The

Friday Bulletin
The Weekly Muslim News Update

Issue No. 336

Shawwal 20 1430/October 09 2009

We say NO to the Marriage Bill

he Marriage Bill is unacceptable to Muslims and its implementation is

impractical in the wider Kenyan society as it flies in the face of religious
and local cultural values.
This was the verdict by the Chief Kadhi Sheikh Hammad Muhammad Kassim on the
proposed marriage laws which has generated debate around the country.
Sheikh Hammad termed the law as an anathema to the Kenyan society and said it
would lead to deterioration of moral values in the society. He observed that the laws
had been derived from the West and did not take into consideration established religious and local cultural norms. This law is unacceptable for Muslims and we dont
want anyone to interfere with our laws, he told The Friday Bulletin on phone from
Mombasa.
The Chief Kadhi said Kenya was a multi religious and multi cultural society where
many communities have various laws governing their societal matters and it was
unfair to subject them to one set of laws which contradict their values.

He pointed out that Muslims have no problems with

those wishing to adopt the laws but maintained that
the community is not prepared to adopt a system
which contravened their faith. We have our own
divine laws which we follow and they should not in
any way be interfered with, he said.
The Sheikh noted that the proposal was another
attempt to reintroduce a unified marriage law
which started way back in the 60s and added
that the plan was bound to fail as the majority of
Kenyans of different religious persuasions will not
accept principles which went against divine and
cultural laws.
Marriage, he said was the foundation of a society
and the present attempts which go against these
ideals would erode family and societal values.
The Chief Kadhis sentiments were also echoed
by the chairman of Majlis Ulamaa Kenya (national council of Muslim scholars) Sheikh Khalfan
Khamis who reiterated that Muslims will not accept the proposed laws as they went against Islamic tenets. He criticized the proposal to legalize
the so-called "come-we-stay" unions saying that
this went against Islamic ideals which stressed
on marriage relationships. Already we have a
problem where the rights of children fathered out
of these unions are not fulfilled and this is set to
continue on a large scale if the Marriage Bill 2007
sails through, he said.
According to the Bill, a couple will be deemed to
be legally married if they cohabit for two years or
more.
Islam, the Sheikh said had clear defined guidelines
on marriage, divorce and inheritance and pointed
out that most of the proposals being put forward
contravened the divine laws of Muslims.
He dismissed the proposal for a husband and wife
to share property on an equal footing saying that it
did not take the concerns of the children and other
relatives who were also entitled to a fair share of
the property. While the Bill provides for polygamy,
Story Continues To Page 2

Former UN secretary general and Chief Mediator Kofi Annan with the NAMLEF
secretary general Salim Vayani after a consultative forum with religious leaders.
Looking on is the NAMLEF chairman Abdullahi Abdi

Reforms: NAMLEF calls for outside pressure

The international community should exert more pressure on the government to ensure the implementation of the National Accord.
In its presentation to Kofi Annan, the former UN Secretary General and the Chief
Mediator who brokered the accord, the National Muslim Leaders Forum (NAMLEF)
underscored the importance of having the agreement implemented and said this will
contribute to peace, reconciliation and harmony among Kenyans thereby preventing
a repeat of the post 2007 poll violence.
To ensure we do not have a repeat of the 2007/2008 atrocities, it is our belief that the
Story Continues To Page 2

This Week

National News

Da'wa

Etiquettes related to loans and debts

Women Issues

Safety tips for Muslim women

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Youth and Children

Why we dress as we do

Feature

Defending Jerusalem a sacred duty

www.islamkenya.com

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

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The Friday Bulletin

Shawwal 20 1430/October 09 2009

NATIONAL NEWS

New home for Jamia Majlis Ulamaa

'Invest more in Da'wa'

Muslims should take advantage of the myriad of opportunities in the media,
information technology and other fields to increase dawa (Islamic propagation) outreach programmes to people of other faiths.
This becomes even more relevant in this era where Islam and Muslims have
been on the receiving end due to the prevalence of misinformation and
ideological attacks.
These sentiments were expressed by
Muhammad Quadir of Discover Islam
during a session with Muslim leaders at
Jamia mosque last Friday.
Discover Islam is a United States Muslim
organization dedicated to presenting a
positive image of Islam to non-Muslims.
Muhammad who is now based in the Gulf
state of Bahrain said there was an array
of tools which could be used to further the
correct knowledge of Islam to non-Muslims and could go to greater lengths to
dispel myths and misconceptions regarding the religion.
We cannot afford to sit back as we need
to disseminate the message of Islam. We
have to invite in a better, kinder, gentler
manner and educate non-Muslims about WHATDOES ISLAM SAY ABOUT
Islam, he said.
WAR? One of the wide range of
The Kenyan-born dawa activist said in
Discover Islam posters
the aftermath of 9-11 and the so-called
war against terror, which has intensified ideological onslaught on Islam and
Muslims, it is imperative that appropriate response strategies are put in
place to counter this attitude so as to present Islam in a positive outlook.
Discover Islam has been involved in the production of easy-to- read pamphlets, glossy posters and documentary videos on Islam. The Discover Islam series of products have become the mainstay of outreach materials in
the United States and in many parts of the world.
In addition, other initiatives which include advertising, distribution of books
and videos, lectures and holding events have proved to be practical outreach programs for delivering the message of Islam to millions of people
around the world.
Story From Page 1

The religious advisory council of Jamia Mosque is getting a

new home which will serve as the focal point of its activities.
The Majlis Ulamaa of Jamia Mosque will be based at the second floor of Jamia Plaza above the Young Muslim Association
(YMA) offices. The offices will be officially inaugurated today
at a function where the committee chairman Sheikh Muhammad Osman Warfa will preside.
Though its primary role is to guide Jamia Mosque Committee
on religious matters, it will also address and respond to religious issues put forward by Muslims.
The Council aims at promoting religious activities in accordance with the principles and traditions of Islam as enshrined
in the Holy Quran and Sunnah.
Sheikh Fathuddin Thangal is the chairman of the council.

NO to the Marriage Bill

Story From Page 1

the condition to seek the consent of the first wife was unIslamic and at the same time did not provide equal rights to
wives in a polygamous marriage which is inconsistent with
Islamic teachings.
Though mahr (dowry) is a necessary ingredient of an Islamic
marriage, according to the Bill one does not have to pay dowry to get married.
On his part the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) secretary general Adan Wachu sent out a clear notice
that Muslims will oppose the law which he said was being
imposed on Kenyans from the West.
He said the laws are inconsequential as Muslims have their
own set of laws which govern marriage, divorce, succession and inheritance.The Marriage Bill was tabled before the
Cabinet last month and was deferred to allow for further consultations with stakeholders. Among other proposals the Bill
seeks to consolidate all the existing marriage laws including
the Mohammedan Marriage and Divorce Act which caters for
Muslim marriages and lump into one set of laws to govern all
marriages.

Reforms: NAMLEF calls for outside pressure

international community, and the African Union in particular, should

take a keen interest in Kenyan affairs and exert maximum pressure
on the government to ensure the implementation of the National Accord, said the communiqu presented by chairman Abdullahi Abdi
during a meeting where the head of the Panel of Eminent African
Personalities who helped to midwife the Coalition Government met
religious leaders on Tuesday.
In the event that the accord is not implemented, as a safeguard
measure to prevent another round of post-poll violence, Abdullahi
proposed that the next general elections slated for 2012 should be
held under the supervision of the United Nations
He said in the present scenario there is need for more efforts to bring
about reconciliation and harmony among Kenyans.. Said he: the
Kenyan Government needs to invest more in time, resources and
national harmony in order to achieve reconciliation of Kenyan communities.
In the presentation, a call was made to address the injustices against
Muslims with particular reference to the 1984 Wagalla massacre
where more than 5000 innocent people were killed by security forces.
He also pointed to the Sharawe report saying that it documented various cases of abuse and discrimination against Muslims and called for
its implementation as a way of dealing with impunity against the community. Annan was informed that Muslims continue to suffer human
rights abuses which included arbitrary detentions and deportation of
Muslims.
The report called for the repeal of the Indemnity Act saying that it
was in conflict with the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commis-

sion (TJRC) as it will not be possible for victims of State orchestrated

repression to seek justice. The Indemnity Act grants immunity to perpetrators of violence inflicted in the areas North Eastern Province,
Marsabit, Tana River district and Lamu between 1963 and1968
The NAMLEF communiqu also joined calls for the resignation of
TJRC chairman Bethwel Kiplagat saying that his presence will forestall justice for some of the victims.
Kiplagats role in the previous government of retired President Daniel
Arap Moi where most of the repression was undertaken has come
under spotlight from human rights and civil society organizations. He
has also faced accusation of being among those who laid the ground
work for the Wagalla massacre.
At the same time NAMLEF joined other religious groups to call for the
fast tracking of the reforms of the National Accord. Under the umbrella of the Inter-Religious Forum, the faith groups expressed concern
at the slow pace of fundamental reforms which they said were critical
in preventing the recurrence of the post election violence. Whereas
the government has established a plethora of Task Forces, Commission and Committees, there has been demonstrably unwillingness
to implement the reports of such organs from the onset, said a joint
communiqu presented to the former UN secretary general.
The religious leaders urged the International community to step up
pressure on the government to implement the reforms and safeguard
the country from sliding into anarchy.
NAMLEF, Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) and the
Muslim Consultative Council (MCC) represented the Muslim community at the meeting which was also attended by representative from
Christian churches and the Hindu community.

The Friday Bulletin

Shawwal 20 1430/October 09 2009

DA'WA

Etiquettes related to debt and loaning

ey and that his financial situation was very
tight. Upon hearing this, Abu Qataadah,
asked the man saying; `Are you really in a
tight situation? ` The man responded with
the affirmative. Thereupon my father said:
I heard the Messenger of Allah salallahu
alayhi wa sallam saying: He who likes Allah
to deliver him from the calamities of the Day
of Resurrection, let him either give respite
to a debtor or grant him remission (of loans)
in straitened circumstances. Then he cried.
[Muslim]
In another narration, he said: He who gives
respite to someone who is in straitened circumstances, or grants him remission, Allah
will shelter him in the shade of His Throne,
on the Day of Resurrection, when there
will be no shade except His shade. [AtTirmithi]
Abu Qataadah was not the only one who
behaved in such a manner. Rather, this was
the way the entire community of the companions dealt with each other.
Many of the companions delayed the debtors who could not pay on time for long periods, and in many cases they even dropped
and waived the entire debt altogether.
This was so because they lived the prophetic narrations practically in their lives. Some
of them used to lend others just to get the
reward mentioned in some narrations like
the saying of the Messenger of Allah: Any
Muslim who lends another Muslim twice will
get a reward as if he has spent this money
in charity. Another narration that was an
encouraging factor is the saying of the Messenger of Allah: He who gives respite to
someone who is in straitened circumstances, will get a reward as if he has spent this
amount in charity for every day he delays
him until its due date, and after it becomes

due he will get double such reward.

Giving respite and delaying those in tough
situations can be the reason of rescuing
oneself from Hell. Abu Hurayrah reported
that the Messenger of Allah peace be upon
him said: There was a person who used
to loan money to the people and he used
to say to his servant: `When an insolvent
person comes to you, show him leniency so
that Allah may forbear our faults. ` So when
he met Allah (i.e., when he died), Allah forgave him. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
Abu Mas`ood Al-Badri radhiallahu anhu
reported that the Messenger of Allah salallahu alayhi wa sallam said: A person from
amongst the people who lived before you
was called to account by Allah on the Day of
Resurrection. No good deeds were found in
his credit except that he, being a rich man,
had (financial) dealings with people and had
commanded his servants to show leniency
to those who were in straitened circumstances. Upon this, Allah, the Exalted and
Majestic Said: `I am more entitled to this attribute, so waive (his faults).` [Muslim]
The abovementioned verses and narrations
are a great encouragement for the creditor
to postpone and give respite to the debtors who can not repay on time due to their
strenuous situations. They are messages
to the rich who lend others and embarrass
them and humiliate them, and may even be
the cause for their imprisonment. Indeed,
the creditor has the right to do so, but Allah
Says (what means): but whoever pardons and makes reconciliation, then his reward is [due] from Allah [Quran 42: 40].
Undoubtedly, the reward from Allah is
far better than money which is an interim
pleasure. (Islamweb.net)

ON A NOBLE CAUSE:
Students of Muslim
Academy recently
embarked on a food
distribution exercise
to less fortunate members of the society in
Huruma and Kayole.
The funds were raised
by the students as
a way of nurturing
the culture of giving
among young people.

NL
Y

Nini baada ya Ramadhan

Sheikh Juma Amir
Sat. 10th Octoer 2009
2.00 pm-4.00 pm
Makina Mosque Kibera

SO

Islam in Kenya-SWOT Analysis

Sh. Ibrahim Lethome
Sat. 10th October 2009
2.00 pm-4.00 pm
Jamia Mosque Multi Purpose Hall

Islamic Lecture

TER

Saturday Lecture

SIS

Many social problems result from loans because many people overlook the etiquettes
which Islam legislated for the debtor and
the creditor, and should the debtors and the
creditors adhere to such etiquettes, then
many problems would be solved.
Some of these etiquettes regarding the
creditor are to delay the debtor who is unable to pay on due time and to drop the debt
from the needy. On the other hand, the debtor should rush and repay the loan as soon
as he is able to and not to procrastinate repayment. In part one of this article we will
address what is related to the creditor, while
part two will concentrate on matters pertaining to the debtor.
The Creditor:
Giving respite to the debtor: When the
time of repayment is due, then the one who
was kind to his brother and loaned him some
money should remember the Saying of Allah
(which means): And if someone is in hardship, then [let there be] postponement until
[a time of] ease. But if you give [from your
right as] charity, then it is better for you, if
you only knew. [Quran 2: 280].
In this verse, Allah enjoins patience and tolerance for the one who is poor and cannot
repay on time and that the creditor should
postpone the deadline. This command came
to change the old practice during pre-Islamic era where the creditor used to say to the
debtor: Either you pay or I start calculating
interest on the loan. Also, the verse comes
directly after the verses addressing the issue of Riba (i.e. interest and usury) in which
Allah Says (what means): O you who have
believed, fear Allah and give up what remains
[due to you] of Riba (i.e. interest and Usury),
if you should be believers. And if you do not,
then be informed of a war [against you] from
Allah and His Messenger. But if you repent,
you may have your principal-[thus] you do
no wrong, nor are you wronged. [Quran 2:
278-279]. Allah did not specify the type of
war He would wage against those who deal
with Riba; whether it is in the form of afflicting them with diseases, making them suffer
famine and poverty or a military war.
Jaabir radhiallahu anhu reported that the
Messenger of Allah peace be upon him
said: May Allah show mercy to a man who
adopts a kind attitude when he sells, buys
and demands for the repayment of loans.
[Al-Bukhari] This person deserved the mercy
of Allah because he dealt with people kindly
and postponed the one who could not repay
him and whenever asked for his money, he
demanded it gently with kind words as not to
hurt the feelings of the debtor.
These prophetic narrations deeply affected
the companions and they acted upon them.
Abdullah bin Abu Qataadah reported: My
father (i.e. Abu Qataadah) went to a man
who was indebted to him, so the debtor
hid from him. Later, Abu Qataadah saw the
debtor and requested his money but the
later informed him that he could not repay
him because he did not possess the mon-

The Friday Bulletin

Shawwal 20 1430/October 09 2009

WOMEN ISSUES
Samana Siddiqui

Safety tips for Muslim women

Always be aware of your surroundings

This applies whether you are traveling alone or in groups. Dont just
focus inwardly on your thoughts if you are alone, or your friends if
you are together. Keep one eye out for your environment, looking
out for suspicious characters, possible danger, etc.
Also, dont assume that because your area has been "safe" thus far,
that it will continue to be so.
Travel in groups
"There is safety in numbers" is not just a cliche. Its true. Make a
point of traveling together with other sisters, whether its on public
transportation, on campus, in cars, etc.
Change the route you normally travel by
If youve taken the same bus, train or highway to get to work or
school, change your route. Even if it takes you a little longer, your
safety is more important. By changing your route, you can avert
possible attacks or harassment from those who know your schedule, method and route of travel well. Please note that you should
avoid short cuts that take you through unfamiliar or unsafe areas.
Look confident
Walk with a straight posture and your arms swinging by your sides.
Avoid slouching or walking like a victim. This makes you an easy
target for attackers.
If you are driving alone
Dont think that if you are in a car, youre safe. Windows should
be up and doors locked even when driving to avoid unwanted passengers at intersections. When you are walking to your car, always
have your keys ready, so that you can quickly get into your car.
But dont just get in right away. Always check your car before entering, especially the back, for any intruders.
Never leave your car door unlocked
Even if it means for one minute to drop something off in the mailbox
thats a few feet away. Attackers have been known to lie in wait for
such an opportunity.
Be careful in parking lots
Always be alert in parking lots, especially when it is dark. Ask someone to escort you to your car. Between cars and inside cars, it is
easy for someone to hide and wait until an unalert person comes
along.
Do not use the walkman
If you are used to listening to your walkman while outside, drop this
habit, especially in isolated areas. With your walkman on, you cannot hear the approach of a possible attacker.
Note "safe houses" along your route
Mentally note houses at intervals on each route you take that can be
used as "safe houses" if you are attacked, such as shops or houses
that you know to be occupied by a friend or acquaintance.
Do not open the door of your home without checking
DO NOT open the door to your home without first checking from a
window, peephole or by asking and verifying who it is. Instruct children to do the same.
Report any suspicious activity around your home
If you see people loitering on the streets near your house, call the
police on a non emergency number and report it.
Invest in a cell phone
This is an invaluable safety device. Keep it with you at all times and
keep emergency numbers on it. Also, keep it next to your bed before
you go to bed at night. Cell phones were first popularized by women
as a security device, business people came later.
Parking tips
Avoid parking in areas that are not well lit. Where possible, park
close to a school or work entrance or in a parking garage that has
an attendant.
If you see a suspicious person approaching or hanging around near
your parked car, turn around and go back to an area where there are

other people. Try to get an escort to your car through the campus or
job security or local police.
Tell others about your whereabouts
Parents, spouses and friends should know where you are going and
when you will be back, so that your absence will be noticed. Arrange
a call in system with a friend if you live alone, whereby you call when
you arrive home.
Trust your instincts
If you are walking somewhere and feel strange or scared, do not
ignore this feeling. Take extra precautions by walking a little faster
to get to a more populated or well-lit area or change the route youve
been driving on.
If you think you are being followed, change your route
You can cross the street, change directions, or enter a populated
building or store. Do whatever is necessary to avoid being alone
with the person who is following you. Inform a police officer or security official about the follower.
Attract attention if you are in a dangerous situation.
Get others to pay attention to what is happening to you if you are
under attack or being harassed. You can alert others by honking a
car horn or loudly describing what is happening.
Obscene phone calls
If you receive an obscene call or a crank call, do not talk to the
caller. Hang up if the caller doesnt say anything, or as soon as s/
he shouts obscenities. Hang up the phone calmly and do not slam it
down. Note down the date and time of the calls. If they are persistent, inform local police.
If you are a student
Avoid studying in isolated classrooms in parts of the college campus that are not regularly patrolled by the schools security officers.
In large buildings take the lift, not the stairwell
Stairwells are usually quiet and dark. Most people take the lift. But
if someone creepy gets on, do not hesitate to get off at the same
time. Or, if someone is already on the elevator who you feel strange
about, do not get on and wait for the next elevator.

The Friday Bulletin Kitchen

Zanzibar Grilled Fish
Ingredients
one whole fish
one or two teaspoons of fresh ginger
six to eight cloves of garlic
Tamarind paste (use just a little if
you like, but you must use some)

three cups coconut milk

one teaspoon curry
powder
salt (to taste)
red pepper (optional)

Method
Clean fish, remove scales and tail. Cut a long gash on each
side of the fish.
Grind together the ginger, garlic, and pepper, and salt until

it forms a paste. Rub this mixture all over the fish, into the
stomach cavity, and into the gash on each side.
Cover and leave to sit for an hour or two. In a sauce pan stir
together the coconut milk, tamarind, curry powder, salt and
pepper.
Simmer the sauce over a low heat. Place the fish on an outdoor
grill (a metal grill with a hinged top is very useful)
When fish is half done begin spooning the sauce over the fish.
Spoon more of the sauce onto the fish each time you turn it.
Continue cooking until fish is done.
Share your favourite recipes with our readers. Send them to P. O. Box 10078600100 or email:fridaybulletin@islamkenya.com or fridaybulletin@gmail.com

Shawwal 20 1430/October 09 2009

The Friday Bulletin

YOUTH AND CHILDREN

Self-Esteem and Body Image

Altaf Hussein

You walk by the mirror. You stop. You look. You keep walking. You come back to the mirror. You look again. And if
you are like most young people, there is at least one thing
about yourself you wish you could change. Your hair? Too
curly? Not curly enough? Your height? Too short? Too
tall? Your physical size? Too big?
Whatever it is that you do not like about yourself with regards to your body image, remember two things:
First, Almighty Allah has proportioned you exactly the way
He intended, neither one nanometer more nor one less.
Second, how you feel about your body image is bound
to impact how much you value yourself, i.e. affect your
self-esteem.
During teenage years, it is often difficult to remember that
at some point the growth hormones will stabilize, and you
will develop into whatever final shape you will have in
your young adult years and ultimately in your adult years
and so on. It is best, therefore, to pause and reflect upon
the fact that none of us have much choice, on the most
part, as to our body image.We know well that it is Almighty
Allah, Most-High, who has created us and shaped us and
that ultimately there is wisdom for why He has chosen the
particular body shapes and sizes, skin colors, eye colors
and shapes, and hair colors and textures for each of us.
Make gratitude the focus of your thoughts about your body
shape and size.Thank Almighty Allah for the healthy body
with which you have been blessed, because what we look
like is a part of the plan of Almighty Allah. We read in the
Qur'an, when the Pharaoh asked Prophet Moses (peace
be upon him), "Who is your Lord ?" and Prophet Moses
responded "Our Lord is He Who gave to each (created)
thing its form and nature, and further, gave (it) guidance."
(Ta-Ha, 18:50).
Each time Satan tempts you to complain or look down
upon your body image, think of people (whom you either
know personally or just generally in the world) who have
been afflicted with some physical challenges.
If you complain about the shape of your eyes, reflect upon
the life of a child who grows up blind never being able to
observe the beautiful creations of Allah.
If you complain about the shape or size of your ears, reflect upon the life of a child who grows up without hearing
the recitation of the Qur'an, the chirping of the birds, the
thunder that warns of imminent rainfall.
If you complain about being tall or short, reflect upon the
life of a child who has lost the use of his or her hands, or
another child who has lost the use of his or her legs; these
children are unable to catch a ball or run and chase their
friends around the playground.

ISLAMIC CROSSWORD PUZZLE

2

3
4
5
6
7

11

10

12
13

Our Prophet Muhammad

peace be upon him

Prophet Muhammad salallalhu alayhi wa sallam was the last of

all the prophets sent by Allah. Allah decided that after Prophet Muhammad salallalhu alayhi wa sallam there will be no more
prophets sent to teach and guide the people of the world.
The Prophet was born more than 1400 years ago in the year
570 A.D. His father, Abdullah, died just before he was born.His
mother, Aminah gave him to a nurse named Halimah to take care
of him. After three years he came back to see his mother.
When he was six years old his mother died. He was then cared
for by his grand father Abdul Muttalib. Abdul Muttalib was a
very sweet and caring person who gave him special attention.
When he was eight years old, his beloved grandfather died and
he was left under the care of his uncle Abu Talib who loved him
dearly and raised him like his own child.
Muhammad grew up as a remarkable child with an exceptional
sense of right and wrong, fairness and respect.
As he became older, his reputation for honesty and fairness
caught the attention of the people of Makkah. He earned the
names As-Sadiq (the truthful) and Al-Amin (the trustworthy).
On many occasions, Muhammads skills of logic and reason were
able to stop tribes from going to war and killing each other.
He disliked the practice of worshiping idols which the people of
Makkah were used to and he used to spend hours in the cave of
Hira thinking about Allah. Once when he was in the cave of Hira
the angel Jibril came and gave him the first Wahi (revelation).
For the first few years the Prophet may peace be upon him gave
the message of Allah only to his family and close friends. Then
Allah ordered him to spread the message of Allah openly to every one. But only a few people believed in him. Most people did not
want to leave idol worshipping.
The disbelievers of Makkah gave him and his followers a very
hard time. They tried every thing to stop the spread of Islam.
Muslims went through many hardships until the Prophet left
Makkah and migrated to Madina. The migration is called Hijrah.
In the following years the number of Muslims grew and the influence of Islam increased. Ten years after Hijrah the Muslims
conquered Makkah.

Across
3. Reward in the hereafter
4. The book revealed to
Prophet Muhammad
6. Dress for Muslim women
7. A revelation sent to Prophet Musa
8. The Fourth Pillar of Islam
11. The last Pillar of Islam
13. To make clean
15. Our Creator
16. A follower of Prophet Muhammad

Down
1.
2.
5.
8.
9.

The first pillar of Islam (Arabic)

Messenger of Allah
The Third pillar of Islam
Bending down during salah
Actions and deeds of Prophet
Muhammad
12. The religion that Muslims follow
14. Leader of the prayer (Imam)

Answers to Islamic Crossword word Puzzle 335

14

ACROSS 1. Jihad 4. Sharia 6. Hijab 8. Muhammad 11. Allah 12. Qur'an

14. Imam
DOWN: 2. Hadith 3. Shahada 5. Fatwa 7. Shahid 8. Muslim 9. Mosque
10. Sinai 13. Haj

15
16

The Friday Bulletin

Shawwal 20 1430/October 09 2009

Muslim Issues

The Situation Of The Ummah -Causes and Cures

Sheikh Ali Abdur-Rahmaan Al-Hudhayfi

t is in the Sunnah of Allah and His rules that whoever sows good
will harvest good and that whoever sows evil will harvest evil. He
says, Whoever does good equal to the weight of an atom (or a
small ant) shall see it. And whosoever does evil equal to the weight
of an atom shall see it. (Az-Zilzalah: 7-8).
It is a rule of Allah over His creatures that whoever takes the way
that leads to the success of his life of this world and its pleasure
shall attain whatever Allah has destined for him of this world and
whoever takes the way that leads to the success of his hereafter
and the Paradise, Allah will make him reach his goal. Also, whoever
takes the way that leads to the success of both this world and the
Hereafter, obeys Allah and abstains from sins, he will attain the success of this world and the hereafter. Allah says, Whoever desires
the quick-passing (transitory enjoyment of this world), We readily
grant him what We will for whom We like. Then afterwards, We have
appointed for him Hell; he will burn therein disgraced and rejected
(far away from Allahs Mercy). And whoever desires the Hereafter
and strives for it, with the necessary effort due for it, then such are
the ones whose striving shall be appreciated. On each of these as
well as those- We bestow from the Bounties of your Lord. And the
Bounties of your Lord can never be forbidden. (Al-Israa: 18-20).
It is also of the rule of Allah to test His slaves with the good and evil.
He says, We shall make a trial of you with evil and with good. And
to Us you will be returned. (Al-Anbiyaa: 35).
As for the Muslim, whenever any good affects him he knows that
it is a favour from his Lord, for he knows that he deserves nothing
from Allah by right and this belief will make him thank his Lord and
praise Him. Also, if any evil afflicts him he perseveres and seeks the
reward of his Lord, for he knows that, that is the result of a sin he
has committed or that Allah wants to elevate his rank in the Hereafter. Allah says, And whatever of misfortune that befalls you, it is
because of what your hands have earned. And He pardons much.
(Ash-Shuuraa: 30).
uslims, these days, are afflicted with many calamities. Many
causes have however been given for these tribulations. Some
say that they are a result of the evil plan of the enemies; some say
they are the result of our economic recession and some say they
are the result of the Muslims industrial and technological backwardness etc. All this are just symptoms of the ailment. The real cause
of this sorry situation is the Muslims negligence of their religion individually and collectively. The Quran says Allah will not change
the condition of a people as long as they do not change their state
themselves. (Ar-Rad: 11).
Muslims in their history have passed through some periods which
were more severe than the present one in afflictions and in which
their enemies subjected them to persecutions. But then they made a
sincere return to their religion with knowledge and Faith. They therefore, attained security and regained their honour, unity and wellbeing under the shade of Islamic law. This injury was healed and their
condition became better. In this age, the calamity is actually great for
the Muslim nation, but it remains an indisputable fact that the affairs
of the latter generation of the Muslim nation will never be set aright
except by that which set right the affairs of their predecessors.
Blaming the enemies of Islam for these calamities does not in any
way absolve the Muslims from being responsible for their own woes.
The solution to Muslims problems therefore lies with Allah and then
with their rulers and scholars by letting the people know all that is
good, encouraging them to do that and warning them against all that
is evil as far as matters of their religion and life is concerned. This is
a great responsibility that requires strong will and sincerity. Whenever a calamity afflicts a community, the first step to take is to have
a sincere repentance. Allah says, And all of you beg Allah to forgive
you, O believers, that you may be successful. (An-Nur: 31).
Every Muslim needs to have a sincere repentance. If anyone however says, What is the relevance of my personal repentance to the
rectification of the Muslims condition? He should be told that the

cause of all good in this world and the Hereafter is the obedience to
Allah and the cause of evil retribution is to disobey Him. He should
also be told that, the repentance of every individual brings greater
good and reduces calamities on the Muslims.
Muslims should also unite in the face of this changing world that
aspires to change the creed of Islam and eliminate its values and
laws.
urther, past nations were destroyed because of the existence
of many sinners and fewness of righteous people. Allah says
about some of the destroyed nations, So We punished each (of
them) for his sins; of them were those on whom We sent a violent
wind with shower of stones, of them there were those who were
overtaken by awful cry, of them were those whom We caused the
earth to swallow and of them were those whom We drowned. It was
not Allah who wronged them, but they wronged themselves. (AlAnkabut: 40).
Zainab bint Jahsh, may Allah be pleased with her, narrated that
the Messenger of Allah sallAllahu alaihi wa sallam said, Woe unto
the Arabs because of an impending calamity. Today the debris of
the Gog and Magog has been opened to this extent. And he demonstrated that extent by making a circle with his index finger and
the thumb. Zainab, may Allah be pleased with her, said, I said,
O Messenger of Allah! Are we going to be destroyed while there
are righteous people among us? The Messenger of Allah sallAllahu
alaihi wa sallam said, Yes, when immorality and alcoholic drinking have become widespread. Do not therefore treat the matter
of repentance lightly for it is the way out of all hardships. Hold fast
unto the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger sallAllahu
alaihi wa sallam, for they are the light and guidance that save from
darkness and error.
The religion of Islam commands the Muslims to be united and forbids them from disunity. Allah says, And hold fast unto the Rope of
Allah (the Quran) and do not be divided among yourselves. (AalImraan: 103). He also says, And do not dispute (with one another)
lest you lose courage and your strength departs, and be patient.
(Al-Anfaal: 46).
he religion of Islam while enjoining unity among Muslims, does
not however mean that the non-Muslims can be attacked or
denied their rights which they enjoy under the Islamic law. If many
non-Muslims understand the justice of Islam and its beauties, they
would embrace Islam and would not have blamed it for wrongful
acts of some Muslims. Allah says, Say (O Muhammad to the people): Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited you from:
Join not anything in worship with Him, be good and dutiful to your
parents, kill not your children because of poverty We provide sustenance for you and for them, come not near the shameful sins,
whether committed openly or secretly and kill not any one whom
Allah has forbidden except for a just cause (according to Islamic
Law). This He has commanded you that you may understand. (AlAnaam: 151).
Fear Allah as He should be feared, seek nearness to Him through
righteous deeds and abstain from sins. Send forward good deeds
before you meet Him and make good use of your life. Allah says, O
you who believe! Fear Allah and keep your duty to Him. Let every
soul look for what he has sent forth for the morrow and fear Allah.
Verily, Allah is All-Aware of what you do. (Al-Hashr: 18).
Provide for yourselves answers that will save you from the hardship of the Day of Resurrection. The Messenger of Allah sallAllahu
alaihi wa sallam said, The foot of man will not slip on the Day of
Resurrection until he is asked of his life as to how he has lived it, of
his youth as to how he has used it, of his wealth as to how he got it
and in what he spent it and about his knowledge as to what he did
with it.

Sheikh Ali Abdur-Rahmaan Al-Hudhayfi is the Imam of the Prophet's

Mosque Madinah

Shawwal 20 1430/October 09 2009

The Friday Bulletin

FEATURE

Defending Al Quds(Jerusalem): A Sacred Duty

Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradhawi

No Muslim, be he in auside down when a Jewish

thority or not, is allowed
fanatic attempted to burn
to abandon any of the
Al-Aqsa Mosque in 1969.
lands of Muslims. The
Muslims called on each
land of the Islamic world
other across the world.
is not the property of any
The first Islamic Summit
president, prince, miniswas held, which in turn
ter or group of people. It
gave rise to the Organiis not up to anyone therezation of Islamic Conferfore to relinquish it under
ence.
any circumstances.
When the crusaders forConversely, it is the duty
merly occupied Al-Quds,
of individuals and groups
it was liberated by nonto strive hard to liberate
Arab Muslims, like the
occupied territories or reTurkish Muslim Imad udtrieve usurped land. The
Din az-Zinky and his son
entire nation is jointly reNur Id-Din Mahmoud Essponsible for that and it is
hahid as well as his Kurdnot up to the ruler or his
ish disciple, Salahudin Alsubjects to choose to give
Ayoubi, who was able to
up the land. If a particular
regain Al-Quds
Israel occupation troops stand on guard as worshippers who were prevented
generation lapses in

from the Christians.
prayers
idleness or is incapable of from accessing the Al-Aqsa mosque conduct

Muslims everywhere are
shouldering the responsibility, it has no right to force its idleness or still, as they have always been, ready to do all what they can in deincapacity on all the coming generations up till Judgment Day, by fense of Al-Quds. This is the case with all the nations I have visited,
giving up what it has no right to. Therefore, we have issued a Fatwa starting with the Philippines and Indonesia in the very East through
indicating that it is unlawful for all homeless Palestinian refugees to Morocco in the Muslim West, though unfortunately this was not the
accept damages in return for their lost land, even if they amount to temperament of Muslim rulers.
billions. The land of Islam is not for sale; it is not to be relinquished, Al-Quds is an invaluable part of the homeland of Islam. For more
and no damages can possibly make up for its loss.
than 14 centuries, Muslims have lived there. They have not usurped
If this is the ruling concerning any ordinary piece of land in an Is- it from the Jews who had already ceased to live there hundreds
lamic state, what will be the case with the holy land of Al Quds, the of years before that. The Jews longest reign in Palestine lasted
land of the first of the two Qiblahs and Al-Aqsa Mosque and the third for only several hundred years, while Arabs and others have been
most venerable city in Islam, after Makkah and Madinah? This land there for thousands of years. The Christian patriarch of Al-Quds
was the destination of Al-Israa' and the land from where Al-Mi`raj handed it to `Umar ibn Al Khattab. Among `Umar's conditions was
was launched. Nothing better explains its revered status than Al- that no Jew should live there.
lah's words, (Glory to (Allah) Who did take His servant for a journey The sovereignty over Al-Quds, particularly East Al-Quds, must be
by night from the sacred Mosque to the farthest Mosque, whose Islamic, Arab, and Palestinian. This will not prevent any Jew or
precincts We did bless, in order that We might show him some of Christian from observing his religious rituals with the perfect freeOur Signs: for He is the One Who Hears and Sees (all things).) dom and tolerance which Islam has been famous for throughout the
(Al-Israa' 17: 1)
ages. The international legitimacy embodied in the Security Council
Therefore, Al-Quds has come to enjoy a special place in the heart of resolutions assert that Al-Quds is part of the Arab lands occupied
every Muslim in the entire world. The occupation of Al-Quds moves since 1967.
his heart and pains him, out of love, keenness and jealousy over it Hence, evidence based on history, religion and international law all
as well as his concern about it. It is mainly on account of Al-Quds jointly prove that Al-Quds belongs to the Palestinians. The crisis of
that the Palestinian cause comes first on Muslims' list of priorities. Al-Quds should be the number one item on the agenda of the IsIt is Al-Quds that Muslims fear for and are keen to preserve, defend lamic World. [And Allah hath full power and control over His affairs;
and fight for. It is for the sake of Al-Quds that they willingly give their but most among mankind know it not.] (Yusuf 12: 21)
lives and all they hold dear. Al-Quds is the symbol of the cause of Dr. Yusuf Al-Qaradhawi is the head of the European Council for
Palestine. It is the backbone and the very core of the problem. True Fatwa and Research (ECFR), and the president of the International
are the words of the poet who once said,
Association of Muslim Scholars (IAMS).
Palestine is meaningless with no Aqsa or Al-Quds.
Without Al-Quds, it is like a body with no head.
Al-Quds is not for the Palestinians only, but for all Muslims, be they
Arabs or not. It is a city for all Arabs, be they Muslims or ChrisSheikh Mohamed Sayyed Tantawi, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, is
tians. Therefore it is incumbent on Muslims, wherever they may be,
under fire over ordering a school girl to remove her niqab and vowing
to shoulder their responsibility of defending Al-Quds and Al-Aqsa
to ban the face-veil in schools affiliated to the highest seat of religious
Mosque. This is an obligation for them all. They are to jointly defend
learning in the Sunni world.
it, offering in the process their lives, their money and all they pos"Tantawi cannot stay in his post; he hurt's Al-Azhar every time he
sess, or else they will be subject to Allah's punishment, for Allah
says something, Hamdi Hassan, an MP with the Muslim Brothersays: [O you who believe what is the matter with you, that when
hood, Egypt's largest opposition group, told (AFP) on Wednesday.
ye are asked to go forth in the cause of Allah, you cling heavily to
During a visit to a school earlier this week, Sheikh Tantawi ordered a
the earth? Do you prefer the life of this world to the Hereafter? But
school girl to remove her niqab, telling her the face-veil is a tradition
little is the comfort of this life, as compared with the Hereafter.] (Aland has nothing to do with Islam.
Tawbah 9: 38).
"Why ban it from Al-Azhar? It's a religious institution, not a belly dancDuring my tours across the Arab world, many a time have I been
ing academy," Hamdi said.
asked by Muslim youth who would hide their heads in their hands
Sheikh Ali Abu al-Hasan, the former head of the Fatwa Council at the
and fervently crying, would ask, How do we clear our conscience
Islamic Studies Institute (ISI) in Cairo, agrees. "The niqab is not in
and shoulder the responsibility of defending Al-Quds?
contravention of Shariah or Egyptian law."
We have seen how the Arab world in its entirety was turned up-

Azhar Imam Under Fire over Niqab

'False pretext' used in

Afghan war
The leader of an Afghan political group
wanted by the US has said that Washington
used a false pretext to launch its war on Afghanistan, on the eve of the eighth anniversary of the conflict.
Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, who leads a faction
of the Hizb-e Islami group, said that the war
launched against the Taliban and al-Qaeda
by the US in 2001 was not justified as the
September 11 attacks had not been carried
out by Afghans.
"No Afghan has taken any military action
against you in Europe and the US. The September 11 attacks were planned in Europe
and the US and not in Afghanistan or Iraq,"
he said in a video released on Tuesday.
Hekmatyar, who is alleged by the US to
have aided Taliban and al-Qaeda fighters,
said that the attacks on the World Trade
Centre and the Pentagon were planned
on US soil. "Those who carried it out were
people born in the US and Europe and they
were trained there. They were not Afghans
and they never got training in Afghanistan,"
he said. "Everyone knows the pilot training
was done in the US and the plan of the operation was hatched there."
The message by Hekmatyar came as Barack
Obama, prepared to meet a bipartisan group
of congressional leaders to discuss the US
military's strategy in Afghanistan. Obama is
under growing pressure from the US public
over the war, with the number of US military
fatalities this year set to be the highest since
the 2001 invasion.

Support us to help others

During the last month of Ramadhan, Ummah

Foundation made an appeal for clothes and
shoes to help the unfortunate members of
the society. Collection centers were put up in
different mosques around Nairobi where the
donation was made.
Alhamdulillah the response was impressive
as we managed to collect a wide collection
of clothes and shoes for distribution.
We have embarked on the process of distributing these materials and we envisage that
this will be made in all parts of the country so
as to reach a wider population.
At present some of the clothes and shoes
have been distributed to various centres in
Nairobi Moyale, Gilgil and Nakuru.
More areas including North Eastern, Coast,
Western and Nyanza provinces are also earmarked for the distribution exercises.
Ummah Foundation takes this opportunity to
thank those who contributed to this noble initiative. May Allah accept and reward you all
abundantly-Ameen.
At the same time we should bear in mind
that period of giving has not come to an end
after the completion of Ramadhan. Charity
is among the highly recommended virtues in
Islam and it is imperative that we always engage in such activities to help the poor and
the needy both Muslims and people of other
faiths.
After meeting the needs of his or her family,
a true believer should always be prepared to
assist other people in need of help.

The Qur'an states: And be steadfast in your

prayer and pay charity; whatever good you
send forth for your future, you shall find it with
Allah, for Allah is well aware of what you do
(2:110).
The Quran likens charity to the one who
sows a good grain of wheat in the field from
which grows a plant on which sprout seven
ears and each ear yields hundred grains. As
a result, one grain yields 700 grains. When
one spends in the way of Allah, he or she receives in return on the ratio of one to seven
hundred.
Charity is therefore not seen as detracting
from income, but rather as a multiplication in
terms of spiritual observance.
Ummah Foundation is involved in various
programmes aimed at improving the lives of
Muslims and the society at large. Some of
these programmes include food relief programmes, water projects, social welfare programmes for the poor and needy, education
bursary schemes among others.
Your participation in the programmes will insha Allah be a source of rewards both in this
world and the hereafter.
For details on our projects and how you can
participate contact us at
For more information contact us at
Village Plaza Ngara Suite A2
P. O. Box 58717 00200 Nairobi
Tel: 020-3742862/3 or 0734845277
Email: info@ummahfoundation.net
www.ummahfoundation.net

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