Masjid SMB & Runda Islamic Centre

Our Lord! Accept (this service) from us. Verily, You are the All-Hearer, the All-Knower (2:127)

Dr Rehana Raja bint Sheikh Muhammed Bashir

A Project of

Az Zahra FoundationStriving to serve Mankind.......

Masjid Sheikh Muhammed Bashir&

Runda Islamic Centre

Masjid Sheikh M

uhamm

ed Bashir & R

unda Islamic C

entreAz Zahra FoundationStriving to serve M

ankind.......

With as much Glory, Thanks & Praise to Allah (swt) as the number of His creation, all His pleasure, & as much as the weight of His throne & the ink of His words (Muslim)

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficient, The Most MercifulWith Blessings and Peace be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad

We, the children of Sheikh Muhammed Bashir & Sheikh Abdul Rashid beg you,Our Rabb, to accept this effort on our part.

We pray that this centre will become a focus for Noor, Guidance & Learning for all and mayWe have the courage to implement the Quran And Sunnah in all aspects of our lives. And we beseech you to protect us from the scourge of creed, colour, race and tribe.

May we all live in PEACE without the fitna of material gain in this world.Protect all children, empower the youth and impart wisdom to the elders.

Bless us with good and erudite leaders who love and fear You alone.Give us the strength to excel in this world and the Hereafter.

Forgive us, our parents and all muslims.AMEEN

Sadia & Ashraf Sheikh, USAJaved & Farida Sheikh, UKParvez & Anjum Sheikh, PakistanZahida & Aslam Rabbani, UKRehana & Asad Raja, KenyaTarik & Naureen Sheikh, UK

Risvana & Kamran Syed, UKArif & Sameera Sheikh, South AfricaRukhsana & Idrees Sheikh, UAEHaroon & Saba Sheikh, UKFarouq & Seema Sheikh, UKNaureen & Tarik Sheikh, UK



A Project ofAz Zahra FoundationStriving to serve Mankind.......




Published by:

Az Zahra FoundationP.O.Box 76994, Nairobi, 00620, Kenya

Email: [email protected]

Printed & Designed by:

Lino Typesetters (Kenya) LtdP.O. Box 44876, Nairobi 00100, Kenya

Email: [email protected]

Photographs by:

Dr Asad RajaZahra Raja

Kamran RabbaniMunib Chaudry

Az Zahra FoundationAll rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form

whatsoever by any means without the written permission of the Publisher.


Preamble

There was a lot of excitement in the northeastern palatial suburbs ofNairobi on Friday 27th June 2014, two days prior to the commencement

of the holy month of Ramadhan. Allah swt had, in all His Mercy, Love andGuidance blessed the area with a brand new Masjid.

The miraculous completion of the Masjid within eighteen months raised many hands and hearts in sheer humility and utmost

gratitude. It was a dream come true for the areas of Runda, Nyari,Muthaiga, Gigiri and the diplomatic enclave, Rossilyn, Githogoro,

Muringa, Ridgeways, Ruaka, Tigoni, Banana and Kiambu amongstmany others.

Masjid Sheikh Muhammed Bashir and Runda Islamic Centre arestrategically located on the Northern bypass next to the Potterhouse

School in Runda. It is a project of Az Zahra Foundation, a familyTrust registered in Nairobi. The trust is a fusion of holistic livingencompassing education, training of trainers, sports, research,

monitoring & evaluation, skills acquisition, health & wellbeing and social outreach to live up to its motto of striving to serve mankind

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In the name of Allah - Ever Gracious Ever Merciful


Access to the mosque is1. Via Kiambu Road and turn left at the Northern bypass2. Via Limuru Rd and turn right at the Northern bypass3. Via Gigiri, Evergreen Runda and Kiambu Road4. Via Mimosa in Runda, under the Northern bypass, turn leftthereafter onto the northern bypass (near the oak tree) andthen turn right5. Via Ruaka Road, Runda through the murrum road viaGithogoro to the northern bypass

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Dedication plaque for Esal-e-Thawab forMr & Mrs Sheikh Mohammed Bashirand Mr & Mrs Sheikh Abdul Rashid

Plaque at the main entrance of the Masjid

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The Importance of Masaajid

The Masjid - a place of prostration, is the heartbeat of the Muslim society. The Prophet saw taught us that the Masaajid are Allahs houses and that they have etiquettes and rules that need to be followed. The first mosque built in Medina was the best example for an inclusive pluralistic society. The Medina Charter, the first written constitution endorsed this further. Not only does the masjid itself have great honour, but Allah swt has honoured certain people because of their relationship with the masaajid.1 On the Day when there is no shade, Allah swt will give shade to

a group of special people and amongst these is a person whose heart is attached to the masjid. (Agreed Upon)

2 For those who attend the masjid for learning purposes, the Prophet saw said, Any group of people that assembles in one of the Houses of Allah to study the Quran, tranquility will descend upon them, mercy will engulf them, angels will surround them and Allah will make mention of them to those (the angels) in His proximity. (Muslim)

3 For those who attend the masjid continually for prayer, the Messenger saw said, If anyone goes back and forth to the mosque (to attend the prayers), Allah will prepare for him a feast in paradise as often as he goes back and forth. (Bukhari & Muslim).

4 The Prophet saw said, Whoever builds for Allah a masjid, seeking by it Allahs grace, Allah will build for him a house in paradise. (Bukhari and Muslim)

In the Quran and Sunnah, we learn how we should behave and act in our masaajid and hence we will instill within ourselves the love and respect they deserve.

Etiquettes of the Masjid

1. Honor and revere it. Allah swt says, And whoever honors the symbols of Allah indeed, it is from the piety of hearts. (22:32)

2. The one who goes to the masjid is the guest of Allah. (Tabarani) 3. Dressing in nice clean clothes. Allah swt says, O Children of

Adam! Wear your beautiful apparel at every time and place of prayer. (7:31)

4. The Prophet saw said, When one of you comes to the mosque, he should pray two rakat before he sits. (Agreed Upon)

5. Lowering voices and refraining from disturbing those who are praying. The Prophet saw said Verily, each one of you is in a private conversation with his Lord so you should not disturb each other. And you are not to raise your voices against each other in the recitation. (Abu Dawud). Needless to say one should not shout and fight in the masjid.

6. Maintaining the masaajid by keeping them clean, aired and incensed. In Bukhari we are told that a woman who used to clean the Masjid of the Prophet died. Next day, the Prophet saw asked about her and the Companions told him that she had passed away. He went to her grave and prayed the funeral prayer for her. This hadith shows us how much the Prophet saw loved this woman for cleaning the masjid.

7. Bukhari and Muslim report that the Prophet saw said: Whoever eats garlic or onion, should keep away from Masaajid because the angels get offended.

8. The Muslim should say a supplication, which the prophet used to say while on his way to the Masjid. O Allah, make in my heart light, in my vision light, on my right light, behind me light, in my nerves light, in my flesh light, in my blood light, in my hair light, and make light in my grave.

9. The Muslim should enter the Masjid with his right foot first, and then say the dua and leave with the left foot and say the dua.

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MY DREAM MOSQUE AND MADRASAHA project of Cheleta Primary School, Runda

In 2007 Az Zahra Foundation introduced IRE (Islamic Religious Education) teachers to Cheleta Primary School, under the leadership of the Headmaster Mr. Stanley Mukururo. It is an ongoing programme whereby about 65 muslim children receive Islamic education as per the syllabus set by the Ministry of Education.

It is well known that childrens drawings provide a window into their thoughts and feelings and have been studied since 1880 for cognitive, developmental, social and emotional research. Crooke (1985) wrote it is widely recognized that the content of childrens drawings may provide insight into their feelings and thoughts about the world. Hence a project entitled MY DREAM MOSQUE & MADRASAH was carried out in the school whereby a snap shot needs assessment was done before the centre was built. Mrs Ayesha Ramadhan, a senior IRE teacher at the school gave the muslim children a task of drawing MY DREAM MOSQUE & MADRASAH. The freehand drawings of children from class 1 to 6 provided a richly creative and colourful image based data of childrens imagination, thoughts, feelings and needs.

Some of these amazing unedited drawings are reproduced below. This raw data has been instrumental in making the mosque user friendly and providing a holistic, safe environment for the children to imbibe and indulge in.

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Mr. Stanley Mukururo (Headmaster) and Mrs. Ayesha Ramadhan (IRE Teacher) with muslim students of Cheleta Primary School. Runda.

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How it all started It was in the 1890s that Sheikh Nurdin, a seasoned entrepreneur was given a letter of recommendation by the DC of Jhelum, British India requesting the officials in the British Colony of Kenya to offer him every assistance for facilitating his relocation to Kenya as documented in Settling in a Strange Land - stories of Punjabi Muslim Pioneers in Kenya.

And it was in 2003 when his great granddaughter returned to Kenya with her family as employees of Aga Khan University. She, Dr Rehana Raja now a retired Asst Prof and Senior Consultant in Obstetrics & Gynecology and her husband Dr. Asad Jamil Raja Professor and Chair of Surgery Aga Khan University Hospital rented a house in Runda.

Thereafter their search for the nearest mosque started but to no avail. However as they could hear the Adhan - call to prayer, Prof Raja ventured out and discovered a mabati (temporary) mosque in the slums of Githogoro adjoining the estate of Runda. Hence the bond with the mosque started. They were told that the mosque would have to be relocated when the Northern bypass would be built.

The innovative Imam Sheikh Ahmed Najashi informed the couple about a 2 acre plot in the vicinity which was for sale. Mr Ameir Aslam introduced the couple to Mr Suleiman Harunani of Harunani & Associates, a well known firm of Land Surveyors. Mr Harunani visited the plot personally and helped in acquiring it.

It was the 20th of Ramadhan/24th October 2005 when the plot was bought by Az Zahra Foundation, a family trust registered in Kenya. This was a great Blessing from Allah swt for all the people of the area. No fund raising was conducted, no harambee groups were formed and no donors were approached. The land was purchased by the inheritance money gifted to Dr Rehana Raja from her fathers inheritance. The surrounding communities were informed and a boundary wall was thereafter built with two gates for easier access later on.

When the construction for Northern bypass started the mabati mosque was transferred to the new plot. After all the paper work the construction contract was signed on 12th November 2012 and the work started early 2013.

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Members of the local community at the ground breaking ceremony for the boundary wall.

Sheikh Fathud-din Thangal with the community members at the ceremony.

Suleiman Harunani with Asad Raja performing the groundbreaking ceremony

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Construction of the boundary wall showing the difficult terrain of black-cotton soil

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THE TEAM with heart rendering thanks

The Prophet Muhammad saw said He who does not thank people does not thank Allah (Abu Daud).

Allah swt works in mysterious ways and He blessed this project with the leadership of Mr Suleiman Harunani a real muttaqi, muslim, momin, mohsin and a true friend now. The architect who planned it all Shahjehan Baloch Khan and the architect who oversaw the project Mr. Abdul Hamid Barri. The contractors, Ancarta Constuction under the stern eye of Mr Suleiman Admani, Quantity Surveyor - Mr Mwangangi, Structural Engineer - Mr Khalid Alkazim, Earthworks - Mr Paramjeet, Electrician - Mr Inayat Qadri, Plumber - Mr Ramji and all others - Mr Ramesh, Mr Kimani, Quesra, Champa, Ismael, Francis, Kimani, Sammy, Adil the calligrapher, Asjad Omar, The Syrian brothers Tarik and Abdul Hamid, Wilson, Abdi, Mrs Talat Lone, Shruti Gudka, Ms Shabana Din, Mrs Jamila Ahmed, Mr. Ameir Aslam, Mrs Kulsoom Begum, Prof Sahr Fathi, Dr Tabasum Parae, Dr Marium, Ms Sherry Sheikh, Mr Adnan Raja, Mrs Nasim Akhtar, Ms Shahida Ahsan, Mrs Nadima Chaudry, Ms Shaheen Khan, Begum Iqbal Darr, Mrs Kulsoom Chaudhry, Mrs Ismat Begum, Dr. Bilal Chaudhry, Rukhsana Khanum, Atif Darr, Safiya Ansari, Tariq Harunani, Adil and Asma Fazil with their children Atif, Afreen and Marzin.

A special thank you to Zahra, Omair and Asad for their help and advice and apologies for the time spent away from them.

This thank you note would be incomplete without thanking the Chiefs office Madam Chief Njeri, Chairman Mr. Richard Wamalwa, Village elders, Gertrude Childrens Clinic, Makini Security Services and all the residents of Runda, Githogoro Muringa for all the inconvenience during the building phase.

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The construction sign board

Ramesh and Francis laying the calligraphy tiles The Ayat Noor adorns the Dome of the Masjid

The construction of the minaret under progress

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The front entrance to the Masjid The main prayer hall for men

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Entrance to the mens prayer hall21


The Ever LivingThe SustainerMosaic tiles adorning the inside wall

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Prayer hall for women

Multi purpose Hall

Library Room24


Laying of the Foundation Plaque by Mrs Sadia Sheikh andBrother Tarik Sheikh on 5th August, 2014

Laying of the Dedication Plaque by Brother Tarik Sheikhon 5th August, 2014

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Above classes, cafeteria and administration offices were built for Esal-e-Thawab for: Mr & Mrs Sheikh Abdul Rashid by COSARAF, Mr & Mrs Sheikh Abdul Rahman by Dr M.A. Sheikh and the Sheikhs of USA, Mr & Mrs Mohammed Akbar Raja by Prof. Asad Raja and Justice Abdul Rauf Samnakay by Prof. Saeed Samnakay.

The Ghusl Hall and Ablution area seen on the left were constructed for Esal-e-Thawab for Mrs Shamim Akhtar and Khalida Begum by Adil and Asma Fazil.

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Old Mabati Mosque in 2013

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Eid-ul-Adha 2013 Prayers and entertainment for residents

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The Donor Families behind the project

Sheikh Nurdin had two sons. Sheikh Gul Mohammed and Sheikh Fazal Illahi. The latter had two sons from his first wife - Sheikh Muhammed Bashir and Sheikh Abdul Rashid. The former has eight living children, Dr Rehana being one of them and the latter four. They are living in the USA, UK, South Africa, Dubai, Kenya and Pakistan. These two brothers married two sisters Begum Rashida Sheikh and Begum Fahmida Sheikh, daughters of Sheikh Mohammed Hussein who also migrated to Kenya in 1910.

In 1941 Sheikh Fazal Illahi had a grand gate built at the entrance of his residence in Pangani to celebrate the wedding of his eldest son Sheikh Mohammed Bashir. The gate was called Malango Kubwa in kiswahili and the area is known by the same name to date.

In 1952 Sheikh Fazal Illahi was amongst the four people who accompanied the coffin of Sayyid Maulana Abdullah Shah for burial in Madina.

Muzaffar Juma Khan in his book From the Land of Pashtuns to the Land of Maa says In later years, with the help of his two sons Sheikh Illahis business recorded tremendous growth and his enterprises extended beyond the borders of Kenya.

Since then their children and grandchildren are doing well in the corporate, health, law, real estate, business, education, theology, journalism, academia and other sectors amongst the Kenyan diaspora. Sheikh Fazal Illahi

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Sheikh Mohammed Hussein

Sheikh Mohamed Bashirs wedding card, 1941

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Sheikh Mohammed Bashir in the Library atRoyal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh

Sheikh Abdul Rashid departing for annualHajj pilgrimage mid 1950s

Sheikh Muhammed Bashir Sheikh Abdul Rashid

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Wedding of Sheikh Abdul Rashid in Nairobi, 1953

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Sheikh Mohammed Bashir (second from left).

Sheikh Abdul Rashid (first from left) with his friends on a hunting expedition

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Sheikh Mohammed Bashir (first from right)


Sheikh Mohammed Bashir with membersof the Indian Hunters Association, 1940s.

Family members with Mrs Sheikh Abdul Rashidat Wilson Airport

Mr & Mrs Sheikh Abdul RashidSheikh Mohammed Bashir with colleagues

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The family suffered a great tragedy when Mr Sheikh Abdul Rashid died in a plane crash in his private Piper Pacer aircraft near Kibwezi in 1965, enroute to his sisal estate Musungulani. However, COSARAF (Children of Sheikh Abdul Rashid and Fehmida) a Charitable organistion based in the UK shows how his children have forged ahead positively and are generously supporting projects in the UK, Pakistan and Kenya.

In 2007 Farouq Sheikh son of Sheikh Abdul Rashid received the Entrepreneur of the Year award and was again awarded Couttus Family Business prize in 2008. With his brother Haroon Sheikh they run the CareTech Holdings a national provider for specialist services to adults and children with learning or physical disabilities.

In December 2006 the whole family pledged to support the building of Masjid Sheikh Muhammed Bashir and Runda Islamic Centre for sadqa-jariya for their parents. Alhamdulillah there was no need to raise funds or ask for donations. Other family members also came on board and funded the outbuildings which are comprised of Madrassah classes, a cafeteria, clinic, ghusl hall and ablution block.

Sheikh family wedding circa 1950s

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Deen Bashir Sheikh great grandson of Sheikh MohammedBashir, as Chief of Police for a day in Teaneck, New Jersey

A sad day, 17th November, 1987, Sheikh Mohammed Bashirs resting place in Tooting, London, UK.

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The twins Sara and Adam - great great grand children of Sheikh Nurdin.


Farouq Sheikh and Haroon Sheikh sons of Sheikh AbdulRashid meeting Prince Charles, UK

Farouq Sheikh son of Sheikh Abdul Rashid meeting the father of the Nation, the Late Jomo Kenyatta at the Nairobi

Agricultural Show.

Great grandson of Sheikh Abdul Rashid, Akbar Sheikh was awarded a Gold medal by the Princes Trust.

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Kamran Rabbanis Update

Bismillahi Rahman ni Raheem

Assalaamu alaikum Everyone! I recently returned from Nairobi and wanted to share with you a brief update on the Runda Masjid Project. I hope this will be especially useful to those of you who havent been fortunate enough to visit (yet!). So much has been achieved so far thanks to Allahs blessings and guidance, the hard work and perseverance of Khala Reho, and the support and dedication of many family members, Alhamdulillah. Ive attached a few pictures to give you a flavour of what its like. Khala and I also recorded some video footage so that we could give you all a virtual guided tour - Ill send that round as soon as it is edited. What is the place like?The Project is located on a two-acre plot in Runda, a district in the northern suburbs of Nairobi. The mosque is absolutely beautiful. Having travelled around most of Nairobi, I can safely say there is no other mosque there like it. The architecture, design, finish and facilities are outstanding and truly live up to our faiths and our familys standards of excellence. What facilities are there?Facilities include: prayer areas for men and women; ablution and washing facilities, including shower and baby-changing area; administration office; multi-purpose hall; library; kitchen; and gated veranda.In time, there are plans to build burial washing facilities and madrassa classrooms in separate buildings. Who will the Project serve?The Project sits between a shanty town and a wealthy suburb. The contrast between rich and poor is stark, and presents a unique challenge and opportunity to serve a diverse Muslim community with very different needs.Whats been achieved so far? Alhamdulillah a lot has been achieved! I will let the photos (and soon, the video) speak for themselves.

What have been the key challenges?Others will be able to tell lots of stories about these and other challenges, but the key hurdles that I learnt about are:

The soil unlike the traditional Nairobi red soil, the black cotton soil on which the Project is located required extensive foundations to be dug. This presented both a construction and financial challenge the earthworks being more difficult and more costly!The stream a stream that bordered the left side of the plot partially overflowed into the plot in the rainy season. The team is still working on a cost-effective solution.Planning the local residents association initially objected to the Project, but permission was finally successfully obtained.Project management obviously a real challenge for Khala to manage the Project and the team, but I saw her in action and was very impressed with her handling of the contractors and engagement with the community, with of course support from Mamu T, Mamu J, Uncle Asad and others. Well done everyone!

What are the key remaining tasks?A. Governance: Drawing up terms of reference and appointing mosque committee, Drawing up governing document/constitution for mosqueB. Staff:Appointing imams/teachers/staff.What else do we need to think about? 1. Ongoing funding and sustainability2. Security for the site3. Maintenance of facilities4. Effectively engaging with all sections of the community5. Balancing ethnic differences in the community6. The second acre what should we do with it

Lots of love, Kamran Rabbani

Kamran, a graduate of Cambrige University and a corporate lawyer in London, is the grandson of Sheikh Mohammed Bashir, visited the Project in January, 2014.


Facilities & Services provided:

1. Daily salat including Salat ul Jumuah with Khutba by inhouse and guest khateebs

2. Nikah and Funeral Services

3. Youth Friendly Services vocational, educational, sports and health

4. Training of Trainers for Teachers, Imams, Dawah workers, Parents

5. Primary Healthcare Centre with Hijama & Islamic perspectives of health & disease

6. Social outreach to be a catalyst for change in health, agriculture, energy and housing sectors, focusing on inclusive business models that use market and outcome based approaches inclusive of Islamic principles.

7. Tarbiya, taleem and tadrees a. For Children: Weekend/Full Time Madrasah b. Adult classes for men & women: Taleem based on

Modules from basic to advanced curricula using adult learning principles

c. For Reverts: Simplified modules of learning

d. Arabic language: Level 1,2 and 3 based on the Medina University Syllabus.However there is vertical and horizontal integration of the language within the above modules

e. IRE programme in Cheleta Primary School with plans to include other schools as well.

8. Rihla and Spiritual Retreats for local and overseas participants in Kiswahili, English, Turkish, French, Urdu etc with international speakers and trainers, rappoteurs and facilitators.

9. Research and Publications: Two workbooks and a boardgame are being edited

a. In Conversation with My Rabb at Dawn and Dusk b.Tajweed Treasure Hunt designed by senior madrasah

students Ayan, Zaitoon, Fatima, Ayesha, Abdi Noor, Mohammed Ali, Ibrahim Adam

c.Walk & Talk the Quran Project- Summarised take home messages from the Quran for implementation with the objective of changing the muslim Akhlaq. With check lists and small group discussions to report on results, challenges, barriers and recommendations.

10. Womens Open Forum to discuss contemporary issues.

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Gratitude from the children of MY DREAM MOSQUE & MADRASSA project

Fatuma Ibrahim

Our mosque is big and beautiful. It has a bigmadrasah. May Allah swt bless our mosque

Mohamed SaratiI love Allah because He is the most high Allah in our

culture of muslims. Our mosque is very beautiful. It hasa beautiful garden of flowers. It is near a road called

Bypass. It attracts many muslims of Kenya. I go topray in the mosque. The mosque is decorated by lightsand flowers of yellow, green, orange and red. We love

Allah and His Messenger

Nuria WakoClass oneThank you Allah for our mosque. The mosque has clean

toilets. I love my mosque.

Nasibu Abdi.I love my moque. It is a good place for ibadah.may

Allah bless all muslims.

Fatuma HamisiThank you Allah for making me a muslim and giving a

nice musallah in our area. I love my mosque

Sumra MahmunThank you Allah for our mosque. It has clean toilets. I

love my mosque

Students attending an IRE Class at Cheleta Primary School.

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Hadija AbdulahiI love my mosque compound. It has good flowers and

smooth grasses. May Allah guide us to the mosque

Hawa AdanOur mosque has so beautiful carpet and walls. Thank

you Allah for making our mosque seem beautiful

AdanI thank you Allah for giving us a newest mosque..it is

beautiful.

Jamila OmarI love my mosque. It is a good place for Ibadah. May

Allah bless all muslims

Amina Jarso.Our mosque is big and beautiful. It has a beautiful

madrasah room. May Allah bless our mosque

Fotomo HusseinOur mosque is big and beautifulI thank Allah for

this mosque

Arsha Mohamed.Praise be to Allah for having a big mosqueI love the

mosque

Amina AbdullahiOur mosque is big and beautifulI thank Allah for

this mosque and the people who come to do ibadah here

Shakila.A mosque is a better place to rest in this world. MayAllah bless all those who contributed to this mosque

Najma Bishar.Thank you Allah for our big mosque. It has a good car

park. I love my mosque

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Aisha Abdulahi.Thank you Allah for a beautiful mosque in our location

Nasibo HabibaI love Mohamed saw because he is my prophet. I love to go

to the mosque because it is my house of ibadah

Haikano Hasan.I need to do good deeds because I need to see jannah

Nuria GalmaOur mosque is beautiful. It has good and strong doors

and windows. Thank you Allah for our mosque

Aisha Ali.Thank you Allah for everything especially for a new

mosque in our area. May Allah bless our mosque

Abdi FatahI am a muslim.i love my mosque it is very clean

thank you Allah

Somo Hatelo.Mosque is a house of Allah swt. Prophet Mohammed

saw started preaching the word of Allah. I thankAllah because He has done for me everything..He has

made a new mosque for us in our area. May Allah blessour mosque

Musa.class 5.I pray to Allah that He will forgive all the sinners and

the people who contributed their money to build themoque and madrassah. The people who contributed themoney are Dr rihana and her husband. I am also veryproud of Az Zahra Foundation for contributing her

money.Baharuddin Ali

Allahuma gh firli wali wali dayaThank you Allah

for a mosque

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Reflections of Dr Asad Raja

As salaam alaikum WW

Opening of the mosque last Friday was a very emotional and mystical experience. The first Azan from the speakers and Imam standing on the Mimbar to recite the first khutaba and musaleen walking in droves and looking around in appreciation and aweThe first prayer, the first sajdas on the newly laid carpetseverything had to work and the sound system was being really tested for the first time.it was all very overwhelming. As I was trying to savour the moments I was interrupted by the caretaker as he wanted to lay the carpets in the verandah as the main hall of more than 200 capacity was already full. MashaAllah everything worked well and people stayed on till late appreciating every nook and corner of the mosque. The congratulations, hugging and chatting about the mosque spilled out later on to the newly laid cabro in the car park. There was a constant buzz and smiles both inside and outside. As if people did not want to go back. My driver counted 27 cars in the car park. It was like an Eid day. This was when it was a soft opening with no announcements and it was only by word of mouth. Alhamdolillah e Rabil Alameen.

I have never in my life prayed on the day one of any mosque, leave aside the first prayer. It was a unique experience and while I wish to remain fossilized in that eventful day, it is important to look back and reflect. It has been a long and arduous journey with lots of highs and lows. I may have given up on many occasions on the fruition of this project, but not Rehana. We all need to acknowledge her sheer commitment, determination, hard work and dedication in the last 10 years and especially the effort she has put in last two years. She has travelled in Matatus, on Boda bodas, walked miles at times and lived in a rented bed sitter to achieve something which is nothing short of a miracle. She had a clear vision and focus and she never relented despite all the odds. From contractors to community she had to handle them all, and I tell you it was not easy and she did it so well. She has paid so much attention to detail; from color schemes right up to the door mats, it is all impeccable. In the words of a very

old Somali guy (real Muzae) who after seeing the mosque paused and said, it seems somebody has built this mosque with the same love and care as you build your own house. This has been echoed by many others and they all say that they have seen and prayed in many mosques but this is different and unique, with such an ambience and character, and there is so much warmth about it. In the last few days before we were opening; we were buying mops, cleaning buckets, slippers for bathroom/toilets (she was even looking for colors to go with male and female side..!), candles and emergency lights (in case of electricity failure), lubans, clocks, toiletries and accessories you name it everything had to be there on day one and nothing was left to chance. Ramadan was starting a day later and she did not want any shortcomings. MashaAllah the Ramadan has started in full swing and there is iftar every day and there are more than 100 people for it. It was a hair raising experience when in the first Taraveeh the Imam started the Holy Quran and recited Alif Laam Meem.. While I thank Allah (SWT) for his endless bounties, I would like to thank Rehana for leading us on this path and for her courage, sheer hard work (which has affected her health too), determination and steadfastness. It would have needed Bajis trait to achieve this mammoth task and build something like this in his memory and she sure has that..I am sure he must be very happy and pleased in heavens above.

May Allah (SWT) blessing be with all of you in this holy month of Ramadan.

Asad Raja

Uncle Asad - Jazakallah Khair for this email. I had to share it the rest of the SMB clan.. just came out of Fajr salah and this brought tears to my eyes - a few more than I expected - maybe its that time of the morning!Khala -- thank you soo much ... you are truly inspirational (always have been but this took it to another level) and I miss Baji-jan and Amijee sooo much and I am lost for words.

Farouk

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Message from Mrs. Sadia Sheikh

Alhamdulillah Thank you, our Lord for fulfilling our parents dream of striving for excellence for ourselves and the communities around us. Not only have You helped build a landmark Islamic Centre to fulfill the physical and spiritual needs of so many communities but made us realize that we, the Kenyan diaspora are part of a global community to live in peace, love and harmony.

My childhood was a unique one in Kenya. Nothing belonged to individuals - everything was OURS! And we bring the same philosophy to the Masjid Sheikh Mohammed Bashir & Runda Islamic Centre, to the communities around, to the ummah at large, to people of all other faiths and to all members of our extended families. I am also privileged to have Mr. Sheikh Mohammed Saeed, Mr Sheikh Mohammed Sadique, Mr Abdul Ghafoor Sheikh and Mr Abdul Waheed Sheikh our very dear uncles with us today.

Bajijan (Sheikh Mohammed Bashir) grew up in Pakistan with his mother, Bismillih. His younger brother was Chachajee (Sheikh Abdul Rashid). At a young age Bajijan would go to the market to sell baskets which his mother made. The boys later travelled to Nairobi after their mother passed away. In Nairobi they joined school and at the age of 14 years, Bajijan started working with his father and Chachajee was sent to Saudi Arabia to handle business there. Later he returned and married Aunty Fahmida, my mothers younger sister. Another markstone is Naureen and Tariks wedding, the children of the two brothers.

Bajijan was a very humble man. On our road trips to Mombasa he would always break his journey for swalat, make us recite the salat-u-salam on the Prophet Muhammed saw and would always stop at Sultan Hamud to pay his respect to an elderly lady, whom he cherished and respected. He would always share a meal with her sitting on the floor.

Our parents brought us up as their friends and we never experienced a harsh word or a smack from them. For our mathematical calculations,

he would send us to buy fruit and would check the change. Many a time, he would return the extra change as the shopkeeper had miscalculated. That was a lesson in both honesty and maths. To this day, if I have extra change given to me, I return it lest I am dishonest.

Even though they went through a lot of turmoil and mishaps they always welcomed everyone with open arms. When friends would offer financial help my mother would decline. Instead, she would ask the gardener to grow a lot of vegetables and potatoes. A bottle of milk was diluted to two bottles and tea leaves were recycled. Once, when I was helping Bajijan sort out the office safe, I came across a bag containing a long mala (necklace) of solid gold balls and some other jewellery. Inspite of our hardship he refused to sell the gold as he wanted to return it to the owner.

When Aunty Fehmida moved to the UK with her children she too faced many challenges but established her family on the same principles of honesty, hard work and striving for excellence. Her family make us proud today.

The best eye opener to me was when I returned to Nairobi with my husband Ashraf. When we started socializing with the professionals and the families of pioneers, they welcomed us very warmly when they learned I was Bashir Saabs daughter. At Bajijans death, Justice Sheikh Amin and his wife and Mr & Mrs Basheer Mauladad made me realize how much our community looked up to my parents and revered them for their love towards each other and their families.

Mashallah what has been achieved with the physical presence of Rehana & Asad with regular travel by Tarik, Haroon, Kamran, Farouk, Omair & Zahra is a dream come true. And it is now upto all of us to take it to a greater height beyond our expectations. I make a special dua for all our youth to try to excel in whatever they do, not to be afraid of hard work and to be honest. I beseech you O Allah to keep us all united and enable us to strive to serve all mankind. Ameen.

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Remembering many who have passed on with a prayer that may Allah SWT bless them with Janat-ul-Firdaus

Mr & Mrs Anayatullah Sheikh, Begum Fazal Noor & Sheikh Abdul Rehman, Mr & Mrs Sheikh Mohammed Rauf, Justice Sheikh Mohammed Amin, Mr Iftikhar Sheikh, Mrs Iffat Sheikh, Mr Mohammed Aslam Sheikh,

Mr Ghanzaffar Sheikh, Arshad, Haroon, Nasreen, Shahnaz and Asif. Mr & Mrs Iqbal, Mr & Mrs Raja Mohammed Akbar, Raja Pervez Akhtar,

Begum Hamida Sheikh and Manzoor Sheikh, Mr & Mrs Sheikh Abdul Shakoor, Sheikh Mohamed Rauf, Sheikh Abdul Majid, Mrs Qaram Bibi Sheikh, Mr and Mrs Ahsan Qureshi, Mr & Mrs Agha, Mr & Mrs Abdul Karim,

Mr Hanif Sheikh, Mr Jamil Sheikh, Imam Tamam Abdullah, Mohamed Shariff Chaudhry, Dr & Mrs Rabbani, Mohamed Bashir Darr,

Dr Abdul Hameed Chaudhry, Mrs Parveen Fazil, Mr & Mrs Bagga, Mr Basheer Mauladad, Syed Ibrahim and Mr Mohammed Zahir Khan.

46


A plea to our Lord, our Rabb

Our Lord Grant us the power and ability that we may be grateful for Your favours which you have bestowed on us and

on our parents, and that we may do good righteous deeds that will please You, and admit us by Your Mercy among Your

Righteous slaves (27:19)

Our Lord accept (this service) from us. Verily, You are the All Hearer, the All Knower. (2:127)



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Az Zahra FoundationStriving to serve Mankind.......



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Masjid SMB & Runda Islamic Centre