The

Friday Bulletin
Rabi' ul Awwal 30, 1435/January 31, 2014

The Weekly Muslim News Update

Madrasa curriculum launched to streamline learning in madrasas

Issue No. 561

A new madrasa curriculum has been developed in an attempt to streamline the teaching of Islamic studies in schools. The project is being implemented on a pilot basis by Al-Muntada Development Project, a local non-government organization and is ultimately aimed at developing a single syllabus for madrasas in the country. Speaking on Wednesday during the launching ceremony at Jamia mosque, Sheikh Ibrahim Lethome, the Al-Muntada board chairman said there is a multiplicity of syllabus in various institutions and this necessitates a united curriculum to enhance on learning in Islamic schools. At present madrasas have embraced different curriculums and some have even adopted more than one syllabus and this becomes a challenge for the learners, he said. This is a pilot project and we do welcome views from other stakeholders and we call on them to join hands in developing a comprehensive united syllabus , he added. Sheikh Lethome said the recognition of madrasas and duksis (informal Somali Quran school) by the education ministry through the Education Act 2013, calls for streamlining the syllabus. We have a vacuum in this area and if it conContinued To Page 2

The managing director of First Community Bank Abdullatif Essajee and the Imam of Masjid Huda, Mombasa Sheikh Abu Hamza presents a copy of the madrasa curriculum to Sheikh Ramadhan Muhammad Juma the deputy Imam of Park Road mosque during the lauch of the curicullum. The event was witnessed by various Muslim leaders.

Imams and Madrasa teachers told to embrace information technology

There is need for Imams and madrassa teachers in both urban and rural areas to be trained in information and communication Technology as this is a catalyst for the propagation of Islam. These remarks were made by the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) Western region chairman, Sheikh Abdi Swaleh who stressed that Imams, madrassa teachers and duats (propagators) need to utilize technology in the efforts to spread da'wah and social-economic emancipation of Muslims. We need to utilize ICT mediums such as websites, blogs and social media to spread the correct teachings of Islam as well as fostering community development, he noted. The chairman added that ICT potential could be harnessed to improve networking and sharing of information and knowledge as well as adding that technology can act as a vehicle for launching various services to economically empower the community He revealed that there were plans to train Imams, madrassa teachers and duats in Western region in ICT to enable them reach out to many Muslims. Addressing a consultative meeting in Kakamega recently on how da'wah activities can be improved in the region, Sheikh Abdi spoke on the challenges faced by Imams Story Continued To Page 2

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The Friday Bulletin

Rabi' Ul Awwal 30, 1435/January, 31 2014

EDITORIAL

Urgent need for a Muslim education fund

After the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE), 2013 examination results were released, selections for admission in various secondary schools are ongoing and students who performed successfully are awaiting notification for admission to continue with their secondary level of education. But some of these students may not even report due to financial constraints and poverty. Muslim parents are now cracking their minds on where to find money to enable their children continue with education at the respective levels. One thing is very clear, majority of Muslims in Kenya are poor and few can afford to educate their children beyond primary school, that is why a high percentage of Muslim youths are jobless and are increasingly being forced to engage in drug abuse and other social evils due to idleness, desperation and frustration. Without education and a sense of future, some of these youth will fall prey to groups which could easily lure them to a life of criminality. In the true spirit of Islamic fraternity and solidarity this is an urgent call to Muslim organizations and financially or professionally capable Muslim individuals to come out and demonstrate their sense of social responsibility by assisting financially or by whatever means those members of the community who are needy. This will enable more students from the Muslim community to join public, private or Muslim secondary schools and universities locally and internationally. It is encouraging to note that some Muslim organizations have already stepped out and are consciously making efforts to solve the problem of education in the Muslim community by offering bursaries and scholarships to enable successful and needy Muslim students advance with their education. Several organisations have established education sponsorship programs for Muslim students and are indeed doing a noble duty, however this is not enough to support the whole community. There is still need for more Muslim NGO's CBOs and Islamic financial institutions and other players to get involved especially by focusing on either establishment of Muslim Education Loan Board (MELB) or fund raising for educational purposes at the national, county or community levels. In the work of raising funds, it is important to explore diverse and innovative methods, sponsor/ adopt a child program which has proved very successful in other organizations. This will enable Muslim students to get support from prospective Muslim individual sponsors locally and abroad especially in Muslim countries. Besides fees Muslims can also give contribution in the form of voluntary teaching services, school feeding programs, books, school equipments, water and lighting services. A recent entry into the Kenya financial sector by Muslims through the establishment of Islamic banks and other financial institutions is very encouraging and using their business and fund raising expertise, these institutions could also come in very resourcefully by offering free bursary or interest free loans for education. While giving priority to self-reliance Muslims must not also forget to take advantage of the available formal national education funds like Constituency Development Fund (CDF), Jomo Kenyatta Foundation and other initiatives. Muslim leaders should encourage students not to shy away from applying for the funds as this is their rights as citizens of Kenya, to sustain funding at the local level, entrepreneurship development should be encouraged. Muslims need to be empowered economically through microenterprise initiatives, this will create jobs, improve the community financial base and ensure stable contribution habits and above all there must be a radical change in mindset in the community. By joining hands, we can also have wings to fly programme which could provide educational opportunities to thousands of Muslim student thereby providing for them a better future both in this life and the hereafter.

Madrasa curriculum launched to streamline learning

Continued From Page 1

tinues others will come and prepare for us a curriculum which may not be in our interests, he said. Speaking at the same event, Abdi Kheir, a member of the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) called for more engagements with other stakeholders to develop an all round curriculum which will appropriately serve all Muslims. This is a positive step which has begun, share this ideas with other stakeholders and educationists so that a general syllabus is developed. L et us work together with the Ministry of Education to develop a single curriculum, he said. Sheikh Abu Hamzah, the Imam of Masjid Huda, Spaki in Mombasa called for support towards the initiative which he described as a positive development in the efforts to have a single madrasa curriculum. It remain an obligation upon us all to support this initiative as it provides a basis to further develop this project, he said. The outgoing managing director of First Community Bank Abdullatif Essajee who was the chief guest commended the initiative saying that it will go a long way in enhancing educational standards in the Islamic schools. He further called on its promoters to bring on board other stakeholders to ensure that it is beneficial for all Muslims in the country. We are aware that there are some other initiatives being done in the area of madrasa curriculum development. There is need for all stakeholders to join hands work together in developing a united syllabus, he said. He said a single curriculum will foster the unity of Muslims and also provide a correct methodology for students in Islamic schools.

The curriculum which is aimed for classes 1-6 in Ibtidai (primary school) comprises a set of 34 books which include 17 teachers guide books and 17 books for the students. As part of its social community responsibility programme, First Community Bank donated a total of 70 sets which will be distributed to madrasas in different parts of the country. Among those present were various Muslim leaders, Imams and officials from the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD)

Embrace information technology

Continued From Page 1

in dawah work and stressed on the need to move with the new paradigm of turning ICT into an important tool in the dissemination of Islam. ''We need to ask ourselves, if its enough that Islamic propagation works are done only through religious talks (darsa)? To what extent is this effective?'' he asked. Sheikh Abdi further pointed out that youths today are exposed to the borderless nature of the internet and may be vulnerable to negative influences, adding that proper utilization of ICT will contribute lead to their spiritual development and elevate the image of Islam as a universal religion that promotes brotherhood, peace, tolerance and progress for the benefit of mankind.

Rabi' Ul Awwal 30, 1435/ January 31 2014

The Friday Bulletin

Da'wa

Dr. Muzammil H. Siddiqi

The Qur'an: A Teacher of Violence?

Also, what follows is the verse quoted from Surah An-Nisaa' within its proper context: They but wish that you should reject Faith, as they do, and thus be on the same footing (as they): so take not friends from their ranks until they flee in the way of Allah. But if they turn renegades, seize them and slay them wherever you find them; and (in any case) take no friends or helpers from their ranks. Except those who join a group between whom and you there is a treaty (Of peace), or those who approach you with hearts restraining them from fighting you as well as fighting their own people. If Allah had pleased, He could have given them power over you, and they would have fought you: therefore if they withdraw from you but fight you not, and (instead) send you (guarantees of) peace, then Allah has opened no way for you (to war against them). Others you will find that wish to gain your confidence as well as
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When we, Muslims, state that Islam is a religion of peace, we are not trying to prove something unreasonable or solve a crossword puzzle. Rather, we are just stating a fact backed by clear-cut evidence and unquestionable proofs. Even we don't need to state this fact, for Islam, in itself, is selfexplanatory in terms of its meaning, its noble teachings and the core of its message conveyed by all the Prophets that Allah sent to mankind. Indeed, hate is not good for any person. We, Muslims, do not hate non-Muslims, be they Christians, Jews, Hindus, Buddhist or followers of any religion or no religion. Our religion does not allow killing any innocent person regardless of his or her religion. The life of all human beings is sacrosanct according to the teachings of the Qur'an and the guidance of our blessed Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him and upon all the Prophets and Messengers of Allah). About the prohibition of murder, the Qur'an says: {Take not life, which Allah has made sacred, except by way of justice and law: thus does He command you, that you may learn wisdom.} (Al-An`am 6:151) Also Almighty Allah says in another Qur'anic verse: {Nor take life, which Allah has made sacred, except for just cause. And if anyone is slain wrongfully, We have given his heir authority (to demand Qisas or to forgive): but let him not exceed bounds in the matter of taking life; for he is helped (by the law).) (Al-Israa' 17:33) According to the Qur'an, killing any person without a just cause is as big a sin as killing the whole humanity, and saving the life of one person is as good a deed as saving the whole humanity; this is related in the following Qur'anic verse that reads: {On that account: We ordained for the Children of Israel that if any one slew a person - unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land - it would be as if he slew the whole people, and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people. Then although there came to them Our messengers with clear signs, yet, even after that, many of them continued to commit excesses in the land.} (Al-Ma'idah 5:32) Then, how come the Qur'an says, {Kill them wherever you find them} as it is mentioned in Surat Al-Baqarah (2:191) and Surat An-Nisaa' (4:89)?! The answer is simple: One should read these verses in their textual and historical context. A person should read the whole verse, and it is better that he or she reads few verses before and few after. The proper context of the verse from Surah Al-Baqarah is as follows: Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah loves not transgressors. And kill them wherever you catch them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out; for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter; but fight them not at the Sacred Mosque, unless they (first) fight you there; but if they fight you, kill them. Such is the reward of those who reject faith. But if they cease, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. And fight them on until there is no more tumult or oppression, and religion is for Allah; but if they cease, let there be no hostility except to those who practice oppression. The prohibited month, for the prohibited month, and so for all things prohibited, there is the law of equality. If then any one transgresses the prohibition against you, transgress you likewise against him. But fear Allah, and know that Allah is with those who restrain themselves. (Al-Baqarah 2: 190-194)

JAMIA BURSARY 2014

The Education Committee invites applications from suitable, qualified and eligible needy Muslim students who sat for their KCPE in 2013 and will be joining Form 1 in 2014. The applications for the limited number of scholarships must meet the following criteria: Must have sat for KCPE in 2013 and obtained at least 375 marks (Pupils from public primary schools will be given priority) Be an orphan or from a family suffering extreme poverty Must have been admitted to Form 1 in a Public secondary school (Special cases joining Islamic integrated schools will be considered) Application Procedure Fill in the standard bursary form (available at Jamia Mosque Library or Jamia website www.islamkenya.org) Hand written application letter Copy of KCPE result slip Copy of Form 1 admission letter and fees structure Parents ID card or Death certificate or Revertion certificate Any other supporting document All applications to be received latest by Friday 31st January 2014. Incomplete applications will not be received. Only those with the necessary qualifications should apply. The Education committee reserves the right to request for further information before the award of the bursary to any applicant and their decision will be final. The sponsorship (either in full or part) will benefit the successful applicants from Form 1to Form 4 on the basis of the students academic performance and discipline records.

Parents are invited for a one day workshop on parenting. The programme is a follow up on the earlier programme held in November Venue: Muslim Academy-Park Road Date Sunday 2nd February 2014 Time: 9.00 am-Dhuhr Organised by Park Road Youth Group and Family Resource Centre Topic: Ikhlas By: Ustadha Maryam Ibrahim 2nd February 2014 2.00 pm -4.00 pm Venue: Makina Mosque Kibera
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PARENTING SEMINAR

SUNDAY LECTURE

The Friday Bulletin

Rabi' Ul Awwal 30, 1435/ January 31 2014

WOMEN

Islam and Women: Any Injustice?

Dr. Ali Al-Halawani Many westerners as well as quite a few Muslims still circulate some sayings and thoughts that have been made clear to them decades ago; a matter which may render any further argument unnecessary. However, the insistence of a number of contemporary fellow human beings on using the same old-fashioned thoughts makes it incumbent upon the author to re-address the issue with the hope of putting an end to all these false allegations once and for all. Basically, these people are unable to realize the philosophy behind mens guardianship of women. It deeply hurts them that a woman is entitled to half the share given to man in inheritance. It also makes them sleepless that Islam safeguards the chastity of a woman through prescribing a descent dress code forher. How come women are treated like this? They scream. This is unfair. This lifestyle is suitable only for the harem age and, hence, does not fit modern civilization. They yell. In fact, one wonders at this progressive thought which indicates nothing but poor understanding of Islam as well as its noble values and principles. Guardianship What Does It Mean? Basically, these people misinterpret the Almighty's saying, They fancy guardianship as some sort ofhegemony, supremacy, and cancellation of a woman's personality rendering her as offal. However, if only they understood the meaning of guardianship in Arabic, they would realize that it stands for exalting the woman and cherishing her mission in life. Throughguardianship, the man is held responsible for meeting the womans needs, catering toher welfare, and protecting her chastity. Taking such huge responsibilities by men is not without a reason. This is because Islam considers the woman as one of the greatest values of all human societies. In Islam, the woman represents honorable motherhood, passionate sisterhood, dear daughterhood, and finally wifehood with the latters basic characteristics revolving around the senses of tranquility, mutual love and mercy. If those peoples insights into the issue were neutral and deeper, they would have considered other textual proofs which lift up the status of women in Islam, such as the Qur'anic verse that reads, and women have rights similar to those against them in a just manner, and men are a degree above them. (Al-Baqarah 2:228) Also, the Prophet's saying, "Women are counterparts of men". (Abu Dawud); and "Act kindly towards women". (Muslim) It goes without saying that the term degree in the above Quranic verse means a degree of responsibilityand not that of advantage as claimed by some, Muslims and/or otherwise. The Inheritance Issue One does not really find the logic behind accusing Islam as being unfair to the woman when it allocates to her half the share of a man in terms of inherited properties. What part of the system of inheritance is really incomprehensible to these people who are to the author just bad apple pickers, but without any bad apples to pick?! Before one cites the reasoning for giving a sister half the share of her own brother, it is important to point out that this ruling is not without exceptions. Sometimes, a woman receives a greater share than that of a man when she is closer in lineage to the deceased. At other times, men and women receive equal shares as in the case of maternal brothers and sisters as they evenly share onethird of the inherited property. As for the seemingly general ruling that a woman is entitled to half the share of a man, this arises from the size of the responsibility shouldered by each. A man is responsible for starting a family, maintaining its affairs, earning livelihood, as well as being the natural extension of his own family lineage and wealth. Whereas, once a female becomes grown-up, she gets married and consequently her responsibility moves to another man her husband who becomes responsible for her welfare. In this way, a womans needs are much less than those of a man and, consequently,her responsibilities. In addition, Islam, for a noble reason, gives her a share of the inherited property as a guarantee lest she needs anything or faces any hardships inher marriage. In case this happens, she can then support herself in a way that savesher from asking others for help; a matter which saves her self-esteem and dignity. Also, a husband is supposed to inherit from his wife's wealth double what she gets from him after death. This is because the wife's wealth usually grows under the protection of the husband and under the rights she owes him. A husband usually has an influential role to play in the formation of his wife's wealth unlike his own wealth which he maintains with his own effort even though his wife may participate in this sometimes after he relinquishes some of his rights upon her. Given this, the Islamic inheritance system seeks to establish justice in all aspects. In so doing, it takes into consideration some basics without which justice cannot be established. These basics include the degree of relation, size of responsibility, living expenses, and the amount of benefit an heir has given to the deceased person. Womans Dress Those westernized people usually do not realize or they just choose to ignore that Islam does not in any way prevent any human being, be he a male or female, from applying adornment and wearing beautiful clothes. Allah says, {O Children of Adam! Wear your beautiful apparel at every time and place of prayer.} (Al-A`raf 7:31) It is well-known that clothes are usually prescribed by the surrounding environment as well as norms, traditions, and weather conditions. Hence, Islam does not prescribe for a man or woman certain clothes to put on. However, Islam forbids both men and women to show off or be extravagant as clothing and eating are concerned. Continued to page 6

Rabi' Ul Awwal 30 1435/January 31 2014

The Friday Bulletin

YOUTH
By Deana Nassar

Islam is Not Isolation: Seek Good Friends

Prophet Muhammad: Start of the revelations
One day, when he was forty years old, Muhammad was in the cave on Mount Hira, and an Angel appeared before him. The Angel, whose name was Gabriel, said to Muhammad: "Read in the name of your Lord who has created everything, who has created man from a clot of blood." At once, Muhammad knew what this meant. He should go to Makkah and tell the people: Allah has created Man. Allah has created all the things that Man needs to live. Therefore Man should be grateful to Allah. He should pray only unto Allah and obey only Him. It is Allahs will that the poor and the sick should be cared for, and that people should strive with all their might to do good and lead honorable lives. After death, such people will be richly rewarded for their efforts. But those who purposely do evil will receive terrible punishment, unless they are sincerely sorry for what they have done and ask Allah to forgive them. At first, Muhammad was very disturbed, for he had never seen an Angle before. But even so, he realized that the Angel had given him answers to the many questions which had been troubling him. For some time Muhammad had been wondering who it was who had been helping him; now he knew: it was Allah. He wondered why the people of Makkah were greedy and mean to the poor; now he knew why: it was because they disobeyed Allah. Allah created Man and all that is in this world, so Man must be obedient to Allah alone. When Muhammad returned to the city, he told his wife Khadija all that had happened, and all the Angel Gabriel had said. "Allah will never disgrace you," Khadija told her husband, "for you do many good things. You keep families together. You bear the burden of the weak, you assist the poor and the needy, you entertain the guests and endure hardships in the path of truthfulness." Muhammad was very happy that his wife, like himself, believed and trusted in Allah. He began telling his friends of the Angle Gabriel, and what the Angel had said to him. At first, though, only a few people paid attention to what Muhammad said. Most of them just ignored him, for they were far too busy making money, and had no time or inclination to think about Allah.
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Raised as a Muslim in a non-Muslim country, my late father instilled in us the significance of supplication. This was very important for me, especially facing challenges of a practicing Muslim and for a youngster raised in what were relatively conservative ways, the supplications served as some sort of sanctuary. Many times he prayed for my siblings and I to make decent friends highlighting the value of good company away from loneliness; hence at an early age I was taught by my parents the value of friends, in turn passing my experiences on to my children. Many years later, I have learnt that isolation for some is scary, and its not easy to face confrontations and tests when being alone. However making suitable friends helps making our journey and decisions in life somewhat easier. How to Choose Good Muslim Friends While we, as Muslims, know all our actions are recorded, it was complimenting to hear that the self discipline of Muslims won the commendation of an observer who said she seriously thought of joining me during my next fast praising my Muslim ethics which honored friends without judging. The Prophet was reportedly asked:Which of our companions are best? He replied: One whose appearance reminds you of God, and whose speech increases you in knowledge, and whose actions remind you of the hereafter. (An-Nasai, 4209) It is on this note that I stress that although both born and new Muslims level of faith goes up and down throughout our life, what will definitely keep someone from straying away from Islam is support from other Muslims, and guidance that we wouldnt have access to on our own. We should take any chances to connect with each other and cultivate relationships, and look for classes and seminars which offer knowledge and guidance in new terrain of course following the Prophets advice throughout the process and limiting ourselves to as little male/female intermingling as possible. While finding new friends is difficult, it is not impossible. We need close, long-term relationships; we need to be able to confide in others; we need to belong; we need to get and give support. In fact studies reveal that if we have five or more friends with whom to discuss an important matter we are far more likely to describe ourselves as very happy. Making good Muslim friends adds a special meaning to life since they help us enjoy the good times and overcome the difficult ones. These friends will improve our mood in turn helping us reach our goals of becoming better, decent, God fearing, practicing Muslims. Prophet Muhammad teaches: The example of the believers, in their mutual love and mercy for one another is like the example of one body, if one part feels pain, then all of the body suffers in sleeplessness and fever. (Muslim, 6258) Also None of you truly believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself. (Al-Bukhari, 13) As believers we are connected by our love of God and His messenger which entails certain responsibilities since a good friend is one who accepts your shortcomings, but at the same time guides and supports you. Of course, friendship is a two-way street. While developing and maintaining a friendship takes time and effort, the many benefits of having a close friend make it a valuable investment.

The Friday Bulletin

Rabi' Ul Awwal 30, 1435/January 31 2014

FEATURE

Continued from page 3

The Qur'an: A Teacher of Violence?

tians used them against Bosnian Muslims. Now, Zionists are using them against Palestinians on a daily basis. Let me mention just a few such verses from the Old Testament and New Testament "When you approach a city to fight against it, you shall offer it terms of peace. If it agrees to make peace with you and opens to you, then all the people who are found in it shall become your forced labor and shall serve you. However, if it does not make peace with you, but makes war against you, then you shall besiege it. When the LORD your God gives it into your hand, you shall strike all the men in it with the edge of the sword. Only the women and the children and the animals and all that is in the city, all its spoil, you shall take as booty for yourself; and you shall use the spoil of your enemies which the LORD your God has given you Only in the cities of these peoples that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, you shall not leave alive anything that breathes." (Deutronomy 20:10-17) "Now therefore, kill every male among the little ones, and kill every woman who has known man intimately. But all the girls who have not known man intimately, spare for yourselves." (Numbers 31:17-18) Even in the New Testament, we read the following statement attributed to Jesus, saying to his disciples: "I tell you that to everyone who has, more shall be given, but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away. But these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slay them in my presence." (Luke 19:26-27)
Dr. Muzammil H. Siddiqi is the President of the Fiqh Council of North America

that of their people: every time they are sent back to temptation, they succumb thereto; if they withdraw not from you nor give you (guarantees) of peace besides restraining their hands, seize them and slay them wherever you get them; in their case We have provided you with a clear argument against them. (An-Nisaa' 4: 8991) Now, do these verses give a free permission to kill anyone anywhere?! These verses were revealed by Allah the Almighty to Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) at the time when Muslims were attacked by the pagans of Makkah on a regular basis. They were frightening the Muslim community of Madinah. One may say, using the contemporary jargon, that there were constant terrorist attacks on Madinah, and in this situation Muslims were given permission to fight back the "terrorists". These verses are not a permission for "terrorism", but a warning against "terrorists". But even in these warnings, one can readily see how much restraint and care is emphasized. It is important that we study the religious texts in their proper context. When these texts are not read in their proper textual and historical contexts, they can be easily manipulated and distorted. It is true that some Muslims manipulate these verses for their own goals. But this is not only with Islamic texts, it is also true with the texts of other religions. I can quote dozens of verses from the Bible which seem very violent, if taken out from their historical context. These Biblical texts have been used by many violent Jewish and Christian groups. Crusaders used them against Muslims and Jews. Nazis used them against Jews. And recently, Serbian Chris-

Islam and Women

Continued from page 4

Islam is Not Isolation:

Continued from page 5

In the same vein, Islam ordains for a woman a dress code that preserves her chastity and keeps her off the sight of men, as a woman is very dear and precious being thathas a lofty station in human society as deemed by the religion of Islam. Thereupon, it is not allowed for a Muslim woman to show other than her face and two hands to non-mahram (marriageable) persons. What is wrong with these divine ordinances? What is strange about these prescribed rules set for the protection of women from the abuse of onlookers and the lustful? What will those critics of Islam say if the notable fashion designers choose a long, loose women dress to be fashion of the year? Certainly, they wouldhurry up to praise it in the name of modernity. Why do they, then, get angry when the order comes from the Almighty Who is All-Wise and All-Knowing? Many verses in the Qur'an direct a woman in relation to her dress towards what can gain her a great deal of respect and high regard. This is because Islam treats women like invaluable pearls or gems that need protection and preservation. No one can deny that Islam has in numerous occasions drawn womens attention to their vital and crucial role in life that is to maintain and take care of the family institution whichconstitutes the main building-block of all human societies. Finally, these are some of the objectives set by Islam for women and the goals behind these noble directives! So, where is the injustice done to women as seen by the critics of Islam? If we draw a comparison between Islams treatment of women and that of western civilization, even today, we will see how much injustice is inflicted upon women in the most developed western world in the 21st. century, but such a comparison needs a separate lengthy article!.

Prophet Muhammad emphasized the need to surround ourselves with good people. He spoke to his companions about the value of good companionship underscoring that people who hold the same values and beliefs that we do, make the best friends and companions. Friendship however isnt about who youve known the longest; its about who walked into your life and said Im here for you and proved it. Bear in mind that differences of opinion, different lifestyles and interests may make our friendships interesting and sometimes challenging, but if the core value system that is being Islam is not the same the friendship itself probably has no solid foundation. The prophet said: "The believer to the believer is like a solid building, one part supporting the other." (At-Tirmidhi, 1928) While this kind of relationship between friends may sound too good to be true, a kind of Utopia really, Islam advocates it strongly. It is simply a way of life and our religion expects each person to respect every other person. It stresses that friends are an important and necessary part of our lives; they are our mirrors, and our sounding boards. We are after all part of a community and it is our right and responsibility to be the very best person that we can be. Seeking good companions and maintaining good relationships are a responsibility that each of us as believers has towards ourselves, our community and God. In short we must seek companions who are seeking paradise in the Hereafter. Just as they say - You are what you eat, the same applies to the proverb: Tell me who your friends are and Ill tell you who you are. Remember Islam is a journey that doesnt need to be made alone especially as friendship and companionship are highly regarded in our religion. We should surround ourselves with friends who are models of something instead of experts of nothing, for if we share our problems with someone who is incapable of contributing to a solution dipping in their own lifes experiences, our time and energy is wasted. Keep in mind that a good friend is one who accommodates our faults but corrects them where possible and who will always love and forgive us for the sake of God.

The Friday Bulletin

Rabi' Ul Awwal 30, 1435/31, January 2014

NATIONAL

Alarm over rising cases of runaway fathers in Wajir

The Wajir County Kadhi has raised concerns over the increased cases of fathers abandoning their families and parental responsibilities. Sheikh Abdiwahab Abdullahi said the problem is a growing concern in the county adding that if not addressed, it will lead to social decadence in the community. Speaking to the Friday Bulletin on phone, the Kadhi noted that at least fifteen cases of family negligence are reported every month involving fathers who have disappeared without trace leaving mothers with no means to take care of themselves and their children. It is very disturbing that men have decided to ignore their responsibilities towards their families. It is a religious obligation of the father to look after their families and provide for them and it is regretful that they have chosen to run away from their responsibilities, said the Kadhi. Sheikh Abdulwahab attributed the problem to engagement in miraa chewing urging that there was need to educate them on the dangers associated with the narcotic substances as it was a leading cause of social vices. He further called on Muslim religious leaders to use the mimbar (pulpit) to sensitize couples on the importance of fulfilling their marital responsibility as well as living harmoniously. The Kadhi also appealed to the government and nongovernmental organisations to contribute to the empowerment of women economically through engaging in income generating as an increasing number of men are running away from their responsibilities. A chief from the area, Nur Jama said the problems of absentee fathers was also caused by parents marrying off their daughters to people they were not well acquainted with who later disappear leaving their wives in indeterminate state.

SUPPORTING A WORTHY CAUSE

Munir Diwani - Chairman of Muslim Care- A UK Muslim charitable organisation hands a cheque of Sh1.8 million to Salim Jeizan- a committee member of Darul Irshad Centre. The funds will go towards the completion of the vocational workshop at the Nguluni Revert centre. Munir also made a pledge of Sh. 700,000 that will go towards the the rehabilitation of the fish harvesting bond in Nguluni. The projects are aimed at providing a sustainable economic livelihood to students after completion of their studies. Looking on are: Jimmy Iqbal (right) from Chicago, United States, Musa Wekesa, the executive Officer of Ummah Foundation and Brother Ali Haji, the C.E.O of Darul Irshad Organisation.

Garissa leaders in demo threat over IDs

Garissa county leadership has urged the government to move with speed and issue the locals with national identity cards. The leaders have threatened to stage a demonstration if the jubilee government fails to address the issue of identity cards in the county. The leaders accused the government of discriminating and neglecting the northern region as if it was not part of the country. They argued that it is the governments responsibility to issue identity cards to its citizens and it is their constitutional right to be issued with the document. Speaking at a public event in Dadaab, Muhammad Dahiye who is the area Member of Parliament noted that there are no registration offices in the whole Dadaab making it more difficult for the locals to obtain identity cards. The MP threatened to mobilize residents to stage a demonstration if the government does not act on the matter. If we will not get anyone to address this problem then we are going to do a mass protest from Dadaab to Garissa town so that our issues are handled with care, said the Member of Parliament. He further noted that the youth have been denied the opportunity to develop themselves economically because they cannot find jobs nor venture into businesses due to lack of the vital document. On his part Garissa senator Yusuf Haji called on the government to establish temporary registration offices for the residents to acquire identity cards easily without having to travel from Dadaab to Garissa town.

Mvita top performers awarded scholarships

Top performers in Mvita constituency, Mombasa were awarded bursaries to support their education. The students drawn from public schools are beneficiaries of a Sh1.2 million programme, Well Pay Your School Fees, an initiative of the Sharrif Nassir Foundation. Each of the top three students in last years class seven are entitled to Sh7, 000 while their Form three counterparts who will be sitting for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) will receive Sh18, 000. A total 75 students drawn from 25 primary schools and 39 students from 13 secondary schools benefited from the inaugural scholarship scheme. Speaking to the Friday Bulletin, the area MP and chairman of the Sharrif Nassir Foundation Abdulswamad Sharrif Nassir said the programme will effectively prepare the students for the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) and the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE). The initiative is not only to pay fees but monitor the academic progress of the students, he said. He stressed that he will personally monitor the academic progress of the students who will be sitting for their primary and secondary national examinations to see to it that they post excellent results. For their last year, we will take efforts to work together with the parents in closely monitoring their performance and prepare them for their final examinations, he emphasized. In a related development, the Lamu county government has announced a Sh20 million bursary scheme to improve the development of education in the county. Governor Issa Timamy said the programme will target bright students from economically disadvantaged. He emphasized that the move is aimed at enhancing on the academic performance of students in national examinations in the county

Stakeholders asked to cooperate to improve education standard

Muslims in Kakamega County have been urged to invest their resources and efforts in ensuring that their children access quality education. The leaders said education is the biggest gift parents can provide for their children and this calls for more support to propel them to excel academically. They cited the ''dont care'' attitude by parents, lack of vision and focus and unwillingness to participate in school activities as some of the factors hindering education standards in the Muslim community. Parents were also told to play their roles and ensure their children acquire quality education instead of isolating themselves and blaming the teachers for poor results. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Makunga Jamia Mosque in Mumias Sub-county last Saturday, the upper Western Kadhi, Sheikh Shaaban Issa Muhammad, noted that Muslims in the region have been lagging behind in socio-economic development because of illiteracy and stressed that there is need to have properly educated men and women to bring positive change to the society. He adviced parents to change their attitude and embrace both the religious and conventional education system for their childrens prosperity both in this world and the hereafter. The Kadhi further urged mosque management committees to set up social welfare funds to cater for the needy Muslims whose number he noted, had increased due to poverty and other social problems. Muslim representative at the County education board, Hassan Ngeri stressed the need for efficient cooperation between parents, teachers, the community and the government to ensure pupils were receiving all the necessary support needed for good academic results to be achieved.

Muslim Care UK and Ummah Foundation

Muslim Care is a UK based organisation registered as a charitable entity that helps Muslims all over the world. For the past seven years Ummah Foundation has represented Muslim Cares interests in Kenya and Uganda. A lot of projects have been initiated through our mutual co-operation. In the past, Muslim Care donated more than 200 computers to be supplied to Islamic institutions and schools in Kenya. It has also helped in the construction and development of a Muslim primary and secondary school in Entebbe in Uganda, sponsored more than 500 needy students in high schools in Kenya and has become a major donor in development of education centres in various prisons in Kenya. They also supplied Ummah Foundation with books and learning materials that benefitted most of our learning institutions. As from last year Muslim Care and Ummah Foundation took a special interest in the development and promotion of Darul irshad revert centre in Nguluni to buy extra land for further development, construct a technical centre and classes for the workshops and further expansion and rehabilitation of the fish bond that is targeting to harvest more fish for commercial purposes. After the visit of Brother Munir Diwan who is the Chairman of Muslim Care- UK, he pledged a donation of Ksh. 700,000 that will make the fish bond be more productive inshallah. Through these efforts we have realised a lot in terms of the graduates that have benefitted from the common fund and the increase of more reverts at Nguluni revert centre who have learnt a lot as far as religion is concerned and earned technical skills like carpentry, masonry, electrical and mechanical engineering. These skills have enabled many to open up their own workshops and are self reliant in many ways. Even as they spread Islam in their localities they have no worry of how they should earn a living because most of them are stable in their business endeavours. It is this spirit that we would like all Muslims in Kenya and abroad to adopt so that we can achieve more of our projected dreams that we would like to realise. Our education standards are still low and more efforts should be made to increase our school intake and increase our transition rates to colleges and Universities. Our prisons need to be given more emphasis so that we can enhance the rehabilitation work that is going on, more of our Madrassahs still lag behind in terms of the quality of its graduates and proper structures still remain unattended to. We also need to empower our community and stop the general notion and mentality of being regarded as second class citizens of this nation that we have equally contributed to built. We would like to appeal to all organisations and individuals to emulate the example of Muslim Care UK and likeminded entities so that we can uplift the living standards of our Ummah inshallah. We also need to appreciate one another and always work together for the common good. Your donation and contribution can bring the change we all want. Contact us : Ummah Foundation Village Plaza, 2nd Floor, Ngara Rd P.O. Box 58717- 00200 Nairobi Tel:020-2680610/13 Mob: 0734 845277 Email: info@ummahfoundation.net Web: www.ummahfoundation.net

'Rohingyas Treated Like Animals'

A prominent Rohingya political activist has accused Burmese authorities of treating Muslims like animals amid reports the Buddhist mobs have torched dozens of Rohingya homes in Arakan State. Muslims in Myanmar are treated like animals, a prominent Rohingya political activist, speaking on condition of anonymity, told International Business Times UK on Wednesday, January 29. I'm feeling very afraid. We don't have any kind of protection in this country. We haven't got anything here. Our government is against us, the activist added. Burma Rohingya Muslims have come under several violent episodes led by Buddhist mobs over the past two years. The latest attack occurred over the past few days when UN humanitarian chiefs and human rights organizations reported credible evidence of a massacre of at least 48 Rohingya Muslims, mostly women and children, in Burma's western Rakhine State. Official media and the Ministry of Information have strongly refuted the reports. Yet, a Thailand-based NGO, the Arakan Project, said it had received multiple reports that dozens of Rohingya Muslims were killed by security forces and Arakanese Buddhists. The incident, just the latest in a string of attacks that left at least 240 people dead and more than 140,000 homeless or displaced in prisonlike camps, caused terror in the Muslim Yangon community. The activist asserted that some people have been threatened by extremists and told you have to leave, otherwise your fate is going to be like your other Muslim people. Others living as a minority in Buddhist areas have simply fled out of fear, he added. Acting like mafia, extremist monks have been exerting powerful influence over local communities, threatening anyone who might be associated or do business with Muslims, the activist added. They say 'if you do business with the kalar [racist slur for Muslims]... we will brand you as a traitor to the nation, to the religion and to the community', he said.

The Friday Bulletin is a Publication of Jamia Masjid Committee, P. O. Box 100786-00101 Nairobi, Tel: 2243504/5 Fax: 342147 E-mail: fridaybulletin@islamkenya.org. Printed by Graphic Lineups Limited-Kweria Road info@graphic.co.ke