The

Friday Bulletin
The Weekly Muslim News Update

Issue No. 337

Shawwal 27 1430/October 16 2009

Marriage Bill: Muslims' views

were ignored

he Law Reform Commission deliberately ignored the views of Muslims

and went ahead to draft a marriage law which is in conflict with Islamic
laws pertaining to marriage.
Sheikh Ibrahim Lethome said way back in 2007, Muslim law experts and religious
leaders responded to calls from the Commission and submitted views which reflected the interests of Muslims but these recommendations were ignored.
Unfortunately, in the final Bill the views of Muslims were not taken into consideration, he told the multitudes who gathered for the Friday prayers last week at Jamia
Mosque Nairobi.
The Sheikh, a former commissioner in the defunct Constitution of Kenya Review
Commission (CKRC) said the Marriage Bill 2007 is unacceptable as it ultimately

aims at compelling Muslims to conform to a law

which goes against their divine teachings.
The law was also a clear breach of the constitution which guarantees freedom of worship for Kenyans, he added.
He was emphatic that Muslims will have no choice
but to ignore the law if it is implemented without
their concerns being addressed. We have our
rights and this should be respected, he said during the Friday khutbah (sermon).
Sheikh Lethome said the Marriage Bill is in conflict
Story Continues To Page 2

Ayaan Hirsi anti-Islam movie

being shot in Kenya

Nominated MP and the 'Imam of Bunge' Sheikh Muhammad Dor recieves a cheque
of Sh2.5 million towards the Faza Fire Disaster Fund from Muhammad Osman Warfa,
the chairman of Jamia Mosque Committee, Nairobi. The Fund was generated from
Nairobi based Islamic organizations and collections from mosques to assist the victims of the fire disaster on Faza Island in Lamu last month.
Collections from Jamia Mosque amounted to Sh1,1768,426, Parklands mosque
Sh655,000, Mahad Da'awa Group Sh60,000, Adams Arcade Mosque Sh20,000, Masjid Nur South 'C' Sh20,000 and Pangani Mosque Sh14,000.
Sheikh Warfa appealed for more contributions to the kitty saying that the residents of
Faza were still in dire need of assistance to rebuild their homes. Contributions can be
made to the Faza Disaster Fund First Community Bank Account no. 19883423

Anger over slow reconstruction pace in Faza

More than a month after a massive fire tragedy in Faza island that left more than
2,500 people homeless and obliterated most of the houses on one of the islands
which make up the Lamu archipelago, concerns are growing with regard to the slow
pace of the reconstruction process.
ODM-Kenya Nominated MP Shakillah Abdallah complained about the slow progress
in efforts to rebuild the lives of the people of the area adding that residents are yet
to see the fruits of the Sh64 million raised to help the victims of the inferno
The legislator called for an urgent response saying that the expected rains will create
Story Continues To Page 2

A drama series featuring a Somali-born former

Dutch Member of Parliament who aroused Muslim
anger around the world for her inconsistent attacks
on Islam and Muslims is being shot in the country,
The Friday Bulletin has learnt.
The Promised Land gives a fictional account of
Ayaan Hirsi Magan tracing her life from Somalia,
to Kenya through Germany and finally Netherlands
where she established herself as a vehement critic
of Islam.
Ayaan, a self-declared atheist, is expected in the
country soon where she will also feature in the 200minute drama series locally produced by a Nairobi
production company Roma Media Agency.
Just like her outburst against Islam, the contents
of the upcoming film contain ludicrous and defamatory attacks against Islam. One of the scripts
of the film which The Friday Bulletin saw, paints
an obnoxious attitude towards the Holy Quran:
Haweya grabs the gold embossed Koran off a
shelf, and swipes her mother round the ears with
it. Asha staggers, reads part of the script which
Story Continues To Page 8

Editorial

This Week

Dangerous game in Somalia dogs of war

Da'wa

Etiquettes related to loans and debts II

Women Issues

Before you make that big decision

P2
P3

P4

Youth and Children

Back to the real world-After Ramadhan

Feature

Gov't stalls effort to revive meat plant

www.islamkenya.com

This Newsletter contains some of Allahs names. Please do not throw in the trash. Either keep, circulate or shred

P5

P6

The Friday Bulletin

Shawwal 27 1430/October 16 2009

EDITORIAL

Dangerous games for Somalia

dogs of war
Press reports last week revealed a clandestine recruitment operation where Kenyan youths of Somali origin
were being lured with cash incentives by government officials to fight in Somalia to prop up the weak and fragile
Western backed administration of Sheikh Sharrif Ahmed.
Though the government has been emphatic in its denial,
local leaders as well as independent observers on the
ground have said there is enough evidence to hold the
government to account.
In the past, allegations have been made that Al-Shabab,
one of the numerous fighting forces in Somalia, was enlisting Kenyan youths to fight on their behalf but what is
now emerging is that it is our own government which is
colluding to hire Kenyan youths for mercenary activities.
For nearly two decades, Somalia has been embroiled in
a civil strife which has left the country in chaos without an
effective government. Three years ago, the country tasted
a rare opportunity of peace after the introduction of Islamic rule by the Union of Islamic Courts.
Instead of seizing this opportunity to ensure that peace
thrives in the region, our government joined players from
outside the region to destabilize and overthrow the sixmonth administration-a move which led to another wave
of chaos and civil war in the country.
The consequences have been that Somalia has been left
in a worse situation than it was three years ago and even
the intervention by the African Union has not succeeded
in bringing about a rule of peace and stability.
There is no doubt that Somalia is of strategic importance
to Kenya not only for its security needs but also in the
economic sphere. This makes it more relevant for Kenya
to engage in ways which will contribute to bringing about
a rule of law.
In this aspect, however, neutrality is of utmost importance.
Taking sides in this conflict will further elude moves to
bring about peace and will portend dangerous ramifications for our country.
The moves to send our promising young people to go and
engage in warfare against those who have done us no
harm is not in the interests of our security needs. The
involvement of the government in this scheme puts the
countrys security at risk as this might result in retaliation
from some of the armed groups and this will create another culture of hostility and oppression of Muslims. The
memories of the 1998 US embassy bombing and the attack on an Israeli hotel in 2002 which brought about negative ramification for the Muslim community are still fresh
in our minds.
Long term ramifications may also prove fatal for the country as these fighters with their experience in warfare will
turn out to be a grave security concern on their return.
Recruitment of mercenaries to fight in another country is
not only against local laws but also against established
international practices and should be condemned by all
peace loving Kenyans.
Kenya is a sovereign country and should not be duped at
what ever cost to act as a proxy for some foreign governments which find it of paramount importance to protect
their citizens but at the same time put the lives of others
in the firing line.
Ultimately, the problems of Somalia will be solved by Somalis themselves and the best role Kenya can play is to
involve all sides in a negotiated settlement. What Somalis need and have been craving for the last 19 years are
moves to bring about peace and stability and not dogs of
war.

Muslim views were ignored in Marriage law

with constitutional provisions which provide Muslims
the right to arbitrate their personal laws as per Islamic guidelines. Section 66 of the constitution provides for the establishment of the Kadhis courts to
adjudicate on matters related to Muslim personal
law.
Additionally, the law will do away with the Mohammedan (sic) Marriage, Divorce and Registration
Act as well as the Mohammedan (sic)
Divorce and Succession Act. These
two sets of law have been used to
adjudicate on matters pertaining
to marriage, divorce, inheritance,
child custody and matrimonial
Sheikh Ibrahim Lethome
property.
If this law goes through, it will mean that Muslims will not be able to undertake marriages, divorce and other aspects of family laws according to
Islamic teachings as it is now prescribed, he said.
Sheikh Lethome further pointed out that some of the provisions included in
the draft law have been borrowed from Christian teachings and are being imposed on Muslims. We do not have ministers in Islam but the law stipulates
that marriages will be conducted by ministers, he said.
Marriage announcements (banns), a basic feature in Christian marriages will
also be a requirement for those intending to enter the matrimonial field.
The Nairobi lawyer said the main objective of the law was to consolidate all
the existing seven marriage laws into one set of law. He said this was not
feasible as different communities have their own system of laws and this
ought to be respected.
He told Muslims to stand up and oppose the law as it will interfere with how
they conduct marriages, divorce and other aspects of family law. They can
as well have the law for themselves if they so wish but they should not set for
us guidelines on how to conduct out religious affairs, he said. As an alternative, he proposed that an exemption clause be included which will exempt
Muslims to subscribe to the law.
Some of the provisions which he cited which are in conflict with Islamic teachings include proposals to legalize so-called come we stay marriages, doing
away with the legality of mahr (dowry) and obliging women to maintain their
husbands. Mahr is a basic requirement of Islamic law while men have been
mandated to take care of their wives. The reverse can never be acceptable
is it is goes against our faith, he said.
Last week, The Chief Kadhi was among Muslim leaders who spoke out
against the proposed law saying that it was disrespectful to Muslims.

Faza reconstruction draws anger

Story From Page 1

further complications as many houses which were partially damaged might

be destroyed by the rains. "Roofs of close to 200 houses were burnt down.
If they will not be rehabilitated, disaster is likely to face Faza Island," she
said.
She said there are no realistic efforts on the ground to assist the victims of
the fire tragedy and called for a speedy response. She went on to demand
that the funds management committee come up with a realistic roadmap to
provide housing to victims who are now living in make shift structures.
Shakilla said optimism was turning into pessimism by the residents who are
yet to see any tangible efforts despite the government pledges to help those
who were affected.
Last month, President Mwai Kibaki and the Prime Minister, Raila Odinga
presided over a fund raising that helped raise Shs. 64 million for the reconstruction of the homes on the island.
In a related development, Kenyans living in the United Arab Emirates last
week donated one million shillings to support the reconstruction of Faza
island. The donations was presented to the Kenya Red Cross Society chairman Abbas Gullet by Jalal Balala the chairman of the Kenyan community in
the UAE.
Gullet said KRCS was working jointly with the Ministry of Health to provide
healthcare to those affected by the fire tragedy this in addition to food, nonfood items, health and sanitation.

The Friday Bulletin

Shawwal 27 1430/October 16 2009

DA'WA

Etiquettes related to debt and loaning Part II

The Debtor:
Repaying the creditor on time: The debtor
should take initiative to repay the creditor
as soon as the loan is due. If the debtor is
financially unable to repay it all, then at least
he should start paying in installments if he
possesses the money to do so. One should
rush in repayment, because loans will be a
hard thing on him in his grave.
Repaying in the best manner: The debtor should repay in the best manner. Abu
Hurayrah radhiallahu anhu reported: A
harsh Bedouin came to the Messenger of
Allah salallahu alayhi wa sallam asking him
to repay a young camel he had borrowed
from this Bedouin. The Bedouin used harsh
words when he was demanding his money,
so the companions were about to strike
him for doing so, but the Messenger of Allah salallahu alayhi wa sallam said: Leave
him! Indeed a creditor has the right to demand it (i.e. his loan) the companions could
not find a young camel among the brought
ones (from Zakaah) to match the level of
that which was borrowed, and informed the
Messenger of Allah that all the camels were
of the best type. The Prophet, sallAllahu
alayhi wa sallam said: Give it to him, for
it is the best of all people who pays back in
the best manner.' [Muslim]. In another narration narrated by Abu Saeed the Prophet
told the companions who were enraged with
the Bedouin: You should side with the one
who is demanding his right
nfortunately, nowadays people hardly
side with the one demanding his right,
and in some cases even judges deprived
people of their rights, and receive bribes to
side with the debtor instead of siding with
the creditor woe to them and what a severe punishment awaits them in Hell on the
Day of Judgment.
When the Bedouin saw the good manner in
which the Prophet repaid him, he thanked
him, and thereupon the Prophet said: These
are the best type of people (i.e. who repay
in the best manner). There is no good in a
nation whose poor cannot take their rights
from their rich without being harassed the
Prophet said this because sometimes the
poor might get his right back but only after
he suffers and is delayed and is put in embarrassing situations.
Additionally, the debtor must rely on Allah
in his attempt to repay the creditor. Abu
Hurayrah reported that the Messenger of Allah said: A man from the children of Israeli
asked another to lend him one thousand
Deenaars. The second said, `I want a surety
witness the former replied, `Allah is sufficient as a surety witness The second said,
you are right, and he lent him the money for
an appointed time. The debtor went across
the sea, and when he finished his job, he
searched for a conveyance so that he might
reach in time for the repayment of the debt,
but he could not find any.
So, he took a piece of wood, made a hole
in it, inserted in it one thousand Deenaars

and a letter to the lender and then closed

(i.e. sealed) the hole tightly. He took the
piece of wood to the sea and said: O Allah!
You know very well that I took a loan of one
thousand Deenaars from so-and-so. He demanded a surety from me but I told him that
Allahs Guarantee was sufficient, and he accepted Your Guarantee.
He then asked for a witness and I told him
that Allah was sufficient as a witness, and
he accepted You as a witness. No doubt,
I tried hard to find a conveyance so that I
could pay his money but I could not find any,
so I hand over this money to You Saying
that, he threw the piece of wood into the sea
till it went out far into it, and then he went
away. Meanwhile he started searching for a
conveyance in order to reach the creditors
country.
ne day the lender came out of his
house to see whether a ship had arrived bringing his money, and all of a sudden he saw the piece of wood (i.e. the one
in which his money had been deposited). He
took it home to use for fire. When he sawed
it, he found his money and the letter inside
it. Shortly after that, the debtor came bringing one thousand Deenaars to him and said,
By Allah, I had been trying hard to get a boat
so that I could bring you your money, but
failed to get one before the one I have come
by. The lender asked, have you sent something to me? The debtor replied, `I have told
you I could not get a boat other than the one
I have come by. The lender said, `Allah has
delivered on your behalf the money you sent
in the piece of wood. So, you may keep your

one thousand Deenaars so depart guided

on the right path [Al-Bukhari].
This is the consequence of relying on Allah, and when ones intention is sincere in
repayment, then Allah will assist him in his
attempt. The problem that faces many indebted people is that they are not truly sincere in their intention to repay the debt to
the creditor and thus they become deprived
of the assistance of Allah.
Procrastinating payment: Some debtors
delay and procrastinate for no need even
when they have the money to repay, but he
acts so mean and low and pays back in installments to the creditor. One might have
a debt of fifty thousand for example, and
starts repaying five hundred every month,
other months he might pay only two hundred, and a third month he would pay a
thousand and so on, despite him having the
entire amount, but he just wants the creditor
to give up on him and his debt, and this is
extreme stinginess.
uch people make the creditor appear
like the poor person who is chasing after money, whilst it is his right. He forces
him in some cases to beg him to repay, so
that he (i.e. the creditor) can fulfill his own
obligations which he might have arranged
their payment based on the agreed upon
promise of repayment from the debtor.
Finally, it is recommended that the debtor
says nice words of gratitude to the creditor
upon repaying him as this softens the heart
and encourages the creditor to loan others
in the future.

Calls to modernize teaching methods in Madrasas

Madrasas have been called upon to incorporate modern methods of learning, improve
on their curriculum and ensure that they remain relevant in the society.
Sheikh Ishaaq Ismail, a trustee member of
Girls Training Institute (Maahad), said that
Islamic schools were an important part of
the Muslim community and called for better
teaching methods to improve on their academic input.
Speaking at the opening of a three day workshop for madrasa teachers in Nairobi, the
Sheikh also said madrasa teachers should
be equipped with modern teaching practices
and skills to improve on their input in the
schools. To revolutionise this sector modern values of learning and work plans have
to be injected into the system, he said.
Sheikh Ishaaq regretted that madrasas have

Saturday Lecture
Islam in Kenya-SWOT Analysis
Dr. Abdallah Muhammad
Sat. 17th October 2009
2.00 pm-4.00 pm
Jamia Mosque Multi Purpose Hall

over the years lacked professional management and said it was important to reverse
this trend and ensure that they effectively
play their role of imparting Islamic education.
This was the first among a series of workshops organised by Ummah Foundation
which aimed at equipping the madrasa
teachers with modern teaching methodology.
Future plans include rolling out the programme in other parts of the country to
involve a wide range of teachers in the
scheme.
The workshop attracted participants, both
male and female, from Nairobi, Kisumu,
Nakuru,Gilgil and Namanga among other
areas.

Umm Ibrahim centre

for reverts

4th GRADUATION CEREMONY

Sun. 18th October 2009
11.00 am-1.00 pm
Jamia Mosque Multi Purpose Hall
ALL ARE INVITED

The Friday Bulletin

Shawwal 27 1430/October 16 2009

WOMEN ISSUES
Samana Siddiqui

To Every Girl - Before You Make the Big Decision

One day, I received a call from a girl who, after giving me some information about someone who had proposed to her, asked me whether
I thought he would make a suitable husband for her. Although I knew
neither the girl nor the young man in question, I could perceive her
trepidation, for whoevers hand is asked in marriage faces a rather
decisive question.
What often happens is that we hasten to evaluate the financial status of a potential husband and his job prospects that will decide
the quality of his lifestyle and social status; and consequently, we
take the decision of either accepting or rejecting him, based on that.
However, that is a deceptive indicator which has often brought misery and suffering upon our girls.
This girl got me thinking; so, I began to search for signs that might
help others like her in making this serious decision. I will try to mention some of them here, but I must say that these are general guidelines, and every case has specific details, which must be addressed
separately.
First, ask about him in the Masjid (mosque) close to his house. A
young man who takes care in performing his prayers is likely to similarly preserve his marital home, and Allah The Almighty will not let
him fail in that.
It is true that those who practice their faith devoutly prove themselves to be more sincere and devoted to the success and preservation of their conjugal life. That is because they consider marriage as
an extension of their religious observance.
Second, inquire as to how many friends he has and how long his
relationships have been with them. The number of friends a person
has, indicates the nature of one's character. A young man who has
a strong relationship with only one or two people, in other words, an
introvert, will not positively interact in his relationship with a future
wife. In fact, he would be placing great emotional and psychological
burden on her. Girls often mistakenly believe that it is good if a man
continuously stays at home, but this is incorrect. On the other hand,
men who have had illicit relationships possess a behavior that is
detrimental to marital life.
A young man who maintains his friendships for years would be expected to make his marriage work. However, if he is known for moving from one friend to another every few months, that has negative
and serious implications.
Third, how he treats his sisters is an important indicator. A young
man's respect for his sisters' wishes and needs, and his help and
service to them in one way or another, demonstrates his attitude
toward females and his potential wife.
Fourth, his servant who attends to his small demands, employee or
waiter, who serves him tea, will disclose important information about
him, for a noble person respects people of a lower status just as

he respects his counterparts. Such a man would smile at them and

greet them every morning, and be generous when compensating
them for their services. It is people like him that are further expected
to be good to their wives. Likewise, the ill-natured, who respect only
those they stand to benefit from and look down on others, pose a
serious threat to a conjugal life.
Fifth, watch out for rage issues. A young man who does not control
his temper is weak, regardless of his massive build or loud voice.
Anger has grave consequences on marital life, for it has ruined
many homes and shattered the lives of many people. How truthful
the Prophet, sallAllahu alayhi wa sallam, was, when he said: "A
strong person is not the one who defeats people at wrestling, but
[he] is the one who controls himself at the time of anger."
Sixth, the attention he pays to his work and his job performance, is
an indication of a man's earnestness and commitment, and is applicable no matter what ones line of work may be. A salesman who
concentrates on his work and performs it to the utmost of his ability
is likely to be more committed to his marriage than an irresponsible,
failing university professor.
Undoubtedly, it is vital to directly ask about the suitor and seek information from various sources. However, this might yield misleading information, especially when it is his friends and close acquaintances that are consulted. That is why I mentioned these practical
points.
In conclusion, I would like to remind you to resort to Allah The Almighty in asking Him to facilitate the proposal of a righteous husband before he comes to you. You should also perform Istikhaarah
(guidance-seeking prayer) before consenting to or refusing anyone
who has sought marriage to you.
May Allah The Almighty shroud you with happiness, and may your
life always be filled with joy.

The Friday Bulletin Kitchen

Goat Ribs & Eggplant in Peanut Sauce
Ingredients
1 cup cooking oil for frying
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
3 cups chicken broth or beef
broth
Juice of one lemon
1 teaspoon ground coriander
Salt, black pepper and red
pepper
1 Kg goat ribs
1 eggplant, peeled and cubed,
2 Carrots, chopped
1 cup peanut butter
Method

Judiciary accused of stifling drug war

Moves to transfer a Mombasa magistrate who was known to give
tough sentences to drug offenders have elicited concerns from the
Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK).
The council said the move was a stumbling block in the efforts to
eradicate the vice which is prevalent in Coast province.
In a letter to Chief Justice Evans Gicheru, CIPK chairman Sheikh
Muhammad Idris said the removal of Catherine Mwangi who enforced the Anti-Narcotics act against drug users and barons is a
blow on the war on drugs. This has led to an increase in the vice
because of the light penalties given to the culprits that do not deter
them from committing the offences, he said.
If this trend is to be left to continue we are worried that the police
will be demoralized and will put fewer efforts in arresting and taking
offenders to Courts, he added.
Saying that the Judiciary has been on the top list of those hindering the war on drug abuse, Sheikh Idris urged the Chief Justice to
direct the courts to observe the 1994 Anti-narcotics law so as clamp
down on drug offenders.

Heat the oil in a large cooking pot.

Saut the onion and garlic until the onion is tender.
Add the broth and water and boil.
Add lemon juice and other spices (coriander, black and red pepper).
Add the goat ribs, cover and reduce heat.
Simmer for one to two hours or until ribs are nearly cooked.
Add vegetables (carrots and eggplant), stir and continue to simmer for an additional twenty minutes.
Add peanut butter or peanut paste. Cover and simmer on very
low heat until vegetables are tender and meat is tender.
Serve hot with Ugali, Rice, or bread.
Share your favourite recipes with our readers. Send them to P. O. Box 10078600100 or email:fridaybulletin@islamkenya.com or fridaybulletin@gmail.com

Shawwal 27 1430/October 16 2009

The Friday Bulletin

YOUTH AND CHILDREN

Back to the Real World After Ramadhan!

Anthea Davis

For one month I was a good Muslim. I didnt miss any Prayers. I got up in the early
hours of the morning and helped prepare breakfast and then sat quietly and with
calmness while my family and I ate together before the break of dawn. There was
more harmony between usmore cooperation and love. That was in Ramadhan!
I went to work with such a feeling of inner peace that I didnt have any fear. I didnt
get angry because I was not afraid of anything or anyoneexcept Allah the Almighty.
My life was more orderly and I seemed to get more things done. There was barakah
(blessing) in my time, my food, and my efforts.
Getting up for sahur (early morning breakfast before fasting) gave me energy and
power to do all I had to do all day long. Sometimes I would get thirsty because the
weather was hot, but everything was manageable.
Most of the time I got up late at night and did more prayers and read more Quran
and I loved it! It gave me a feeling of inner richnesswealth. My soul felt satisfied
and at rest.
I gave more charity and my heart seemed softer when I saw poor and needy people.
I wished I had more to give. Now that blessed month of Ramadhan is over. The last
10 nights are gonethose special nights in which we seek The Night of Power and
Allahs forgiveness and help. I hope I found that precious night and my prayers and
worship were accepted.
The day of `Eid is over too. The time of having fun and sharing the happiness and
good wishes is finished. It was a time when I got to see people I havent had time
to visit in ages. Now life is just back to normal again and I miss Ramadhan and that
special feeling I always get when it comes.
I ask myself if I am a better person than I was before. Am I more humble? Am I more
kind and generous? Am I more aware of myself and my strengths and weaknesses?
Am I more honest and truthful in my words? I think soI hope so. But the test is sure
to come; because as I face life outside the blessings of Ramadhan and meet troublesome people I will see for myself if I am really more patient and sober minded. When I
see those poor and needy people will I just rush by ignoring them because I am going
somewhere important to me? Or will I take a minute to stop and give them something
along with a smile and some kind words? How much of Ramadhan lingers in my
heart, on my tongue, and in my hands? It remains to be seen and my words and actions now will be the proof of how much I really grew and developed in Ramadhan.
I ask myself why it seems to be easier to get up during the night to pray in Ramadhan
than it is at other times of the year. How much self-discipline have I really got which
is one of the true indicators of strength? Dont I want to taste the sweetness of night
worship? Dont I want to feel the peace of reading Quran in the quietness and solitude of the night? Dont I think deep down that I really still need these things?
If I let my life rush by and scoop me up and carry me along with it then I will become
over-concerned with gaining wealth and position; I will become more ambitious for
this worldly life than I am for the next life which is the lasting one.
I do not want to be foolish or weak. I do not want to be of those who fail in this life (by
not having inner peace, insight, and faith), and the Hereafter (by being far from Allah
and having earned His displeasureMay Allah protect us). So the trick is to keep the
behaviour and spirit of Ramadhan with me throughout all the year.
Keeping the spirit of Ramadhan is pretty much impossible because the feeling you
get during that time is unique to it alone. However, I can maintain the behaviour and
good habits of Ramadhan and keep the flame kindled in my heart, which will be reflected in my words and actions until the next Ramadhan arrives, in sha Allah.

Come and eat with me

(Learning to share)
We all love to eat good food and Mmmm
it tastes real good! We know that food
is from Allah so we should always thank
Him.
Now if our Muslim friends come by and
take a seat with us, we should always try
to share our food and give them some to
eat.
Do not keep them sitting there, looking
on in hope.
Do not say, You can not have my food,
No! That would not be kind, it will be
wrong. You will really hurt their feelings
and they might not stay for long as your
friends.
Imagine now how you would feel if you
were hungry too. But then your friends
refused to give some yummy food to you!
Wont you start to feel upset and wont
you feel quite sad? Then you will know
how others feel when you do something
bad to them.
Dearest fellow Muslims friends, always
share and try to be better. Allah will be
pleased with this and give you more, you
will see! Think of me, my dear young Muslim, I will think of you. Allah loves it when
we share and think of others too.

ISLAMIC WORDSEARCH PUZZLE

G G

W A

R D

W F

Search for the following names of the Angels of Allah in

the puzzle
1. Jibril
2. Mikail
3. Israfil
4. Malik
5. Ridwan
6. Munkar
Answers to Islamic Crossword word Puzzle 336
ACROSS 3. Paradise 4. Qur'an 6. Hijab 7. Torah 8. Fasting 11. Hajj 13.
Purify 15. Allah (S.W) 16. Muslim
DOWN: 1. Shahada 2. Prophet 5. Zakat 8. Ruku 9. Sunnah 12. Islam
10. Imam

The Friday Bulletin

Shawwal 27 1430/October 16 2009

Muslim Issues

The Other Side of Tourism at the Coast

Abdul- Lateef Salat
unsuccessful pleas to the
It is popularly joked that
government
authorities
people from the coastal
to curb the penetration of
region of Kenya exhibit lathese harmful drugs into the
ziness in their speech and
country, especially from the
gait, probably as a result
almost porous ports of this
of the geographic features
coastal region, we decided
of the region, which are a
to help our children with our
mosaic of humble breezes
lone efforts," Yusuf's father
and an ever-hanging hurevealed nonchalantly.
mid air. However, recently,
Quite a number of youths
a new thesis arising from
have been enrolled into
public understanding indithese centers, which I
cates an easygoing carelearned are just rooms in
free lifestyle among the
the residential areas, withyouth. This lifestyle quickly
out professionals to tackle
erodes the morals and the
the problem currently taking
health of alarming numcontrol of the youths. In adbers of young people on
dition, a challenge still lies
the Kenyan coast.
with the willingness of chilBeing a hub of Kenya's
dren to avail themselves of
tourist attractions, the tourSchool children at an anti-drugs rally in Mombasa. The own and other

the counseling provided by
ist-friendly beaches,
areas of Coast province have been hardest by the use of illegal drugs

Imams and other Islamic reliamong other eye-dazzlers
in the region, have gradually developed a counterproductive effect gious leaders who offer their services free of charge.
on the growing numbers of unemployed youths. The youth can be "I am slowly waking up from the stupor of these drugs. I underobserved filling the beaches in an obvious quest to eke a living out stand why my friends find it hard to let go of such practices since
they make one forget the unbearable situation in this country," said
of the opportunities tourism provides in these social areas.
However, in the recent past, a revelation beyond what meets the eye Amina Kazungu, one of the ladies I met in the rehabilitation home.
about these job-hunting youths made headlines when a saddening Addressing the Problem
exhibit showed dozens of malnourished youths frog-marched from The involvement of religious leaders in the fight against drug abuse
dens of drug abuse; their flesh was spent, and their now lifeless among the coastal youth has successfully evoked a national conskins were disfigured. Apparently there is some justification in the cern via repetitious calls to the government to take heed before the
perception that they are lazy, misguided, and fun-loving as believed entire young generation is swept away by an otherwise manageable
by citizens from other regions of this country. This presents a sorry problem.
Some nongovernmental bodies such as the National Agency for
picture of a tourist attraction.
With the help of a trained eye, I managed to trace the intricate path the Campaign Against Drug Abuse (NACADA) have hit the road
of a growing trend of drug abuse among the so-called coastal arresting quite a number of drug peddlers and impounding tons of
youth, who also appear to have given up on life. I joined a group drugs.
of idle young men in a joint called shella in Malindi town; they were Nevertheless, Esther Murimbi, a junior officer of NACADA whom I
managed to reach, indicated that drug peddlers have become too
talking about their lives oblivious of a stranger's presence.
The conversations went from the current economic constraints in slippery to corner. She associates this difficulty with the involvement
the country to social issues such as the 2009 Under-20 World Cup of some rich, influential businessmen, and politicians who ruin the
in Egypt. Then suddenly emerged a tinge of how and where they investigations being carried out by the police.
It therefore appears that the unseen hands of influence as well
could acquire 'zua' (probably a nickname for a drug; it can be translated from Swahili to mean stimulant). One of them gave a cryptic as the constant ingenuity of drug peddlers, who keep on inventing
direction to where they could get supplies, in a jargon that I later new ways of carrying out their trade are fast steps eschewing
managed to understand with the help of my unsuspecting newly the legal efforts aimed at controlling the ever-rising cases of drug
made friend Yusuf Matano (not a real name), who blatantly believed abuse. This also has secondary effects, as reflected in the crimes
becoming a norm in Kenya today.
I belonged to their league of drug abusers.
As we went to purchase the concoctions (which I later learned to A wise mind will observe a lasting solution to this problem in the
be cocaine), it emerged that masqueraders, mostly men dressed form of creating job opportunities, because unemployment readily
in black female veils popularly known as bui bui, are the peddlers exposes the young, and they tend to find refuge in drugs. If the micarrying out their operations in broad daylight under the noses of rage remains, notwithstanding part of the political pledges made in
every campaign season, then these societal ills are here to stay a
security officers.
From the look of the trade, it is undeniable that a majority of the sad thing to say!
In fact, as a mark of their discontent with the government's trend
young men abusing these drugs are Muslims going by their backgrounds. This is also evident from the fact that this coastal region is of recycling old professionals by appointing them to some government jobs, the youth from Mombassa demonstrated against an efpopulated by Muslims.
I dislodged myself from this group and headed to Yusuf's parents to fort aimed at casually employing them to clean the city with a pay
know if they are aware of their son's involvement in drugs. "Yusuf is they termed peanuts. They publicly preferred to do their own thing,
strange of late, and efforts to establish what the problem is [are] dif- inclusive of drug abuse.
ficult since he hardly stays at home," explains Yusuf's mother, who Despite the pains and challenges these young people face, the
I suspect is trying to protect her son by not acknowledging what she teachings on the walls of reason are that life is precious and should
be treated as such, lest we come to regret when our destiny is deknows about his illegal activities.
However, his father, with a distant look, opens up and explains his cided by our rueful youth. With or without hardships, drugs can never be a substitute for an enriching, problem-free life. As a matter of
despair in trying to correct his only son.
It is said that parents whose children have fallen prey to this life- fact, without challenges, life will not be worth living; philosophically,
style supported the council's move to form a rehabilitation center that is what it is to live life. So watch your health; it's your life!
addressing their sons' and daughters' addiction to drugs. "After
Abdul- Lateef Salat is a reporter for Star FM Radio

Shawwal 27 1430/October 16 2009

The Friday Bulletin

FEATURE

Amid rising livestock deaths, Govt stalls efforts to revive meat plant
While thousands of animals continue to succumb to
the persistent drought due to limited capacity at Kenya
Meat Commission, the government is ironically stalling
moves to revive a slaughterhouse in Ngong which has
been idle for several years.
Halal Meat Products (HMP) company, an expansive
abattoir which was setup in 1972 was run down by the
Ministry of Livestock which operated it between 1984
and 1988.
Since then, efforts by the company to revive the plant
have hit a snag after persistent failure by the government to honour its obligation arising from using the
facility. Additionally, the government has defied court
orders to hand over the premises to its rightful owners and has continued to maintain a firm grip on the
factory which has been converted into an outpost for
Administration police officers.
We feel this is total sabotage against the Muslim community, says Muhammad Ali Motha, the executive
chairman of HMP.
The current raging drought has hard hit pastoralist
communities with the loss of their livestock, Motha A view from inside the Halal Meat Products plant in Ngong. Inset: Muhammad
says reviving the plant should have been a high priority
Motha ponders on the future of his multi-million shillings investment.
in addressing the problem.
Speaking to The Friday Bulletin during a tour of the expansive
an assessment study in the rehabilitation of the company to meet
slaughterhouse in Bul Bul area, he lamented about his 25-year
European standards. .
quest to seek justice saying that it had cost the company a forSupreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM), secretary general
tune.
Adan Wachu called on the government to ensure that the halal meat
Though High Court Judge Lady Justice Jeanne Gacheche ruled in
plant is revived as it will avail meat products which meet Islamic
2005 that the government pays the company a sum of Sh1.8 billion
religious specifications.
as compensation for using the plant, this is yet to be effected. AtHe said the plant has the ability to assist not only Muslims but all the
tempts by the Livestock Ministry to appeal against the ruling were
pastoralists communities who have encountered losses due to the
dismissed but still there has been no effort to honour the court orlong drought. This matter has not only affected the company but all
der.
pastoralists communities and Muslims in general as the Halal abatEarly this year, the Attorney General Amos Wako advised the Livetoir is the only facility that has the capacity to produce meat prodstock ministry to make a provisional payment of Sh278 million as
ucts using the right practice in regards to the Islamic teachings.
partial compensation to the owners of the plant, but this too has
We fail to understand why the rule of law is not being followed
been ignored.
despite a court judgment, ruling and consent being entered, Wachu
The government prides itself in upholding the rule of law but where
said in a letter addressed to the secretary to the cabinet Francis
has justice been done in regard to Halal Meat Products? The govMuthaura.
ernment is blatantly failing to honor a court judgment in total defiThe revival of Halal Meat Products could go a along way in addressance of its public duty, he wondered
ing the dietary concerns of Muslims as most of the major slaughterAs a result the plant has remained in disuse while its machinery
houses belong to non-Muslims and this poses challenges for Muscontinue to wear away.
lims when it comes to consuming meat products which conform to
At its formation in 1972, Halal Meat Products was rated as the most
Islamic law.
modern abattoir in Africa and provided employment to hundreds of
Kenyans. During the severe drought which gripped the country in
1984, the government took over the abattoir to cater for the slaughter of livestock which were dying in their thousands. At this time the
Kenya Meat Commission was not functional.
Motha said the plant was established on the basis of providing halal
meat and Muslims have an obligation to pressure the government
to facilitate the opening of the facility. We should all call for the
revival of this company because it will benefit us all. As Muslims
we face a lot of problems in confirming how our meat has been
slaughtered, he said.
He appealed to Muslim leaders to prevail on the government to
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fulfill its obligations in compensating the company to facilitate renoClasses commence on Monday 19th October 2009
vations and the reopening of the slaughterhouse. .
Time: 8.00 am to 10 am
He added that the abattoir was a strategic investment which was
being wasted due to inefficiency of few public officers. Halal Meat
Registration in Progress
abattoir, once rehabilitated and operational, can employ hundreds
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of Kenyans and earn the country millions in foreign exchange from
the export of meat products overseas, he said.
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The company spokesperson Ramadhan S. Ali, also called on Mus Sign Language
Islamic studies
lims to push for the revival of the factory which he said apart from
Qur'an classes
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availing Halal products will also increase job opportunities for the
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Jamia Training Institute (JTI)
He told The Friday Bulletin that the company was exploring posJamia Mosque Complex Ground Floor P. O. Box 100786-0101 Nairobi
sibilities of reopening the plant and had already engaged a conTel: 316444, 2243504/5 Fax 342147 Email:majlis@wananchi.com
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China to Execute Uighurs for Xinjiang Unrest

Chinese authorities sentenced on Monday
six Uighurs to death over deadly unrest in
the northwestern Muslim-majority Xinjiang
region in July, delivering on a vow of harsh
retribution.
The unrest, which ravaged the Muslim-majority western region in July, was sparked
by the killing of two Uighur men in a brawl
at a toy factory.
Frustrated Uighurs took to the streets of
the regional capital Urumqi protesting the
lack of justice, Chinese restrictions and the
settlement of Han Chinese in their region.

Xinjiang known to the Uighur Muslims as

Eastern Turkistan, a Turkish-speaking minority of more than eight million, continue
to be the subject of massive security crackdowns.
The Muslim minority accuses the government of settling millions of ethnic Han in
their territory with the ultimate goal of obliterating its identity and culture.
They also cite a recent government plan
that has brought the teaching of Mandarin
Chinese in Xinjiang schools, replacing their
local dialect.

Anti-Islam movie being shot in Kenya

Story From Page 1

continues. I wipe my arse with it. You hear

me? I wipe my arse with it! Ayaan who
acts as Hawiye is quoted as saying in the
script.
The Friday Bulletin has further learnt that a
number of girls of Somali origin have been
hired to act in the series. Shootings of the
episodes is planned for Eastleigh, Race
Course Primary School and Muslim Academy as well as several areas of Garissa.
The series is directed by Theu Boermans
who sources say is already in the country
to oversee the production of the film.
The chairman of the company Richard
Kiundi when reached by The Friday Bulletin confirmed the production though he
said he was not aware that the movie will
be an affront against Islam. He however,
pledged to cancel the project in the event
that it will turn out to offend Muslims. Take
my word, we do not want to involve our-

selves in issues which attack and denigrate

Islam. I will cancel the project altogether if
I confirm that this is what it is all about, he
said.
Ayan and Dutch film director Theo van Gogh
wrote the screenplay of the film, Submission
Part II, in 2004 which aroused worldwide
anger for its gratuitous attack on Islam and
Muslims. The film director was later killed by
unkown people. Since van Gogh's assassination, Ayaan has lived in hiding under the
protection of Dutch authorities.
A former Somali refugee, she obtained political asylum in the Netherlands in 1992,
under circumstances that later became the
center of a political controversy. In 2003 she
was elected a member of the lower house
of the Dutch parliament. Three years later,
she lost her Parliamentary sit and her Dutch
citizenship was stripped because of falsifications in her asylum application.

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Educational programmes
Due to the problems Muslims have faced in
the education sector over the years, Ummah
Foundation found it prudent to give this sector a vital place among its programmes. With
many Muslim students dropping out of school
due to lack of school fees and the absence of
a well-entrenched bursary scheme to cater for
their welfare, an Education Fund was established to cater for the interests of the Muslim
students.
The Zakat Central Fund has played a key role
in financing the education of our young generation. Through the Fund, the Foundation
has assisted hundreds of primary, secondary
and tertiary institutions students with education sponsorship. The students are drawn
from across the eight provinces of the country,
most of them from needy families.
Ummah Foundation has in the past also provided financial assistance to nearly 100 students at the Islamic Teachers Training College
in Mombasa who were supported for their future vital role in alleviating the problems faced
in the teaching of Islamic Religious Education
(IRE) in schools.
In this programme, Ummah Foundation has
also assisted students destined for studies
outside the country with air ticket assistance.
A 50 percent rebate is offered to the students
and so far 15 students, most of them admitted at the International University of Africa in
Sudan have been duly assisted.
In this programme, students are selected on
merit. The Education Committee takes into
consideration performance of the student,
poverty levels and whether a child is an orphan among other criteria for selection. Equitable distribution of bursaries is done all over
the country as per the received applications in
each batch.
We also offer students who are dropouts of
primary and secondary level education opportunities to study vocational courses like
Electrical Wiring, Auto mechanic, Plumbing,
Carpentry etc.
These courses empower them to finally start
their own small businesses or get ready employment in their respective fields.
Notwithstanding these achievements, the demand for assistance is overwhelming and our
capacity to support deserving members of the
community is limited. It is with this view that
we call upon you to join hands with us in supporting the education of our people who are
the pillars of the future generations.
Your Zakah or Sadaqah is an important element in furthering this noble cause.
For details on how to help, call or pay us a
visit at
Village Plaza Ngara Suite A12
Tel: 3747612 Mobile 0734845277
Email:info@ummahfoundation.net
Website:www.ummahfoundation.net

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
fridaybulletin@gmail.com. Printed by Colour Magic Production Ltd-Kirinyaga Crescent P. O. Box 9581-00100 Nairobi