Safar 24, 1435/December 27 2013 Issue No. 556

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

Friday BulletinThe

The Weekly Muslim News Update

www.islamkenya.orgStory Continued To Page 2

BANGUI –Destroyed mosques, slaughtered or evacuated families are some of the rare reports about anti-Muslim atrocities that found its way to the international media, while reporting on the unrest in Central Af-rica Republic.“Women, children, even pregnant women were slaughtered by the anti-Balaka,” Ya-hiya Abu Bakr, the chairman of a committee that oversees the local mosque in Bangui, told Anadolu Agency (AA) on Thursday, De-cember 19.Testimonies on the atrocities committed by anti-Balaka Christian militias against CAR's Muslim community are rare in the interna-tional media.As fingers are always pointed at Muslim ex-rebels, Seleka, as the main culprit, vague or scant reports appeared about death toll among Muslims.Bashir, a 48-year-old Muslim who lives in the Christian-majority district of Fouh in Bangui, is one of the eyewitnesses of bru-tal anti-Muslims carnages that tore through the area earlier in December. “When the trouble started, the anti-Balaka attacked the Muslims in the area,” Bashir, wearing a tra-ditional white dara (a long open cloak) and a white hat, said. “The local mosque was destroyed, just like my home.”The 48-year-old resident explained how his younger brother and three others were killed mercilessly before they could escape with their lives.“The machete hit him on the side of the neck,” he said.“There were so many peo-ple not just anti-Balaka, but Christians from around the area,” Bashir added.A similar pain was shared by Abu Bakr, the mosque chairman, who confirmed that more than 108 Muslims from the region have been killed in recent violence.Abu Bakr has also claimed that attackers used to mutilate Muslim victims and their corpses.“The anti-Balaka cut off people's limbs,” he said.“I also saw bodies that had their geni-tals removed.

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Christian Militias Slaughter CAR Muslims

After his plight was featured in one of the dai-lies and at Jamia Mimbar it touched Muslim spiritual leaders who decided to intervene and make a visit to acquaint themselves with the inner story of Abdiaziz Isaack who is ailing from cancer.18 year old Abdiaziz hails from poverty stricken area of Korogocho slum in Nairobi. The aspir-ing journalist from Shangtao media Arts Col-lege could not continue with studies after the doctors told him that he suffers from cancer. In March this year he underwent an operation at the Kenyatta National Hospital which left his leg amputated.When a team from Jamia Mosque led by Deputy Imam Sheikh Juma Amir on Tuesday this week visited the home at Korogocho one

could tell the anguish in the poverty- stricken family. Meeting the cost of medical treatment is a dream for the family of 9. The mother is a hawker and the family’s sole breadwinner while his father is jobless. His mother Asha Jaldesa , tells the Friday Bulletin how her son’s or-deal has frustrated her .“The last nine months have been a very dif-ficult period for us. Abdiaziz requires treatment and we are unable to meet the cost. So far what has kept him going is the little contribution he has received from friends and fam-ily. Up to now we have nowhere to

The plight of an 18 year old cancer patient.

Sheikh Mohammad Subki (left) and Sheikh Juma Amir (right) deputy Imam Jamia Mosque Nairobi during their visit to Abdiaziz Isaack.Abdiaziz is ailing from cancer and in need of financial assistance to facilitate his treatment at the Aga Khan Hos-pital.

The Friday Bulletin

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Safar 24, 1435/December 27, 2013

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Christian Militias Slaughter CAR MuslimsContinued From Page 1

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plight of a cancer patient.

“We perform the funeral prayers here, so I know about the injuries sustained by those that were killed,” he added.Biased FrenchAs the violence exacerbates, CAR Muslims accuse French peace-keeping troops of taking the side of the Christian militias.“We don't trust the French because we've seen their one-sided ac-tions,” said Umar Hussain, a Muslim businessman.The French troops have been turning deaf ears to atrocities against Muslims, watching Muslims killed in cold blood, other wit-nesses added.“They are the troublemakers!” Umar Didi, an eyewitness, shouted.“People were killed in front of French soldiers who did nothing.”“How can they just leave people to be slaughtered – and watch while it takes place?” asked Hussain.About 1,600 French troops, which are reinforcing a stretched Af-rican peacekeeping mission, started deploying to the north and east of the country earlier on December to secure main roads and towns outside the capital.As the attacks intensified in CAR, many Muslims were forced to leave their villages, living in makeshift camps or mosques.Taking shelter into a Bangui mosque, a Muslim mother tells the story of how her four innocent children were slaughtered before her.“They killed four of my children: two sons and two daughters,” said Salma, a mother of the slain children who were aged ten, eight,

six and two.“My father and mother were also killed in the attack,” the mother added.Meanwhile, Amnesty International has released a report on Thurs-day, following its two-week mission the restive country, saying that ‘crimes against humanity were committed by all parties to the con-flict’.The sectarian war has led to the displacement of 614,000 people across the country and 189,000 in the capital alone, according to the Amnesty.Moreover, Human Rights Watch has also urged the UN to send peacekeeping mission to restore security in CAR.CAR, a country of nearly five million people, is mostly Christian, with about 15 percent Muslims who are concentrated in the north where the rebellion started.The different religions have always coexisted peacefully and lead-ers from both sides have urged people not to confuse the fact that there is a Muslim leader, with the “Islamization” of the country.Despite of current woes, Muslims in the African nation have as-serted their hopes of restoring peace in their country one day, where Muslims and Christians lived in harmony for decades.“We want peace,” Abu Bakr stressed.“We are ready to call for it, but the anti-Balaka are the ones that are doing the provocations by killing Muslims and destroying mosques.”

turn to except Allah” She said.Despite Sheikh Juma appealing to the Muslim Community to look into his predicament, Abdiaziz is yet to receive any financial as-sistance. His friends and family in Korogocho slums conducted several harambees to raise money to save the situation but still the figures are far below what is required for his treatment. According to the doctors in Aga Khan hospital, Abdiaziz is most likely to undergo another operation that will see the remaining part of his leg amputated. He requires three chemotherapy sessions to reduce the swelling each costing Sh200,000. An estimated extra figure of Sh700,000 is required if the doctors decide to amputate the remaining part of his leg . In Kenya cancer ranks third as the cause of death after infec-tious and cardiovascular diseases. It is one of the most growing epidemics and the World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that by 2015, 10 million will die of cancer. 70% global cancer bur-den is in low and middle income countries like Kenya and an es-timated 28,000 new cases of cancer are reported in the country with more than 20,000 deaths annually.

Muslim youths in educational institutions have been advised to adhere to Islamic moral values and teachings ascribed in the Quran and the sunnah of Prophet Muhammad peace be upon Him and shun away from extremism and misguided groups.Bungoma County Commissioner, Mohammed Maalim said the groups in most cases present themselves under the garb of Is-lam were bent on bringing discord between Muslims and creating divisions in the community.Speaking at the closing ceremony of a one week workshop for Muslim boys in secondary schools, sponsored by World Assem-bly of Muslim Youth[WAMY] held at Mumias Muslim Secondary School in Mumias Sub-county, Maalim pointed out that although the freedom of worship was guarantee and enshrined in the constitution the rule of law and respect for one another must be upheld for peace and harmony. ''Islam is peace and harmony without peace we cannot worship nor trade, school and do any other business and no one should be forced to follow or adhere to any tenets against his or her consents” said Maalim.Maalim further urged Muslim students to develop self discipline and hard work in order to excel in their academic performance and restore the lost glory of Muslims in education adding that seeking knowledge was the first command to our Prophet and Muslims in general.He emphasized government's commitments not to discriminate any person on the basic of religious but accommodates all Ken-yans irrespective of tribe, race, colour, status and greed.On his part, the Islamic Youth Community Organization coordina-tor, Mohammed Wangusi called on Muslim parents to support and participate in education matters of their children for good academic results to be attained.Wangusi pointed out that in order for the challenges being faced by Muslim students in secondary schools to be addressed there is need to work closely and participate in all education matters by

Muslim parents.Among those in attendance were-SUPKEM regional chairman-Sheikh Abdi Swaleh, Ibrahim Wambwere, Issa Yunus, and Hus-sein Somo among others.The theme of the workshop was ''Youth and Good moral' 'and it was sponsored by WAMY and coordinated by the local CBO Islamic Youth of Bungoma.

Muslim youth urged to shun extremism

The Friday Bulletin

Da'wa

The story of Prophet Jesus and his miraculous birth is mentioned many times in the Quran. Christian artists down through the cen-turies have shown Jesus surrounded by fluffy clouds or angels. Around his head a golden halo of light shines, while little children and lambs are always at his feet. On the cross, this artistic Jesus is shown suffering terrible agonies on behalf of others, asking always that his enemies be forgiven. The "gentle Jesus, meek and mild" of the Christian hymn books, the blue-eyed Jesus with curly flowing hair, is the Jesus that sits in the popular imagination.Maybe it is because Islam has always discouraged depictions of hu-man beings in art that Christianity has managed to win the publicity prize for its portrayal of Jesus (peace be upon him).In addition to art, the Christian Church chose four of the many Gos-pels that were written to describe the life of Jesus. Saint Luke's is perhaps the most beautiful, being a Gospel of prayer, of the poor, and of women. The way in which Luke crafts his words makes Jesus so appealing.Islam, on the other hand, has no artists to elevate Muhammad (peace be upon him) to the rank of a deity. It has no Gospel writers and no Paul to use their words to make Muhammad anything more than human. The Quran was revealed to a man who could neither read nor write. He simply recounted what was said as it was told to him.The Jesus which God tells about in the Quran is quite different from the Gospel Jesus, although there are some similarities. Especially at Christmas time, when the depictions of Prophet Jesus are at their most florid, we need to remind people who Jesus really was. In the Quran we read what means, “He [Jesus] said: "I am indeed a serv-ant of God. He has given me revelation and made me a prophet; He has made me blessed wheresoever I be; and He has enjoined on me prayer and charity as long as I live. He has made me kind to my mother, and not overbearing or miserable. So peace is on me the day I was born, the day that I die, and the day that I shall be raised up to life (again)!" Such was Jesus the son of Mary. It is a statement of truth, about which they (vainly) dispute. It is not befitting to (the majesty of) God that He should beget a son. Glory be to Him! When He determines a matter, He only says to it, "Be," and it is” ( Maryam 19:30-35).In other words, according to Islam, Jesus was a prophet of God. He belonged to a long line of prophets, calling people throughout history to the worship of One God. These include such names as Abraham, Moses, David, and Solomon (peace be upon them all) and, like them, he is revered and honored by all Muslims. Whenever they mention the name of Jesus, Muslims will always say, "Peace be upon him."Like the accounts in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, the Quran shows that Jesus' birth was miraculous: “Behold! the angels said, "Oh Mary! God gives you glad tidings of a Word from Him. His name will be Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, held in honor in this world and the Hereafter, and in (the company of) those nearest to God. He shall speak to the people in childhood and in maturity. He shall be (in the company) of the righteous... And God will teach him the Book and Wisdom, the Law and the Gospel." (Aal `Imran 3:45-48)Not only did Jesus have a miraculous birth, but the Quran also tells us that he was born of a virgin mother and that he spoke in the cra-dle, that he performed miracles, and that he did not die on the cross, nor was he raised back to life after three days .God sent messengers down through the ages to bring men and women back to Him.It is part of our human nature, isn't it, that we constantly forget, and need to be called back to the straight path?Different messengers were sent with different gifts, as they needed to speak to their own people in a way that would attract them and help them to understand. It was the special gift of Prophet Jesus that he could perform miracles: “I have come to you with a sign from

By Idris Tawfiq

Jesus in the Quran

Safar 24, 1435/December 27, 2013

your Lord: I make for you out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, and breathe into it and it becomes a bird by God's leave. And I heal the blind, and the lepers, and I raise the dead by God's leave.]”(Aal `Imran 3:49)Being able to perform miracles, though, didn't make him equal to God. Everything he did was by God's leave, to teach the people of Israel about God Himself. Even these miracles, though, were not enough to convince them.It is the belief of Islam regarding Jesus that we should never confuse the message with the messenger. His message was to speak about God and to show the power of God in this world and the next, but the message didn't make him equal to God. His miracles were his way of conveying the message.In fact, the Quran is quite clear about this: “Christ, the son of Mary, was no more than a messenger; many were the messen-gers that passed away before him. His mother was a woman of truth. They had both to eat their (daily) food. See how God makes His signs clear to them; yet see in what ways they are deluded away from the truth!]”(Al-Ma'idah 5:75)Jesus and his mother both had to eat food. They were human beings, like you and I. Jesus was given the loftiest of tasks in being called to speak God's message to the world, but he re-mained just that: a man who ate food.Out of an exaggerated love for Jesus, many of his earliest fol-lowers, encouraged by the writings of Saint Paul, began to see Prophet Jesus as something more than human, a god.They confused the beautiful message he brought with the One who sent it. They saw his gift of being able to calm the winds and the seas, or his gift of curing the sick, as indicating that he was more than just a man.The Quran is quite clear about that, Jesus was a great prophet, but he was no more than that. He did not die on the cross, nor was he raised to life after three days, but he was a man. One of the greatest men, yes. A man with very special gifts, yes. A man whom they revere as a great prophet, yes, but not a god. There is no God but Allah.In summary of all this, the Quran tells us what God will say to Jesus n the Last Day, when He Almighty calls all people to Him-self: “And behold! God will say [on the Day of Judgment]: "Oh Jesus, the son of Mary! Did you say unto men, worship me and my mother as gods in derogation of God?" He will say: "Glory to Thee! Never could I say what I had no right (to say). Had I said such a thing, You would indeed have known it. You know what is in my heart, though I know not what is in Yours. For You know in full all that is hidden. Never did I say to them anything except what You commanded me to say: 'Worship God, my Lord and your Lord.' And I was a witness over them while I lived among them. When You took me up, You were the Watcher over them, and You are a witness to all things."(Al-Ma’idah 5:116-11)

Idris Tawfiq is a British writer who became Muslim a few years ago. Previously, he was head of religious education in different schools in the United Kingdom. Before embracing Islam, he was a Roman Catholic priest. He now lives in Egypt.

Safar 24, 1435/December 27 2013

SYMPOSIUMWahda tu ikhwa (Unity in Broherhood) invites all Broth-

ers and Sisters in Imaan to an Islamic Symposium. Date: 28th -29th December 2013

Venue:Makina Mosque library Kibera .

SUNDAY LECTURE

The Friday Bulletin

Muslims believe that Lady Mary was one of the greatest women that God created. Mary, the mother of Jesus, holds a very special position in Islam, and in the Quran, God proclaims her to be the best woman amongst all humanity, whom He chose above all other women due to her piety and devotion. “And (mention) when the angels said, 'O Mary! Indeed God has chosen you, and purified you, and has chosen you above all other women of the worlds. O Mary! Be devoutly obedient to your Lord and prostrate and bow with those bow (in prayer).”(Aal `Imran 3:42-43)She was also made by God an example to follow, as He said: “And (God sets forth the example for those who believe) of Mary, the daughter of Imran, who guarded her chastity, so We blew into it through Our Angel (Gabriel), and she believed in the words of her Lord and His scriptures and was of the devoutly obedient.] (At-Tah-rim 66:12)Indeed she was a woman who was fit to bring such a miracle as that of Jesus, who was born without a father. She was known for her piety and chastity, and if it were any different, then none would have believed her claim to have given birth while remaining in a state of virginity, a belief and fact to which Islam holds true.Her special nature was one which many miracles proved of from her early childhood. Let us recount what God revealed with regard to the beautiful story of Mary.The Childhood of Mary“Indeed God chose Adam, Noah, the family of Abraham and the family of Imran above all others of the creation. Offspring, one of the other, and God is the All-Hearer, All-Knower. (Remember) when the wife of Imran said: 'O my Lord! I have vowed to You what (the child that) is in my womb to be dedicated for Your services (to serve Your place of worship), so accept this, from me. Verily, You are the All-Hearer, the All-Knowing.” (Aal `Imran 3:35)Mary was born to Imran and his wife, thus coming from a family of prophets, from Abraham, to Noah, to Adam (peace be upon them all).As mentioned in the verse, she was born to the chosen family of Imran, who was born into the chosen family of Abraham, who was also born into a chosen family. His wife was a barren woman who longed for a child, and she made a vow to God that, if He granted her a child, she would consecrate him to His service in the Temple.God answered her invocation, and she conceived a child. When she gave birth, she was saddened, for her child was female, and it was usually males who were given in service to the Temple. “So when she gave birth to her, she said, 'My Lord! I have delivered a female, and the male is not like the female.” (Aal `Imran 3:36)When she expressed her sorrow, God rebuked her saying: “…and God knows best what she delivered…” (Aal `Imran 3:36)For God chose her daughter, Mary, to be the mother of one of the greatest miracles of creation: the virgin birth of Jesus (peace be upon him). Imran's wife named her child Mary (Maryam in Arabic) and invoked God to protect her and her child from Satan: “…And I have named her Mary (Maryam), and commend her and her off-spring to your protection from Satan, the outcast.” (Aal `Imran 3:36)God indeed accepted this supplication of hers, and He gave Mary and her soon to come child, Jesus, a special trait given to none before or after: neither of them was afflicted by the touch of Satan upon birth. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), said: “None are born except that Satan touches them upon their birth, due to which it comes out screaming from his touch, except Mary and her son (Jesus).” (Ahmad)Here, we can immediately see a similarity between this narration and the Christian theory of the "immaculate conception" of Mary and Jesus, although there is a great difference between the two.Islam does not propagate the theory of "original sin", and therefore does not condone this interpretation of how they were free from the

touch of Satan, but rather, that this was a grace given by God to Mary and her son Jesus.As other prophets, Jesus was protected from committing grave sins. As for Mary, even if we take the position that she was not a prophetess, she nevertheless received the protection and guidance of God which He grants the pious believers. “So her Lord accepted her with gracious acceptance, and reared her in purity and beauty, and entrusted her to the care of Zachariah.” (Aal `Imran 3:37)Upon the birth of Mary, her mother took her to the Temple and of-fered her to those in the Temple to grow under their tutelage. Know-ing the nobility and piety of their family, they quarreled as to who would have the honor to rear her.They agreed to cast lots, and it was none other than Prophet Zacha-riah who was chosen. It was under his care and tutelage which she was reared.Miracles and Visitation by AngelsAs Mary grew older, even Prophet Zachariah noticed the special features of Mary, due to the various miracles which occurred in her presence. Mary, as she was growing up, was given a secluded room within the mosque where she could devote herself to the wor-ship of God. Whenever Zachariah would enter the chamber to see to her needs, he would find abundant, and out of season, fruit in her presence. “WheneverZachariah entered the chamber, he found her provided with sustenance. He said, "O Mary! from where did you get this?" She replied, "It is from God." Surely God bestows sustenance upon whom He pleases without measure.” (Aal `Imran 3:37)She was visited by angels on more than one occasion. God tells us that the angels visited her and informed her of her praised status amongst humanity: “When the angels said, 'O Mary! God has cho-sen you and purified you (due to your worship and devotion), and chosen you (by making you the mother of the prophet Jesus) above the women of the worlds. O Mary! Pray to your Lord devoutly, and prostrate yourself, and bow down with those who bow down.]” (Aal `Imran 3:42-43)Due to these visitations of the angels and her being chosen above other women, some Muslim scholars have held that Mary was a prophetess.Even if she was not, which is a matter of debate, Islam still deems her having the highest status amongst all women of creation due to her piety and devotion, and due to her being chosen for the miracu-lous birth of Jesus.

Mary in Islam By M. Abdulsalam

Safar 24, 1435/December 27, 2013

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The Friday Bulletin

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YOUTH

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God has allowed us ‘to argue’ with people who challenge us, or desire to engage us in da’wah; however, it has to be done in the most respectful way. “Now, don’t become too religious. I can feel you slipping away.”Youth is a time of experimentation and carefree indulgence in fri-volities for most.People in their teens and twenties tend to like ‘partying’ and dat-ing, often going out to paint the town red in order to enjoy them-selves with friends as soon as they are free from official studies and exams.Many among the youth thus tend to feel pity and disdain for the shy, hijab-wearing or beard-sporting young singleton who refrains from freely mingling with the opposite gender, and spends all their free time attending halaqah’s and Islamic classes at the masjid instead. Such a person usually avoids all kinds of raves, parties, or ‘clubbing’, and recoils at thought of trying out something like smoking, drugs or alcohol even ‘just for fun’.Such a religious person is usually considered very un-cool, back-ward and “still a FOB” by their more secular-minded peers. So these party-goers and daters feel sorry for this young religious zealot, and give up trying to find the answer to the crucial question that pops up in their heads:“Why would someone in their right mind give up having fun during their youth in order to become religious?”That is, until a blow in their own life serving as a wakeup call makes them start to feel the irresistible pull of the guidance of the Creator inside their hearts.Family Reactions to Reversions Towards IslamMany slaves of Allah feel the pull of the Creator throughout their

lives, but deliberately resist from giving in to it and submitting their heart, body and soul to the commands of Islam, mainly because of their fear of the adverse reaction that will surely come from their families, who could also be completely non-Muslim, as well as friends and colleagues.It is true - be it the young born-Muslim who was raised by third-world immigrant Muslim parents who becomes more religious and starts to follow the orthodox teachings of Islam, or the non-Muslim child of non-Muslim parents, who reverts to Islam after indepen-dently studying it-, the fact is that, for most of them, family reaction to their new-found religious faith and practice is hardly pleasant or positive.From then onwards, their life becomes really difficult as far as their relationships are considered: primarily family, distant rela-tives, friends, and work colleagues.Reactions: Taunts, Snaps and Disdain, to Outright Threats“Please keep your Quran verses to yourself! Why is it that reli-gious people like you forget their own past so quickly?”The way a new Muslim’s family members react to their reversion to Islam is diverse in nature, but it is rarely ever a completely posi-tive and cordial experience.For some, a parent might be their primary antagonist, causing fric-tion and fights during daily interactions at home:“Is this why we brought you here, to raise you in this country? So that we watch you destroy your career and future by becoming a Maulvi?”For another, a sibling, aunt or cousin could be the biggest oppo-

You're Too Religious!

Safar 24, 1435/December 27, 2013 Safar 24, 1435/December 27, 2013

By Sadaf Farooqi

The Friday Bulletin

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nent of their new religious zealousness, souring every extended-family celebration, or Eid get-together:“What’s this you’ve got wrapped around your head all the time, even at home? My son is like your brother. You don’t need to cover yourself from him!”“At least take that thing off while posing for the family photograph!”“What’s this? So you’ve now stopped eating this too?”For yet another, it could be a spouse who threatens them with di-vorce or abandonment, threatening to take the kids away to ‘save’ them from the effect of their other parent’s newly found religiosity.“If I ever hear another hadith from your mouth, you’re leaving this house! My son will not be influenced by a crazy mother!”The young person who hears such taunts and insults on a regular basis can find it extremely difficult to remain calm and patient in response.Satan comes to him at such low moments of dejection and de-spondence, enticing him to either stop practicing the Deen at a superlative level in order to win back his antagonists’ approval and pleasure, or to “fight back” by retaliating with similar verbal attacks that will undermine their family members’ honor.What are they to do when they are relentlessly faced with such a situation?Take Guidance from the Quran God has described in the Quran how we should respond to an-tagonistic attacks from people who disapprove of our practice of Deen. (16:125)In short, God has allowed us ‘to argue’ with people who challenge us, or desire to engage us in da’wah; however, it has to be done in the most respectful way possible, especially with a parent.God has not ordained for a believer to be apologetic, cowardly, nervous and wimpy in the face of religious persecution, like a fool

Safar 24, 1435/December 27,2013

who mutely allows people to play around with his honor in any way they want.God instead wants a believer to maintain his dignity, and to re-spond to people who put him or her on the spot regarding their practice of Deen, with a firm and calm demeanor; using wisdom, tact, politeness and a fair-seeming way of preaching the Truth.The only exception is when this (either verbal or written) conversa-tion or ‘argument’ starts turning so ugly that, despite the believer maintaining a respectful tone, his or her opponents start resorting to insulting and deriding God, His Messenger, Prophet Muham-mad (peace be upon him), the Quran, or the commands of Islam in front of him; at which point, he or she is commanded to leave the discussion (whether it is in-person or online) until it stops.Prophet Ibrahim and His FatherBesides providing general guidelines regarding how to engage in da’wah with antagonistic people, including family members, the Quran also details events in the lives of the Prophets, in which the latter were persecuted by their biological relatives to a much greater extent than most of us are today.The most poignant example is that of Prophet Ibrahim, who was severely chastised by his polytheist father when he denounced the shirk that his father used to practice by worshipping multiple gods.But the story doesn’t stop there. When the young Ibrahim contin-ued to stick to monotheism and denounced his father’s beliefs, he was threatened with stoning to death, and ordered to leave. (19:46)Despite this death threat, Prophet Ibrahim responded with a greet-ing of peace to his father, and a promise of making du’a to God for his forgiveness: {[Ibrahim] replied: “Peace be upon you! I shall ask my Sustainer to forgive you: for, behold, He has always been kind unto me.} (19:47)Even when he was preaching to, and trying to dissuade his father from shirk, Prophet Ibrahim used endearing terms to address him, such as “Ya Abati” (O my father), in addition to quoting logical proofs that would appeal to his father’s common sense.From the verses of the Quran found in 19:41-19:50, the sincerity of Prophet Ibrahim for his father’s guidance becomes so apparent in the way he appeals to him, entreats him, and uses a pleading tone with him to try and convince him to leave misguidance and come towards the Haqq (Truth).Later on, when Prophet Ibrahim broke the idols that the people in his town worshipped, and became a target of vigilante justice by the offended and enraged people when they found out that he was the one who did it, his father Azar was actually among those who collected the wood for lighting the fire that was intended to burn his own son to death!Can we even imagine that happening to us?Imagine for a minute that your biological father is threatening to stone you or evict you from the home because you refuse to wor-ship any god besides God.Then imagine him helping your townspeople burn you alive in a huge pit of fire!The fact is: we cannot imagine our blood relatives, no matter how anti-religion they might be, doing this to us. Ever!By connecting daily to the Quran via recitation, and pondering upon its verses, any young person who is facing problems with his or her family members because of becoming ‘too religious’, can be guided to exhibit more patience and forbearance, insha’Allah, in the face of their antagonism.This is because they will deeply realize how their problems with familial opposition are nothing in magnitude compared to what God’s Prophets faced in the path of Deen, whilst giving da’wah to their close kin related to them by blood.

You're Too Religious!

KENYA MUSLIM ACADEMYVACANCIES

A boy’s 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 classesThe school prides itself in producing citizens who are morally upright and mentally ready to contribute to the country’s hu-man 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 +254721744864The school over the years has shown marked improvement under the new management.

YOUTH

To be Continued next week

The Friday Bulletin

7

Islamic Finance in Kenya is set to expand with the launch of the first Sharia compliant Sacco by Crescent Takaful Sacco Society limited (CTS) in a historic recent event. The Sacco was launched during a media breakfast held by Crescent Takaful attended by the CEO of Sacco Society Regulatory Authority (SASRA), Carilus Ademba.Speaking at the event Mr Ademba encouraged Crescent Takaful Sacco to make strides in socio-economic empowerment on glob-al, regional and local scale. “Beauty in this increase in numbers of registered Sacco’s, is the financial revolution they have helped usher in. A financial revolution that has contributed in helping to curb an age old economical development crisis”. He said According to the Sacco's chairman Hassan Bashir, Crescent Takaful Sacco has been modeled as the favourite and preferred conduit through which both locals and the diaspora can undertake local investments in a secure, reliable and stress free manner.Bashir further said the Sacco will also provide it clients with in-vestment advisory and management services.Some of the products that the new Sacco will offer include per-sonal and business accounts, development finance funding for property developers, asset finance and a diaspora account to help Kenyans in the diaspora save among other products.

Crescent Takaful launches first Islamic Sacco

NATIONAL

Have respect for religious leaders Muslim youth told

Muslim youth have been urged not to succumb to foreign influ-ences and ideologies and forsake the obligation of respecting and honoring their spiritual leaders for spiritual growth and develop-ment in the Muslim community.Speaking at Kakamega Jamia Mosque and Islamic Centre, in his Friday sermon to the worshippers, the Imam Sheikh Ibrahim Sadalla expressed concern that some Muslim youth due to west-ern influences and ideologies were neglecting their obligations towards their spiritual leaders and parents as stipulated in the Quran and the Sunnah.Sheikh Sadalla warned that disobeying spiritual leaders and par-ents was among the grave sins and told Muslim youth to ensure that their spiritual leaders and parents were accorded the respects and care as they played a vital role in nurturing them spiritually and when they were young.The sheikh noted that it was regrettable that some Muslim youth had abdicated their role to respect and honour their spiritual lead-ers and look after their parents, instead engaged in name calling and physically beat them.''And your lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And that you be dutiful to your parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect such as ''uff'' an expression of disapproval nor shout at them but address them in an honourable way'' Sadalla said while quoting Noble Quran. ''And your lord has decreed that you respect and honour those in authority among you and if you differ in anything refer to the Quran and hadith.''Sheikh Sadalla however reiterated that in the event that they were commanding disobedience to Allah, then the right of obedience is waived but insisted that they must be addressed in exemplary and honorable manner.He further pointed out that those who abandon their parents and disrespect their spiritual leaders risk having the same treatment applied to them by their sons and daughters in their prime old age when more support and care is needed.Sadalla urged Muslims to uphold the tenet of Islam and keep away from un-Islamic influences and traditions which would only endanger their Islamic faith.

Safar 24, 1435/December 27,2013 Safar 24, 1435/December 27, 2013

7

Sharia compliant financing prohibits making huge profits by charg-ing high interest on loans, it also prevents borrowers from the Islamic finance institutions from spending on goods and services considered wrong under Islamic teachings.Besides First Community Bank and Gulf African Bank, other Sha-ria compliant financial institutions in Kenya include the Takaful Insurance Company.Prior to the establishment of these firms, the Sharia compliant financial services were being offered through some Islamic bank-ing departments set up by conventional banks like Barclays, Na-tional and Kenya Commercial banks among others.The Sacco was officially unveiled on 17TH December at the Nai-robi Serena hotel.

Abu Hureirah a leading Islamic Madrassa in Mombasa County has celebrated its 25th Anniversary, marking a quarter century success in the teaching of Qura'n and Islamic education.The Madrassa deemed among the leading Qur'an and Islamic institutions in East Africa, marked 25 years of success during an event held last Sunday 22nd December,2013.The ceremony which was well attended attracted various Mus-lim scholars among them Sheikh Harith Swaleh and Sheikh Abu Hamza, who paid tributes and honored the late Sheikh Sharrif Mohammad Famau who passed away early this year a scholar who has been engaged in the teaching the Qur'an and da'wa ac-tivities.Most of the scholars mentioned him as a great scholar with a lot of wisdoms adding that he had left a big gap that would be hard to fill.Sheikh Abu Hamza thanked the Muslim community, the Madrassa administration, teachers and parents for their unity, cooperation and commitments that has led to the success of the institution and urged them to maintain the same for prosperity.He further advised Muslim students to develop self discipline and hard work in order to excel in academic performance and encour-aged them to aim higher in their achievements instead of being satisfied with secondary level education.

Abu Hureirah School marks 25 years anniversary

The Muslim community has being urged to spare time and visit the sick as it is an act of worship. Islam urges the visiting of the sick not only those related to us but every human being, this is according to Sheikh Juma Amir , Jamia Mosque deputy Imam.“One of the compulsory acts of worship of a Muslim is to pray for the sick. When one visits the sick and sees the condition they are in they tend to appreciate the blessings that Allah has bestowed upon them.” H e said.The Imam reminded Muslims of how the Prophet peace be upon him dedicated his time in visiting the ailing in the society. He urged Muslims to emulate the Prophet as their role model in relation to paying the sick a visit.“Islam urges people to feed others, praying for them and helping them solve their problems”. He emphasized. The Sheikh advised Muslim not to ignore the vulnerable in the community and acknowledge that during sickness people are in difficult times. He said that this holiday period was the best time to do so rather than going to spend lots of money on unproduc-tive activities.“Praying for the sick was one of the biggest component of the Prophet’s prayer.” He concluded.

Muslims urged to visit the sick

One Shilling Foundation

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

One Shilling Foundation is our central fund for Muslims.The aim of One Shilling Foundation Fund collection is to improve the status of the people.We now have the golden opportunity of pulling our resources together in large quantities by making regular contribu-tions to One Shilling Foundation.This will help pull our community from falling into more disasters than it already is.

Contact us: One Shilling FoundationP.O.Box 58717-00200, Nairobi, Village Plaza, Ngara RdTel 0717-613 333, Email: info@oneshillingfoundation.org

Web: www.oneshillingfoundation.org

NAIROBI MUSLIM ACADEMY IS WELL ESTABLISHED LEARNING CENTRE OFFERING THE 8-4-4 CIRRICULUM INTEGRATED WITH ISLAMIC STUDIES SINCE 1995.WE COMPRISE OF:NURSERYKG1 (2 yrs) KG2 (3YRS) KG3 (4 YRS) PRE UNIT (5-6 YRS)PRIMARY STD 1 – STD 8 (6 YRS – 14 YRS)SECONDARY (GIRLS ONLY BOARDING SCHOOL) FORM 1 – FORM 4Why choose Nairobi Muslim Academy● Qualified and well Trained Teachers● Islamic Studies incorporated in day to day learning● ICT integration in classroom teaching ● Variety of co-curricular activities; Football, karate, swimming, gym-nastics, scout, wildlife and many more● Hot Lunch● Transport (Various Destinations)● Computer studies● Secured Islamic environment● Well maintained playing ground within school compound● Modern, well equipped boarding dormitories for the girls secondary section● Purified Drinking water

Primary and Nursery Interview on goingSecondary interview: Form 2 & 3 on going

FOR INQUIRIESCALL: PRIMARY & NURSERY – 0721 427 488

SECONDARY – 0720 796 518 EMAIL: nairobimuslimacademy@yahoo.com

NAIROBI MUSLIM ACADEMY

MUSLIM ACADEMYPARK ROAD

NURSERY ●Play Group●KG Classes

PRIMARY ●Standard 1-8

SECONDARY (Boys and Girls) ●Form 1-4 (8-4-4 and IGCSE)

ISLAMIC INTEGRATED EDUCATION PROGRAMME8-4-4 AND IGCSE CURRICULUM

●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

For Admission enquiries contact the Admission OfficeMUSLIM ACADEMY PARK ROADP. O. Box 41013-00100 NairobiTelephone: +245 20 2406212

Email:muslimacademykenya@gmail.com

■ 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

VACANCYAn Islamic Institution based in Nairobi in the process of establishing and running a TV station seeks to recruit qualified candidate for the following position…

HRZ/001/13: TECHNICAL MANAGER/PRODUCTION MAN-AGER

The Technical Manager will be in charge of the non-editorial broadcasting functions. In charge of the hardware/ technical direction for broadcast-ing set up, advise on hardware and software solutions to enable transmission and ensuring the signal goes on air and all safety precautions are taken by staff handling company equip-ment and ICT.

Job description• Identifying, assessing the needs and recommending appro-priate equipment for broadcasting • Rigging and set up of broadcast infrastructure for diverse needs• Maintenance of the station’s transmission equipment• Overseeing the functioning of live or recorded program links • Responding to equipment failure and fixing problems • Planning the technical aspects of a production, ensuring equipment is ready and technical checks are completed before production begins• Assisting with camera settings, lens choices, etc.• Training staff on equipment use, safety and new technolo-gies• Assisting with equipment changes and modification.

Qualifications• At least a Bachelor’s degree or advanced professional train-ing in telecommunications technology, electronics or audio visual production• At least three years working experience in a similar position • Experience with servers and transmission systems and new media technology• Experience in media projects start-ups• Good leadership skills and ability to work under intense pressure and deadlinesSend your detailed CV and copies of testimonials quoting the job title and reference to:P.O Box 100786 – 00101, Nairobi or email to info@islamkenya.org to be received latest by 28th December2013.