friday bulletin 329

7/25/2019 Friday Bulletin 329

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Issue No. 329

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

Friday BulletinThe

The Weekly Muslim News Update

We will not allow to be used anddumped, Balala says

Muslims will continue to play an effective role in the political currents of the country and will be active participants in the2012 elections.In the possible political realignments leading to the 2012 polls, the community is ready to work with sincere partners who are ready

to fulll the expectations of Muslims. Tourism minister Najib Balala said Muslims have learned the hard way and will not allow to be usedfor political mileage and left on the wayside. We will not allow partners whose objective is to use and then dump us, he said.He noted that the Muslim leadership will at the appropriate time provide guidance for the community and stressed cooperation will be withthose who are sincere in working for the interest of Muslims.

Speaking during the second graduation ceremony for Jamia Training Institute where he was the chief guest, he said Muslims were a keystakeholder in the country and should not be taken granted as they have the capacity to contribute in shaping the destiny of the country.

Participate and be counted Muslims told

Tourism Minister Najib Balala presents a sewing machine to Mwanaisha Saidi Mwa-charo who emerged the best student in the Tailoring Department.

This Week

Women issues in Ramadhan P4

Women Issues

Youth and ChildrenRamadhan for kids P9

Reality and Obligation of Ramadhan P3

Editorial

Jamia Training Institute P10

Towards a halal Ramadhan

Da'wah

Story Continues On Page 6


Sha'ban 30 1430/August 21 2009

Feature P6

He said the unity shown by the community in the pastpolitical events has reshaped the views and attitudeserstwhile harbored towards the community. We usedto be considered second class citizens but now wehave seven ministers and ve assistant ministers whoare Muslims, he said.He also called for an end to the culture of discrimi-nation of Muslims which has been perpetuated bysuccessive regimes since independence. We aredemanding for our right to participate equally in theaffairs of this country like other citizens," he said.He expressed optimism that President Mwai Kibaki will

work on implementing the Special Action Committeewhich unearthed historical injustices against Muslimsin the country.Balala who is also the Mvita MP called for unity amongMuslims saying that this was a necessary ingredient ifthe community will continue to make a mark in shapingthe destiny of this country.The minister commended the major role played by Ja-mia Mosque in marshaling the involvement of Muslimsin the political process of the country. He also appealedto mosques to take up their rightful role in providingleadership and guidance to the community.On the Mau forest environment catastrophe, he calledfor action to be taken against those who were respon-sible for destroying the countrys biggest water towersaying it had led to the drying of rivers and adverselyaffected the livelihood of millions of Kenyans. All those

Muslims have been urged to participate in the forthcoming census as this willprovide a valuable tool for facilitating development and social planning.

A joint communiqu issued by Jamia Mosque and the Supreme Council of KenyaMuslims (SUPKEM) called on Muslims in the country to support the week-longexercise which is scheduled to commence on the night of August 24.SUPKEM secretary general Adan Wachu underscored the importance of beingenumerated saying that Muslims need to know their exact number as this willfacilitate future planning purposes. Muslims should support this exercise andensure that they are counted. We need to know how many we are, he said.

He pointed out that the information gathered will provide valuable informationwhich will be useful in achieving fair distribution of development benets likehealth, education, water and sanitation and devolved funds such as Constitu-ency Development Fund. (CDF)Wachu said Muslim leaders are fully behind the exercise and appealed for the

Women issues in Ramadhan P5

Ramadhan Special

Members and sta of Jamia Mosque Commiee wishes all Muslims Ramadhan Karim


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The Friday Bulletin

NATIONAL NEWS

Respond to the drought problem inNEP, Sheikh Yusuf Estes pleads

The ravaging droughtin North EasternProvince deservesan immediate re-

sponse from Mus-lims. In a passionateplea for help, Ameri-

can based Islamicscholar Sheikh YusufEstes urged Muslimsto support their fel-

low countrymen whoare under threat ofstarvation due to thedrought which has

aggravated by thefailure of the rains.Fresh from a tour of Mandera where he was involved in a relief programme, he

warned that a looming humanitarian crisis may unfold if needs of the residents arenot addressed. Why arent we helping these people who are suffering, where isour iman (faith)? he said during a sermon at Jamia Mosque last week.Recounting his experience in the Mandera, he spoke of the difculties faced by

sometimes being forced to walk tens of kilometers in search of food and water fortheir families and livestock. The basic things which you take for granted, they donthave them, he said. Those in the rural areas have been the hardest hit as the littlerelief food that nds its way to the region does not reach them, he added.

With the coming of the month of Ramadhan, the struggle to nd the basic provisionwill prove more difcult as drought continues to bite.Sheikh Estes, a former Christian minister, said Muslims have a moral obligation to

help those who are suffering and they should ensure that the needs of their coun-trymen in Mandera and other parts of the country are addressed.He was in the region leading a team of ofcials from Islamic Relief, a British basedcharity Islamic which was in the region on a humanitarian mission.

North Eastern Province has been among the hardest hit areas in the country fromthe drought which has led to severe food and water shortages in many parts of the

country.

Story From Page 1

Sha'ban 30 1430/August 212009

This weekend Muslims usher in the month of Ram-adhan, joining the worldwide 1.6 billion strong Mus-lim community in the month-long spiritual awakeningexercise.

Ramadhan is the month where good deeds are multi-plied manifold and a period of accumulating immensespiritual rewards.Contrary to the thinking of some, Ramadhan is notonly about refraining from food or drink but an exer-cise which entails that one fullls all the required actsof worship.It therefore becomes imperative for those observingthe fast, they should also accord importance to thefood they eat during this period, ensuring that it is ha-lal (permissible) as on the contrary, this could have anegative bearing on their fast and other acts of wor-ship.For more than two years now, the Kenya Bureau ofHalal Certication (KBHC) has put in place rigorous

mechanisms to regulate the food industry to ensurethat Muslims consume halal food products.

A number of establishments and several leading foodprocessing industries have already been certied ashalal giving Muslim consumers a peace of mind whileconsuming products which fall in line with the require-ments of their faith.More important, some establishments are now puttingmechanism in place to change their procedures andembrace the halal concept so as to cater for the spir-itual well being of the Muslim community.It is now becoming a common feature to nd KBHChalal symbols on many products further giving an as-surance that the products are t for consumption by

Muslims.While there is a marked improvement in the halal sec-tor in the country through the efforts of KBHC, moreefforts should be made to further give condence tothe Muslim consumers. Further publicity has to bedone for the message to reach far and wide as manyare still consuming haram (unlawful) products withoutknowledge that they contain ingredients which are notallowed to be consumed as per their religious norms.Publicity should be extended to other Muslim mediaoutlets around the country and also to other areaslike the national newspapers as this will contribute tothe concept to be embraced by non-Muslims.

Additionally, it is also important for KBHC to highlightsome of the products in the market which are known

to be haram (not permissible) to save Muslims fromunknowingly consuming the unlawful substances.Ideally, KBHC should also encourage the certiedcompanies to indicate on their products the certica-tion symbol. Though this is being carried out by manycompanies, many others have nothing to show thatthe products have been halal certied despite acquir-ing the certication.These measures could go a long way in furtherstrengthening the halal certication standards in thecountry and also provide additional benets not onlyfor Muslims but non-Muslims as well.

As consumers, we should also play a role in enforc-ing these standards by strictly insisting on consuminghalal certied products and also provide informationwhere necessary to KBHC on those abusing thesestandards.Ultimately, we all have a responsibility to ensure thatnot only in Ramadhan we consume halal but even inthe subsequent periods, our diet is halal and pleasingto our Creator.

Towards a halal Ramadhan

EDITORIAL

Muslim fraternity to participatefully in the exercise. We shouldsupport it by providing all the in-formation required truthfully be-cause it is for our own benet,he said during a media briengat Jamia Mosque last week.

On the tribal question whichhas generated controversy, the

leaders said it has no negativebearing on the census as ac-cording to Muslims, knowingeach others tribe was a Quranicinjunction. We are reminded inthe Quran that Allah createdmankind from a male andfemale and made tribes andnations for knowing each other, said Abdulhamid Slatch a Jamia Mosque Com-mittee member. Tribe is simply for identication; it does not have any other con-notation apart from this, he added.Speaking at the same event where he handed over census materials for dis-semination to mosques across the country, the director of population at KenyaNational Bureau of Statistics Dr. Collins Opiyo said Muslims were a major stake-holder in the country and the department will work closely with Muslim leaders toensure the success of the exercise. He gave an assurance that the census willnot be a hindrance on the normal activities of Kenyans adding that no restrictionsof movement will be enforced. He, however, stressed that Kenyans should makethemselves available to be counted during the period.In the exercise, Kenyans will also be required to give details on accessibility ofbasic facilities like water, health, electricity and information technology.

Participate and be counted Muslims

Sheikh Yusuf Estes addresses Muslim last Friday at Jamia

Mosque, Nairobi

SUPKEM secretary general Adan Wachu received

census materials from Dr. Collins Opiyo, the KNBS

director of Population


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The Friday Bulletin

Reality and Obligation in Ramadhan

DA'WA

During this Ramadhan do not let the sweet-ness of our deeds vanish into the night,leaving only emptiness. When one contem-plates the texts on fasting, its wisdom andgoals in Shariah, and looks at the realityof the Muslim communities, one realizes a

wide gap between the reality and our ob-ligations. Remember that Ramadhan is abounty that Allah blessed His servants with,to strengthen their faith, and increase theirpiety (Taqwa). Allah said: "O you who be-lieve! Fasting is prescribed for you as it wasprescribed for those before you, that youmay become pious." (Al-Baqarah 2:183).

Many Muslims ignore the purpose and wis-dom of fasting. Fasting is done merely toconform to the social environment withoutcontemplation. If one is not aware of the di-vine wisdom of Shariah and its fruits in thisworld and in the hereafter, one will not apply

it in the right way.Goals of Fasting

Achieving Taqwa: is one of the most im-portant wisdom of fasting. Fasting brings onTaqwa as it lessens the desire of the stom-ach and mutes the sexual appetite. Who-ever fasts frequently would overcome thesetwo desires more easily. This deter againstcommitting abominations and sins and as-sists in controlling life leading to Taqwa.

Strengthening willpower and acquiringpatience: The Prophet sallallahu alayhewa sallam called Ramadhan the month ofpatience as it increases one's will power to

control his desire and the selshness of hissoul. This training allows him to be strongin following Allah's commands. The mostimportant being to carry the Message andpropel it forward. The person trains himselfto be patient in obeying Allah by stopping atthe limits set by Allah both by way of actionand abstention. Allah said: "These are thelimits set by Allah, so approach them not."(Al-Baqarah 2:187)

Fasting is pure worship:The fact that oneis abstaining from food and drink both inpublic and in secret shows his honest faithand strong love of Allah, and his knowledge

and feeling that Allah is all-knowing of eve-rything. For this reason Allah has made thereward for fasting greater than for any othertype of worship. Allah said in the hadithQudsi: "Every deed of the son of Adam willbe multiplied [in rewards], the good deed byten of its like, up to seven hundreds, up towhatever Allah wills, except fasting, it is forMe and I will reward it.He abandons his desire and his food for Mysake.." (Related by Muslim) lbn al-Qayyimsaid: "...And people may see that a personis not eating in front of them, but the factthat he is really abandoning his food andhis desire for the sake of Allah is a thing that

nobody can nd out about, and that is theessence of fasting." (Zaad al-Ma'ad).

Relieving Muslims from life's distrac-tions: Eating, drinking, and socializing alldistract a person and weakens ties with

Allah. It is by the Mercy of Allah that Mus-

lims are ordered to fast so as not to bebothered by the intrusion of these activi-ties. For this reason the Prophet sallal-lahu alayhe wa sallam said: "Fasting is ashield, and a secure fortress against Hellre" (Related by Ahmad).

Discovering Allah's Blessings: A per-son who experiences the hardship ofthe poor should then be thankful to AllahWho has blessed him with His bountywhile others are deprived. This shouldmake him more sympathetic and willingto share this bounty. The poor rediscov-ers that fasting helps a person be moredevoted to worship, able to concentrateand meditate.

Acquiring strength and endurance: Ithas been discovered that depriving thebody of food for a period of time helps itsdefense and endurance mechanism. This

in turn protects the body from certain dis-eases.Remember that fasting is not only de-pendent on abstentions: Many believethat fasting consist only of certain absten-tions, forgetting that Allah established cer-tain acts of worship with fasting. Amongwhich are:

Qiyamul-layl: The Prophet sallallahualayhi wa sallam said: "Whoever per-formed the night prayer during Ramad-han out of belief and anticipating Allahsrewards, will be forgiven his previoussins."(Related by Muslim and Bukhari).

Performing Umrah: The Prophet sallal-lahu alayhi wa sallam said: "An Umrahduring Ramadhan is like a Hajj with me."(Related by al-Hakim).

Offering Iftar (meal) to those who fast-ed. The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sal-lam said: "Whoever feeds a fasting per-son has the same reward as him, exceptthat the reward of the fasting person willnot be diminished." (Related by Ahmad).

Reading and completing the Qur'an:The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallamsaid: "Fasting and [reading] Qur'an will in-tercede for the person: fasting will say: O

Lord I forbade him eating and drinking solet me intercede for him, and the Qur'anwill say: I deprived him from his nightsleep so let me intercede for him," he thensaid: "So they will intercede." (Related by

Ahmad). The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam used to recite the whole Qur'an to

Angel Jibreel each Ramadhan.

Giving in charity: Ibn Abbas radhiallahuanhu said: "The Prophet sallallahu alayhiwa sallam was the most generous amongpeople, and he was more generous dur-ing the month of Ramadhan." (Muslim).

I`tikaaf: which is to conne oneself in themasjid for prayer and invocation leaving theworldly activities. Ibn Abbas radhiallahu anhusaid: "The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sal-lam used to perform I'tikaf during the last tendays of Ramadhan." (Related by Muslim). It is

surprising that many people have abandonedI'tikaf though the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam never abandoned it from the time hearrived to Madinah until he died.

Supplication:In the verses dealing with fast-ing, Allah said: "And when My slaves ask you(O Muhammad) concerning Me, then answerthem, I am indeed near to them. I respondto the invocations of the supplicant when hecalls on Me." (Al-Baqarah 2: 186). This is anencouragement for the fasting person to in-crease his invocation. The Prophet sallallahualayhi wa sallam said: "Three invocations willbe answered: The invocation of the fasting

person, the invocation of the oppressed, andthe invocation of the traveler." (Related byMuslim).

Repentance: Ramadhan is the time of re-pentance and return to Allah, for it is a timewhen the devils are chained, and when manypeople are saved from hell re every night bythe grace of Allah.

Abstaining from vain talk: Sins decreasethe reward of fasting although they do not an-nul it. The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallamsaid: "Fasting is not [only] abstaining from eat-ing and drinking, but abstaining from vain andobscene talk, so if someone insulted you or

wronged you say: I am fasting." (Related byal-Hakim) and he also said: 'Whoever doesnot abandon lying, then Allah does not needhim to abandon his food and drink." (Relatedby al-Bukhari).

Common errors made during Ramadhan

Excessive spending:Ramadhan should bea time to avoid being wasteful, and learning tobe prepared in facing harder times by distin-guishing needs from luxuries. Unfortunately,many people go beyond their limits to spendduring Ramadhan. Whether in the varieties offood that they savor each night, or by the othertypes of spending.

Staying awake during the night and sleep-ing during the day:Some people sleep dur-ing most of the day when they are fasting. Ra-madhan is not a time of being lazy, and thisdoes not allow one to get the full benet fromthe experience of fasting. It is as if they haveonly inverted their nights into days and viceversa. In addition, some may spend a greatportion of the night indulging in eating anddrinking and socializing.Because people invite each other more oftenduring Ramadhan they do tend to spend moretime socializing with friends, and relatives.While it is a good deed to feed the fasting per-

son, this should not result in precious time lostin vain talk. Use the occasion for rememberingAllah and offering additional prayers.

Reading Qur'an too fast:Some insist on n-ishing the whole Qur'an once or more, even

Saturday Lecture

VIRTUES OF RAMADHANSheikh Abdullatif Abdulkarim

22nd August 2009 2.00 pm-4.00 pmJamia Mosque Multi Purpose Hall



3


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WOMEN ISSUES

The Friday Bulletin

Issues regarding Muslim women and fasting RamadhanWith regard to breastfeeding mothers and also pregnant women

two scenarios may apply:

If the woman is not affected by fasting, and fasting is not too difcultfor her, and she does not fear for her child, then she is obliged tofast, and it is not permissible for her not to fast.If the woman fears for herself or her child because of fasting, and

fasting is difcult for her, then she is allowed not to fast, but she hasto make up the days that she does not fast.In this situation it is better for her not to fast, and it is makrooh for herto fast. Some of the scholars stated that if she fears for her child, it isobligatory for her not to fast and it is haraam for her to fast.

Al-Mirdhaawi said in al-Insaaf: It is makrooh for her to fast in thiscase Ibn Aqeel said: If a pregnant woman or a breastfeedingmother fears for her pregnancy or her child, then it is not permis-sible for her to fast in this case, but if she does not fear for her childthen it is not permissible for her not to fast.

Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy on him) was askedin Fataawa al-Siyaam "If a pregnant woman or breastfeeding moth-er does not fast with no excuse, and she is strong and in goodhealth, and is not affected by fasting, what is the ruling on that?"He replied: It is not permissible for a pregnant woman or breast -feeding woman not to fast during the day in Ramadhan unless theyhave an excuse. If they do not fast because they have an excuse,then they have to make up the missed fasts, because Allah saysconcerning one who is sick (interpretation of the meaning): andwhoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which onedid not observe Sawm (fasts) must be made up] from other days[al-Baqarah 2:185]

Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers come under the sameheading as those who are sick. If their excuse is that they fear forthe child, then as well as making up the missed fasts, according tosome scholars they also have to feed one poor person for each daymissed, giving wheat, rice, dates or any other staple food. Someof the scholars said that all they have to do is make up the missedfasts, no matter what the situation, because there is no evidence

in the Quran or Sunnah for giving food in this case, and the basicprinciple is that there is no obligation unless proof of that is estab-lished. This is the view of Abu Haneefah (may Allah have mercy onhim) and it is a strong view.

Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy on him) was alsoasked in Fataawa al-Siyaam about a pregnant woman who fears forherself or her child, and does not fast what is the ruling?He replied by saying: Our answer to this is that one of two scenariosmust apply in the case of a pregnant woman.The rst is if she is healthy and strong, and does not nd fastingdifcult, and it does not affect her foetus. In this case the woman isobliged to fast, because she has no excuse not to do so.

The second is where the pregnant woman is not able to fast, eitherbecause the pregnancy is advanced or because she is physically

weak, or for some other reason. In this case she should not fast,especially if her foetus is likely to be harmed, in which case it maybe obligatory for her not to fast. If she does not fast, then like oth-ers who do not fast for a valid reason, she has to make up thedays when that excuse no longer applies. When she gives birth,she has to make up those fasts after she becomes pure from nifaas.But sometimes the excuse of pregnancy may be lifted but then im-mediately followed by another excuse, namely breastfeeding. Thebreastfeeding mother may need food and drink, especially duringthe long summer days when it is very hot. So she may need not tofast so that she can nourish her child with her milk. In this case wealso say to her: Do not fast, and when this excuse no longer ap -plies, then you should make up the fasts that you have missed.

Shaykh Ibn Baaz said in Majmu al-Fataawa:

With regard to pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, it isproven in the hadeeth of Anas ibn Maalik al-Kabi, narrated by Ah-mad and the authors of al-Sunan with a saheeh isnaad, that theProphet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) granted thema dispensation allowing them not to fast, and he regarded them asbeing like travellers. From this it is known that they may not fast butthey have to make up the fast later, just like travelers. The scholars

stated that they are only allowed not to fast if fasting is too difcultfor them, as in the case of one who is sick, or if they fear for theirchildren. And Allah knows best.It says in Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daaimah:

A pregnant woman is obliged to fast during her pregnancy, unlessshe fears that fasting may affect her or her foetus, in which case

she is allowed not to fast, and she should make up the fast after shegives birth and becomes pure from nifaas. For pregnant women andbreastfeeding mothers who do not fast, they have to make up themissed fasts and it is not enough for them to feed the poor

Shaykh Ibn Baaz said in Majmu al-Fataawa.Pregnant and breastfeeding women come under the same ruling asthose who are sick. If it is too difcult for them to fast then it is pre-scribed for them not to fast, but they have to make up the fasts whenthey are able to do so, like those who are sick. Some of the scholarsare of the view that it is sufcient for them to feed one poor personfor every day they missed, but this is a weak view. The correct viewis that they have to make up missed fasts, just like travelers andthose who are sick, because Allah says: But if any of you is ill or ona journey, the same number (should be made up) from other days[al-Baqarah 2:184]He also said in Majmu al-Fataawa: The correct view concerning thismatter is that pregnant and breastfeeding women have to make upthe fasts, and what was narrated from Ibn Abbaas and Ibn Umar,that pregnant and breastfeeding women have to feed the poor in -stead, is a weak view that goes against the shariah evidence. Allahsays (interpretation of the meaning): but if any of you is ill or ona journey, the same number (should be made up) from other days[al-Baqarah 2:184]

Pregnant and breastfeeding women are likened to those who aresick, and do not come under the ruling on old men who are unableto fast. Rather they come under the ruling on those who are sick,so they should make up the fasts when they become able to do so,even if that is delayed.

It says in Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daaimah: If a pregnant womanfears for herself or her foetus because of fasting in Ramadhan, shemay break the fast and she only has to make up the missed fasts. Inthis regard she is like one who is sick and is unable to fast or fears

The Friday Bulletin

Ingredients

KitchenFried Burns (Mahamri)

Share your favourite recipes with our readers. Send them to P. O. Box 40629-00100 or email:[email protected] or [email protected]

4 cups flour

cup sugar

teaspoon baking soda

tablespoon active dry yeast

1 teaspoon cardamom

1 cup coconut milk

1 tablespoons vegetable oil/ghee

Combine dry ingredients in mixing bowl.

Pour coconut milk into center of flour mixture and mix thoroughly.

Knead dough 8-10 minutes adding vegetable oil during kneading.

Divide into 6 large balls. Roll each ball out into circles.

Cut each circle into 4 triangles and keep in dry place to rise up.

Deep fry until brown.

Method



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Tel: 020 3514429, 0722930009

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Grnd Flr, Wing A Tel: 020 3514429, 0728737610


5/12

The Friday Bulletin Sha'ban 30 1430/August 212009

Linguistically speaking, fasting means toabstain from doing something. However,

when the notion of fasting is used in Is-lamic Sharia, it refers to abstaining from

all the things that nullify fasting from thebreak of dawn (Fajr) till sunset (Maghrib),

coupled with the intention of doing so asan act of worship. Fasting the month ofRamadhan is obligatory (Fardh) accord-

ing to the Quran, Sunnah, and consen-sus of the scholars on every Muslim whohas reached the age of puberty, is sane,and is able to fast without it acting as a

threat to his orher health due to illness.Allah made it obligatory in the secondyear after the Prophets blessed migration

from Makkah. He Most High said: O youwho believe! Observing fast is prescribedfor you that is, it has been made ob-ligatory upon you. It is also one of the

ve pillars of Islam. The Messenger ofAllah said: Islam has been built on vepillars and one of them is fasting themonth of Ramadhan.

As for the rst pillar of fasting, this is theintention, and the place of the intention isthe heart, hence articulating the intention

is something not legislated. It is manda-tory to have the intention at night, that is,before the break of dawn (Fajr). This isbased on the saying of Prophet Muham-

mad : Whoever does not intend fastingprior to Fajr, then there is no fasting for

him. (Ahmad, ibn Hibbaan)It is permissible to make an intentionfor the whole month at the rst eveningof Ramadhan. However, some scholarshave suggested it is obligatory to make

an intention every night of Ramadhan. Onthe other hand, if a person wanted to fastoutside of Ramadhan, that is, supererog-

atory fasting, it is permissible to make theintention at any point during the day.The second pillar of fasting is abstinence;abstaining from the things that break a

persons fast from the break of dawn tillsunset, along with a continued intentionbetween these two periods.

The third and nal pillar of fasting is thetime. That is, one must fast during thedays of Ramadhan and not the nights. Forwhoever fasts the nights instead of the

days, then their fasting is deemed defec-tive because Allah says: and eat anddrink until the white thread (light) of dawnappears to you distinct from the black

thread (darkness of night), then completeyour fast till the nightfall (Al-Baqarah,2: 187).

Nulliers of the fast

To begin with, there are those things thatinvalidate the fasting and require the mak-

ing up of that day of fasting only which arethe following:

Eating and drinking deliberately. This isthe opinion the majority of the scholars,except that Imaam Abu Hanifa (may Allahhave mercy on him) and what is also the

famous opinion of Imaam Maalik (may Allah have mercy on him) say in addition to the make upday, one must also pay a kaffaarah (atonement). The correct opinion and Allah Most High knows

best is that of the majority, since there is nothing mentioned by the Prophet stating otherwise.

Induced vomiting: There is difference of opinions among the scholars as to whether or not

vomiting invalidates fasting. The soundest view is as long as the vomiting is not done on a per-sons own accord then the fasting remains valid. The Messenger of Allah said: If someone had asudden attack of vomiting, no atonement is required of him, but if he vomits intentionally he mustmake atonement. (Reported by the ve books of hadith)

Menstruation and post-natal bleeding: A woman who bleeds due to any one os these tworeasons has broken her fast, even if it occurs seconds before sunset. This is the opinion of themajority of the scholars.

Ejaculation:Regardless of whether this resulted due to the husband kissing his wife, caress-

Denition and Pillars of fasting


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RAMADHAN SPECIAL


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The Friday Bulletin Sha'ban 30 1430/August 212009

Ramadhan fasting is obligatory for the healthy adult but when fast-ing may signicantly affect the health of the fasting individual orwhen one is genuinely sick, Islam exempts him from fasting. "Godintends every facility for you, he does not want to put you into dif-culties" (Quran 2:185). However, a signicant number of ill patients,for whatever reasons, do decide to observe the fast. And it is thesepatients who need to seek the opinion of health professionals on anindividual basis.Those suffering from minor ailments really do not have any prob-lems fasting. Those suffering from acute conditions may need adviceabout altering their dosing regimen i.e. the amount and frequencyof their medication. Drugs that are normally required to be takenfrequently, such as many antibiotics, can be problematic for the fast-ing patient. However, the increasing availability of alternative drugswith long half-lives (circulation times in the body) and the increasingformulation of short-acting drugs as sustained release preparationshave offered much needed assistance to fasting patients.For example patients suffering from acute upper respiratory infec -tions such as a severe sore throat may still be able to fast. Nor-

mally such a patient may be prescribed antibiotics that have to betaken 3 or 4 times a day and would not be able to fast. However inorder to facilitate fasting, the patient could be given a long-actingantibiotic such as Septrin (co-trimaxozole), which only needs to betaken once every 12 hours, or Zithromax (azithromycin), which onlyneeds to be taken once daily. This can only be done when the infect-ing organisms are treatable with the alternative antibiotics and thisneeds to be discussed with the patient's own medical practitioner ona case-by-case basis.

An example where alternative routes of drug administration mayhelp fasting patients is the use of transdermal (skin) patches. Forexample some patients suffering from mild forms of angina pectoris,a heart condition, could benet from taking their medication, glyc-eryl trinitrate, as a skin patch rather than sub-lingual tablets. Here,

the drug would be effective by entering the blood stream throughthe skin, and not orally (which would break the fast). Again, this mayonly be possible in specic patients and needs to be discussed withthe patient's doctor. Pharmacists are generally willing to advise pa-tients on the availability of alternative dosage forms for medicationduring Ramadhan.

An example of where sustained release formulations may help is

that of the fasting patients suffering from mild forms of hypertension(high blood pressure). These patients can be given their drug informulations that only require once-daily dosing. Here the drug canbe administered orally at Suhur (closing the fast) and the specialformulation then allows the drug to slowly release into the body

over a day. In fact, there is a school of thought among medical prac-titioners that those patients who have mild to moderate high bloodpressure and are also overweight should be encouraged to fastas fasting may help to lower their blood pressure. Such patientsshould see their physician to adjust medication. For example, thedose of diuretics should be reduced to avoid dehydration, and sus-tained release formulations such as Inderal LA can be given once aday before the pre-dawn meal.

An increasing case where practitioners are likely to advise patientson fasting is in those suffering from Diabetes mellitus. Many Mus -lims, especially of Asian descent, have an increased risk of suffer-ing from some form of diabetes. The International Journal of Ram-adhan Fasting Research has suggested the following guidelines forhealth professionals treating Muslim patients with diabetes: "Dia-

betic patients who are controlled by diet alone can fast and hope-fully, with weight reduction, their diabetes may even be improved.Diabetics who are taking oral hypoglycaemic agents along with thedietary control should exercise extreme caution if they decide tofast.These patients should consult their medical doctor for dose adjust-ment. If they develop low blood sugar symptoms in the daytime,they should end the fast immediately."In addition, diabetics taking insulin should consult their doctor tosee if their dose can be adjusted for them to fast during Ramadhan.In all cases of Muslim diabetics fasting, they should closely monitortheir blood sugar levels especially before and after meals.In summary, Islam offers an exemption to the sick from observ-ing their fast during the holy month of Ramadhan. However, some

patients may be able to fast if their health is not adversely affectedduring the period of fasting. In such cases, advice from pharmacistsand doctors about changing prescriptions to equally effective drugsthat have reduced dosing, such as sustained release formulations,may be benecial to the fasting Muslim. In all cases of illness, itis recommended that Muslim patients, if they do fast, do so undermedical supervision.

Advice for the sick who fast during Ramadhan

ing her, with his hand, or his wifes hand. This is the opinion of themajority, except that ibn Hazm, Ash-shawkaani, and from amongstthe later scholars Sheikh al-Albaani (may Allah shower them withHis mercy) said no make up day is required. The correct opinion,

and Allah knows best, is that of the majority. Sheikh Saabiq, authorof the book Fiqh-us Sunnah said that if the sperm seeped out as aresult of looking or thinking, then this does not nullify the fasting.

Supplements and nutritional injections or drips. These dietaryintakes defeat one of the main objectives of fasting, namely, to un-dergo thirst and hunger.

Apostasy:If a Muslim who is fasting becomes a disbeliever, thentheir fasting becomes void, as Allah Most High says: If you commitshirk (associate others in worship with Allah), then surely (all) yourdeeds will be in vain(Az-Zumar, 39: 65)

The only thing which requires a person to make up the fasting day

in addition to the kaffaarah (expiation) is if a person has sexualintercourse, irrespective of whether ejaculation takes place or not.This is the opinion of the majority of the scholars based on hadith

Abu Hurairah collected by both Bukhari and Muslim. The kaffaarahin respect to the one who has copulated with ones spouse is toemancipate (set free) a slave, if she or he has one. If not, then twoconsecutive months of fasting must be done. If fasting two consecu-tive months is detrimental to ones health then he or she is requiredto feed sixty needy people.

Denition and Pillars of fastingStory From Page 5

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6

RAMADHAN SPECIAL


7/12

Sha'ban 30 1430/August 212009 The Friday Bulletin

The country is in the midst of a serious foodshortage crisis worsened by the prevailingdrought which has hit many parts of thecountry. The drought has already claimedseveral lives and millions of Kenya facethe risk of starvation after the failure of therains.Ummah Foundation is responding to thiscrisis by sending assistance to those whoare affected.Last week, a food caravan left for North

Eastern and Upper Eastern province tohelp those affected by the drought. Theseprogrammes are expected to be expandedto other parts of the country which havebeen hardest hit by the drought.It is an obligation upon Muslims to helpthose who are suffering.In a hadith qudsi, Aallah says, O son ofAdam, I fell ill and you visited Me not. Hewill say: O son of Adam, I asked you forfood and you fed Me not. He will say: OLord, and how should I feed You when Youare the Lord of the worlds? He will say: Didyou notknow that My servant So-and-so asked you

for food and you fed him not? Did you notknow that had you fed him you would sure-ly have found that (the reward for doingso) with Me? O son of Adam, I asked youto give Me to drink and you gave Me notto drink. He will say: O Lord, how shouldI give You to drink while You are the Lordof the worlds? He will say: My servant So-and-so asked you to give him to drink andyou gave him not to drink. Had you givenhim to drink you would have surely foundthat with Me. Ummah Foundation in partnership withvarious mosques in Nairobi during themonth Ramadhan have launched a drive

to help those who are suffering.Muslims are requested to join this ap-peal by donation dry foodstuffs which willbe distributed to the needy. Donationscan be made through collection boxes invarious mosques in Nairobi which includeJamia mosque, Parklands Mosque, Lan-dhies mosque, Park Rod mosque, Rabitamosque Westlands and South C.We are also appealing for donations ofused clothes and shoes which will benetthe needy.Donations can also be made at our ofceslocated at

Let us join hands to helpthe suffering

Village Plaza Ngara Suite A12P. O. Box 58717-00100 Nairobi

Tel: 3747612/30734845277

Email:info@ummahfoundationnet

Ramadhan is a month where believers learnto exercise self-control. A major facet of thisis the abstinence from food and drink that isprescribed to all healthy Muslims during the

hours of sunrise to sunset. Although the sickare exempt, many continue to fast and there-fore abstain not only from eating and drinkingwater but also from consuming oral medica-tions and intravenous nutritional uids.Advice on dietMost of the health problems are likely to arisefrom inappropriate diet, over-eating and in-sufcient sleep. Firstly, there is no need toconsume excess food at Iftar (the food eatenimmediately after sunset to break the fast),dinner or Suhur (closing the fast) (the lightmeal generally eaten about half an hour toone hour before dawn).The reasons for this are two-fold. Firstly and

most importantly such a lifestyle contradictsthe principal aims and spirit of Ramadhan. Alearned scholar once said that "There is noreceptacle more odious to Allah, than a bellystuffed full of food after a fast" and therefore"of what use is the fast as a means of con-quering God's enemy and abating appetite, ifat the time of breaking it one not only makesup for all one has missed during the daytime,but perhaps also indulges in a variety of extrafoods?" Indeed, there is a concern that it isbecoming customary for some to "stock up"for Ramadhan, so that more is consumedduring this time than in the course of severalother months combined. It is therefore worth

reecting on the true objective of fastingwhich is to experience hunger and to checkdesire in an attempt to reinforce the soul inpiety.Secondly, the body has regulatory mecha-nisms that reduce the metabolic rate andensure efcient utilization of the body's fatreserves in times of hunger. Add to this thefact that most people assume a more seden-tary lifestyle whilst fasting and the implicationis that a balanced diet that is even less inquantity that normal will be sufcient to keepa person healthy and active during the monthof Ramadhan.

To remain healthy during Ramadhan, normalquantities of food from the major food groups:bread and cereal, milk and dairy product, sh,meat and poultry, bean, vegetable and fruitshould be consumed.Intake of fruits after a meal is strongly sug-

gested. In actual fact, our diet in Ramadhanshould not differ very much from our normaldiet and should be as simple as possible. Thediet should be such that we maintain our nor-mal weight, neither losing nor gaining. How-ever, if one is over-weight, Ramadhan is anideal time to shed those extra kilos!In view of the long hours of fasting, weshould consume the so-called 'complex car-

bohydrates' or slow digesting foods at Suhur(closing the fast) so that the food lasts longer(about 8 hours) making you less hungry dur-ing the day. These complex carbohydratesare found in foods that contain grains andseeds like barley, wheat, oats, millet, semo-lina, beans, lentils, wholemeal our, and un-

polished rice.In contrast, rened carbohydrates or fast-digesting foods last for only 3 to 4 hours andmay be better taken at Iftar to rapidly restore

blood glucose levels. Fast-burning foods in-clude foods that contain sugar and white our.Dates are an excellent source of sugar, bre,carbohydrates, potassium and magnesiumand have been recommended since the daysof the Prophet Mohammed peace be uponhim as a good way of breaking the fast.Fried foods, very spicy foods and foods con-taining too much sugar such as sweets, thedelight of many Muslims, can cause healthproblems and should be limited during Ra-madhan. They cause indigestion, heart-burn,and weight problems. Fasting can often in-crease gastric acidity levels in the stomachcausing a burning feeling, a heaviness in

the stomach and a sour mouth. This can beovercome by eating foods rich in bre suchas whole wheat bread, vegetables, humus,beans and fruits. These foods trigger mus-cular action, churning and mixing of food,breaking it into small particles, and thus helpreduce the build up of acid in the stomach.Drinking of sufcient water and juices be-tween Iftar and sleep to avoid dehydrationand for detoxication of the digestive systemshould be encouraged in fasting individuals.However, the intake of large amounts of caf-feine-containing beverages should be avoid-ed especially at Suhur (closing the fast). Forexample, drinking too much tea will make

one pass more urine and inevitably causethe loss of valuable mineral salts that yourbody would otherwise need during the day.Fruits such as bananas are a good source ofpotassium, magnesium and carbohydrates.However, bananas can cause constipationand their intake has to be balanced with ad-equate bre intake.It is recommended that everyone engage insome kind of light exercise, such as stretch-ing or walking. Exercise, together with abalanced diet, should help everyone watchtheir weight during Ramadhan. Anyone over-weight should increase the amount of exer-

cise and reduce the amount of food intake tohelp reduce weight.It is also important to follow good time man-agement procedures for Ibadah (prayer andother religious activities), sleep, studies,work, and physical activities or exercise. Agood balance in the amount of time attributedfor each activity will lead to a healthier bodyand mind in Ramadhan.

Advice on health during RamadhanProf. Saghir Akhtar

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RAMADHAN SPECIAL


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Sha'ban 30 1430/August 212009The Friday Bulletin

8


9/12

9

The Friday Bulletin

Emerging socio-economic challenges and the multitude of problems fac -ing Muslims in the world today, has seen Muslims in Kenya switching fromdependence on funding from abroad to local funding where they have beensetting up projects which will ensure that they can support their Islamic prop-agation and development activities.This formed the background under which Young Muslim Association com-menced a national funds drive to raise funds for a project that will cater forthe more than 300 orphaned children at one its centres in Garissa.The association initiated its rst step into this journey last weekend at a fun-draising function which also doubled up as the 40th anniversary for the exist-ence of the Garissa Muslim Childrens Home which is managed by YMA.Speaking at the function, YMA Secretary General Abdul Hamid Slatch ac-knowledged the support that they have so far received from the government,Islamic organizations and individuals noting that this has been instrumentalin the smooth operation of the four decade old institution which has seenmore than 1000 young people bet from the home.With a generous grant of 200 acres of Land from the Government of Kenyaand nancial assistance from the Muslim Community both Local and In-

ternational, the Childrens Home has grown from a humble beginning to aCentre of excellence. For more than four decades YMA has been activelyengaged in programmes and projects in the eld of Education, Orphan andChild Care, Youth Development, Dawah, Relief, Water and other social wel -fare activities. All these accomplishments were also supplemented by sup-port from various Ministries including the Ministry of Lands, Education andChildrens department, he said.The rst phase of the funds drive which was which was held in Garissa wasled by Defense Minister Muhammad Yussuf Haji and managed to raisemore than Ksh. 5 million shillings which will go towards the setup of a waqf(endowment) project. This will involve the construction of blocks of ats at asite on Kirichwa Road off Ngong Road in Nairobi.Sheikh Mooti ul Rasool the Director of YMA gave a historical presentation ofhow the institution was setup and extended gratitude to all the Muslims whohave since supported the home.

The second and main phase of the funds drive will be held in Nairobi afterRamadhan in effort to raise the 70 million shillings required to complete theproject.Slatch has also urged Muslims to forward their Zakat and other contributionsto the centre which requires the funds for the upkeep of more than 300 or-phans currently being catered for at the home.

As part of its service to the neighbouring community, YMA has also beenconducting other programmes in remote areas of the country by sinkingboreholes and distributing relief food items in the semi-arid area, hard hitby the droughts.

Among the other dignitaries who attended the funds drive included Live-stock assistant Minister and area MP Aden Duale former minister HusseinMaalim.

Ramadhan is the ninth month of the Muslim cal-endar, preceded by the month of Shaaban and

succeeded by the month of Shawwal. Ramad-han is the Holy Month for Muslims, when thosetwelve years old and above observe a dawn todusk complete fast. They do not take any liquids(not even water), no food, abstain from smok-ing, and gossiping or saying anything maliciousagainst another person.

Muslims follow a lunar calendar, which meansthat the month follows the cycles of the moon.Islam requires that the new moon be sightedbefore the observance of fasting of Ramadhan.

Why do Muslims fast during Ramadhan?

The rst reason of course, is that fasting is arequirement of one of the Five Pillars of Islam.The Arabic word for fasting means to refrain, todiscipline yourself to avoid doing certain thingswhich would be quite normal during the othereleven months of the year. It is also meant toteach Muslims to appreciate how much betteroff they are than millions of other fellow Mus-lims.So by refraining from drinking (even water) andfood, for the long daylight hours, they shouldbe reminded of those much less fortunate, for

whom severe shortage of water and food is away of life, not something merely done onemonth of the year. By reminding themselves ofthis fact, it is hoped that not only will they bemore sensitive to those less fortunate, but totry to do something practical to help them.

Do Muslims eat and drink immediately beforethey start their daily fast?

Yes, most Muslims certainly do take a pre-fastmeal and the period of eating before the fastis called Suhur. This is an important meal, for itmust set them up for the rest of the day before

their next meal or drink.Can younger children fast during Ramadhan?Indeed they can, and in fact many even as youngas four or ve, are encouraged to fast for a fewhours a day during Ramadhan, to begin to ap-preciate the signicance of the Holy month. Asthey get a little older, most families encouragetheir children under 12 to fast for half a day,until they reach twelve years old, when all Mus-lim children are expected to fast for the fulldawn to dusk period.

Interestingly, many who are approaching twelve

look forward to being old enough to fast for thefull day, more than anything else. It means tothem, that they are now being treated the sameas an adult, and all the responsibilities thatadulthood brings.

Ramadhan for Kids

YOUTH AND CHILDREN

Garissa childrens home waqfharambee nets Sh5m

that fasting will harm her. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): but ifany of you is ill or on a journey, the same number (should be made up) fromother days [al-Baqarah 2:184]Similarly if a breastfeeding woman fears for herself if she nurses her childduring Ramadhan, or she fears for her child if she fasts and does not breast-feed him, then she may not fast, and she only has to make up the missedfasts.It also says in Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daaimah: A pregnant woman has to fastwhen she is pregnant, unless she fears for herself or her foetus if she fasts,in which case she is allowed not to fast, but she has to make up the missedfasts after she gives birth and becomes pure from nifaas it is not sufcientfor her to feed a poor person instead, rather she has to fast and does not

have to feed a poor person if she does that.Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen said in al-Sharh al-Mumti, 6/220, after mentioningthe difference of scholarly opinion about the ruling on this matter, and ex-pressing his preference for the view that she only has to make up the missedfasts : This view is the most likely to be correct in my opinion, because atmost they are like one who is sick or traveling, who only have to make upmissed fasts. (Islamqa.com)

Ramadhan issues for womenStory From Page 4



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The Friday Bulletin

FEATURE

Two years ago during the rst graduation ceremony for Jamia Train-ing Institute (JTI), there was a promise for the top performing studentin the Tailoring Department: After completing your studies, the sew-ing machine will be yours for keeps.

On Sunday, Mwanaisha Saidi Mwacharo walked pensively to thegraduation podium where she was handed over a Singer sewingmachine by the Tourism minister Najib Balala.The promise motivated me to work harder so that I could be the rst

student to win the machine, an excited Mwanaisha told The FridayBulletin. She expressed hopes that the prize would be a valuabletool to help her fulll her expectations to be self reliant.

Mwanaisha urged the students at JTI to take advantage of the op-portunities to excel so as to be able to achieve a similar fete. Shelauded the institute for living to its pledge and said this would moti-vate other students to take up the challenge.

The institution came up with the proposition to encourage studentsto excel in their studies and also provide them with an economic toolto economically empower themselves on completing their studies.

Founded in 2005 from a humble beginning after inheriting the opera-tions of the former WAMY Vocational College (WAVCO), JTI, has

in the last four years established itself as an important educationalfacility for Muslims providing academic programmes which are certi-

ed with local and international examination bodies.The institution was established by Jamia Mosque committee to pro-vide more educational opportunities for Muslim students to study ina conducive Islamic environment where apart from acquiring aca-

demic skills, they get an added advantage of being in a Muslim sur-rounding giving them an opportunity to acquire religious and moralteachings.

From a capacity of less than 80 students at its formation, the training

if they have to read very fast. Although reading the Qur'an manytimes is desirable, this should not be done hastily, especially dur-ing the Tarawih prayer without pondering upon its meaning. Allahta'ala said: "This is a Book which We have sent down to you, full ofblessings that they may ponder over its verses," (Saad 38:29), and

the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said: "Those who read theQur'an in less than three days do not grasp [its meaning]"A Muslim should realize that his priorities dictate that he does whatbenets him in the Hereafter and should not put worldly interestsrst. He should deepen his sense of following the Sunnah of theProphet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, in every aspect of his life, at alltimes and especially during the month of Ramadhan. This necessi-

Story From Page 1

institute has grown at a phenomenon rate now handling more than

200 students. Plans have been on the table to relocate the collegeto more spacious facilities due to the high number of students at thecollege.Students are able to acquire various skills in information technology,

dress making, fashion and design, interior design Arabic language,Islamic studies and Sign Language. JTI is also among the few institu-tions where special studies like Sign Language are offered. Through

the college, Jamia Mosque came to pioneer the conveying of the Fri-day Khutbah in sign language to enable those with hearing impair-ment to follow and better understand the sermon.The college last week introduced Islamic studies for the deaf and

in the near future, blind students will be also able to receive trainingwhich will help them receive basic knowledge in Islamic knowledge.The institute though is primarily aimed at addressing the educational

needs of Muslims; it nevertheless also welcomes non-Muslim stu-dents in its various programmes.The college principal, Fatmah Khamis Ali said expansion programmeswhich involved equipping with the computer lab and the introduction

of additional courses will further spur the growth of the institution.

The Chairman of Jamia Mosque Committee Sheikh Muhammad Os-man Warfa, said the committee is committed to fulll the educationexpectation of Muslims particularly the youth. We are committed to

continue striving to ensure the growth of the institute and we will di-versify its programmes so as to cater for the needs of Muslims andsociety at large, he said in his speech during the graduation cer-

emony.He said the institute was a source of pride for Jamia mosque as thosegraduating not only acquire academic and technical skills but alsohave an additional advantage of gaining ethical and religious values.

The tailoring department of Jamia Training Institute (JTI) received

a major boost after it received a donation of 40 sewing machines.Twenty machines came from the Tourism minister Najib Balala whilethe rest where donated by the National Muslim Leaders Forum.Balala who made the offer during the JTI graduation ceremony onSunday said education was a vital component in the Muslim societyand paid tribute to Jamia Mosque Committee for establishing aninstitution aimed at fullling the education needs of the community.He promised to work with the Committee in exploring other avenueswhich could enhance educational development in the Muslim com-munity.On his part, the NAMLEF chairman Abdullahi Abdi urged the Com-mittee to establish more institutions of learning right from pre-schoolto university level to provide Muslims with education in a conduciveIslamic environment. Jamia should not stop at JTI, but should also

open other institutions of academic excellence from nursery to uni-versity, he said.As per its policy, the sewing machines will be provided to best perfo-ming students for keeps on completion of their studies.During the event, Mwanaisha Ali became the rst beneciary of theprogramme after recieving a sewing machine which handed over bythe Tourism minister Najib Balala.

To address the needs of the disabled members of the community,Jamia Mosque Committee has laid plans to introduce special reli -

gious programmes for the blind. This is aimed at enabling the blindto understand Islamic teachings so as to be in position to observethe various acts of worship.Last week, the Committee started a programme for the hearing andspeech impaired with the aim of achieving the same objective.

Abdullatif Essajee, a member of the Jamia Mosque Committee saidthese programmes have been necessitated after the realization thatmany deaf and blind Muslims lack a proper understanding of Islam,a factor which has led many of them not to fulll their religious ob-ligations.He observed that some were even converting to other faiths whichprovided religious learning opportunities which were not found inmany Islamic centres.

Abdullaltif urged parents to take advantage of these opportunitieswhich will enable the disabled to increase their understanding ofIslam. Do not keep them away. They also have a right to accessIslamic education and be able to undertake their religious obliga-tions, he said during the Jamia Training Institute graduation event.In the rst programme of its kind, Jamia mosque last year initiateda sign language interpretation programme for the hearing impairedwhich allows them to understand and follow the Friday sermon.

those who de-gazetted the Mau forest should be brought to book, itdoes not matter which position they are in, he observed.Speaking at the event, the chairman of Jamia Mosque CommitteeMuhammad Osman Warfa called for honest leadership in the coun-try noting that the leaders have failed to provide appropriate guid-ance to Kenyans.

tates seeking more knowledge about the Fiqh of fasting and its eti-quette, assimilating the wisdom and goals of fasting, and facilitatingthe means that allow all the Muslims to benet from their fasting.

Jamia Training Institute moving ahead

Religious programmes for the blind Major boost for JTI as itreceives40 sewing machines

No to being used and dumped

Story From Page 3 Moral obligation of fasting



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The Friday BulletinSha'ban 30 1430/August 212009

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The Friday Bulletin is a Publication of Jamia Masjid Committee, P. O. Box 40629-00100 Nairobi, Tel: 2243504/5 Fax: 342147 E-mail: [email protected] or

The leader of the embattled Muslimcommunity in the western Nigerian stateof Niger is now saying that they havebeen negatively portrayed in the mediasaying that their only intention is to prac-

tice the religion the way it is required.Amrul Bashir Abdullahi, the leader ofthe group which was raided by policeand hundreds of its members detainedon Saturday said that they were focusedtowards eliminating social ills and thatthey were not in conict with the authori-ties.

Amrul Bashir who is originally from thenorthern state of Kano, told reporters af-

ter being detained that he had lived in Mokwafor 17 years. "We are not against Westerneducation as we are being accused, but wehave our own belief which is not in any wayan infringement of the state authorities," he

said."We decided to create a camp for ourselvesoutside the community because of the prob-lems in the larger society. These are prob-lems of corruption, drunkenness, prostitutionand so on which Allah forbids," Abullahi said.The police raid came weeks after clashesbetween another Muslim community and po-lice in a conict which left almost 800 peopledead in the remote northeast state.

The uprising was put down when the militarycaptured the sect's leader, Mohammed Yusuf,who was later shot dead in police detention ac-cording to media reports. International rightsgroups condemned what they said appeared tobe an extra-judicial, execution-style killing.Nigerian President Umaru Yar'Adua has or-dered an investigation into the violence andthe killing in police custody of the sect's leaderMohammed Yusuf.UN human rights chief Navi Pillay and rightsgroups like Amnesty International and HumanRights Watch have called on the governmentto investigate the security forces' role in theviolence.

Nigerian cleric says they are misunderstood

Seven complete hajj packages worthSh2.5 million are up for grabs in theseventh edition of the Quran memoriza-tion competition to be held in Mombasabetween 10 and 13 September.More than 900 people had expressedinterests to participate in the competi-tion but only 180 entrants were selectedat preliminary contests held in variousmajor towns in the country.This years event has also attractedcompetitors from other countries whichinclude Zambia, Malawi, Rwanda , Bu-rundi, Congo , Uganda, Somalia, and

Tanzania.We shall give over Sh 800,000 cashawards plus seven hajj packages forparents and the overall winner will alsobe awarded a full hajj package, saidSaid Abeid Said the secretary generalof the Muslim Mercy Youth.The hajj package will cover ight charg-es, accommodation, food and pocketmoney.Both male and female competitors willparticipate in the event to be held at theMakadara grounds and the Chief KadhiSheikh Muhammad Kassim is expectedto be the chief guest.

The event has gained international pub-licity and last year it was beamed world-wide by Al Jazeera English television.Last years winners Muhammad Mogeand Muhsin Abdulkadir will carry theKenyan ag at the International Quranmemorisation competition in Zanzibarwhile Muhammad Maalim Hassan willrepresent Kenya in a similar completionin Djibouti.

7 Hajj packages to be

won in Quran competition

TO LETOfce Space at Jamia Plaza (2ndand 3rd Floor)

Rent Ksh.65 per Sq ft plus 16percent VAT (All inclusive)Appy to The Secretary GeneralJamia Mosque CommiteeP. O. Box 100786-00100 Nairobior email: [email protected]

friday bulletin 329

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