Sha'aban 29,1435/June 27,2014 Issue No.

582
This Newsletter contains some of Allahs names. Please do not throw in the trash. Either keep, circulate or shred
Friday Bulletin
The
The Weekly Muslim News Update
www. i sl amkenya. org
Call for unity as Ramadhan
draws
Continued To Page 2
Continued To Page 2
This Ramadhan should serve as a sym-
bol of unity to bring Muslims together. The
Imam of J amia mosque Sheikh Muham-
mad Swalihu said Muslims should take
advantage of the advent of the noble
month to come together and work in uni-
son for the good of the community.
He said among the wisdom of Ramadhan
is to strengthen the sense of unity among
the faithful and told Muslims to use this
period to work together for the common
good of the community and the whole so-
ciety at large.At a time when the ummah
is facing numerous challenges, we should
use this period to strengthen our unity and
refect on addressing the challenges fac-
ing Muslims today, he added.
He went on to appeal to the government to
accord Muslims an enabling environment
to undertake acts of devotions during the
30-day long period which is expected to
commence on Saturday or Sunday de-
pending on the sighting of the crescent.In
the recent past, we have witnessed police
harassment against Muslims in the guise
of security operations where the rights of
Muslims have been violated and we ear-
nestly appeal to the authorities not to take
advantage of this situation to harass in-
nocent Muslims, he said.
Many of the recommended acts of wor-
ship during Ramadhan are carried out at
night and security agents should not use
this pretext to harass innocent Muslim
coming from or heading to mosques, he
added.
Sheikh Swalihu further called on all Ken-
yans to put aside their religious, political
and ethnic differences and work in unison
to foster peace and unity in the country.
The country is experiencing a grow-
ing rise in political temperatures and a
charged ethnic and religious intolerance
which could threaten the fabric of unity
in the country. We should put aside these
differences and embrace the virtues of
peace and unity, he said.
The Imam advised the ummah to make
the most out of the month by performing
acts that will bring them closer to Allah
such as performing the special Rama-
dhan night prayers (Taraweeh), Quran
recitation, giving out charity and looking
after the unfortunate in the society.
Uhuru warns warring
NEP clans
President Uhuru Kenyatta has said the
government will take stern action against
those who are responsible for fueling hos-
tilities between the Garre and Degodia
clans in Mandera and Wajir counties. The
head of state called for the immediate sur-
render of illegal arms warning of an all-out
security operation if the hostilities do not
come to an end."If the hostilities do not
end, we will have no otherwise but to move
in with full force," the President said while
reiterating that the killings of innocent chil-
dren, women and the elderly would not be
tolerated.
His comments came in the wake of faring
up of violence between the two communi-
ties which have claimed the lives of 34 peo-
ple dead and created hundreds of internal-
ly displaced persons (IDPs). The President
gave the warning during a meeting with
political, religious and community leaders
from Mandera and Wajir counties whom he
met at State House on Tuesday to discuss
the confict between the warring clans.
He warned chiefs in Mandera and Wajir
counties that they will be held responsible
The Offcer in charge of
Kamiti Maximum Prison Hen-
ry Kisingu speaks during the
offcial opening ceremony of
the Kamiti mosque. On the
right is Muhammad Sharrif,
the Prisoner Rehabiliation
Programme vice chairman
and Zool Nimji, the secretary
general of Ummah Founda-
tion and next to him is the
Nairobi county Prison Com-
mander Wanini Kireri.
INSET: Muslim inmates fol-
lowing proceedings of the
event
Members and Staf of Jamia Mosque Committee wishes all Muslims Ramadhan Kareem
The Friday Bulletin
Sha'aban 29,1435/June 27,2014
Warring NEP clans warned
Page 2
Continued From Page 1
EDITORIAL
He particularly called on women to
also spend time in acts of worship
instead of giving importance to the
kitchen to prepare iftar breaking the
fast meals.
Ramadhan is a time of fasting not
feasting. Our sisters should not
spend most of the day in the kitchen
preparing lavish meals. This is anti-
thesis to the teachings of Islam that
requires Muslims to reduce their
eating habits during Ramadhan, he
explained.
For a period of one month Muslim
will be required to practice self-re-
straint by abstaining from worldly
desires from dawn to dusk. During
the day, the faithful avoid eating,
drinking, conjugal relations and are
encouraged to engage in various
acts of devotions for their spiritual
upliftment.
This year's month of Ramadhan starts at
a time when the Horn of Africa, a region
dominated by Muslims is facing one of the
most devastating drought famine in over 60
years, long- running civic wars and inter-
clan clashes.
Somalia and Sudan are the most affected
countries as the situation has seen thou-
sands of refugees pour into Kenya in the
last few years to fee from the devastating
wars and famine.
Of course the famine situation in both So-
malia and Sudan has been aggravated
by the long-running civic wars in the two
countries, which has rendered it impossible
for residents to engage in any meaningful
socio-economic activities.
It is therefore logical that Muslims look at
it as an opportunity to demonstrate their
humanitarian spirit by focusing attention on
the afficted especially in Northern Kenya,
Somalia, Sudan, Ethiopia and Djibouti.
One of the goals of Ramadhan is to teach
the fasting person to experience hunger
and make him or her aware of the plight of
those who are starving due to lack of food
sympathize with them and do whatever is
possible to alleviate their condition.
Shocking scenes of children and elderly
people staring death in the face in Turkana,
Baringo and other areas are replete with
heart-rending stories narrated by desper-
ate and emaciated mothers some of whom
have been forced to abandon their mal-
nourished young ones to go and look for
dogs and cats to slaughter and feed their
children while others had been forced by
circumstances to abandon their families to
die during long treks in search of food.
These are cases suffcient to shake the con-
science of even the most unsympathetic
people and call for urgent action and mere
sympathy.
Besides being concerned about relieving
humanity in general from the pangs of hun-
ger, Muslims must not forget that majority
of the afficted are Muslims who though in
desperate condition also wish to fulfll their
religious obligation of fasting like the rest of
their brethren.
It is the duty of all Muslims locally and glob-
ally to be more concerned about the plight
of their brothers and sisters and launch con-
structive plans to save them from starvation
as well as empower them to perform their
obligatory fast.
It is commendable that local Muslim organi-
zations, mosques, Imams and leaders have
in the past intensifed efforts to save the
situation by sending appeals to members of
the community and coordinating collection,
delivery of relief funds, food and other ne-
cessities.
These are noble actions which need to be
sustained to mitigate the effects drought
across the region.
Charity in Islam is not an exclusively for the
rich, every Muslim who can afford at least a
square meal per day should share accord-
ing to his or her ability.
Of course one needs not starve in order to
donate something, but at least one can sac-
rifce a little to save a starving person.
In the month of Ramadhan, char-
ity has been made so simple that
nearly every Muslim can afford to
give, in this connection Prophet
Muhammad salallahu alayhi wa
sallam says one should share with
a fasting brother or sister even if
it is half a glass of water or half a
date.
Muslims must be proud of having
the best example in the Prophet
salallahu alayhi wa sallam in how
to respond to situations, one of the
characteristics of Prophet is that he
was most charitable and especially
during Ramadhan.
Ibn Abbas said, ''The Prophet sala-
llahu alayhi wa sallam was most
charitable amongst people and he
used to be more so in the month
of Ramadhan. (Al-Bukhari) Mus-
lims are equally expected to scale
up their level of charity during the
month of Ramadhan.
Therefore in spiritual terms this
year's Ramadhan is indeed a rare
opportunity for double reward, it is
an indirect invitation from Allah to
call who want to reap multiple re-
wards by simultaneously sympa-
thizing with the starving and ena-
bling the most needy to fast.
Let every Muslim not miss this op-
portunity to donate whatever is
possible to save lives before Ram-
adhan ends.
Ramadhan: Make haste to save lives and
reap double reward
if they fail to take action that will help in con-
taining acts of breach of peace.The leaders at
the meeting included Members of the National
Assembly, Senators and Governors among
others.
In a related development, community leaders
from the two counties called for the implemen-
tation of the Red Court Hotel accord which
was signed last year by members of the two
communities as a step towards ending the vio-
lence between the Garre and Degodia clans.
Speaking on Tuesday at a press conference
at a Nairobi hotel the leaders refuted claims
that the clashes were as a result of border
confict between Mandera and Wajir counties
while maintaining that it was politicians who
were fanning the violence.
Enforce the Red Court agreement of J une
23rd 2013 midwifed by Senator Yusuf Haji and
the entire leadership of the three counties. It
seems that none of the agreed steps have
been implemented, said Ugas Muhammad, a
community leader from Wajir.
The accord signed by prominent leaders from
the two communities stressed on peaceful co-
existence between the two communities and
urged all political, community and religious
leaders to promote peace, equity, fairness and
justice.
The government was also obligated to carry
out full scale disarmament in the two counties
and deploy adequate security along the Wajir-
Mandera border to contain acts of breach of
security.
The leaders also urged the government to
provide assistance to the displaced persons
just like it did with the victims of the Mpeketoni
massacre adding that the state must promote
national unity by considering all its citizens
equal regardless of race, color and religion.
They further called upon the government to
live up to its obligation of ensuring peace is
maintained and the sanctity of lives protected
and urged the two communities to desist from
violence and embrace peace.
Call for unity
Continued From Page 1
The Friday Bulletin
In the Quran Allah presents some of the
most beautiful metaphors and parables
which gives us great insight on how to pre-
pare for this blessed season. In Surat Al-
Hajj, Allah says: And you see the earth
barren, but when We send down upon
it rain, it quivers and swells and grows
[something] of every beautiful kind [22:5]
Through this metaphor Allah is inviting the
believers to prepare the land (their hearts
and soul) for this rain (guidance) that has
been sent to them in this blessed month
of Ramadhan. The month of Ramadhan is
analogous to the season of spring. In this
month, a believer prepares the garden by
removing the weeds, seeding the soil and
watering the ground in hopes of beautiful
fowers and tasty fruits later in the year.
The same goes for the heart of a believer.
The more prepared the heart is, the better
it is able to receive and retain this divine
guidance. A deep understanding of this
aspect of purifcation of the heart goes a
long way in attaining our goals during the
blessed month of Ramadhan.
The following tips can be helpful in reach-
ing this goal.
1. Intention and Determination Inten-
tion creates the desire, the conscious-
ness and the determination; which in turn
produces the required efforts for a task or
goal. At the start of this Ramadhan, make
the intention of attaining the piety (Taqwa)
which is the goal of the month of fasting.
Have the intention of reaching this level of
piety through your fasting, worship (Ibadat)
and all the planned special activities dur-
ing this month. To achieve, this goal, it may
be benefcial to dedicate some private time
before the frst day or on the frst day of
Ramadhan and make Hamd and Istighfar
to Allah. Send salutations on the Prophet
salallahu alayhi wa sallam and ask Allah to
assist you in this endeavor. Making Duaa
with focus and concentration can help you
attain the proper mindset.
2. Relationship with Quran Make spe-
cial arrangements during this month for
recitation, listening, understanding and
pondering on the verses of Quran. Spend
as much time as possible in the company
of Quran. Attending Taraweeh regularly is
a great opportunity to complete listening
to the Quran at least once during Rama-
dhan. If you dont understand the Arabic
language, you should make every effort to
understand a set portion with translation
and tafseer. In our day and age, the Inter-
net has opened an unlimited number of op-
portunities for learning and understanding
of Quran from the comfort of our homes.
3. Stay Away from Sin Make a special
effort to stay away from any and all types
of sins. In this month, believers are given
special protection from the devil (Shay-
tan), which we should take advantage of
Page 3
Get ready to welcome a dear friend month of Ramadhan
DA'WA
SUNDAY LECTURE
SUNDAY
SUNDAY LECTURE
Topic: Qadar
By: Rajab Abdallah
29th June 2014
Time: 10:00 am -12:00 pm
Venue: Makina Mosque Kibera
by promoting and increasing our closeness
to Allah. The farther we are from sin, the
closer we get to Allah. The Prophet salalla-
hu alayhi wa sallam reminded us in his fa-
mous Hadith that Fasting acts as a shield
from sins, so use it as a shield. The fasting
person should not curse anyone, yell and
badmouth anyone. If someone curses him
or fghts with him, he should move away by
saying, I am fasting. I cant be part of bad
deeds related by Bukhari and Muslim.
Make a special effort to guard your tongue
during this month. Make a habit every night
to assess your day before going to sleep.
Make immediate Istighfar and repent if you
have committed a sin during your day.
4. Seek Good Deeds A believer should
always be seeking opportunities to perform
and engage in good deeds. We should seek
all such opportunities in worship (Ibaadat)
and relationships (Muamalat). When a be-
liever goes beyond the obligatory acts (Far-
aidh) and hastens to perform the optional
(Nawafl) it shows his eagerness to please
Allah. These are the believer about whom
Allah relates in the Hadith Qudsi related by
Abu Hurayrah (radhillahu anhu) that such
people become so dear to Allah that Allah
becomes the eyes through which they see;
He becomes the ears through which they
hear; He becomes the feet through which
they walk, and the tongue through which
they speak. In this Ramadhan decide on
any three or more good deeds that you will
consistently perform to attain this special
nearness to Allah.
5. Qiyam al-layl To stand the night in
prayer and recite from the Book of Allah
is one of the most effective methods of at-
taining the consciousness of Allah (Taqwa).
Allah praises these believers in Surat Al-
Dhariyat [51:18] And in the hours before
dawn they would ask forgiveness [51:18]
Taraweeh is considered to be part of Qiy-
am al-layl. Believers are also encouraged
to wake up and pray during the second
part or the 3rd part of the night right be-
fore dawn. We can be among those who
are mentioned in the above verse of Quran
by simply waking up 15-20 minutes before
Suhoor and performing two rakaat Nafl
prayers. Abu Hurairah (radhiallahu anhu)
narrated that Allahs Messenger salallahu
alayhi wa sallam said: In the last third of
every night Allah descends to the lower-
most heaven and says; Who is calling Me,
so that I may answer him? Who is asking
Me so that may I grant him? Who is seeking
forgiveness from Me so that I may forgive
him?. [Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith Qudsi].
6. Dhikr and Duaa Remembrance of Al-
lah is important throughout our lives, but is
even more important during the month of
Ramadhan. Making a special effort to keep
the remembrance of Allah, especially with
your tongue is a source of great reward.
This act keeps Allah in your thoughts con-
ILM DAY
Continued To Page 6
Sha'aban 29,1435/June 27,2014
stantly. A constant dhikr of Allah and his
praise (Tahmeedand Tahleel) are one of
the best of ways of reaping rewards during
this month. As we make Duaa to Allah, we
perfect our conviction and belief that He
is the only one who can fulfll our needs,
wants and desires. Extending our hands
in complete devotion Make a special effort
to memorize some of the Adhkar and fre-
quently repeat them through out the day.
7. Spend for the Pleasure of Allah (char-
ity) Charity is considered the second
most important act of worship after prayers.
Spending with the pure intention of pleas-
ing Allah from ones wealth is one of the
noblest acts liked by Allah. Allah promises
the recompense of seven hundred times of
what a believer spends for His sake. Infaq
has been described as a key characteris-
tic of Muttaqeen (those who have Taqwa
and consciousness of Allah at all times). In
this month, open your heart and your wal-
let. Give for the sake of Allah without any
fear of poverty. Give to your relatives, the
orphans and poor to the best of your abil-
ity. Give without any desire of recompense
or worldly reward as described by Allah in
Surat Al-Dahr We feed you only for the
countenance of Allah. We wish not from
you reward or gratitude. [76:9]
8. Helping and Supporting People The
Prophet called the month of Ramadhan
as the month of consolation. During this
month make a special effort to help some-
one. Is there a family in your neighborhood
that you havent seen in a while? A student
in a strange new city? A new Muslim who is
fasting for the frst time? An elderly couple
who cant get to the Masjid? Why not take
a few minutes to make a phone call, drop
in for a visit, or invite someone for Iftar.
Even the smallest gesture of kindness can
make a huge difference in someones life.
Remember your actions are measured on
their quality and not their quantity. Breaking
someones fast even with modest food can
make you worthy of great reward and can
be an expiation from the fre of Hell. The
Prophet salallahu alayhi wa sallam said, If
someone helps break the fast of a fasting
person in the month of Ramadhan, he will
receive the same amount of reward as the
person fasting without any reduction in the
reward of the fasting person. He also said,
If someone feeds a fasting person, Allah
By Khurram Murad
The Friday Bulletin
page 4
The blessed month of Ramadhan is an
ideal time to work on purifying our souls
A month full of enormous spiritual wealth
and reward, Ramadhan is an incredible
opportunity that we shouldnt lose out on.
However, many of us often suffer from
lack of productivity during Ramadhan
and not making the most of the special
blessed month.
With the start of Ramadhan, I have put to-
gether six steps that will help us reap the
benefts of the special month and allow
us to experience a spiritual transforma-
tion this coming Ramadhan InshaaAllah.
1. Be Realistic, Consistent
We usually enter Ramadhan with very
high aspirations and make promises to
ourselves that we often cant keep due
to the impracticality of our goals. If you
havent trained yourself before Ramad-
han for the ibadat you wish to carry out,
you will most likely not be able to sustain
them. Trying to fnish the Quran three or
four times during Ramadhan when you
barely read a page a day before Rama-
dhan or wanting to pray tahajjud (extra
night prayers) every single night when
youve been struggling with waking up
for fajr, will put too much physical and
psychological pressure on you. This will
most probably result in you slipping af-
ter the frst week, losing hope and then
giving up entirely. Prophet Muhammad,
peace be upon him, said:
The best deeds are those which are
consistent even if they are small. (Al-
Bukhari)
If you dont want to suffer from lack of
consistency this Ramadhan and end up
feeling guilty about it, then be realistic in
your expectations. Stick to a few `ibadat
that you know you will be able to perform
and be consistent with them. For exam-
ple, if you decide to complete the Quran
only once during the month and pray only
two rak`aat (units) tahajjud (late night
prayers) every night, and actually sustain
this throughout the entire month, it will be
much greater in the eyes of Allah than if
you put pressure on yourself to do more
`ibadat than you can handle and then fnd
you cannot follow through with them.
2. Dont Eat Too Much at Iftar
Ramadhan is a month of cleansing
cleansing of our souls and body. Fast-
ing allows us to feel a little of the hunger
pangs that poor people feel; and gives
our overworked digestive system a break
from continuous digestion. Unfortunately,
it has become very common for Muslims
to eat so much food at iftar (the meal af-
ter sundown that breaks the fast) time
and late into the night that they often fnd
that they have gained weight by the end
of the month. If you think about it, gain-
ing weight defes the whole purpose of
fasting. Instead of detoxing, we end up
toxing; and instead of feeling hungry, we
end up waking up the next morning feel-
ing bloated and uncomfortable.
The mistake a lot of Muslims often fall
into during Ramadhan is making so many
different kinds of foods and eating them.
While the delicious, unhealthy fried food
may be very tempting after a long day of
fasting, it will just makes us lazy, sleepy
and will most defnitely result in an un-
productive night. We may even be too
tired to pray tarawih (the night prayer of-
fered in Ramadhan) after a heavy meal.
Thus, Iftar should be kept simple, bal-
anced and healthy. If youre smart with
what you eat at iftar and follow the Sun-
nah (prophetic behavior) of the Prophet,
peace be upon him, by flling only a third
of your stomach with food, a third with
water and allowing a third for air, youll
immediately notice a difference in your
energy level while fasting and after you
break your fast InshaaAllah.
3. One Hour before Fajr
The secret to a productive day is tak-
ing advantage of the times that Allah
put barakah (blessing) in. Prophet Mu-
hammad taught us that there is barakah
in the early hours of the morning. By
spending the hour before fajr in prayer,
recitation of Quran, and in the remem-
brance of Allah, you will get the spiritual
nourishment your body requires for that
day. J ust like we need to eat breakfast
every morning to give us energy, the
spiritual nourishment our body needs is
equally important. Without it, we will not
have much barakah in our time and we
will fnd ourselves getting tired easily and
not being very productive. Additionally,
having suhoor (pre-dawn meal) gives
us barakah. The Prophet said Have
suhoor, for in suhoor there is barakah.
(Al-Bukhari)
Make sure you wake up every morning
before fajr, pray at least two rak`aat,
make some duas (supplication), read
a bit of Quran, and have a bite to eat
(even if its just a few dates).
4. Duas for Others
We often get excited before Ramad-
han as we know that the time Allah will
InshaaAllah answer our prayers is just
around the corner. Some of us even
memorize special duas and prepare
duas lists well in advance. This is a
wonderful thing to do of course, but if we
want to increase the effectiveness of our
duas, we should make duas for others.
The Prophet, peace be upon him, said:
Whenever you make a supplication for
another believer and he is not present,
an angel will say and same to you. (Abu
Dawud and Tirmidhi)
When we make duas for our brother or
sister in Islam, we are basically hitting
two birds with one stone praying for
others and ourselves.
Choose times in which duas are an-
By Zainab Shaban
How to get a Ramadhan full of blessings
swered, such as the last third of the night and
when you break your fast, to make the duas
with all sincerity and a wakeful heart. Allah
does answer the prayers of those who sup-
plicate Him. However, the key to receiving an
answer to your prayer is to be sincere in your
duas, consistent, and patient.
5. An Opportunity to Purifcation
Fasting is not only about abstaining from food
and drink but it is also about abstaining from
anger, backbiting, jealousy, greed, thinking ill
of people; and all the other diseases of the
heart. Purifcation of the soul from the illnesses
of the heart is not an easy task and the per-
son who is able to free him/herself from these
unhealthy qualities is truly the successful one:
"And [by] the soul and He who proportioned it;
And inspired it [with discernment of] its wick-
edness and righteousness, he has succeeded
who purifes it." (Ash-Shams, 91:7-9)
Not only does Allah lock away all those evil
devils during the entire month; but fasting in it-
self is a form of purifcation. Fasting softens our
hearts, weakens our human desires and instills
in us the pleasant qualities of patience and will-
power. Unlike the normal days of the year, we
feel more inclined to do righteous deeds and to
keep away from committing sins. This Rama-
dhan, let us all choose one unwanted quality
about ourselves that we wish to change and
make a conscious effort to purify ourselves of
it.
6. Monitor Your Intentions
Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said:
The deeds are considered by their intentions,
and a person will get the reward according to
his intentions. (Al-Bukhari)
We usually make an intention before we per-
form good deeds such as fasting or giving
sadaqa (charity). However, we often tend to
forget to make an intention for the little eve-
ryday tasks we normally do. If you really want
your hasanat (reward from good deeds) to soar
during Ramadhan, make a sincere intention for
every little task you perform. For instance, if
youre cooking iftar for your family, make the
intention that the time you spend in the kitchen
cooking in order to feed your fasting family is
to please Allah.
Ramadhan comes once a year, and when it
leaves us we dont know if we will live to see the
next one, so let us strive to make the most of
this Ramadhan. May Allah grant us all a Rama-
dhan full of barakah and blessings. Amiyn.
Sha'aban 29,1435/June 27,2014
The Nairobi Area Muslim Students
Association (NAMSA) is mobilizing
funds from well wishers to facilitate
Iftar programmes in schools.
Any Assistance towards this noble
cause will be appreciated
Please contact
1. Bro Ibrahim Sharrif 0722947050
2. Bro Ali Adan 0722961233
3. Bro Umar Sakwa 0722234569
The Friday Bulletin
page 5
SUNDAY LECTURE
Sha'aban 29,1435/June 27,2014
The Friday Bulletin
By Ramzy Baroud
page 6
Sha'aban 29,1435/June 27,2014
Iraq's Insurgency: Redrawing the Map
Labeiki ya Zaynab, chanted Iraqi Shia
fghters as they swayed, dancing with their
rifes before TV news cameras in Baghdad
on J une 13. They were apparently getting
ready for a diffcult fght ahead. For them, it
seemed that a suitable war chant would be
answering the call of Zaynab, the daugh-
ter of Imam Ali, the great Muslim Caliph
who lived in Medina 14 centuries ago. That
was the period through which the Shia sect
slowly emerged, based on a political dis-
pute whose consequences are still felt until
this day.
That chant alone is enough to demonstrate
the ugly sectarian nature of the war in Iraq,
which has reached an unprecedented
highpoint in recent days. Fewer than 1,000
fghters from the Islamic State of Iraq and
the Levant (ISIL) advanced against Iraq's
largest city of Mosul on J une 10, sending
two Iraqi army divisions (nearly 30,000 sol-
diers) to a chaotic retreat.
The call to arms was made by a statement
issued by Iraqs most revered Shia cleric,
Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, and read on
his behalf during a Friday prayers sermon
in Karbala. People who are capable of car-
rying arms and fghting the terrorists in de-
fense of their country (..) should volunteer
to join the security forces to achieve this
sacred goal, the statement in part read.
The terrorists of whom Sistani speaks are
those of ISIL, whose numbers throughout
the region is estimated to be at only 7,000
fghters.
Shaky Borders
ISIL fghters are well organized, fairly well-
equipped and absolutely ruthless in their
conduct. To secure their remarkable territo-
rial gains, they quickly moved south, clos-
ing in on other Iraqi towns: They attacked
and took over Baiji on J une 11. On the
same day, they conquered Tikrit, the town
of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein,
where they were joined by ex-Baathist
fghters. For two days, they tried to take
over Samarra, but couldn't, only to move
against J alawala and Saaddiyah, to the
east of Baghdad.
It is impossible to verify reports of what is
taking place in towns that fall under the
control of ISIL, but considering their noto-
riously bloody legacy in Syria, and ISILs
own online reporting on their own activities,
one can expect the worse.
Within days, ISIL was in control of a large
swathe of land which lumped together of-
fers a new map fully altering the political
boundaries of the Middle East that were
largely envisioned by colonial powers
France and Britain nearly a century ago.
What the future holds is diffcult to pre-
dict. The US administration is petrifed by
the notion of getting involved in Iraq once
more. It was its original meddling, at the
behest of the notorious neoconservatives
who largely determined US foreign policy
during George W. Bushs administration
that ignited this ongoing strife in the frst
place. They admitted failure and withdrew
in Dec 2011, hoping to sustain a level of
infuence over the Iraqi government under
Shia Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki. They
failed miserably as well and it is now Iran
that is an infuential foreign power in Bagh-
dad.
In fact, Irans infuence and interests are so
strong that despite much saber-rattling by
US President Barack Obama, the US can-
not possibly modify the massively changing
reality in Iraq without Iranian help. Reports
in US and British media are pointing to pos-
sible US-Iranian involvement to counter
ISIL, not just in Iraq, but also in Syria.
Sunni Anger
History is accelerating at a frantic speed.
Seemingly impossible alliances are being
hastily formed. Maps are being redrawn in
directions that are determined by masked
fghters with automatic weapons mounted
on the back of pickup trucks. True, no one
could have predicted such events, but
when some warned that the Iraq war would
"destabilize" the Middle East for many
years to come, this is precisely what they
meant.
When Bush led his war on Iraq in order to
fght al-Qaeda, the group simply didnt exist
in that country; the war however, brought
al-Qaeda to Iraq. A mix of hubris and igno-
rance of the facts and lack of understand-
ing of Iraqs history allowed the Bush
administration to sustain that horrible war.
Hundreds of thousands of Iraqis perished
in an immoral military quest. Those who
were not killed, were maimed, tortured,
raped or fed into a borderless Iraqi odys-
sey.
The Americans toyed with Iraq in numerous
ways. They dissolved the army, dismissed
all government institutions, attempted to
restructure a new society based on the
recommendations of Pentagon and CIA
analysts in Washington D.C. and Virginia.
They oppressed the Sunni Muslims, em-
powered Shia, and fed the fame of sectari-
anism with no regard to the consequences.
When things didnt go as planned, they
tried to empower some Shia groups over
others, and armed some Sunni groups to
fght the Iraqi resistance to the war, which
was mostly made of Sunni fghters.
The consequences were most bloody.
Iraqs civil war of 2006-07 claimed tens of
thousands to be added to the ever-growing
toll caused by the war adventure. No sham
elections were enough to remedy the situ-
ation, no torture technique was enough to
suppress the rebellion, and no fddling with
the sectarian or ethnic demographics of the
country was enough to create the coveted
"stability".
In Dec 2011, the Americans ran away from
the Iraq inferno, leaving behind a fght that
was not yet settled. What is going on in Iraq
right now is an integral part of the US-in-
fused mayhem. It should be telling enough
that the leader of ISIL, Abu Baker al-Bagh-
dadi, is an Iraqi from Samarra, who fought
against the Americans and was himself
held and tortured in the largest US prison
in Iraq, Camp Bucca for fve years.
Roots of the ISIL
It would not be precise to make the claim
that ISIL started in the dungeon of a US
prison in Iraq. The ISIL story would need to
be examined in greater depth since it is as
stretched as the current geography of the
confict, and as mysterious as the masked
characters who are blowing people up with
no mercy and beheading with no regard to
the upright values of the religion they pur-
port to represent.
Yet, there can be no denial that the US ig-
norant orchestration of the mass oppres-
sion of Iraqis, and Sunnis in particular,
during the 2003 war until their much touted
withdrawal was a major factor in ISIL for-
mation, and the horrendous levels of vio-
lence the extremist group utilizes.
It is unclear whether ISIL will be able to hold
onto the territories it gained or sustain it-
self in a battle that involves Shia-controlled
Baghdad, Iran and the US. But a few things
should be clear:
The systematic political marginalization of
Iraqs Sunni communities is both senseless
and unsustainable. A new political and so-
cial contract is needed to re-order the mess
created by the US invasion, and other for-
eign intervention in Iraq, including that of
Iran.
The nature of the confict has become so
convoluted that a political settlement in Iraq
would have to tackle a similar settlement
in Syria, which is serving as a breeding
ground for brutality, by the Syrian regime
and opposition forces, especially ISIL. That
factory of radicalization must close down
as soon as possible in a way that would
allow Syrias wounds, and by extension
Iraqs, to heal.
will quench his thirst from the water of Kaw-
thar and he will never be thirsty again until
he enters J annah.
9. Invite Towards The Quran The strug-
gles of this world will end, but the strug-
gles of those who enter Hell will never end.
Therefore, the biggest service to anyone is
to save them from the fre of Hell and help
them enter Paradise (J annah). The month
of Ramadhan was honored by Allah due to
the revelation of Quran during this month.
Inviting people to the message of Quran
is among the noblest acts we can perform
during this month. In this month, we are all
focused on reaping rewards and cleansing
ourselves, but we should not ignore the
highest responsibility of calling people to
the Deen of Allah and to the message of
Quran. Inviting others to Quran during this
month.
Welcoming Ramadhan
Continued From Page 3
The Friday Bulletin NATIONAL
page 7
Muslims in the country have been asked to
incorporate modern methods of teaching
and learning in their educational institutions
to ensure that they remain relevant in the
society.
Muslim Education Council representative
at the Kakamega county education board,
Hassan Ngeri noted that Muslim sponsored
and run schools were important part of the
Muslim community and called for better
methods of teaching and good conducive
learning environment to improve on their
academic input.
Ngeri further said that there was need for
Muslim schools in Western region to adopt
integrated education system to impart both
secular and Islamic education for holistic
upbringing of students, stressing that for this
to be implemented effectively both religious
and secular teachers should be equipped
with modern teaching practices and skills to
improve on their efforts in schools.
''To revolutionize this sector, modern val-
ues of learning and work plans have to be
injected into the system for both spiritual
development and good academic perfor-
mance,'' Ngeri said.
Speaking in Kakamega recently, Ngeri
regretted that most Muslim institutions
lack professionalism in their management
stressing that it was important to reverse
Muslim institutions urged to embrace
modern learning methods
Police blamed over security laxity
Authorities in the security docket have
been blamed of sleeping on the job fol-
lowing the ongoing killings and insecurity
in Lamu and Northern Kenya.
Fresh killings were reported on Monday
in Lamu County where at least 5 people
were killed in Pandanguo sub-location in
Witu, a few kilometers from the site of last
weeks massacre at Mpeketoni which left
60 people dead.
The latest killings happened after the gov-
ernment had pledged increased security
in the area and announced a massive
manhunt to apprehend the killers.
In the volatile North Eastern region devel-
opment more than 20 lives were lost in the
inter-clan confict between the Garre and
Degodia communities in Wajir and Man-
dera counties.
According to a Mombasa based human
rights group Haki Africa, the continued
killings are as a result of poor coordina-
tion by those in charge of security opera-
tions in the country.
In a press release, theexecutive director,
Hussein Khalid raised concerns over the
state of security faulting the manner in
which the police have handled operations.
Whatever the reasons, the killings point
to laxity in and failure of authorities to
guarantee Kenyans their right to security
as enshrined in the constitution. The po-
lice are sleeping on their job and as a re-
sult more Kenyans are losing their lives,
said Hussein.
The lobby group called for urgent action
to address the deteriorating security situ-
ation in the country adding that the situ-
ation is causing alarm and consternation
among Kenyans.
With these fresh killings, it is a clear in-
dication that the situation has not been
arrested and what the security authorities
were assuring Kenyans of improved se-
curity in the area was mere lip service,
he said.
The rights activists wondered how an-
other round of killings could take place
near Mpeketoni, an area that the govern-
ment maintained had seen improved se-
curity after the deployment of hundreds of
armed police offcers.
He urged the government to protect the
sanctity of Kenyan lives by all means add-
ing that it must bring those behind the kill-
ings to book.
Haki Africa appealed also to the govern-
ment to help all the affected communities
by insecurity to rebuild their lives and told
the State not to focus only on a certain
community.
the trend to ensure they effectively play
their role of imparting quality education.
He emphasized that Muslims should be
competent in both the spiritual and secu-
lar education if they are to prosper in every
sphere be it social, economic and political,
adding that efforts must be made in sensi-
tizing Muslims in realizing the importance
of education. ''We as Muslims need to cre-
ate awareness to our young children on
the need to strike a balance between the
religious and worldly aspects of their lives,''
Ngeri said.
He reminded both Muslim leaders and
parents of their responsibilities to provide
commitment and dedications to further im-
prove on the standard of education in the
community.
Kakamega J amia Mosque and Islamic
centre Secretary General, Bakari Kweyu
who is also education sub-committee chair
stressed the need for effcient cooperation
between parents, teachers, students, the
community and the government to ensure
students were receiving all the necessary
support needed for good academic results.
Kweyu noted that this is possible if the
Muslim community realizes its potential
and identify the importance of education in
the wake of modern time.
Provide Islamic
learning to inmates
Sha'aban 29,1435/June 27,2014
A call has been made to provide Islamic
learning programmes to inmates to help
in their rehabilitation efforts.
The Nairobi County Prisons Commander
Wanini Kireri said the government fully
supports faith based programmes that
have a positive change on inmates and
told Muslims to take advantage of the
opportunity to facilitate Islamic learning
programmes in correctional facilities.
Muslims should take advantage of
these opportunities to provide spiritual
nourishment to inmates which will help
in reforming them into better individu-
als after completing their prison terms,
she said while offciating at the opening
ceremony of the Kamiti prison mosque
where she was the chief guest.
The mosque was constructed by the
Prison Rehabilitation Programme (PRP),
an associate organization of Ummah
Foundation and will serve as a central
facility for Muslim inmates at the Kamiti
Maximum prison.
Addressing more than 250 Muslim in-
mates, the commandant explainedthat
prison was not a place for punishment
but a rehabilitation centre for reforming
inmates and called for a systematic ed-
ucation programme which will help the
spiritual growth of the inmates.
She commended the Foundation for its
role in providing support towards prison-
ers and urged it to expand its activities to
cover moreprisonsinother counties. The
offcer in charge of Kamiti prison Henry
Kisingu said prison authorities will work
towards improving the welfare of Muslim
inmates noting that the special needsof
Muslims inmates during the month of
Ramadhan will be addressed.
On his part, the Imam of Landhies
mosque Sheikh Ahmad Uthman advised
the inmates to be God-fearing saying
that this state will help them in their ref-
ormation progress.
Do not despair but take this opportunity
to refect on your life. This is just like half
time where you have to change strate-
gies which will help you to reform your
life for the better after leaving prison
life, he said.
Speaking at the event, the Vice chair-
man of the Prisoner Rehabilitation Pro-
gramme Muhammad Sharrif applauded
the cooperation from the Prison depart-
ment towards Muslims andpledgedcon-
tinuing support towards the welfare of
Muslim inmates.
He said it was the organizations goal to
facilitate spiritual welfare programmes to
prisoners to ensure that they reformed
into good citizens.
The Kamiti mosque is the third mosque
to be constructed within prison facili-
ties by the Prisoner Rehabilitation pro-
gramme. The others are at Naivasha
Maximum Prison and Kwale Prison.
No doubt you are aware that Ummah
Foundation is one of the leading Islamic
Organizations in Kenya providing diverse
services to members of our Ummah. With
the grace of Allah s.w.t. and support from
our brothers and sisters we have been
very active in supporting our needy broth-
ers and sisters in areas such as bursary
support, prison rehabilitation programs,
wheelchair donations, burial and medical
support, cataract operations, water and
food relief among others.
During the holy month of Ramadhan we
make several requests to donors and well
wishers to join hands with Ummah Foun-
dation so that together we can enhance
this noble work and earn abundant bless-
ing from the Almighty Allah s.w.t.
The bulk of our collection is during this
month of Ramadhan when we receive
contributions for both Zakat and Sadaqa.
However, it is noted with regret that these
contributions are not usually enough to ca-
ter for the enormous needs of our Ummah
or fully cater for the programs that we are
actively running. It is in this regard that we
have seen the need to request you all to
aid in this noble cause.
Those who believe and do deeds of right-
eousness, and establish regular prayers
and give Zakat, will have their reward
with their Lord: on them shall be no fear,
nor shall they grieve. Surah Al-Baqarah,
Verse 277
We also take this opportunity to wish you
all a blessed Saum in this Holy month. We
pray that the Almighty grants you the will
and ability to generously give out during
this month.
Payments can be send to:
Ummah Foundation
2ND Floor Suite A4, Village Plaza
Ngara Rd, P.O Box 58717-00200 Nairobi
TEL: (+254) 202680610/13/16 Mob: 0734-
845277
Email:info@ummahfoundation.net.
Web: www.ummahfoundation.net
Or Bank to our account as per details be-
low:
Commercial Bank of Africa (CBA)
Mama Ngina street Branch
Kenya Shillings A/C: 6439120013
US Dollar A/C: 6439120029
Or
First Community Bank
Wabera Street Branch
Kenya Shillings A/C: 0010194301
US Dollar A/C: 0010194302
Ramadhan Appeal
1435AH (2014)
Concerns over inter-faith marriages
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
Two-year old Hamid Muhiddin who was the focus of an inspiring fundraising campaign
to enable him have a bone marrow transplant fnally succumbed to illness.
Hamid was diagnosed with acute myeloid Leukemia, a rare cancer that affects inside
bone marrow while at the Kilif district Hospital and transferred to Mombasa hospital and
later to Kenyatta National Hospital where the parents Muhiddin Shee and Fatuma Said
where to learn that he required a bone marrow transplant.
The complex surgical procedures required Sh3 million and doctors informed him that the
procedures could not be carried out in the country, the other alternative being in India.
However, a fundraising campaign launched through the Friday Bulletin, the social media
and mosques helped to create attention about the plight of the child and generated as-
sistance from well-wishers which eventually helped to raise the amount.
But as plans were underway to fy him to India, his conditioned deteriorated last week
and he was transferred to the Aga Khan Hospital where he was admitted at the Intensive
Care Unit.
He breathed his last on Monday and was buried at the Kariakor Muslim Cemetery.
While we grieve over his death, at the same time we appreciate the generosity and
compassion extended to us through this trying period. This is what Islamic brotherhood
is all about and we beseech Allah to reward you all, said the father.
Baby Hamid passes away
The blessed month of Ramadhan is here again and J amia mosque committee through
its social welfare programme would this year during the Month of Ramadhan offer daily
Iftar meals to hundreds of Muslims faithful who wish to break their fast at the mosque.
The programme which is carried out annually is expected to cost Sh3 million and an
estimated 500 worshippers are set to beneft from the programme on each day during
the entire thirty days of fasting which is set to commence on either J une 28 or 29.
To promote the true spirit of Ramadhan the administration would like to appeal to Mus-
lims and other charitable organisations to support the noble initiative to provide meals
to those who will be breaking their fast at the mosque.
Ramadhan Iftar vouchers are available at a cost of Sh200 for those willing to partner in
the noble programme.
Jamia to undertake Iftar programmes
FARAJA RESTAURANT
Specializing in Somali, Swahili, Indian and African cuisine
Tuesday and Thursday Special
Buy 1 Pizza get 1 FREE
OFFERING IFTAR MEALS
DURING THE MONTH OF
RMADHAN
Find us along Moi Avenue next to Princely House and near
Mt. Kenya University Contacts: Omar 0722834774
Wishing all Muslims Ramadhan Kareem
OSMAN
ABDULKADIR
FARAH
SAMIR AHMED
ABDULHABIB
Last seen 13th
May 2014 in
Nairobi. He
speaks English,
He is mentally
disturbed and talks
alone. He disap-
peared on 16th
June in Nairobi
wearing a green
and blue stipped T-
Shirt, light blue jeans and brown open
shoes
Contact Abdulhalim 0722157272, or
Hannan on 0729424104
Swahili and Somali
If seen please report to Pangani
police station or the nearest po-
lice station or call 0718421505,
0725705340, 0722323666
MISSING PERSONS