Jumaada al-Thaany18,1435/April18,2014Friday Bulletin The The Friday Bulletin Commentary During the 2007 post-election violence, the media stood in unison in making a rallying call for unity of the country and strongly urged Kenyans to remain united and reject all attempts being made to divide the country along ethnic lines. The animosity which had built up in the prelude to the general elections that year only needed a small spark to ignite and the flares went up soon after Mwai Kibaki was declared the winner in the controversial presidential elections. The end result of this was the catastrophic killings which led to the loss of more than 1,200 innocent souls. A few weeks ago, President Uhuru Kenyatta was in Rwanda where he formally apologized for Kenya's failure to intervene during the 1994 genocide which led to the extermination of more than 800,000 people from the Tutsi ethnic community. The paradox in these two incidents is that the media played a key role in helping to unite the country and contributing significantly to prevent the escalation of bloodshed while in the case of Rwanda, the media was the driving force in spreading the flames of animosity, hatred and ethnic intolerance. This week, the National Police Service planned to air a documentary on local television stations ostensibly to highlight the challenges faced in the fight against terrorism. It should be clear that efforts to help weed out these hydra headed monster should be given the full support by all citizens as it is clear that the effects of terrorism override religious, racial or ethnic boundaries. The documentary however, was a one sided affair aimed at radicalizing the minds of viewers that Muslims are the purveyors of terror and the teachings of Islam condone the killing of innocent people. The producers of the feature appeared to be reading from the same script as one top government official who has been traversing churches speaking Continued To Page 2 www.islamkenya.org Issue No. 572 The Weekly Muslim News Update Onslaught on Muslims a dangerous phenomenon Former deputy speaker Farah Maalim addressing the media at Jamia Mosque Nairobi on Friday. Muslim leaders continue to raise their concerns on the ongoing security operation which is targeting the community especially ethnic Somalis '' the state should practice its mandate to protect Kenyans against violation of their rights. We are equally affected as any Kenyan if not more,'' Lethome it is being carried out adding that innocent people are bearing the brunt of the operation. In a joint statement read by Jamia Mosque committee member, Sheikh Ibrahim Lethome, the leaders noted that the security operation has brought torture to the victims since women and children are not handled according to respected moral values and Muslim faith Continued To Page 2 Muslim leaders' fury over human rights violations Story Continues To Page 8 Muslim leaders have raised concerns over the violation of human rights by the police in the on-going operations in Eastleigh and Coast region under the pretext of fighting terrorism. At a press conference held at Nairobi Jamia Mosque last Friday, the leaders who included religious and political leaders said they were concerned about the ongoing police operation particularly the manner in which The Friday Bulletin Commentary Page 2 INSIDE STORIES Somalia government protests against profiling Page 6 Police warned on Human Rights violations Page 7 This Newsletter contains some of Allah’s names. Please do not throw in the trash. Either keep, circulate or shred The Friday Bulletin EDITORIAL Jumaada al-Thaany18,1435/April18,2014 Onslaught on Muslims a dangerous phenomenon Continued From Page 1 about the “evil doctrine of terrorists.” These strategies are not helping in fighting terrorism but helping to build and nurture animosity towards Muslims. More so, it serves as a perfect tool to justify the violation of the rights of Muslims and members of the Somali community on the pretext of fighting terror. Through spirited response from Muslim leaders drawn from the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims, Jamia Mosque Committee and the National Muslim leaders Forum, the four major media houses resolved not to air the documentary which had been planned to go on air on Tuesday and Wednesday. In recent times, the media has over amplified the voices of those who have distorted the teachings of Islam and are supporting acts of violence against innocent people. As a result of this false narrative, an increasing body of non-Muslims view Islam as an intolerant faith which promotes terrorism and is against peaceful co-existence, It is the same narrative which formed the main focus of the documentary and the message aimed at watering the seeds which could sprout interreligious strife whose ultimate goal is to take the country to the pathway of Rwanda or the current inter religious strife in Central Africa Republic. It therefore, becomes imperative for the media not to succumb to financial incitements and disregard its role of nurturing unity of the country. At whatever cost, it should not allow to embed with those who would like to see Kenyans turning against each other. On another note, Eastleigh has now become a ghost town. The once spiraling businesses suburb, Kenya’s most vibrant commercial center after the Nairobi Central Business District is now a deserted place thanks to the brutal operation ostensibly to root out illegal immigrants and criminals from the country. For the residents, it has been a horrendous time as security agents who are supposed to protect the population have turned into villains breaking into people’s homes, carting properties and engaging in acts of sexual harassment. While the state has been repeating its claims that the Operation Usalama Watch is only targeting criminal elements, it is more than clear that this is nothing but collective punishment. The operation clearly appears to be targeting a particular group of Kenyans and from Eastleigh, it has been extended to areas with significant Muslim population in Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Namanga and other areas. In areas where Muslims are seen as minorities, intimidation from the state security machinery is becoming the order of the day. In Kilgoris, local officials are threatening to take over a Muslim educational institution which they accuse-without any evidence-of training Al Shabab recruits and turn it into a public school. In Marakwet, Mosques have been told to hand over a list of names and ID numbers of worshippers. This is the dangerous trend Operation Usalama Watch is taking. While Kenya has been known as a haven for refugees from countries which have suffered war and civil strife such as Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan and Somalia, the spotlight is on refugees from Somalia. Those being detained at what has now come to be known as the Safaricom Concentration Camp in Kasarani are largely from one ethnic and religious community. With the threat of terrorism hovering especially in the wake of rising incidents of grenade attacks and shooting incidents, it remains an ob- ligation for every security conscious citizen to support efforts aimed at apprehending these hydra headed monsters. But these efforts should not be undertaken at the expense of disregarding the rights of the people as enshrined in the constitution and international treatise which Kenya is a signatory to. It is not only Muslim or Somali community leaders who have raised alarm over this wanton abuse of rights, but leaders from the mainstream churches, human rights activists and the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) have all faulted the operation, a clear indicator that it is beset with glaring flaws. It remains our cardinal call to the government to review its stance and stop what is clearly being seen as an open affront against a section of Kenyans. Denials will not take these facts away. When they romped into power, the UhuRuto duo sought to assure all people within the borders of this country that they will be treated with dignity and fairness but the latest operation in Easteligh and other areas seems to send out a clear message that for a particular group of people, it is not yet UhuruRuto. In a democracy, as they say, the minorities also have rights but deliberately trampling on these rights and persistently ignoring to address the issues of discrimination, victimization and historical injustices will only help to breed a worse monster -May Allah forbid. Continued From Page 1 Muslim leaders fury over human rights violations operation while those arrested and deported are not allowed to collect their belongings and are separated from their parents and relatives. ''These are the trying moments for the religious Muslim community as they are viewed as perpetrators of crimes but we call upon Muslims to be patient as we consult on the issue and maintain peace. We also urge the Imams in their various Mosques to conduct special prayers for peace and ask Kenyans to avoid using words which can bring animosity,'' said Lethome. Lethome disclosed that the Muslim leaders are engaging the authorities and will continue and have already met with the Interior Cabinet secretary Joseph Ole Lenku and expressed concern about the manner in which the operation is being carried adding that the Muslim political leadership has also met the internal security officials on the matter. Mandera senator Bellow Kerrow said the government should stop the security swoop in Eastleigh and initiate investigations adding the business community was counting losses because of the exercise. ‘‘This is an economic war and not fights against terror. If it is not, why is it targeted against one particular community in one particular area that is largely known for its business success,'' said Kerrow Kerrow claimed police and intelligence officers are asking businessmen to explain how they afforded to build highrise buildings in Eastleigh. Former deputy speaker Farah Maalim said terrorism is a global problem and the Somali community themselves have suffered most from alShabaab. ''The Somalis have found themselves Continued to Page 7 hence infringing on their rights and privacy. ''We are aware of the security situation in the country and we support the operation but the state should practice its mandate to protect Kenyans against violation of their rights. We are equally affected as any Kenyan if not more,'' said Lethome. Lethome pointed out that whereas criminals are lawless, the government should not retaliate in a lawless manner, stressing that the government should do whatever is possible to ensure that innocent people do not suffer. On ''shoot-to-kill'' order Lethome said the Muslim leadership was against the order as it is counter-productive and unconstitutional, adding that it would contribute to the killing of innocent people and lead to loss of vital evidence and information. He further said that the victims are losing money through extortion in the security Page 2 Jumaada al-Thaany18,1435/April18,2014 QUR'AN The Friday Bulletin Al-Haafidh ibn Kathir Surah Al-Faatihah It’s a Day when deeds will be accounted. Everything is in the hands of Allah. Instead of relying on people we should rely on Allah. Turn to Allah, prepare today for that day. 5. It is You we worship and You we ask for help. We should worship Him Alone under all circumstances. Worship out of Love and Respect. This is manifested through our actions, through our Ibadaat for example Salah, in which we put the most prominent part of our body to the level of our feet [by prostration].We have been created solely to do His ‘Ibaadah. Man has been created weak, due to which we always depend on others. But we should always try to overcome our weaknesses by turning to Allah for our needs. 6. Guide us to the straight path. The first Du‘aa Allah has taught us is to seek His guidance for indeed guidance is in Allah’s hands only.We are asking Allah to show us the way and give us the ability to implement the knowledge to keep us on the path.In this Du‘aa, we are asking Allah for the knowledge as well as implementation. Also by asking Allah to show us the way, make us steadfast and also lead us to the destination i.e. Jannah (Paradise). It is the path of Allah, path of knowledge. 7. The path of those upon whom You have bestowed favor, not of those who have evoked [Your] anger or of those who are astray. What is Siratal Mustaqim? It is the path of Diyn/Islam, Qur’an, the path of Knowledge. This is the path of those who are bestowed with Allah’s favor. These people have been mentioned by Allah: “And whoever obeys Allah and the Messenger - those will be with the ones upon whom Allah has bestowed favor of the Prophets, the steadfast affirmers of truth, the martyrs and the righteous. And excellent are those as companions” (4: 69). Truthful are those like Abu Bakr (Radhiya Llaahu ‘anhu), Martyrs are those who give up their lives for Allah, Righteous are those who obey Allah and follow Prophet (Swalla Llaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). They got the blessing of Diyn, Islam. They are the ones upon the guidance. They have knowledge and action. Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased with Allah. Make Du‘aa to be like them. Those who have earned Allah’s anger are those who have knowledge but do not apply it like the Jews. And those who have gone astray are the Christians due to their ignorance. They want to seek the true knowledge, but are unable to find it because they did not seek it from its proper resources. It is highly recommended to say Aamiyn after finishing the recitation of Al-Faatihah. Aamiyn means, “O Allah! Accept our invocation.”' The evidence that saying Aamiyn is highly recommended is contained in what Imams Ahmad, Abu Daawuud and AtTirmidhi recorded, that Wa'il bin Hujr said, “I heard the Messenger of Allah recite, ‘Not (that) of those who earned Your anger, nor of those who went astray’, and he said ‘Aamiyn’ extending it with his voice.” Abu Daawuud’s narration added, “Raising his voice with it.” Abu Hurayrah narrated that whenever the Messenger of Allah would recite, “Not (the way) of those who earned Your anger, nor of those who went astray”, He would say Aamiyn until those who were behind him in the first line could hear him.Abu Daawuud and Ibn Maajah recorded this Hadith with the addition, “Then the Mosque would shake because of (those behind the Prophet) reciting Aamiyn. Saying Aamiyn is recommended for those who are not praying when reciting Al-Faatihah and is strongly recommended for those who are praying, whether alone or behind the Imaam. The Two Sahihs recorded that the Messenger of Allah said, “When the Imaam says, ‘Aamiyn’, then say, ‘Aamiyn’, because whoever says, ‘Aamiyn’ with the Angels, his previous sins will be forgiven”. When we examine these verses, we find that it has some very interesting qualities that make it a unique prayer. Background: • Surah Al-Faatihah is a Makki Surah (i.e. revealed before the Hijra of the Prophet (Swalla Llaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). • It is the 5thsurah to be revealed in Chronology. • It was the first Surah (Chapter) that was revealed completely. • The first 3 verses glorify Allah and the rest of the verses are a Prayer/Du‘aa (Invocation). • We recite surah al-Faatihah 17 times in our Salah daily. It is the most recited Surah. • This is the greatest Surah of the Qur’an • Al-Faatihah literally means ‘The Opening’. This is due to the fact that it is the opening of the Qur’an; Prayer opens with it; and It is the opening of the door to guidance itself. Names of Faatihah: Al Faatihah, Al Asas (Foundation), Ummul Kitab (Mother of the book), Ummul Qur’an (Mother of the Qur’an), Saba’ alMathani (7 oft repeated verses), As-Salah (the Prayer), Ash Shifa (Healing), Ar Ruqya (Remedy), Al Hamd (All Praise), Fatihatul Kitab (Opening of the book). The verses 1. In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. We should always begin the recitation of the Qur’an commencing with seeking refuge from Satan as is evident: “So when you recite the Qur’an, [first] seek refuge in Allah from Satan, the expelled [from His mercy]”(Surah 16:98). When we start to do anything good Satan tries to hinder us. We need Allah’s help by starting in His Name. With the recitation of Basmalah (In the Name of Allah), we invoke His Mercy. Its recitation has been taught by the Prophet (Swalla Llaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam),when he said “Any act which is not started with Bismillah is devoid of blessings”. 2. [All] praise is [due] to Allah, Lord of the worlds We should always Praise Allah for everything he has given us and in all circumstances. This praise for Allah is out of Love, Respect and Gratitude to Allah. It is because He is the Lord of the worlds. He is the planner, He is maintaining everything. He is the Creator [Khaaliq], Owner [Malik] and Planner [Mudabbir] All praise to Allah for everything we have either by asking or otherwise. He has provided us with provision from the time we were in the womb of our mothers till now. 3. The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful He is Ar-Rahman and Ar-Rahim. His Lordship is based on Mercy and compassion. Ar-Rahman - in a broader sense means His Mercy encompasses all of mankind whether we deserve it or not; whether believers or disbelievers.Ar-Rahim - Allah is repeatedly and especially merciful for the believers. 4. Sovereign of the Day of Recompense. Allah is the owner of the Day of Judgment. That Day He’ll have complete authority. FREE MEDICAL CAMP VENUE: Riruta Masjid DATE: 26 th April 2014 Time: 8:00am- 5:00 pm Dental, Ophthalmology and general medicine services Organised byFamily Resource Centre Page 3 The Friday Bulletin WOMEN Jumaada al-Thaany18,1435/April18,2014 Mariam Ibrahim The Greatest Women who ever lived had such a close relationship to her Lord that he would provide her with the fruits of the summer in the winter and the fruits of the winter in summer. When the Prophet Zakariyyah (alayhisallam) saw this he quizzed her about the origin of the food she always had. She said, “This is from Allah. Verily, Allah provides sustenance to whomsoever He wills without limit.” If we are to become close to Allah we too must have correct knowledge of Him and His names and attributes and mention Him often through dhikr. If we remember Him much in times of ease, only then will we be able to remember Him in times of difficulty. They had a Prophet as their Murabbi A Murabbi is someone who teaches and nurtures you. Mariam’s guardian in Masjid ul Aqsa was the Prophet Zakariyah. He was her Murabbi since her childhood as she lived in the Masjid. Aasiya had Musa growing up with her and accepted the message that he taught her, Khadijah and Fatima had the Prophet (sallallahualaihiwasallam) as their Murabbi and often, when Fatima found it hard to understand a particular situation that her father faced, he would teach her how she should view such a situation. He was continuously training her and giving her Tarbiyah. For example, one day when he returned from a journey and went to Fatima’s house, Fatima welcomed him and kissed his face, his mouth and his eyes and wept. ‘Why do you cry?’ the Prophet asked. ‘I see you, O Rasul Allah,’ she said, ‘Yourcolour is pale and sallow and your clothes have become worn and shabby.’ ‘O Fatima,’ the Prophet replied tenderly, ‘don’t cry for Allah has sent your father with a mission which He would cause to affect every house on the face of the earth whether it be in towns, villages or tents (in the desert) bringing either glory or humiliation until this mission is fulfilled just as night (inevitably) comes.’ He was constantly teaching her that there was more to this life than what was outwardly apparent and that the next life was the true one. We must take the Prophet (sallallahualaihiwasallam) and his Sunnah as our guide through life as the Prophets were the ultimate Murabbis. It is not enough for us to read books and extract knowledge from them alone. We need tarbiyah from a scholar and from teachers who can guide us, as scholars are after all the inheritors of the Prophets. They had Qunoot Allah describes the True Believing women as being Qaanitaat and described Maryam in particular as having the characteristic of Qunoot. He says in Surah Aal Imran, Aayah 43, “O Maryam! Submit yourself with obedience (Uqnuti) to your Lord and prostrate yourself, and bow down along with those who bow down.” Qunoot means to stand for long periods in prayer and this was particularly a characteristic of Maryam and Fatima. Qunoot also means to be devoutly obedient and to submit to Allah. We must become true worshippers of Allah, not only striving to establish our prayers, but striving to concentrate and to lengthen our prayers, in particular, the Night Prayer (tahajjud). We must have soft hearts that accept Allah’s commands and obey him with devotion. What are the most famous women of today celebrated for? Those held up as role models for the modern woman include actresses, singers, footballers WAGs (wives and girlfriends) and glamour models – all celebrated for their physical appeal. Very rarely will a woman be deemed ‘successful’ for other than what is really just superficial and then, as is often the case, when she ages and her physical features fade, she will fall out of favour with the media and younger women will replace her as the icons of their era. But Allah shows us in His Book that a woman is so much more than the outer shell that is her body. Our history is replete with examples of great women who were gems of their times and whose sparkling appeal is timeless. Islam demonstrates for us that the truly successful are those of integrity who fulfil the purpose of their creation and rise to the challenges that are presented to them throughout life with tenacity, thereby gaining the pleasure of their Creator and everlasting victory in the next life. The Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said in an authentic Hadeeth, ‘The best women from the people of Jannah are Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, Fatima daughter of Muhammad, AasiyabintMuzaahim – the Wife of Pharoah and Mary daughter of Imran, may Allah be pleased with them all.‘1 In fact Allah specifically mentions two of these great women in the Qur’an, as role models for believing men as well as women. In Surah at-Tahreem Allah says, “And Allah has set forth an example for those who believe: The wife of Pharaoh, when she said: “My Lord! Build for me a home with you in Paradise, and save me from the Pharaoh and his actions, and save me from the people who are oppressors. And Maryam, the daughter of Imran who guarded her chastity. And we breathed into the sleeve of her garment through our Ruh, and she testified to the truth of the words of her Lord and believed in His books and was of those who are obedient to Allah.” So what were the characteristics that made them worthy of such accolade? What made Allah and His Messenger single out these women above all others? And more importantly, how can we benefit and learn from their example? They affirmed the Truth immediately When they heard the truth, they submitted without hesitation. We see from their stories that Mariam accepted the huge task of going through pregnancy and childbirth by herself unsupported by a man, and then of presenting her child to the people who would inevitably accuse her of being a loose woman; something she was so far from being, she was obedient to Allah’s command.Khadijah accepted Islam immediately and was the first Muslimah. When the Prophet returned from Mount Noor having received the first revelation from Angel Jibreel, it was Khadijah who immediately accepted his message and believed in him even though he himself was shaken by the event. Today, there is a culture amongst us of ‘Fatwa Shopping’. In other words, when an Islamic ruling makes us feel uncomfortable, instead of saying ‘We hear and we obey’, we just go and ask someone who has another opinion until we find the opinion that is most akin to our own desires. We must become women who when faced with the truth in any matter, sincerely accept it and submit without hesitation. They had a strong relationship with Allah Their knowledge of Allah and His attributes made them close to Him. When the Prophet returned from the Cave of Hira, fearing something bad had happened to him Khadijah knew Allah would never forsake him. She said, ‘Allah would never humiliate you, for you are good to your relatives, you are true to your word, you help those who are in need, you support the weak, you feed the guest and you answer the call of those who are in distress.’ She knew that Allah is Just and does not humiliate the righteous. Aasiya knew when Pharaoh was torturing her to turn her from her faith, that Allah could hear her cries and her du’a, she asked Allah to build for her, with Him a house in Paradise. During her ordeal, Allah showed her house in Paradise to her, which made her smile, just as she was martyred at the hands of her husband. Mariam KENYA MUSLIM ACADEMY Following its sterling performance in last year's KCSE, in which the school managed to appear in the top 100 private school category nationally, the management invites parents, and the general public to its prize giving day ceremony at the school on a date to be announced in May, 2014.All are welcome. The school has limited vacancies in Form 1, 2 and 3 and classes 1-7, both day and boarding. The primary school section is fully integrated page 4 Jumaada al-Thaany18,1435/April18,2014 YOUTH The Friday Bulletin AbulBaraa “Akhī, how can you go to a job interview with that beard? Trim it down a bit.” “Akhī, why are you being so extreme? Just shake her hand during the interview; Islām makes exceptions for necessities, and this is definitely a necessity.” “Akhī, why don’t you just ‘exaggerate’ a bit in your CV or when you are being interviewed? You’re not lying, you’re just exaggerating a bit, and that’s acceptable, isn’t it?” These are words I have heard many times on many different occasions, and I assume most people reading this have heard them, too. As a university student in this day in age, the main method of getting jobs is to apply while you are studying in your final year, or apply for a placement in your penultimate year, and this is exactly what I did. I knew that job opportunities are scarce and competition is high, so I applied early to try to avoid any disappointment. When applying for jobs, I ensured that I didn’t lie on my CV, and when answering the competency questions, or participating in a phone interview, I also ensured that everything I said was true. I won’t deny that in my first few interviews/answers to competency questions, there were some “exaggerations” from my part, but Alhamdulillāh I didn’t get those jobs, and I pray that Allāh will keep me steadfast in not doing this again. When I got to my first finalstage job interview, which was for a job in Southampton, I received the usual comments and “advice” that I should trim/shave my beard, and shake hands with a female interviewer if she put her hand forward, but what stopped me from listening to this “advice” is that I knew that my sustenance comes from Allāh, so how can I get a job if I disobey Allāh in the process? Even if I had gotten the job, how could I ever expect to have any barakah (blessing) in that job if I disobeyed Allāh in the process? The first interview, as expected, didn’t go too well and I didn’t get the job. My second interview I tried to maintain Islamic principles when attending the interview and not do anything that displeases Allāh, but again I was rejected. Being rejected in the final stage of a recruitment process is very disheartening because it means you have already gone through all the previous stages of answering competency questions, phone interviews, et cetera, and fallen at the last hurdle. What makes it even more annoying is when they tell you not to feel bad because you have been specially selected from hundreds, sometimes thousands, of people to attend the final stage. Now that I had two rejections at the final stage of the recruitment process, my motivation was lowered and the ‘need’ for compromise began to hit me. The compromise could be in my dīn (trim my beard, shake hands, and so on), or it could be in where I was willing to work. Again, Allāh reminded me of the importance of abiding by His Guidance, and that only He controls my sustenance. My third final-stage interview was a two-day assessment centre which ended up with a rejection. As time went by, I got more and more rejections, including those in the final stage of the recruitment process. The total number of companies that I was waiting to hear from was quickly decreasing, and so were my hopes of finding a job in my sector. Despite all of that, I kept on reminding myself that Allāh is al-Razzāq, and that only He can provide for me, not my physical appearance, or my actions, and that is what kept me going. As time went on, and I was coming closer to completing my degree without securing a job, I began to apply for teaching positions as the hopes of working in my sector were diminishing, and becoming a teacher would be my back-up option. I then heard back from a company which I had previously applied to, and they invited me to attend a first-stage interview, and Alhamdulillāh, they then progressed me further to the final stage assessment centre. Approaching the assessment centre, I was thinking to myself, “this is going to be another rejection; oh well, I’m used to it by now.” Alhamdulillāh, the assessment centre went fine and at the end of it, I sat down with an HR representative so that he could give me feedback on how I had performed. The feedback was good, Alhamdulillāh, and I was getting very excited; then came the killer question. The question was: “It‘s physi- The Jihad of Job Hunting cally visible that you are someone who practises his faith, so do you think it will affect you in any way if you are to work with us?” A lot of things went through my head at that moment, but I decided that I would be honest in my answer and not hide anything, so I replied that it shouldn’t really affect me, except that I am not allowed to have any physical interactions with the opposite gender, hence I didn’t shake hands with the female interviewer. We then had a long discussion on how I can best go round this issue without compromising my religion, or sounding rude to others. After that, he said they would get back to me soon. When I finished the assessment centre, I stayed behind a bit to wait for a brother I had met there to finish, and while I was waiting, a senior manager came to me and said, “You mentioned in your application form that you were president of a society in university—which society was that?” I swallowed my anxiety and replied: “The Islamic Society.” A week later, I received a call from the recruitment department saying that they wanted to offer me a place in their company. I had attended many interviews before this one, and I met many companies, but subhānAllāh, out of all the companies I interacted with, this one was the one I felt closest to. Looking back at what I had gone through and what I did, now I really appreciate and understand that Allāh is the One who provides for me, and that if the whole world goes against me, but Allāh is by my side, then I will surely succeed. Who would have thought that being open and frank about my requirements and my belief would actually help in getting me the job? As Allāh says in the Qur’ān, “They plan, and Allāhplans, and Allāh is the best of planners.” (AlQur’ān 8:30) I want to use my story as a reassurance and as a message to everyone who is struggling to abide by the commands of Allāh that you should keep steadfast and remember that Allāh is al-‘Alīm (the all-Knowing), al-Qādir (the Most Able), al-Razzāq (the Sustainer) and al-Qahhār (the Irresistible). Don’t ever think that if you make a small compromise in your dīn that you will be successful, because when you make that compromise, you are reducing your reliance on Allāh and relying on something else. How can we expect something else we are relying on to be of greater help than Allāh? Whenever you are faced with a hardship or a tough decision, remember Allāh’s words in the Qur’ān:“…And whoever fears Allāh, He will make for him a way out. And will provide for him from where he could never imagine. And whoever relies upon Allāh – then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allāh will accomplish His purpose. Allāh has already set for everything a [decreed] extent.” (Al-Qur’ān 65:2-3) Islamic conference for Nairobi An International Islamic conference bringing top global scholars will be held in the country. The two-day Journey of Faith Africa Conference is planned for April 26 and 27 at the Kenyatta International Convection Centre (KICC) and is expected to create a platform for Kenya as the Africa venue for Islamic peace conferences. The conference will showcase Islamic values as well as promote a better understanding of Islam among Muslims and people of other faiths. Among speakers at the event will be the prominent Canadian scholar Said Rageah who was in the country last year. Sheikh Said is the Imam of the Abu Huraira center in Toronto Canada. Also present will be Sheikh Wassim Kempton is currently the Imam of Al Muntada al Islami mosque in the United Kingdom and hasextensively involved in various da’wah projects. The conference will also feature Indian born Sheikh Ahmed Hameed and Saudi Arabian scholar Dr. Abdulrahman bins Mansour Al-Qahtani among other speakers. Organizers hope to attract more that 4,000 people at the two-day conference. The Journey of Faith Africa conference is an extension of the Journey of Faith (JoF) conferences founded by Sheikh Said Rageah which has become an annual event in Toronto, Canada. page 5 The Friday Bulletin AQIYDAH Jumaada al-Thaany18,1435/April18,2014 The True Religion of God Dr. Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips The Signs of God Throughout people’s lives, from childhood until the time they die, signs of the one and only true God are shown to them in all regions of the earth and in their own souls, until it becomes clear that there is only one true God (Allah). God says in the Quran:“We will show them our signs in the furthest regions (of the earth) and in their souls, until it becomes clear to them that this is the truth.” (Quran 41:53) The following is an example of God revealing by a sign to one man the error of his idol-worship. In the south-eastern region of the Amazon jungle in Brazil, South America, a primitive tribe erected a new hut to house their man-idol Skwatch, representing the supreme God of all creation. The following day a young man entered the hut to pay homage to the God, and while he was in prostration to what he had been taught was his Creator and Sustainer, a mangy old flea-ridden dog slunk into the hut. The young man looked up in time to see the dog lift his hind leg and pass urine on the idol. Outraged, the youth chased the dog out of the temple; but when his rage died down, he realized that the idol could not be the Lord of the Universe. God must be elsewhere, he concluded. As strange as it may seem, the dog urinating on the idol was a sign from God for that young man. This sign contained the divine message that what he was worshipping was false. It liberated him from slavishly following his traditionally learned worship of a false god. As a result, this man was given a choice: either to seek the true God or to continue in the error of his ways. Allah mentions Prophet Abraham’s quest for God as an example of how those who follow His signs will be rightly guided:“So also did we show Abraham the power and the Laws of the heavens and the earth that he might (with understanding) have certitude. * When the night covered him over, he saw a star. He said: ‘This is my Lord.’ But when it set, he said: ‘I love not those that set.’ * When he saw the moon rising in splendor, he said: ‘This is my Lord.’ But when the moon set, he said: ‘Unless my Lord guides me, I shall surely be among those who go astray.’ * When he saw the rising sun in splendor, he said: ‘This is my Lord, this is the greatest (of all).’ But when the sun set, he said: ‘O my people! I am indeed free from your (guilt) of giving partners to Allah. * For me, I have set my face, firmly and truly, towards Him who created the heavens and the earth, and never shall I give partners to Allah.” (Quran 6:75-79) As was mentioned earlier, prophets have been sent to every nation and tribe to support man’s natural belief in God and man’s in-born inclination to worship Him, as well as to reinforce the divine truth in the daily signs revealed by God. Although much of these prophets’ teachings became distorted, portions revealing their God-inspired messages have remained untainted and have served to guide mankind in the choice between right and wrong. The influence of God-inspired messages down through the ages can be seen in the Ten Commandments of Judaism’s Torah, which were later adopted into Christianity’s teachings, as well as in the existence of laws against murder, stealing and adultery in most societies throughout the ancient and modern world. As a result of God’s signs to mankind through the ages, combined with His revelation through His prophets, all mankind has been given a chance to recognize the one only true God. Consequently, every soul will be held accountable for its belief in God and its acceptance of the true religion of God, namely Islam, which means total submission to the will of Allah. Conclusion The preceding presentation has demonstrated that the name of the religion of Islam expresses Islam’s most central principle, submission to God, and that the name “Islam” was chosen not by man, but by God, according to the holy scriptures of Islam. It has also been shown that Islam alone teaches the uniqueness of God and His attributes and enjoins the worship of God alone without intermediaries. Finally, due to the divinely instilled inclination of man to worship God and the signs revealed by God throughout the ages to each individual, Islam may be achieved by all men at all times. In short, the significance of the name Islam (submission to God), Islam’s fundamental acknowledgment of the uniqueness of God, and Islam’s accessibility to all mankind at all times, convincingly support Islam’s claim that, from the beginning of time, in whatever language it was expressed, Islam alone has been, and will be, the true religion of God. In conclusion, we ask Allah, the exalted, to keep us on the right path to which He has guided us, and to bestow on us His Blessings and Mercy, for He is indeed the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds, and Peace and Blessings be on Prophet Muhammad and on all the prophets of God and their righteous followers. Somalia gov't protests against profiling The Somalia government has called for fair treatment of the Somali community in the country and the conduct of the ongoing security operation in a respectful manner and that those arrested treated in a humane manner. Despite pledging its support to the Kenyan government on the ongoing security crackdown dubbed “Operation Usalama Watch” that has now been extended beyond Eastleigh, the Somalia government called on the Kenyan government to ensure that the security apparatus upholds humanity and do not violate human rights. Speaking in Nairobi at a press briefing, Somalia Ambassador to Kenya Mohamed Ali Nur said that the Somali government will work closely with the Kenyan government in its efforts aimed at tackling insecurity but however protested against profiling of all Somalis as terrorist. “We are in support of the Kenya Government’s operation but if our people are harassed we will complain. We want our people not to be humiliated and we are ready to receive them in our country. We want them back to build our nation together,” he said. The ambassador told the government to respect the rights of Somali Kenyans and provide fair treatment as it would to its other citizens adding that the security forces should not violate human rights in their quest to flush out illegal immigrants and refugees. “Not all Somalis are terrorist, Al Shabbab is big and it is not only comprised of Somalis” he said. Nur confirmed that 82 Somalis were on Wednesday deported back to Somali after they were found residing in the country without proper documentation. The manner of the operation has received much criticism and huge condemnation especially from the Muslim community and human rights groups who cited human rights violation and treating the community as scapegoats. Addressing the press on Friday in Jamia mosque Nairobi, Muslim religious and political leaders continued to condemn the ongoing blanket security swoop in Eastleigh and Mombasa. They called on the government to stop the operation arguing that it is targeting innocent Somalis and Muslims and meant to create animosity between Muslims and Christians. GIRLS TRAINING INSTITUTE (MAAHAD PANGANI) New Intake Islamic Course (Higher Islamic Education) Applications open till Ramadhan Requirements 'O' Level/Thanawiya certificate For further details call 1st annual Muslim women sports day 2014 at Nairobi Muslim academy South C. Ist May 2014 9.00am- 6.00 PM Organised by Darul Jalal Youth Organisation .For more details contact 0722 528620 page 6 0728971376/0731370366 The Friday Bulletin NATIONAL Jumaada al-Thaany18,1435/April18,2014 Police warned on human rights violations Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has called upon the Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo to take urgent measures to ensure that human rights violations do not occur during the ongoing security operations in the country. In a press release on alleged'' ethnic profiling, unlawful detention and deportation of members of certain communities by the National Police Service(NPS) when carrying out security operations, IPOA chair Macharia Njeru, said the authority is concerned when members of the public raise pertinent questions concerning police operations affecting the public. ''The Authority has been drawn to media reports of alleged ethnic profiling of members of certain ethnic groups as well as unlawful detention and deportation in ongoing security operations by the National Police Service, ''he said. Njeru noted that the Authority is currently monitoring the security operations and has already dispatched its team of monitors and investigators to various police stations including the Safaricom Kasarani sport complex and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport detention centers. ''Where at the end of its investigations the Authority finds instances of ethnic profiling, it will not hesitate to make recommendations including where necessary disciplinary action against individual members of the National Police Service,''he said. Njeru further pointed out that the Authority will at an appropriate time make public recommendations in line with its statutory obligations under section 6(j) of the IPOA Act. The chairman said that all those manning detention facilities within the country are expected to acquaint themselves with Articles 49 of the constitution on the rights of arrested persons as they apply to all persons arrested and being detained in the current security operation to ensure they are fully understood and enforced by police. He stated that the NPS is required under article 244(c) of the constitution to amongst others comply with constitutional standards of human rights and fundamental freedoms, adding that the use of racial, ethnic, national or religious characteristics as a basis for making decisions on those suspected to have committed crimes may amount to discrimination. Moreover, Njeru added that the NPS is under a constitutional duty under Article 244(e) of the constitution to foster and promote relationships with the broader society saying that such relationships cannot be fostered where there is ethnic profiling in security operations. ''Despite the increased wave of crime, including various acts of terrorism, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority is of the firm view that the only way to deal with the suspected perpetrators of such crimes is through the Rule of Law and more so by ensuring all security operations meet the constitutional threshold of respect for Human Rights as well as policing standards laid down under the National Police Service Act 2011,''Njeru said. He said that unfair policing not only affects individuals but also their families and entire communities and portrays police as biased and untrustworthy thus undermining efficiency. ''I am confident that is not the image that an increasingly professionalized and accountable National Police Service would wish to foster in the minds of the public, ''Njeru added. Njeru reassured the public that it shall continue to collaborate with the police to develop fairer and more effective policing practices as well as monitor and investigate policing operations affecting members of the public. ''Where the Authority's investigations reveal there have been instances of profiling, unlawful detention or deportation by members of the National Police Service, it will not hesitate to recommend prosecution and disciplinary action against such police officers who order or carry out such directives,'' he warned. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA)Act section 6(c) requires the Authority to hold the police accountable, monitor and investigate their operations affecting members of the public in the performance of their functions. fury over human rights violations Continued from page 2 Security Operation moves to South C The ongoing security operation on illegal immigrants and refugees in the country has shifted focus from Eastleigh to South C estate. On Monday, night police mounted road blocks, inspected vehicles as they demanded for identification documents from both motorists and passerbys. They conducted house to house searches in the neighbourhood that is predominantly occupied by ethnic Somalis and Indians as the authorities in the security docket continue to insist that the operation is not targeting any community or religion. About 200 people who were found with no proper documentation were arrested between Monday and Tuesday in the swoop and taken to Kasarani detention camp where hundreds of others arrested since the start of the ongoing operation are held and screened. According to Nairobi County Deputy Police Commandant Moses Ombati, those arrested during the South C operation had no documents at all to support their being in the country. “All of them were taken to Kasarani where others who had earlier been arrested in Eastleigh are being detained. They will all be vetted and we will deport those who ought to be deported, of course after the court has dealt with them,” Mr Ombati said. Administration Police Spokesperson Masoud Mwinyi said the Eastleigh operation was still ongoing, despite the launch of the operation in South C. “The operation will target several other estates in the city, especially those that we feel, are vulnerable to attacks by criminal gangs and terrorists. We must protect our people, irrespective of their tribe, religion and colour” Mwinyi said. As witnessed in Eastleigh where the locals voiced their concern over police harassment, South C residents also accused the police of applying the violating their rights and appealed to the government to order the police to have respect for the law and handle them in a humane manner. Although majority of the residents expressed their support for the operation, they asked the government to change tactic as the current tactics are only meant to create fear and unnecessary humiliation. between a rock and hard surface. They face double attack by the al-Shabaab terror and the Kenyan security agencies,'' he said. Maalim added: ''Where is our intelligence system? Must a whole community become a target whenever attacks occur?'' Wajir women's representative Fatuma Ibrahim described the operation as discriminative as it targeted only at one particular community. ''Is this how the government wants to win the fight against terrorism? Actually they are creating more terrorists and radicals,'' she said. The operations which has far netted over 4,000 people, a vast majority of them being from the Somali community has generated anger in the Muslim community with accusations that the government is deliberately profiling members of the community. Most of the detained are being held at the Safaricom Stadium Kasarani in Nairobi that some have dubbed a ''concentration camp'' where they have had no access to help, according to lawyers, aid organisations and rights. page 7 Jamia’s Administrator, Salim Ibrahim moves on Nairobi Jamia Mosque Administrator Salim Ibrahim Nyambu has voluntarily resigned from his position at the mosque to go and serve in a similar capacity elsewhere. Said Abdalla takes over as the new administrator with immediate effect. Salim leaves after ten years of service helping the mosque grow from humble beginnings to become one of the most reputable and important center of Islamic practice in the East and Central African region. ''I believe I have served my bit and it is time to move on because I have my ambitions and dreams to accomplish in life for the pleasure of Allah.'' Salim said. Addressing a luncheon organized for him by Jamia members of staff held at the Majlis board room, Salim appreciated to have made friends while serving at the mosque and praised members of the committee and staff for their support, dedication and commitment in serving the Muslim community and encouraged them to maintain the same for prosperity. He said he personally believed in building institutions and letting them acquire a life of their own pointing out that during his tenure at the mosque he helped and assisted in the establishment of Staff Welfare scheme and Co-operative society to cater for the wellbeing and needs of members of staff, stressing that he will be a happy man to see the institutions grow to greater height. Salim further paid tribute to Jamia Mosque committee members and especially thanked the secretary general Abdulhamid Barry for having supported and nurtured him to be what he is during his working at the institution. ''I really appreciate the support, fatherly advice and words of encouragement I got from the secretary general and I pray that Salim Ibrahim (right) the out going Jamia Allah rewards Mosque administrator receives a present from the Committee Chairman Muhammad Osman him abundantly Warfa. Looking on is the Secretary General and keep him in Abdul Bary Hamid. good health and happiness.'' he added. He pointed out that though he would no longer be the administrator of Jamia Mosque, he will however be available and actively involve himself in the affairs of the Muslim community Jamia Mosque deputy Imam Sheikh Juma Amir praised the outgoing administrator for building confidence and cordial relations among the Jamia staff members and the entire Muslim community. In his remarks when he officially took over the reins of leadership from his predecessor, Said Abdalla pledged to serve the Muslim community with dedication and utmost ability, adding that with the support of members of staff the well-being of worshippers would be catered for diligently. CAR Muslims Face Rwanda-like Genocide OnIslam & News Agencies BANGUI – Long months after violence ripped Central African Republic, a former Seleka general has warned that the country was turning to a new Rwanda for the Muslim minority, accusing French and African troops of falling to protect Muslims and restore stability in the strife-torn country. "How will they protect the town of Bria if they could not protect Bangui?" Abdelkader Khalil asked in an interview with Anadolu Agency on Monday, April 14. Since the eruption of the conflict last December, about 1 million Central Africans have been internally displaced inside the republic. Moreover, more than 82,000 central African Muslims have fled to neighboring countries including Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Republic of Congo and Chad. The death toll has also climbed to more than 2,000 people, mostly Muslims, including women and children, the refugee agency stated. Despite of deploying hundreds of forces, French troops failed to protect the Muslim minority, attacking their protests and allowing mass killings by anti-balaka Christian militias. The latest event occurred in Bria, the capital of Haute-Kotto, one of the 14 prefectures of CAR, when scores of Muslims were attacked by teargas fired by French forces when they protested against their deployment. "French troops spoil the atmosphere wherever they go," Khalil said. "Muslims and Christians want peace and the international troops are proving weak in front of anti-balaka," he added. The former general warned that the country might slowly become a new Rwandan. His warning echoed calls from the Union of African Scholars last February that CAR crisis was turning into genocide perpetrated against Muslims, in a sharp reminder of the genocide of Tutsi in the Republic of Rwanda. Between April and July 1994, Rwanda's Hutu extremists conducted an organized campaign aimed at wiping out the Tutsi minority. Human Rights Watch has described the Rwandan genocide as "one of the most terrifying episodes of targeted ethnic violence in recent world history." Malakisi Muslim School in Sh20 M expansion plans Bungoma based newly founded Malakisi Muslim Secondary School has embarked on an ambitious KSh 20 million expansion plan to upgrade its facilities to cater for the education needs of the local communities. The project includes the purchase of an additional one acre piece of land for the construction of more classrooms, laboratory, library, dining hall and administration block among other facilities. To support the project, Sirisia Constituency Member of Parliament, John Waluke presented a Ksh 700,000 cheque from the area Constituency Development Fund kitty to facilitate the purchase of the land. Addressing the gathering at the school during the presentation ceremony, Waluke lauded the Muslim community for their passion and interest in education, adding that he will prioritize and supplement their efforts and ensure that Muslim development projects are supported for prosperity. ''I will serve all people including my Muslim brothers and sisters diligently, equally and without discrimination irrespective of colour, tribe, clan, race and political affiliation, ''Waluke said. The legislator further pledged to donate water tanks for the school to harvest water during the rainy season for use at the institution. The school was founded in 2012 and has a population of three hundred students and has nine streams for form one to three and the institution would present its first candidates for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams in 2015. Mr Mohammed Omar Shukri the founder of the school called on donors, well-wishers and Muslim charitable organizations to come out and support the initiative for the benefit of the local communities. The school board chairman Phillemon Simiyu appealed to political leaders, religious leaders and the local communities to give their necessary support to education rather than engaging in wrangling over who should run the education institutions. Principal Salim Barasa advised parents to always give the necessary support and required facilities to their children for them to perform well in exam. The Friday Bulletin is a Publication of Jamia Masjid Committee, P. O. Box 100786-00101 Nairobi, Tel: 2243504/5 Fax: 342147 E-mail:
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