The

Friday Bulletin
Rabi' ul Awwal 09, 1435/January 10, 2014

The Weekly Muslim News Update

Fury over Prof. Shaukats removal from Lapsset

ngry reactions continue to be heard in protest at the revocation by President Uhuru Kenyatta of the appointment of Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak as the chairman of the Lamu Port Ethiopia-South Sudan Transport Corridor (LAPSSET) project. Leaders from the Coast have termed the move as an illegality and threatened to seek legal redress to have the scholar reinstated to his former position. A prominent scholar from the region, Prof. Shaukat is the Chief executive Officer of the National Council of Science Technology Innovation (NACOSTI). He was appointed eight months ago to chair the LAPSSET project by retired President Mwai Kibaki to serve for a period of three years. In a move which sparked off wide debate and criticism, the President last week, revoked his appointment after he named the former Head of Public Service Francis Muthaura to serve as the chairman of the multi-billion project, one of the biggest infrastructure projects in Africa. Kilifi governor Amason Kingi strongly termed the move as an act of injustice against the people from the Coast stressing that there was no reason to warrant the removal of the scholar who is yet to complete his three year tenure. We shall go to court to seek justice over the dismissal Prof Abdulrazak as this is one among the many injustices that coastal communities have been subjected to since independence. We cannot claim to be celebrating 50 years Jubilee when we do not benefit from the government, he said. We have neither been given reasons why the professor was sacked nor have we heard any
Story Continued To Page 2

Issue No. 558

The Ummah Foundation secretary general Zool Nimji and the CEO Fauzi Qureish present blankets and other relief items to victims of an inferno which gutted Deep Sea slums In Parklands which left more than 200 people in the cold. Looking on is the executive officer Musa Wekesa (left) and Swaleh Timamy an offical of Parklands mosque. The event was witnessed by security and local administration officials from the area.

Jamia Mosque to offer education support

Jamia Mosque Committee through its education bursary scheme programme would this year yet again extend educational support to needy and bright Muslim students who sat for their 2013 Kenya Certification of Primary Education (KCPE) examinations. Those to be considered are required to have a minimum of 375 marks. Within a period of seven years now, Jamia Mosque Committee bursary scheme has benefited over 500 students in secondary school, colleges and universities from various parts of the country. We recognized Education being a vital pillar in development of a community, Jamia Mosque Committee as part of its social welfare programme found it prudent to involve itself in this sector, said the mosque administrator Salim Ibrahim. Pupils from public primary schools and orphans will be given priority and special cases joining Islamic integrated schools will be considered. In 2012, 18 students were enrolled in the full scholarship programme which runs from Form One to University. The committee has also supported IRE teachers in primary and secondary schools at an annual cost of Sh948, 000. Eligible applicants can submit their requests to be received latest by January 31. Bursary forms are available from Jamia Mosque library or at the Jamia mosque website www.islamkenya. org. At the same time, admissions are underway for Story Continued To Page 7

www.islamkenya.org

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

The Friday Bulletin

Rabi' Ul Awwal 09, 1435/January, 10 2014

EDITORIAL

Muslim leadership should address the dismal performance in national examinations

The dismal performance of Muslim candidates in the 2013, Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examinations could be a pointer to the many challenges that Muslims still face in the education. While other Kenyans are celebrating 50 years of achievements, it appears that, in the education sector Muslims are still struggling to get at par with their counterparts from other faiths. It is agreement that marginalization and discrimination have had an impact on the progress of the community, however, given the gains that Muslims have achieved in the recent past, marginalization should not be an excuse any more. Today Muslims are among the richest people in Kenya with vast business empires. To this end, Muslims can still use their wealth and influence in public positions to invest in good facilities for their schools. But then what are the causes of poor performance in national examinations by Muslim candidates? Where is the problem? Perhaps the problem lies elsewhere. It is regrettable Muslims who boast to have the only scripture which emphasis on acquiring knowledge the one lagging in education. The first few verses of Noble Quran that were revealed to Prophet Muhammad on whom be Allahs peace and blessings mention the importance of reading, pen, and teaching for human beings. Hence, it is a beautiful supplication for every Muslim to ask always, O my Lord! Increase me in knowledge. (Quran 20:114) Unlike other faiths, Islam does not separate education into secular and religious as it recognizes the importance of learning and gaining knowledge. Islam has enjoined its faithful to pursue education without discrimination. The Quran has many citations urging Muslims to pursue all kind of education be it in the sciences, humanities, arts, medicines, engineering, languages, and many others. A review of last year's KCPE results also reveals what has become the perennial performance of pupils in areas where Muslims constitute a significant number, the counties of Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Lamu, Garissa, Wajir and Mandera. Another disturbing attitude which has also been evident in past years is examination irregularities in the counties of Coast and North Eastern which has also contributed to denting the performance of students. Over the years, concerns of poor performance in KCPE examinations have been expressed by leaders and parents but no significant improvements have been realised. It is still a rare fete for Muslim students to feature in the top 10 candidates and for Muslim schools to be ranked in the list of top performing institutions. It has also become a normal occurrence for North Eastern region to be bottom placed in national rankings. One of the less often mentioned reasons for poor performance is the lack of serious attitude given to education by parents. For many, while they strive to enroll children in schools, supporting their education and following up their performance is the last issue on their mind. In recent years, there is a gradual rise in private Muslims schools providing integrated education with encouraging results. There is a ray of light that these will in shaa Allah emerge to be among the best in the list of top performers. Dismal performance in KCPE examinations remains a concern performance and it is an obligation upon Muslim leaders, educationists, professionals and parents to address this challenges in order to improve the status of Muslims educationally.

Fury over Prof. Shaukat's dismissal

Continued From Page 1

Ex-Tanzania leader calls for EA Muslim unity

The former President of Tanzania Ali Hassan Mwinyi has called on Muslims in the three East African countries to come together and provide a united leadership for Muslims in the region. Mwinyi who was on a recent visit to Uganda said the regional integration of the East African states portends more growth adding that regional integration can easily help Muslims to tap economic opportunities in the region and strengthen their faith. He stressed for unity among the Muslims in Uganda and the entire East African region pointing out the regional integration can easily help the Muslims tap economic opportunities and strengthen their faith in the region. We cannot benefit anything from the integration when we are divided. I want to see unity among the Muslims in the entire region to easily benefit from the fruits of the integration, he said. The ex-Tanzanian leader who is on an official three day state visit to Uganda spoke during a meeting with Prince Kassim Kakungulu Nakibinge, a prominent Muslims leader who is cousin to the King of the Buganda Kingdom Ronald Mutebi. During the meeting, they also agreed to strengthen the relationship with Muslims in Tanzania to promote development among the believers in the two countries. During his visit, he toured Kibuli Muslim hospital, the Islamic university in Uganda and other Muslim educational institutions.

complaints from board members over the chairman, the governor added. The Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK) secretary general Sheikh Muhammad Dor told the President to reconsider his move as this will help promote good governance as well as good relations between the Jubilee government and the coastal people. Perhaps it was an oversight or the President was misinformed. We are requesting him to revoke the appointment of Muthaura and reinstate Prof. Shaukat to his position as the chairman, he said. Sheikh Dor said the scholar was steering the project in the right direction and had already embarked on the process to provide 1,000 educational scholarships to area residents as a follow up to the pledge by retired president Mwai Kibaki. Lamu Womens Representative Shakila Abdalla said Lamu people are the greatest stakeholders of the LAPSSET project and a person from the coast region should have been appointed to head the project. Her sentiments were shared by Kilifi North MP Gideon Mungaro who said the project was a coastal issue that required a local person to oversee while the Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo said the President was unfair to the local people when he picked Muthaura who comes from the Central region to head the project. The Kwale Women Women representative Zainabu Chidzuga termed the move by the President as a vendetta on the region for their failure to vote for Uhuru in the last presidential elections. The move to replace the professor who is from the region with Muthaura came as a big shock to the local leaders and this shows the Jubilee government is out to frustrate the region just because it did not vote for it, she said. The Seafarers Union of Kenya secretary-general Andrew Mwangura said the President was unfair to Prof. Shaukat and called for his reinstatement to the position. Prof Abdulrazak, like any Kenyan technocrat, deserves fair and humane treatment and we demand that his appointment as the Lapsset chair be upheld, he said.

Rabi' Ul Awwal 09, 1435/10, January 2014

The Friday Bulletin

Da'wa

Loving him in light of the Mawlid

Gulraz Gachi There has certainly come to you a Messenger from among yourselves. Grievous to him is what you suffer; (he is) concerned over you and to the believers is kind and merciful (Surah atTaubah:128)] Allah the Most Merciful truly blessed His servants with the coming of His beloved Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him), a light of guidance for mankind who illuminated this world from the day his blessed being entered it to the day it departed. A man who endeared the hearts towards him with his compassion and concern, to the extent that his beloved companions would lay down their lives for him. Thus enacting the words of the Most High: The Prophet is more worthy of the believers than their own selves (Surah al-Ahzab:6)] A statement that was epitomised by his devoted companions (May Allah be pleased with them) throughout his blessed life. Faith cannot be complete without loving the greatest of mankind and most beloved to the Creator, the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him.) This love was manifested in its most complete and total form by those that loved him the most -his companions (may Allah be pleased with them.) For Allah the Most Wise chose them from the souls of all of mankind to be the ones to be blessed by his companionship and to aid him in his mission. This love and devotion is perfectly illustrated in the observations of Urwa Ath-thaqafi following his negotiations with the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) during Hudaybiah, he said: O people, by God I have served as a representative to kings, I have been a representative to Ceasar, Kisra and Najashi. By God, I have never seen a king whose people venerate him the way the companions of Muhammad venerate Muhammad. He does not spit except that it lands in the hand of one of them who rubs it on his face and skin. If he commands them they race to fulfil his command. If he makes ablution they fight for the remains of its water, if they speak they lower their voices in his presence and they do not gaze at him intently out of reverence for him. This love and respect for their leader, the seal of the Prophets (peace be upon them all) , sent by the Most Merciful as a mercy to mankind led some of his beloved companions (may Allah be pleased with them) to swallow his blessed blood upon treating him and being unable to dispose of it suitably. Others refrained from speaking out for fear of raising their voices above his, while some couldnt bring themselves to even look him in the eye out of such awe and respect. Furthermore we have Khubayb (may Allah be pleased with him) who whilst being mutilated alive before his execution by the Quraish and asked Would you like Muhammad to be in your place and you be saved? Responded, By Allah, I wouldnt like that I be secure with my family and children while Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is so much as pricked with a thorn. We have his closest friend Abu Bakr As-Siddique (may Allah be pleased with him) being bitten by a scorpion yet not flinching so as not to disturb his beloved Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as he lay asleep on his thigh. We have Sad ibn Abi Waqqas and Talha ibn Ubaidillah (may Allah be pleased with them) risking their lives in protection of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) at Uhud. We have the female companion (may Allah be pleased with her) afflicted with the calamity of losing her father, her brother and her husband, yet her only concern was the well-being of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him.) The greatest day for them, as one of them mentioned, was the day the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) entered AlMadinah and the darkest day was the day his blessed soul returned to its Creator. Yet the greatest manifestation of their love for the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was in their eagerness to obey his every order and abstain from his every prohibition, for that truly shows ones love. The day the blessed Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was born was indeed a blessed, joyous day and the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) himself instructed us on how to recognise this great day when asked regarding fasting on Monday, he said: It is (the day) I was born and revelation was sent down to me. (Sahih Muslim, hadith no.2606)] Thus we are encouraged by the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to engage in a regular, weekly act of worship that would bring us closer to our Lord. We must strive to show our love for the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as demonstrated by his companions (may Allah be pleased with them), through obedience, and not by empty slogans. For its likeness is that of a disobedient son who once a year on Mothers Day stands at her doorstep shouting out to everyone his love for her. She asks him to stop and bring her a glass of water, but he ignores her and continues to proclaim his love for her. Compare this to an obedient son who is humbly at the beck and call of his mothers every wish every day, without the need for a song and dance. Who would best lay claim to loving their mother? The companions (may Allah be pleased with them) showed their true love for the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) by sacrificing their whole lives, living and dying to do that which pleased Allah and His Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) and obeying Allahs command: And whatever the Messenger gives you take it, and whatever he forbids you from refrain from it (Surah Al-Hashr:7) Celebrating the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)s birthday was not a tradition practised by the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), his beloved companions or the great Imams. Had it been a praiseworthy act they would have been the foremost to engage in it. Rather it was an innovation introduced five centuries after his death. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) conveyed to his companions an earnest desire to meet his brothers. When questioned: Are we not your brothers? He replied: No, you are my companions but my brothers are those that that have not yet come. The companions asked: How will you recognise those from your community that have not yet come, O Messenger of Allah? He replied: Does not a man who has horses with white legs and white blazes on their foreheads recognise them from amongst horses that are totally black? They replied: Of course O Messenger of Allah. He continued: As such they will come on the Day of Rising with white marks on their foreheads, hands and feet from wudhu, and I will precede them to the Hawdh. Some men will be driven away from the Hawdh as if they were straying camels and I shall call out to them, will you not come? Will you not come? Will you not come? And it will be said, they changed things after you, so I shall say, Then away with them! Away with them! Away with them! (Al Muwatta volume 2 hadith 29) How terrible it would be to be rejected by our beloved Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) on such a day, in such need, because we were careless and introduced new practices into our perfected religion. We ask Allah to make us of those that truly love Allah and His Messenger, to be raised with whom we love.

Topic: Wanawake Wema katika Uislamu Part 2 By: Sheikh Juma Amir 12th January 2014 2.00 pm -4.00 pm Venue: Makina Mosque Kibera
3

SUNDAY LECTURE

The Friday Bulletin

Rabi' Ul Awwal 09, 1435/10, January 2014

Prophet Muhammad salallahu alayhi wa sallam, the ideal Husband

Prophet Muhammad salallahu alayhi wa sallam personifies the roles of perfect father and husband. He was so kind and tolerant with his wives that they could not envisage their lives without him, nor did they want to live away from him. He married Sawdah, his second wife, while in Makkah. After a while, he wanted to divorce her for certain reasons. She was extremely upset at this news and implored him, "O Messenger of Allah, I wish no worldly thing of you. I will sacrifice the time allocated to me if you don't want to visit me. But please don't deprive me of being your wife. I want to go to the hereafter as your wife. I care for nothing else" (Muslim). The Messenger did not divorce her, nor did he stop visiting her. Once he noticed that Hafsah was uncomfortable over their financial situation. "If she wishes, I may set her free," he said, or something to that effect. This suggestion so alarmed her that she requested mediators to persuade him not to do so. He kept his faithful friend's daughter as his trusted wife. Separation Calamity All of his wives viewed separation from the Messenger of Allah as a calamity, so firmly had he established himself in their hearts. They were completely at one with him. They shared in his blessed, mild, and natural life. If he had left them, they would have died of despair. If he had divorced one of them, she would have waited at his doorstep until the Last Day. After his death, there was much yearning and a great deal of grief. Abu Bakr and `Umar found the Messenger's wives weeping whenever they visited them. Their weeping seemed to continue for the rest of their lives. The Prophet, on whom be Allahs peace and blessings left an everlasting impression on everyone. At one point, he had nine wives and dealt equally with all of them and without any serious problems. He was a kind and gentle husband, and never behaved harshly or rudely. In short, he was the perfect husband. A few days before his death, he said, "A servant has been allowed to choose this world or his Lord. He chose his Lord" (Al-Bukhari). Abu Bakr, intelligent and smart, began to cry, understanding that the Prophet was talking about himself. His illness got worse daily, and his severe headache caused him to writhe in pain. But even during this difficult period, he continued to treat his wives with kindness and gentleness. He asked for permission to stay in one room, as he had no strength to visit them one by one. His wives agreed, and the Messenger spent his last days in `A'ishah's room. Most Beloved Each wife, because of his generosity and kindness, thought she was his most beloved. The idea that any man could show complete equality and fairness in his relationships with nine women seems impossible. For this reason, the Messenger of Allah asked God's pardon for any unintentional leanings. He would pray, "I may have unintentionally shown more love to one of them than the others, and this would be injustice. So, O Lord, I take refuge in Your grace for those things beyond my power." (At-Tirmidhi). What gentleness and sensitivity! I wonder if anyone else could show such kindness to his children or spouses. When people manage to cover up their lower inborn tendencies, it is as if they have done something very clever and shown tremendous willpower. But they sometimes expose these very defects unconsciously while bragging of their cleverness. The Messenger, despite showing no fault, sought only God's forgiveness. His gentleness penetrated his wives' souls so deeply that his departure led to what they must have felt to be an unbridgeable separation. They did not commit suicide, as Islam forbids it, but their lives now became full of endless sorrow and ceaseless tears. The Messenger salallahu alayhi wa sallam was kind and gentle to all women, and advised all other men to follow him in this regard. Sa`d ibn Abi Waqqas described his kindness as follows: `Umar said: One day I went to the Prophet and saw him smiling. "May God make you smile forever, O Messenger of God," I said, and asked why he was smiling. "I smile at those women. They were chatting in front of me before you came. When they heard your voice, they all vanished," he answered still smiling. On hearing this answer, I raised my voice and told them, "O enemies of your own selves, you are scared of me, but you are not scared of the Messenger of God, and you don't show respect to him." "You are hard-hearted and strict," they replied. (Al-Bukhari ) `Umar also was gentle to women. However, the most handsome man looks ugly when compared to Joseph's beauty. Likewise, `Umar's gentleness and sensitivity seem like violence and severity when compared to those of the Prophet. The women had seen the Messenger's gentleness, sensitivity, and kindness, and so regarded `Umar as strict and severe. Yet `Umar shouldered the caliphate perfectly and became one of the greatest examples after the Prophet. He was a just ruler and strove to distinguish right from wrong. His qualities enabled him to be caliph. Some of his qualities might seem rather severe; however, those very qualities enabled him to shoulder very demanding responsibilities. Consultation The Prophet did consult with his wives. The Messenger salallahu alayhi wa sallam discussed matters with his wives as friends. Certainly he did not need their advice, since he was directed by revelation. However, he wanted to teach his nation that Muslim men were to give women every consideration. This was quite a radical idea in his time, as it is today in many parts of the world. He began teaching his people through his own relationship with his wives. For example, the conditions laid down in the Treaty of Hudaybiyah disappointed and enraged many Muslims, for one condition stipulated that they could not make the pilgrimage that year. They wanted to reject the treaty, continue on to Makkah, and face the possible consequences. But the Messenger ordered them to slaughter their sacrificial animals and take off their pilgrim attire. Some Companions hesitated, hoping that he would change his mind. He repeated Continued to page 7

WOMEN

Rabi' Ul Awwal 09, 1435/10, January 2014

The Friday Bulletin

YOUTH

Islamic Superheroes: Setting the Standards

Zahra Patel Your choice of role model undoubtedly says a lot about who you are. Be your role model a footballer, a teacher or a parent, who you choose betrays the importance of the characteristics and traits you deem to be instrumental in the development of your own personality. Who is your role model? is a question that is posed to our children from a very young age. We use it as a yard stick by which to measure their emotional growth and to gain a reading of their psyche, mapping out their future occupations as a direct result of their juvenile admissions. As adults, however, we feel that our choices are private property; often even the objects of our attention and respect are unaware entirely that they play such a key role in the shaping of our lives. There is almost an element of taboo attached to the question in adulthood, with it being side-lined alongside questions about political party affiliations and a womans age. Our unwillingness to provide an answer to this question seems to me to stem from an insecurity we possess about whether we have grown up enough to have made a more mature selection in adulthood, or grown up enough to no longer require a role model. If we do provide an answer at all, then our admissions are often preceded by a request that the listener doesnt judge us based on our individual of choice. In Islam, however, our choice of role model is not only indicative of our career path and our passions and interests, it also reveals where our priorities lie. The Prophet (Sallallahu alayhi wa salam) has said: You will be (raised) with those whom you love (on the Day of Qiymah). Often, this hadth is used as a forewarning against the adoption of non-Muslim or non-worthy individuals as role models and as a reminder of the Prophets status as the best of mankind. Undoubtedly, the Prophet (Sallallahu alayhi wa salam) suffices for any man or woman as a role model. Muslims and non-Muslims alike accede to his superiority and pre-eminence in every field of life, pointing to the fact that he succeeded as a son, a grandson, a nephew, a husband and a father before he succeeded as a Prophet, a counsellor, a leader and an army general, as proof that his characteristics were and are still the epitome of excellence. To be raised with him, therefore, requires that we make him our point of reference and his Sunnah our port of call in every facet of our daily life. But the Prophet (Sallallahu alayhi wa salam) passed away fourteen hundred years ago, leaving us an orphan Ummah: a loss which we feel even today. In his absence, he pointed us towards his guiding stars, The best of my followers are those living in my century (generation), then those coming after them and then those coming after the latter. But the Caliphs passed and the Caliphate ended and Muslims had to search again for individuals who would provide guidance and lead us to Sunnahs ark. Al-Thawri, Mlik, Ahmad Ibn Hanbal, Ab Hanfah, Al-Shfi, Ibn Taymiyyah, Rbiya al-Basriyyah and Ghazli, may God be pleased with them all, came and passed, and we searched again. For every generation, more stars were added to the constellation and believers found illumination in their dark times. Men and women of substance and individuals of knowledge and action, led by example and demonstrated the practicality of following in the Prophets footsteps. So when I ask myself today, Who is your role model? and I fail to provide myself with an answer, I despair. It saddens me that a nation with so glorious a past, now has so bleak a future and that a people who once paved the way for others, now chase the coat tails of our inferiors. When a Muslim child is asked, Who is your role model? and a Muslim child is unable to look back to the past or look inward in the present and provide an answer that demonstrates the importance of his or her Islamic identity, alarm bells should be ringing about a crisis of faith. That our children are unable to find and name a role model from amongst the individuals after whom they are, in most cases named, betrays the fact that in the nurturing (tarbiyah) of our children, we have lost our sense of direction and our understanding of our priorities. That our children are unable to find Muslim role models in and amongst their strong Muslim communities informs me that as parents, teachers, sisters and brothers, we have collectively forsaken the example of the Prophet (Sallallahu alayhi wa salam) and allowed external factors to determine the shaping of our personalities and traits, to a detrimental effect. In particular, the onus of setting an example for our children falls on the shoulders of the two main cornerstones and gatekeepers of our societies: our parents and our teachers. It must fall to those who nurture and preach to educate our children and provide for them an embodiment of the Prophetic way. Failure to do so will result in a lost generation of Muslims, who, in standing for nothing, will stand for everything but their Islamic identity. To stave off this crisis of faith, parents and teachers must make education and rectification their priorities. Children learn from what they see and what they are taught. Therefore, by allowing the Sunnah of the Prophet (Sallallahu alayhi wa salam) and the examples of those who came and passed and acted upon his Sunnah, shape the way we nurture our children, we will exist for them as the role models they require to hold on, tightly and with pride, to the rope of Islam. (islamc.com)

Say (0 Muhammad to mankind): If you love Allah, follow me; Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. (Qur 'an 3:31)

FROM THE NOBLE QUR'AN

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.

The Friday Bulletin

Rabi' Ul Awwal 09, 1435/10, January 2014

FEATURE

Al Ansaaru, a rising academic giant doing Eastleigh proud

Eastleigh suburb is better known for being an active business hub which attracts shoppers and traders from other parts of the country and further afield in the region. Despite its economic significance, the area is characterized with dilapidated road networks, poor drainage systems which lead to rivers of sewage after heavy downpours, a spiraling crime rate and other social problems. But in the face of these challenges, an educational institution has emerged proving that even in the face of these challenges which often present a negative picture on the area, amidst the run down poor infrastructure of the area, there is a shining light which gives the community a sense of pride. Nearing the tail end of Sixth Street, the dilapidated state of the road does not allow motorists to venture any further. On one side of this road, a white and sky blue building stands out prominently revealing an educational institution Al Ansaaru Nursery and Primary School which in recent years has transformed itself into a reputable academic giant due to its consistent excellent performance in national examinations. In the 2013 examinations, the school was ranked third in Nairobi behind Makini Ngong Road Academy and New Light Junior Academy Komarock. With a performance mean index of 399.9, it emerged as the best performing Muslim school in the country with Tahdhib Primary School of Malindi in Kilifi county coming in second place with a mean index of 389. Nationally, Al Ansaaru was ranked 11th overall. The school has had a good history of excellent performance. In 2011, it was ranked in fourth position in Nairobi, the following year it featured in position 17 in Nairobi only to rebound and claim the third position last year. Previously, it featured among the top performing primary schools in Kamukunji constituency. The school was established in 2001 to provide integrated quality education to residents of the area and those from surrounding communities, said Abdulrazaq Abdullahi Adan, the director of Ansaar Sunnah Education Trust which also manages Don Bosco Secondary School another high performing institution in the neighbouring Pangani area. Other institutions managed by the Trust include a primary school Al Muhajiroon Educational Centre in Eastleigh and Shauri Moyo Secondary School. We wanted to demonstrate that with hard work and commitment, Muslim integrated schools also have what it takes to perform exceptionally well like other high performing schools, he told the Friday Bulletin in an interview at the school. He said Islamic principles have greatly helped to spur better performance as the students are inculcated with Islamic moral values which instill into them God-fearing, hardwork and discipline. Apart from the so-called secular studies, the pupils are also tutored in Quran studies, fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), seerah (biography of the Prophet peace be upon him) among other subjects Our first lessons of the day are Quran lessons and this aptly prepares the pupils for the days lessons ahead, he said. We should not underestimate integrated education. It provides a strong solid foundation for students and propels them to learning, Abdulrazak added. Abdulrazak adviced other Muslim schools to emulate the performance of the institution saying that there is a need for more community based schools to excel academically as this will provide a good future for the upcoming generation. These schools will produce outstanding graduates who will serve as future leaders, doctors, engineers and teachers and other professionals who will make a positive impact on the lives of Muslims and Kenyans at large, he said. The school headteacher Tom Nyambeka attributed the success to hard work, discipline, cooperation from the teachers and school managers and what he described as dedicated cooperation from the parents. Many of the parents visit the school to inquire on the progress of the children and keenly follow up on their academic activities, he said. Further, he said the school provides learners with extra academic engagements which include educational trips, participation of debates with other schools and guest speakers who give motivational talks to pupils encouraging them to work hard to meet their expectations. We have had sessions with prominent educational writers such as Walah bin Walah and Wafula wa Wafula whose talks motivate the pupils to achieve success, he added. He further added that being a Muslim institution, integrated education has further helped to provide the students with good moral standards which encourages discipline and hard work. The top student at the school Bilal Yusuf Jama, garnered 424 points out of the possible 500 marks. Though I had expectations of performing well, it came as a surprise that I was the best in the school, Bilal who shuttled daily from Nairobi West to the school and sees himself as a future doctor cum businessman told The Friday Bulletin. The school director spoke on the challenges facing the institution top most being the dilapidated access road which he said is impacting negatively on the school. The area MP should help us in addressing this matter as the road is impassable and this becomes worse whenever it rains, said Abdulrazaq. This school is doing proud to his constituency and he has a responsibility to support it in excelling further, he added. On the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) results which are expected next month, he sounded optimistic that Don Bosco and Shauri Moyo Secondary Schools would post excellent results. Last year Don Bosco emerged third best in Nairobi behind Starehe Boys Centre and Pangani Girls Secondary School and was ranked in position 16 nationally in the private schools category. Candidates from Shauri Moyo Secondary School sat for their KCSE examinations for the first time last years since the school was added on Ansaar Sunnah Education Trust stable.

AISHA GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL

P.O BOX 705- 00242 KITENGELA Tel: 0702 222 590, 0733 364 387 EMAIL: aishagirls65@gmail.com

AISHA Girls High School is a girls boarding school situated about 26 km outside Nairobi, in the fast growing Kitengela town. Aisha Girls: Offers 8.4.4. Curriculum including; IRE and Arabic. Offers free MADARASA (Quran, Hadith, Fiqhi etc ) classes Has a modern Science Laboratory and a well stocked library Charges affordable fees, Enforces strict discipline, Is the place for the girl who wants to grow into a responsible citizen and leader Library with 24/7 Wifi Graduate teachers SCHOOL MOTTO: Service before self FORM ONE ADMISSION IS IN PROGRESS . Few places remaining in Forms II ,III and iv .

www.aishagirls.com

For more details, contact: The PRINCIPAL: Tel: 0702 222 590 or or Dr Hussein 0722 269 849

The Friday Bulletin

Rabi' Ul Awwal 09, 1435/10, January 2014

NATIONAL

Governor threatens to take action against teachers over poor performance

Garissa County Governor Nathif Jama has vowed to take disciplinary action against teachers. This comes after the county performed dismally in the 2013 KCPE examinations. The governor threatened to sack, transfer or demote head-teachers who have continued to post poor results and have stayed in the same schools more than four years. If a teacher is not performing year in year out and wants to continue staying in that same school without adding any value, no government will agree to that neither national nor county. Said Jama. The teachers on their part have reacted angrily to the governors remarks. They accused him of disrespecting them and asked him to apologise. The school heads dared the governor and the county director of education to sack them arguing that they do not hold any authority to sack teachers. They reiterated that they are not answerable to him since they do not fall under his jurisdiction. On Monday Garissa county Knut executive Ibrahim Atosh defended teachers and insisted that education is everyones responsibility and not teachers only. If he wants teachers to come under him then let him and other Governors call for a referendum, he said. Atosh cited insecurity, lack of proper housing and minimal parental involvement as factors that might have contributed to the dismal performance. Teachers on Saturday boycotted a crisis meeting convened by the Governor and the county director of education to address the dismal performance of schools in the county in the last years KCPE exams. We have decided to snub this meeting because of the remarks we have seen in the papers, said Knut Ijara branch secretary Salah Mohamud Hassan. In the recent KCPE examination results, Garissa was ranked last together with Mandera County with each getting a mean score of 183 marks. Out of the countys 7,507 KCPE candidates who sat the exam, only 1,306 managed more than 250 marks.

Appeal for support for cancer victim

Eighteen-year old Abdiaziz Isaack Adan whose plight was highlighted in a recent edition of The Friday Bulletin is appealing for medical assistance from individuals, friends, well wishers and organisations to settle his medical bill at the Aga Khan University hospital Abdiaziz who is suffering from cancer underwent an operation on his leg early this week and the hospital bill currently now stands at more than Sh800, 000. Abdiaziz (pictured), who had completed Form Four and was pursuing media studies, hails from a poor family in Nairobis Korogocho slums. Since the appeal, more than Sh200, 000 contributed by a concerned sister and Sh50, 000 by a male worshipper at Jamia mosque while Ansaar Sisters organization through a food bazaar raised Sh33, 000. Jamia Mosque deputy Imam Sheikh Juma Amir is appealing to the Muslim brethren to assist Abdiaziz clear his medical bill. It is an obligation upon us to assist the family in clearing his medical bills, he said. He has already been released but his family is unable to raise the required high medical costs. His continued stay in the hospital will mean higher medical bills, the Imam added. Contributions can be made through MPESA to his mother Asha Jaldesa on 0728257815 or directly paid to his account at Aga Khan University Hospital.

Jamia to offer education support

Continued From Page 1

the 2014 intake at the Jamia Training Institute (JTI). The institution is affiliated to Ummah University and provides an array of studies which include information technology, Islamic banking and finance, Arabic and Islamic studies, business management and sign language among others. Other services provided by Jamia mosque include da'wa activities, social welfare programmes, library and the Jamia Information Centre which provides authentic information on Islam to Muslim and non-Muslims alike.

Continued From Page 5

Prophet Muhammad, the Ideal husband

God's Messenger first within his own family and then in the wider community. Two Halves Women are secondary beings in the minds of many, including those self-appointed defenders of women's rights as well as many self-proclaimed Muslim men. In Islam, a woman is part of a whole, a part that renders the other half useful. We believe that when the two halves come together, the true unity of a human being appears. When this unity does not exist, humanity does not exist - nor can prophethood, sainthood, or even Islam. Our Prophet encouraged us through his enlightening words to behave kindly to women. He declared, "The most perfect believers are the best in character, and the best of you are the kindest to their families" (Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi). It is clear that women have received the true honor and respect they deserve, not just in theory but in actual practice, only once in history - during the period of Prophet Muhammad salallahu alayhi wa sallam.

his order, but they continued to hesitate. They did not oppose him; rather, they still hoped he might change his mind, for they had set out with the intention of pilgrimage and did not want to stop half way. Noticing this reluctance, the Prophet salallahu alayhi wa sallam returned to his tent and asked Umm Salamah, his wife accompanying him at that time, what she thought of the situation. In doing this, he taught Muslim men an important social lesson: There is nothing wrong with exchanging ideas with women on important matters, or on any matters at all. She said, "O Messenger of God, don't repeat your order. They may resist and thereby perish. Slaughter your sacrificial animal and change out of your pilgrim attire. They will obey you, willingly or not, when they see that your order is final" (Al-Bukhari). He immediately took a knife in his hand, went outside, and began to slaughter his sheep. The Companions began to do the same, for now it was clear that his order would not be changed. Counsel and consultation, like every good deed, were practiced by

ISLAMIC INTEGRATED EDUCATION PROGRAMME 8-4-4 AND IGCSE CURRICULUM

NURSERY Play GroupKG Classes PRIMARY Standard 1-8 SECONDARY (Boys and Girls) Form 1-4 (8-4-4 and IGCSE)

MUSLIM ACADEMY PARK ROAD

Ummah Rescues Deep sea slum dwellersDeep sea slum is in Highridge area and its inhabitants live under very horrid and poor environmental conditions. Most of them are domestic workers in the neighbouring affluent parklands estate while others are night watchmen and guards. Their daily income is quite low and the only accommodation they can afford is the iron sheet structures and box houses that they have constructed to serve the purpose of their homes. Those who dont work are in the business of manufacturing and selling the illicit local brews. However the village has quite a sizable number of Muslims who are frequent worshippers of the Highridge Mosque. They all live under the fear and risk of insecurity, thuggery and constant occurrences of fire that sweeps the whole village once it starts. As it is a phenomenon of all slums in Nairobi, crime is the order of the day. The routes within the slum are quite intertwined and even reaching the source of any fire outbreak is always a very big challenge to the fire fighters from the city council fire brigade. Before the beginning of the year the village got fire at the wee hours of the night and the infernal spread very quickly from house to house and so many people were burned and injured during the melee. Lights went off and looting and stealing become the order of the night as many people ran away for life with their children. Two people are reported to have died and many hospitalised. The rest who managed to ran away lost most of their house items to the fire and thugs. As we write now more than 200 families were left homeless after the fire was contained. The state is very heart breaking and it calls for humanitarian support. Ummah Foundation responded and in collaboration with the local chief and the area county representative Hon. Jaffer Kassam, food stuffs in terms of milk, bread and blankets were distributed to the destitute families. All the affected families and others who came around were distributed with the items and special attention was given to the children who were supplied with milk in large quantities. We would like to appreciate the efforts that were made by the local Chief and the area county representative for their concerted efforts in making sure these disadvantaged people get the help they rightful deserve from well wishers and Humanitarian Organisations. Ummah Foundation wishes to call upon other humanitarian groups and organisations to be in the forefront of helping our brothers and sisters whenever they are faced with calamities that they cannot contain. This is the Islamic spirit of helping fellow human beings and more especially our Muslim brothers and sisters. Allah subhana wa ta'la is in assistance of His Servant so long as the servant is in the service of caring for other Muslims. For your contribution and participation please 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

Excellent facilities Conducive and secure study Atmosphere Qualified trained teachers School Transport Islamic Integrated Education Programme classes

Computer and cyber classes Swimming, Horse riding and martial arts Reasonable fees 8-4-4 and IGCSE offered Arabic up to Form Four Excellent Tarbiyyah

Separate facilities for boys and girls in line with Islamic teachings Awarded Best School in Arabic and Islamiyat by EDEXCEL for the past three years

Year 8 (IGCSE) Intake ongoing Limited vacancies

For Admission enquiries contact the Admission Office MUSLIM ACADEMY PARK ROAD P. O. Box 41013-00100 Nairobi Telephone: +245 20 2406212 Email:muslimacademykenya@gmail.com

KENYA MUSLIM ACADEMY VACANCIES

A boys secondary and primary Boarding school offering 8:4:4 and Islamic Education Curriculum has limited vacancies in Forms 1,2 and 3 classes 1-7 . The school is situated in Huruma along Outer ring road and has: Well equipped science Laboratories Playing field School transport Adequate trained staff Conducive learning environment A school library Adequate and spacious classes The school prides itself in producing citizens who are morally upright and mentally ready to contribute to the countrys human resource development. For more information Cell:

+254720609048 +254722724794 +254713820458

MARAGUA MUSLIM GIRLS SECONDARY SCHOOL

The Management of Maragua Muslim Girls Secondary School is pleased to announce its 2014 intake. The school situated in the lush green environment of Muranga County has limited vacancies in Forms 1, 2, and 3

For more information call: +254720609048, +254722724794 and +254721744864

The school over the years has shown marked improvement under the new management.

WAMY High School invites application for Form ONE 2014.The student must have attained 320 marks in 2013 K.C.P.E examination. The application forms must be returned to the school before or 11th January 2014. There will be a written interview on Wednesday, 15th January 2014 at WAMY HIGH SCHOOL from 8.00 am Interview fees is Ksh.1000 For further enquiries contact:
The Principal onTel 0721717241

WAMY HIGH SCHOOL

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