the charges and were
each granted cash bail of Sh100, 000.
In a related situation, a Muslim police officer who protested
against the apparent double standards by the police in the attempts to quell the Muslim demonstration, has been sacked from
the Kenyan police force.
According to a Nairobi daily, the officer whose name was not
given, was interdicted for what the Nairobi police boss Anthony
Kibuchi said disobeying orders from his superiors.
The officer based at Central Police Station was seen on a local
TV station removing his police helmet and protesting against the
move to allow goons to attack Muslims.
Civil society organisations have also come out to condemn the
police action. Under the banner of Kenyans for Justice and Development (KEJUDE), the activists condemned the use of live
ammunition by police and the decision to allow marauding goons
to join the confrontation. The police insulted the Republic of
Kenya by allowing marauding gangs of goons to join and back
them up in confronting the protesters. Goons have no place in
law enforcement and should have been arrested by the police
for creating disturbances in the manner they did last Friday. No
Kenyan should take the law into their hands, said KEJUDE official Okiya Okoiti Omtata.
The group also took issue with the police for applying double
standards in the application of the law. The Police use the law
on processions selectively when, for example, they allow Akorinos and other religious adherents to have a procession anywhere in Kenya on near daily basis without notifying them, said
the Kejude National Convener Neto Agostino .
KEJUDE further blamed the police for initiating the riots saying
the protesters, as required by the law, had issued the necessary
notifications for a peaceful march through the streets of Nairobi.
Two people, Ahmed Hassan and Abdullahi Kadiri died in the protests after being shot by police officers. Four others are still hospitalized nursing gunshot wounds.

Goons sorround
a Muslim who
was beaten and
seriously injured
during the protests.
A police officer (in
helmet) was among
secuirty officials
who stood by when
the innocent man
who was taking
pictures of the
demonstration was
attacked.

MP decries slow progress in Lamu

fire disaster assistance
Four months after the devastating inferno on Faza Island in Lamu
district, there is no firm commitment from the government to help the
victims rebuild their homes.
Nominated MP Shakila Abdallah told the government to do more in
speeding up reconstruction efforts.
Speaking to The Friday Bulletin on phone, Shakila, an ODM Kenya
MP, took issue with the progress of the reconstruction saying that it
was still far away in fulfilling the expectations of the residents.
The legislator said that out of the more than 400 houses which were
destroyed, so far only two houses have been rebuilt, 40 have had their
makuti roofs thatched while 10 are in the process of being reconstructed. We have been kept in the dark about what is happening, there is
no transparency about the whole process and progress is very slow,
she said.
Millions of funds were collected for the purpose of reconstructing the
homes but it appears that they are not being put to proper use, she
said.
She further added that the lack of sufficient funds should not be used
as any excuse as the government could as well borrow from the Sh2
billion Disaster Fund to offset any deficit.
The MP said it was important that the government unveils a detailed
programme about reconstruction efforts so as to remove any doubts
about the whole programme. There should be transparency and people should not be left in the dark as is the case now, she said.
The slow progress in the efforts to rebuild the homes were dimming the
hopes and expectations of the victims as concern grows that that the
government might not after all fulfill their dreams. The fear is that the
programme might be called off soon on the claims that the funds have
been exhausted, she said.
The legislator also accused politicians of hijacking the programme
saying that they are placing selfish interests ahead of the expectations
of the victims.
Hundreds of people continue to seek shelter in temporary structures
while others are housed by relatives as they wait for the government
promise to build their damaged homes.
The devastating inferno on September 5 on Faza, one of the islands
which make up the Lamu archipelago left 2,500 people displaced forcing them to seek refugee in schools, mosques and host families. More
than 430 houses were burned down of which 214 were completely
razed to the ground.
Following the disaster, President Mwai Kibaki in a major fundraising
helped to raise over Sh 64.8 million in aid of the Faza Island fire victims.

Safar 07 1431/January 22 2009

The Friday Bulletin

DA'WA

The Congregational Prayer and its excellence

The fact that both, the Qur'an and Sunnah, have laid great stress
on the congregational prayer and described its unique excellence, shows that the fardh prayer is meant to be offered collectively, and no one in the Islamic community should even think of
observing it individually unless one has to do so on the account
of a genuine reason. The Qur'an says: "and bend down in ruku
with those who bend down in ruku." [Al-Baqarah 2:43]
Arguing from this verse, the commentators are generally of the
view that prayer has to be offered collectively. The importance of
the congregational prayer in Islam is so great that the Muslims
have been enjoined to observe it even in the battlefield where
danger to life is extreme. The Qur'an has prescribed the following
way: " And when you, O Prophet, are among the Muslims and are
going to lead them in salah (in a state of war), let a party stand
behind you, carrying their weapons with them. When they have
made their prostrations, they should fall back and let another
party of them, who have not yet offered salah, say it with you and
they too, should be on guard and keep their weapons with them."
[An-Nisaa 4:102]
The Holy Prophet, Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, also has greatly
stressed the offering of prayer in congregation and described its
unique merit and excellence. For instance, he said:
"Nothing is harder on the hypocrites than the Isha and Fajr prayer;
had they known of the great rewards that Allah would bestow for
those prayers they would never had missed them even if they
had to come to the masjid on their knees." Then he said, "I wish
I should tell a Mua'dhin to pronounce the iqamah and appoint
someone as Imam in my place, and I should myself go and set
fire to the houses of those who do not come out even after hearing the adhan. (Bukhari, Muslim).
"Offering the prayer in congregation carries 27 times greater
reward than offering it alone individually." (Bukhari, Muslim)
According to Sayyidna Anas, Radi-Allahu anhu, the Holy
Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, said: "The person who
offers his prayers continuously for 40 days without missing the
first takbeer, is granted a two-fold immunity by Allah: immunity
from Hell-fire and immunity from hypocrisy. (Tirmidhi)
According to Sayyidna Abdullah bin Masoud, Radi-Allahu
anhu, the Holy Prophet, Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, said: "O
Muslims! Allah has prescribed paths of right guidance for you
among which is the offering of the daily prayers in congregation
in the masjid. If you start saying your prayers individually at
home, as so-and-so does, you will be forsaking the Sunnah of
your Prophet, and if you forsake the Sunnah of your Prophet,
you will certainly be going astray." (Muslim)
According to Ubayy bin Ka'ab, Radi-Allahu anhu, the Holy
Prophet, Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, said: "If the people come
to know of the great rewards and benefits of the congregational
prayer, they would never stay back but would rush to the masjid for it. The first row merits the highest reward. Two persons
praying together merit greater reward than the same praying
individually, the rule being that the bigger the congregation the
higher its worth in the Sight of Allah." (Abu Dawud)
"Give good news to those who go to the masjid in the darkness of the night to offer the prayer in congregation that on
the Day of Judgment they will be provided with a perfect light."
(Tirmidhi)
Sayyidna Uthman, Radhi-Allahu anhu, has reported that he
heard the Holy Prophet, Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, say: "The
person who observes the Isha prayer in congregation, will have
the reward and blessings of staying up half the night in prayer,
and the one who observes the Fajr prayer in congregation will
have the reward and blessings of staying up the whole night in
prayer." (Tirmidhi)

Regulations for Making Rows

Utmost care has to be exercised to keep the rows straight and
balanced. The Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, has instructed: "Keep your rows straight and balanced in the prayer, for
proper alignment is a necessary condition of observing the prayer
well." (Bukhari, Muslim)
The front rows should be filled and completed first. The followers
should stand behind the Imam in a balanced way, equally on the
right and left, keeping him in the middle in front.
If there is a single follower, he should stand on the right of the
Imam with his heels a little behind the Imam. It is undesirable for a
single follower to stand behind the Imam in a separate row.
If the followers are more than one, they should invariably stand
behind the Imam; it is undesirable for two or more followers to stand
beside the Imam on his right or left.
If at the beginning of the prayer, there is only one follower and later
on one or more follower joins in, they should either pull the first follower back in the row, or the Imam should step forward and let the
followers make a row behind him.
If the front rows are complete, and there is no room for a late comer, he should avoid standing alone behind, but should pull a person
back from the front row and make a separate row at the back.
If there is room for a late comer to stand in the front row, it is undesirable for him to stand alone at the back.
If a person had started a nafl prayer and then finds a fardh congregational prayer due to begin, he should pronounce salutation after
two rak'ahs and join the congregation.
When Imam has stood up for a fardh prayer, the sunnah prayer
should not be started.
If due to some reason, one is late for a congregational prayer and
has no hope of gaining the prayer, one should hasten to the masjid because it is expected that Allah will not deprive rewards and
blessings of congregational prayer. The Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu
alayhi wa sallam, has said: "The person who preformed his wudhu
well, then went to the masjid, and found the prayer to have been
preformed already, he will get the same reward from Allah as those
who were tended as observed the prayer in congregation without
any decrease in there rewards."
The person who joins the Imam in the ruku position is deemed to
have gained that rak'ah; if he joins later, he will have to complete
the rak'ahs that he has missed, independently.
For a congregational prayer to be valid, there has to be at least
one follower beside the Imam.

Al-Shabab pretext used to harass Muslims

Story From Page 1

Shabab issue as a scapegoat. The MP told Saitoti to admit his failures at the docket "instead of blaming foreign militia".
She questioned where the state intelligence was when the militia allegedly infiltrated the country undetected and managed to take part
in the riots in the heart of the countrys capital city.
The former Justice minister also joined a chorus of voices which
condemned the police for using excessive force against protestors
and said alternative means could have been resorted to as a way of
maintaining sanity and peace.

Saturday Lecture
Religion-The opium of the people?
Muhammad Abdallah Swaleh
Sat. 23rd January 20102.00 pm-4.00 pm
Jamia Mosque Multi Purpose Hall

Safar 07 1431/January 22 2009

The Friday Bulletin

WOMEN ISSUES
Sahar Kassaimah

Just For Husbands!

Have you cleaned the house? Is dinner ready? Have you fed the He listened to his wife, Umm Salama's radhiallahu anha, advice in
the Hudaybiya conciliation, when she advised him to start shaving
kids? Did you wash my clothes?
These are some of the questions that women hear, day in and day and slaughterring his animal. It was her mature advice that solved
out, from husbands who assert that wives are nothing more than the predicament and protected the Muslim nation. So why have we
strayed from that example?
servants and baby machines. But a wife is neither.
Nevertheless, amidst busy schedules on the parts of both women Raising children is not just the mother's job, as some mistakenly
and men, some husbands forget the real reasons behind marriage think. It is intended as a mutual responsibility to be shared by both
and likewise the rights of their wives. Subsequently, they deprive parents. Everyone has his/her complimentary role to undertake rethemselves, their mates and their children of the happiness and garding family. There is no doubt that the mother bears the bigger
tranquility that is the bedrock of a successful family. This unbal- burden of responsibility, but the role of the father is likewise imporanced vision towards a couple's ideal relationship is bad enough to tant and has tremendous effects on the stability of the family.
Children need the presence and input of a father. They need him
plunge the family into a situation laden with troubles and worries.
Even among religious families, you will find some husbands who to ask them about their homework, help them memorize the Qur'an
still do not have a proper understanding of rights of their wives, and understand their religion. They need to feel that he is there for
nor a clear vision of the intended relationship between a married them.
Dear husbands, your wife is your partner, your other half and your
couple.
life mate. She can be your hassanah in this world and "the blessing
It is both painful and distressing to see a Muslim husband practicing of your life," but only if you give her the chance to be. She is the one
Allah's orders on the one hand, but forgetting to follow His guidance who can bring a smile to your face and dry the tears of pain from
regarding how to treat his wife. Outside the home he is kind, patient your eyes. She has the potential to provide your family with iman,
and smiling. But, as soon as he returns home, the smiling face behappiness, encomes angry It is both painful and distressing to see a Muslim husband practicing Allah's orders on couragement,
and sad and the one hand, but forgetting to follow His guidance regarding how to treat his wife.
and patience in
the kindness
the face of chaland gentleness turn into nervousness and adversity. He starts lenges you may face. Your wife is always ready to sacrifice everyshouting and screaming his orders at his wife.
thing in order to bring happiness and success to the family.
He forgets that although he faces many challenges and pressures No one can claim that marriage is always blissful or that there will
outside the house, his wife can also be overwhelmed with the never be any hardships to face. But, if the basis of the relationship
housework and her responsibilities to the children.
is strong and if each person has a clear vision of his partners' rights,
He forgets that she also needs rest after a long day of working. then challenges can easily be overcome.
Although his duty is to work outside the house and to provide for I do not mean to blame all husbands for the problems facing couhis family, a wife's role inside the house is not any less important. ples today. I am addressing a specific type of husband within the
On the contrary, her role is often more important as she is the one Muslim community: the misinformed one who does not understand
charged with raising the children and guarding the family.
that a happier and stronger Muslim family can only be built under a
We often see this scenario: A wife feels tired and asks her husband strong partnership between the couple.
to help her with the cleaning, washing or cooking. He refuses, as Allah says in the Holy Qur'an, " And among His signs is this, that He
though it is shameful for a man to help his wife. Doesn't he know created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may dwell
that Prophet Muhammad (salallahu alayhi wa sallam), the most in tranquility with them, and He put love and mercy between your
beloved person to Allah, helped his wives with the housework? (hearts): verily in that are Signs for those who reflect." (30:21)
Doesn't he know that Umar Ibn al-Khattab provided recipes to a
group of women in order to teach them how to cook? Could Umar
teach others if he himself did not know how to cook?
No husband, regardless of how much work he has, can ever be
busier than our Prophet salallahu alayhi wa sallam whose duty it
was to spread Islam. Likewise, no one is busier than Umar who had
to bear the responsibility of a Khalifah.
Ingredients
It shocks me to hear that some wives have never heard a loving
2 eggs
or appreciative word from their husbands. When asked about the
1 cup sugar
person he loved the most, the Prophet salallahu alayhi wa sallam
1/2 cup vegetable oil
did not hesitate to name his wife, A'ishah. Thus, he declared very
2 tsp vanilla essence
clearly, that a husband should not be ashamed of loving his wife or
3 cups of plain flour
even of declaring that love in front of other people.
1 tsp baking powder
It is also painful to hear that some husbands do not speak to their
1 tsp cinnamon powder
wives or spend time with their families, under the pretence of a busy
1 tsp salt
schedule and da'wa work. While it is noble to be involved in da'wa
outside the home, it is also necessary that the wife and children
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
also be recipients of a husband's efforts.
2 1/2 cups courgettes, grated
I wonder how married couples can live without ever talking or spendMethod
ing time together or how they can feel happiness and tranquility
Beat together the first five ingredients until they are fluffy.
with this gap separating them. Who else can share in happiness
Then mix in the next five ingredients and stir well
and sadness better than one's wife? Who else can encourage one
Finally mix in the courgettes and spoon into the paper cups.
to confront the challenges of life with perseverance and patience?
Bake at 180 degrees centigrade for 30 minutes.
Who can listen and keep one's secrets better than a wife? Who can
Remove and allow to cool.
help renew iman and intentions better than a wife?
The Prophet (salallahu alayhi wa sallam) taught us that the best
Decorate as youd like.
among men is the one who best treats his wife. Shouldn't we follow
Makes 10
the Prophet's example in every issue of our lives?
Share your favourite recipes with our readers. Send them to P. O. Box 100786The Prophet (salallahu alayhi wa sallam) spent time with his wives,
00100 or email:fridaybulletin@islamkenya.com or fridaybulletin@gmail.com
talking to them, laughing with them, and even playing with them.

The Friday Bulletin Kitchen

COURGETTE CUP CAKES

Safar 07 1431/January 22 2009

The Friday Bulletin

YOUTH AND CHILDREN

Strong When You Have to Be Different

Salma Cook
As Muslims living in the modern world we have to interact. Today is not
a time for isolation. The world needs good people to step up and make
a stand, have a voice and be a power of good, and as individuals our
faith increases when we live Islam, not just talk about it.
This means obtaining an education, finding a career, doing voluntary
work and mixing with the people who come our way. However, this
does not mean simply soaking up the attitudes and behavior of those
around us. Everything has its limits and in life, we have to know ours.
Once we realize that our role is to be part of what is happening around
us, we have taken the first step. If there is harm or injustice we have to
do our best to remove it and help make a change.
If there is poverty we have to give. If there is ignorance we have to advise. And at all times we have to be patient, friendly, sincere and Godfearing. We do not live in a perfect world and it is obvious that there will
be times when we will meet with ridicule, and even hostility.
Being a Muslim in todays world takes courage, insight and perseverance. Sometimes we may be tempted to give in a little and compromise but the Muslim who is close to Almighty Allah will immediately
recognize that this thinking takes him far from Allah the Almighty and
hence, losing the light of faith and insight.
Some things should never be compromised. A Muslim should not lie,
steal or harm others. We should never manipulate others, be corrupt or
come near to adultery and we should steer clear of drugs and alcohol
and all dangerous substances. If we do things that Allah the Almighty
has prohibited us to do, we only damage ourselves, for the Creator in
His mercy has outlined what is good for us and what is not. We are the
losers if we bypass His wise and loving legislation.
Sometimes we will meet people we really like and want to spend time
with them. These people may or may not be good for us and we have
to be sensitive to the changes that occur within ourselves when we
are around certain people. If we have the habit of looking honestly at
ourselves and what we have done each day when we go to sleep at
night, we will see the influence of others on us; either in a positive or
a negative way.
If our goal is to draw closer to Almighty Allah and be a better person,
we will automatically pull away from people who, consciously or unconsciously, are trying to take us away from Him. So we should be
aware and sensitive and make the necessary moves when they are
obvious to us.
Sometimes the people in our life like family and friends; those who
love us most of all, will advise us. The advice of a true friend is precious because it comes from a sincere heart. Therefore, we should
listen to what they say without being overly sensitive. This takes great
inner strength and control over our desires but like the Prophet (peace
and blessings be upon him) said, Religion is giving advice. This also
includes taking advice!
Sometimes we will find ourselves with people that we would like to
impress. However, there may come a time when they will push us to do
or say something we know deep down is wrong. This is a big temptation and especially if we really like these people and value their opinion
about us. At such times, we have to ask ourselves who we love more;
Almighty Allah or these people. Who will come to our aid if we are in
need? Them or Allah the Almighty? Who gave us all we have, and is
always there for us? Them or Almighty Allah? The answers are obvious. It is Allah the Almighty who deserves our love and obedience, so
if we have to make the choice, always choose Almighty Allah. He, in
His mercy, may very well send us people that we will love even more
than these!
Life continues, grows, develops and unfolds with patience. Without patience there will be much hesitation, uncertainty and obstacles that can
not be overcome. Patience does not mean sitting around doing nothing, and waiting for Almighty Allah to fix everything for us.
Patience means making a course of action for ourselves after asking
Almighty Allahs guidance, then sticking to it and persevering no matter what. That means, persevering regardless of what people might
say or do. Patience undoes the most difficult problems and complex
dilemmas. Patience is indeed a sign of strength and it fortifies us when
we have to make a stand and keep to the course we have made for
ourselves.

Loving Allah and Putting

One's Trust in Him
You cherish the love your parents show you,
do you not? You also love them. They protect and love you and meet your needs. You
trust them. If you encounter a difficulty,
you know they are always there to help you.
Have you ever thought how much you love
Allah and trust Him?
Allah meets all the needs of all the beings
He creates. Thanks to His infinite mercy, we
live in this world in peace and enjoy countless blessings.
Allah created the sun so that we can live on
earth. Allah also created vegetables, fruit
and animals for us. We have bread, milk,
meat and various other delicious vegetables
and fruit because Allah creates them all for
us.
Allah created rain so that we can have fresh
water to drink. He created oceans, the continuous bodies of salt water. Without rain
there would be neither fresh nor salt water
on earth. Water is vital for us. As you know,
man can only survive without water for a
few days.
Allah placed the immune system within
our bodies to protect us against microbes.
Thanks to our immune systems, we do not
die from the simple microbe that causes the
common cold.
Aside from these matters, Allah makes our
hearts beat unceasingly throughout our
lives. If our hearts needed rest at certain
intervals, as do engines, we would certainly
die. But hearts beat unceasingly for decades without rest and enable us to live.
Allah protects and nourishes your mother,
father and everyone else. We are all in need
of Allah. Neither our parents nor we could
have possibly done these things. For this
reason, we must love Allah and put our trust
in Him.
Loving Allah more than anyone or anything
else, putting trust in Him and acknowledging that He has given us everything are the
foremost qualities of character with which
Allah is pleased.

Safar 07 1431/January 22 2009

The Friday Bulletin

Opinion
Religious tolerence the only solution
Dr. Nuh Nassir Abdi
On Friday the 15th January 2010, just a day before the United
States of America celebrated their religious freedom day, in Nairobi, that same freedom was scuttled by the police courtesy of one
sheikh Abdullahi Ibrahim Al-faisal, a native of Jamaica, a South
American nation. What a coincidence!
A demonstration in support of the Jamaican born cleric resulted in
injuries, loss of lives and property worth millions of shillings.
Sheikh Abdulla Al-Faisal was arrested by Kenyan authorities on
charges of being on an international terrorist list. Since these
happened after sheikh Feisal gave sermons in several Kenya
mosques, it was expected for, if not all, a section of the Muslims
to demonstrate their displeasure at such an action. It should not
be lost to observers that Sheikh Faisal had a three months Visa to
stay in the country.
Many Muslim leaders cleared off the controversy maybe because
they couldnt vouch for the actions of Al-faisal. Had the authorities
deported Al-feisal within the 48hours of his arrest which they were
capable of, the disgruntled Muslims would have fewer grounds to
complain.
Instead, the authorities charged with Kenyan security hyped and
publicized the arrest of sheikh Feisal and detained him for days
to show-case Kenyas so called fight against terrorism. This was
done to appease foreign powers and buy patronage, and was not
in the interest of the nation. As a result, all the international airlines
were alerted and refused to have Sheikh Faisal on board, ending
in a state where Feisal has to be within our borders getting more
sympathizers by the day.
It is such a paradox that the United States which receives a hundred percent support from the Kenyan government, an ally in its
so called fight against terrorism could not grant a transit visa for
safe passage of Al- Feisal to Jamaica. It is an unfortunate subjectmaster phenomenon common in African nations relationship with
western power.
Back to the demonstrations, the police intervention was brutal,
barbaric and uncalled for. For the first time in Kenyan history, police hurled teargas and water cannon into a mosque, a sacred site
of worship. The use of live bullets against civilians is a shocking
reminder of the post-election violence, an instant every Kenyan
would wish to forget.

What did the police expect when they confined the ten thousand
faithful within the Mosque, in an area less than an acre as they denied them exit?
The unprecedented way in which a section of the non-Muslim public
were drawn into action, and were seen hurling stones at the faithful
in the mosque, side by side with the police was unfortunate.
Whoever designed it whether within the police force or outside, had
the intention to ignite sectarian violence which should be condemned
and investigated. Kenyans have co-existed since time immemorial
and should be wary of any cartel that is out to breed religious intolerance.
As I drove near Jamia mosque on that Friday, I noticed what must
have been a gang of hired youths hurling stones at Jamia and surrounding buildings as members of the public watched in disbelief. For
once, I never failed to appreciate that despite the happening; many
Kenyans were peace-loving and were as shocked and stunned.
The claim by the internal security minister that the bullet which hit the
police officer might have been fired from within the demonstrators is
an attempt to cover-up the atrocities committed by the officers. It
should be made clear at this point, that police were granted access
to the mosque with their gadgets and reported that there wasnt any
gun neither in the mosque nor within the faithful.
The Ministers statement that the demonstration was infiltrated by
sympathizers of Al-Shabaab who could as well be here implying to
those who were in his office then, was an insult to the Muslim leaders who on a goodwill note attended his press briefing. He should
apologize on this and the actions of his officers and stop the grandstanding.
Since it has been normal for commissions of inquiries to be established for public relations and to have no end-justice, the Minister
ought to be informed that Muslims and Kenyans await concrete action and not mere pronouncements. The only thing for the minister to
do is to immediately dismiss the officers in charge of Fridays operation and anybody who might have been involved in that days chain
of command. Anything short of that is a travesty of justice and will
result in the police force being viewed in the partisan way in which
they acted.
Alternatively, the Minister should call it quits as it appears he is not
in control rather than defending police impunity.
Dr. Nur is the MP for Bura constituency

State rights watchdog launches probe in Demo

The State human rights watchdog announced on Tuesday that it
has commenced independent investigations into last Fridays riots
in Nairobi.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) Vicechairman Hassan Omar said the inquiry seeks to bring out the truth
regarding the riots which left two people dead and several others
injured.
Police officers, journalists and internal security officials will be summoned to give an insight into the demonstration.
He said KNCHR will engage the services of independent ballistic
and medical experts to reveal the circumstances of the shooting
of the police officers. The KNCHR believes that this particular incident is of national concern and requires an independent analysis,
Hassan said.
He further took issue with the Internal Security minister George
Saitoti for alleging that members of the Somalia Al-Shabab millitia
were involved in the riots and said this was aimed at causing fear
in the country to pave way for a police to crackdown on innocent
Kenyans.
For the minister of Internal Security to stipulate the presence of
Al-Shabaab group during the demonstrations is the most reckless
defence towards the abrogation of national duty and responsibility.
While we acknowledge the rights to our sovereignty and our national security, the remarks by the minister are antics and reminiscent
of past strategies that feed on fear and manipulation, he said.
He also expressed concern about a hate campaign by a section of

people who participated in the demonstration. "It is sad that Kenyans appear preconditioned towards hatred on account of ethnicity
and now a more worrying element of religion. We must shun the
pervasive ideology of malice, hatred and division that characterise
our socio-political set-up," he said.
On Sunday, Muslim leaders meeting in Nairobi demanded an independent inquiry into the police action against the protestors which
they termed brital and discrimanatory.

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We are located at Jamia Mosque Comples Ground Floor
P. O. Box 100786-00101 Nairobi
Tel: 316444 or 2243504/5 Email:majlis@wananchi.com

Safar 07 1431/January 22 2009

The Friday Bulletin

NATIONAL NEWS
Said Abdallah

The Al-Faisal Saga- An Opportunity for the Ummah to Reflect

After the storm of tear gas, stones

cools down and seriously starts
and bullets of last Friday demonthinking of a long term solution
stration has calmed down, it is time
to the never ending problems
for us to think long and hard about
facing the Muslims in Kenya
the future prospects of this Ummah
today. Surely people have and
here in Kenya. The war is over but
must have the right to peacefully
the fight for the rights of Muslims in
protest without causing damage
Kenya must go on and our unity must
to other people's property-this
be paramount.
seems to be somehow missing
in the minds of police and the
National Muslim Leaders Forum
security apparatus in this coun(NAMLEF), the Supreme Council of
try. In the future we must prepare
Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM), Jamia
for more arrests, detentions, deMosque, Majlis Ulamaa Kenya and
portations and incarcerations.
other Muslim organizations must
How are we going to deal with
surely come together and ponder
this future Muslim Harassment;
over how they can come up with a
an occurrence now that is beunified structure or a strategy that will
coming almost a norm? What can be done to
ensure Muslim interests are safe guarded in
ensure that the Muslim community rights are
a fundamental way. This they must do othsafe guarded in a fundamental way even as
erwise they must prepare to answer questhe country is embroiled in a global war on tertions on a day when people will run away
ror environment prosecuted by powerful westfrom their mothers fathers friends, brothers
ern countries? We must ask ourselves who is
and sisters!
pulling the strings. What is his weakness and
We lost two Muslim youth last week (and I
where is our strength? These are some of the
hard questions the Muslim leadership will have
believe and pray that are now in jannah)
to ponder as the Sheikh Faisal saga comes
but we must remember that the blood of
ABOVE: KNHRC vice chairman
Hassan

to a close.
a Muslim is more significant in the sight
of mournof Allah than even the Kaabah in Makkah. Omar addresses hundreds

The youth on the other hand; while we will
ers who turned up for the
burial of one
The Faisal saga has triggered a series of

have to find a way to make our protests
the
protestors
at
Kariokor
cemetery
on
further operations arbitrary arrests and
(especially demonstrations) more
Saturday
swoops in Eastleigh and other areas

meaningful- so that they pass the right
Below: A human rights official
displays
in this country where hundreds of people
message not just to the authorities and
some
of
the
spent
bullet
cartridges
mostly Muslims have been incarcerated
government but also to the public at
which were used against the protestors
and handed over to the anti-terror police

large, we must ensure that demonstrations are
for screening. You can imagine what this screening entails! The
sanctioned at the highest level- first and foremost, by the Muslim
leadership had clearly failed to take up their responsibility of guiding
leaders (and am not talking about the Muslim Members of Parliathis ummah at a crucial moment. We the youth on the other hand
ment) especially the recognized ulamma. The Muslim leadership
have also failed by believing we can do it on our own without the
surely must decide when a Muslim demonstration can be called and
wisdom and guidance of the elders and the ulamma. Let us hope
who has that authority to do so, otherwise we shall always look so
that this incident will leave us all the wiser and more mature.
disorganized when Muslim youth demonstrate and get killed.
To be fair, the Friday Faisal demo was an open valve where the
But once a decision has been reached through shura from the highyouth vented out their frustrations from a culmination of a series of
est leadership positions the youth must obey it and have patience
issues which had not been addressed adequately and which point
even when it goes contrary to their emotions. Let us remember
out to collective discrimination punishment and marginalization of
the story of the Prophet Muhammad (salallahu alayhi wa sallam)
the Muslim community in Kenya.
when he went to perform Hajj and was refused entry into Makkah
The following are just those I can recollect:by the Quraish and was forced to negotiate an agreement that was
The recent utterance by the Internal Security Permanent Sec- (seen as) not favorable to him and the ummah. What did our beretary that properties in places Nairobi like Eastleigh are to be au- loved prophet do? Perhaps the ulamma can take this up and give
dited. Why target only Somali property? Why not audit the Kenyatta, us some lessons but to me the bigger picture must always be a
Moi and Kibaki properties?
guiding principle.
The recent announcement freezing the issuance of IDs (now reMuslim Human rights organizations across Kenya must also learn
voked I believe) to North Eastern province residents on the pretext
to work with other human rights organizations in order to achieve
that foreigners were being issued with IDs. Why should the whole
better results. I know this is sometimes not easy but we must try
province suffer because of the corruption of a few?
harder otherwise it becomes easy to label genuine human rights
The Michuki noise pollution laws that were to curtail freedom of
concerns as simply a Somali issue or a foreign issue! Remember
worship by Muslims as the adhaan (Muslim call for prayer) was now
the Kadhis courts? In Bomas Muslims were a clear minority but
declared -noise?
through lobbying and networking with other like minded people- the
The catholic church refusing to follow an order from the PS MinisKadhis courts were passed unanimously. Islamic banking system
try of Education which was intended to ensure that Muslim children
(the only one in East Africa) was also achieved through strategic alliwearing the Hijab (head scarf ) are allowed to continue studying in
ances, lobbying, networking, education and persuasion. The battles
catholic-run government (where all teachers are paid by the TSC)
ahead will be many and we will have to decide which battles to fight
schools. Why should a head scarf be used to deny children an eduthrough confrontation and which ones to fight through silent lobbycation?
ing and strategic networking. The Faisal saga must not just make
The Jamia Mosque Grogan roundabout plot which is being ocus stronger but also wiser. Allah does not allow evil for evils sake
cupied by mechanics despite a court order clearly giving ownership
and in every shar inevitably there is some kheir. Let us be guided by
of the plot to the mosque which was acquired from the Hebatullah
sincerity of effort and unity of purpose. But most importantly let us
family. I could go on and on but i think its time every one sobers up remember that success or failure is only in the hands of Allah.

America's "Biblical Guns" in Iraq

The US military is facing a storm of criticism
over the use of thousands of high-powered
rifle sights with inscriptions from the Bible
in Iraq and Afghanistan, amid warnings that
the army is breaking rules against proselytizing and risks being portrayed as a modernday crusader.
The ABC news network revealed Monday
that thousands of high-powered rifle sights
used by troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have
inscriptions of coded references to passages from the Bible and biblical passages
about Jesus Christ on it.

Senator Carl Levin, a member of the

Senate Armed Services Committee, also
spoke against the controversial inscriptions which would exacerbate an alreadyflammable situation for the US military.
The US military in Afghanistan was embroiled in a scandal showing soldiers preparing to promulgate Christianity in the
conservative Muslim country.
A footage aired by Al-Jazeera showed a
church sermon at the US airbase in Bagram where soldiers had a stack of bible
printed in local Afghan languages. (IOL)

Protests: Leaders to seek compesation from the State

Muslim leaders have expressed their intention to sue the government over human
rights abuses and the wanton destruction of
properties during the last week demonstration in Nairobi.
A Mombasa legal firm, Mohammed Balala
and Company Advocates has already commenced the legal procedures against the
Attorney General Amos Wako, Internal Security minister George Saitoti, Nairobi Province PPO Anthony Kibuchi and the head of
the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) Nicholas Kamwende.
The leaders said the government had put
the unity of the nation at stake when it allowed the police to specifically target one
ethnic community and religion. "The AG
failed to stop the police in applying the law
selectively and failing to make them accountable for attacking Jamia mosque, a
place of worship that is regarded as a special place in our constitution," said Sheikh
Khalifa Muhammad, the Council of Imams
and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK) organising
secretary.
Nominated MP and CIPK secretary general
Sheikh Mohammed Dor said compensation amounting to millions of shillings will be
sought for individuals and establishments
which lost property during the riots.
"We shall compel the government to compensate damages that occurred during the
Friday demonstration and we shall not be
asking for what happened to Muslims alone
but other traders and motorists who lost

property during the mayhem," he said.

He said the police impartiality was clearly
evident when they resorted to excessive
force and inciting non-Muslims to attack
the protesting Muslims- a clear violation
of their motto "Utumishi Kwa Wote."
Sheikh Dor who is also the Imam of
Mbaruk mosque in Mombasa was categorical that Muslims will not keep silent
in the face of deliberate injustice against
members of the community.
Internal Affairs minister George Saitoti
was also accused of abusing his ministerial powers when he ordered police to
conduct raids against members of the Somali community on the pretext of fighting
influx of aliens in the country. More than
1,000 people are believed to have been
arrested in police raids across the country which are mainly targeting those with
Somali features.
The Kamwende led Anti-Terrorist police
force once again came into focus when
it was accused of working for foreign embassies to persecute Muslims on the pretext of fighting terrorism. They accused
the police squad of violating the constitutional rights of Muslims and said they will
be asking the court to curtail its activities
The leaders spoke during a meeting by
various Muslim organisations in Mombasa called to chart a way forward for the
community in the aftermath of what many
saw as a deliberate campaign targeting
Muslims.
.

Scholarships for bright students

Palmhouse Foundation is a charitable trust
that sponsors deserving students to help
them realize their dreams, transform their
lives and that of society and mentors them
through life.
The Foundation will be carrying out a nationwide recruitment exercise to select
needy and deserving students who have
been admitted to a National School or have
scored over 390 Marks in the 2009 Kenya
Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE)
Applicants with fully completed application
forms which are available at Kenya Commercial Bank offices are invited to attend
interviews in their Primary School Provinces
on Saturday 23 January 2010 at 10. am.

For Coast province, the interviews will be

held at the KTDA Warehouses in Miritini
Mombasa, Nairobi at the CBS Githunguri
Campus (formerly KCA Githunguri Campus), North Eastern Province - Farmers Training Centre, Garissa, Western - Kakamega Boys High School and
in Eastern province at the Kitui District
Head Quarters.
Pupils from Central province will be required to attend the interviews at Maragua County Council (KENOL) and Central Hotel in Nyeri Town, Nyanza at the
Jomo Kenyatta Grounds, Kisumu while
for Rift Valley the location will be at the
Museum Hall in Kitale.

A thank you note from The

One Shilling Foundation
One Shilling Foundation wishes to thank the
donors for their continued support to this noble course. This foundation has developed
multiple opportunities to the Ummah the
opportunity to earn thawab from the Ummah,
the opportunity to build our own projects and
the opportunity to create job opportunities to
the Ummah.
The secretariat is working hard to lay a proper
management structure to ensure efficiency,
accountability and transparency. Stage One
of our project has been completed where a
bulk email system has been developed, a
bulk sms system is also in place and the donor management software is also in its final
stages. What remains is to integrate these
systems in one place at our website where
finally, all the information can be seen by our
donors. Whilst we have tried our best to put
everything in place; we cannot run away from
some errors and omissions which may have
happened in the process of developing and
organizing our systems.
The One shilling Foundation currently sends
sms to all our members as when your contribution is due and if for any reason you have
never received any sms or email from us
please then contact us and we will verify your
details and get back to you. Having said that,
we all wish to inform the Muslims that this is a
project for the Ummah, anyone who feels can
give us advice and suggestions on the best
ways to improve and sustain this organization can send us an email or contact us at
our offices.
We wish to finally remind our brothers and
sisters that despite our status in the country,
we have more than a thousand (1,000) Muslims in the present universities. Most of them
are on parallel programme and are paying an
average of Kshs. 100,000 per year or even
more. This means Muslims are paying more
than Kshs. 100 million per year to the current
universities and that is why the universities
have money to open new branches all over
the country. Therefore, let us all work hard
to join One Shilling Foundation and make it
a success.
Inform your friend, brother, sisters and workmates. If all of us just assist to introduce five
(5) people, we can reach our target on one
(1) million Muslims. Once again, for those
who have not heard from us please contact
us and work together to build the One Shilling
Foundation.
You are also always welcome to visit our offices at
Village Plaza; Block A,
Suit A3, Ngara Road, Nairobi
P. O. Box 58717-00200
Tel 3747612.
Email: info@oneshillingfoundation.org
You can make your contribution on MPESA
0717 613333 or ZAP 0732 613333

The Friday Bulletin is a Publication of Jamia Masjid Committee, P. O. Box 100786-00101 Nairobi, Tel: 2243504/5 Fax: 342147 E-mail: fridaybulletin@islamkenya.com or
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