Safar 24, 1443/October 01, 2021 Issue No.

960

The
The

Friday
Friday Bulletin
Bulletin
Drought: Support funds drive,
Muslims urged
Muslims have been urged to make
more efforts in supporting the cam-
paign to mitigate the drought situation
in the country.
Noting that many Kenyans are in dire
need of food and are facing the threat
of starvation, the chairman of the Mus-
lim organization consortium of Kenya
Sheikh Abdullatif Abdulkarim said it is
The Weekly Muslim News Update
port victims of the drought situation in the
country. The organisations target to raise
Sh20 million towards this cause.
Among organisations in the initiative in-
clude Jamia Mosque Committee, Nairobi,
the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims
(SUPKEM), Al Khayr Foundation, Ummah
Foundation, Maahad Da’wah Organisa-
tion and Young Muslim Association.
Others are Global One, Al Imdad Foundation,
Islamic Relief, Majmuatul Khairat, Masjid al
Ameen, Al Momin Foundation, Pwani One
Shilling Foundation, Zakat Kenya, Meda
Foundation and Family Resource Centre.
Contributions towards this noble cause can
be made through Mpesa Paybill number
134403 Account DR.

Umrah is now open

imperative that more efforts are made
towards collecting funds to feed the
vulnerable population who are in dire
need of food and water in various parts
of the country.
The drought was occasioned by the
failure of the long rains (March-May
2021) in most parts of the country. The
current drought which is prevalent in
Northern Kenya and the coast region
and other arid and semi-arid areas is
said to be the most severe the coun-
try has experienced in living memory. A
widespread shortage of food and water
has raised the specter of famine and
other adversities, particularly among
farmers in marginal agricultural areas
and herders in pastoralists regions.
“With these factors in mind, the con-
sortium has launched an appeal to the
Kenyan community for assistance to
deal with the emergency situation. This
effort focuses on the provision of 7,000
food packs and supply of clean drink-
ing water to approximately 7,000 most
vulnerable families for 4 months. One
Food pack will approximately cost Sh
3,000/= and is able to sustain a family
for a month. In view of the still-unfolding
The SUPKEM North eastern regional coordinator Sheikh Adan Yunis Ibrahim
nature of the drought and the uncertain
outlook for the short rains, we earnest- (LEFT) sees off Ali Sheikh Yusuf as he left for the umrah pilgrimage in Makkah
ly appeal for your generous support to Saudi Arabia at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Wednesday.
enable us to achieve our goals,” said The first batch of Kenyan Muslims to trav- grims are however required to have obtained
Sheikh Abdullatif Abdulkarim. el for Umrah, the lesser pilgrimage left the the Covid-19 vaccine.
“Your generous contribution will be country on Wednesday for the sacred city Due to the pandemic, this year, the Saudi
able to feed families including children of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Arabia government limited the hajj, the pil-
who have been suffering from hunger The Supreme Council of Kenya Mus- grimage to only 60,000 vaccinated people
and malnutrition,” he added. lims (SUPKEM) said that Kingdom had from within the Kingdom aged between 18
Last week, the consortium which con- opened borders for foreign pilgrims after and 65 years.
sists of several Muslim organizations it allowed the performance of Umrah for Speaking to the media, the Northeastern
launched an emergency appeal to sup- visiting foreign pilgrims on August 10. Pil- Continued To Page 2

314

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The Friday Bulletin
Lamu leaders call for laws to fight immorality
Religious and community leaders in Lamu
County have called on the area county as-
sembly to legislate laws that will assist to
curb and fight moral decay in the region.
The Lamu council of elders chairperson
Sharif Salim urged the county government
to enact laws to curb to influence behaviour
change in the society and severely punish
people found engaging in immoral behav-
iour.
The call came religious leaders, activists
and elders stormed the Lamu Central Police
station demanding the immediate arrest of
those behind the shooting and circulation of
a pornographic video that featured local girls
engaging in lewd acts. “This is proof enough
Mandera: Calls for more special schools for the physical challenged
Educationists in Mandera county are calling
on the government to build more learning in-
stitutions for the hearing impaired learners
in the region.
Currently, there is only one such important
institution in the vast county hence making
it inaccessible for many with hearing chal-
lenges.
Speaking during celebrations to mark this
year International Day of Sign Language
held at the Mandera Vocational Train-
ing Center, the Director, Mandera County
Teachers Service Commission (TSC) Yu-
suf Abdullahi, stressed on the importance
of special institutions in helping those with
hearing challenges overcome communica-
Kisumu to host Muslim women convention next week
Muslim women from across the country are
set to meet in Kisumu county for a three-
day annual Muslim women convention next
week on October 8.
The event organized by the Kisumu based
Muslim Ladies Da’awah group will be held
at Bandani Jamia Mosque within Kisumu.
Over 200 women participants drawn from
different parts of the country will be among
dignitaries to grace the occasion that will
end on Sunday, October 10.
Continued From Page 1
SUPKEM regional coordinator Dr Sheikh
Adan Yunis Ibrahim noted that since the
Covid-19 outbreak, Kenyan Muslims have
not travelled to Makkah for the Hajj but
said Kenyans are now in a position to un-
dertake the Umrah rites ( lesser pilgrim-
age) and other groups would fly out in the
subsequent coming weeks and months.
Sheikh Yunis however said most Kenyan
Muslims are not aware of the lifting of the
restrictions and urged all the able Kenyan
Muslim faithful to make arrangements to
travel for Umrah as the Kingdom reopened
Umrah for pilgrims from other countries on
August 9.
“Since the Covid-19 outbreak, Kenyan
Muslims have not travelled to Makkah
for pilgrimage. It is now open for the fully
vaccinated persons, who should have the
Page 2
NATIONAL
that our young people have thrown caution
to the wind and are copying western behav-
iour which is obviously misleading and dirty,”
he said.
In his remarks, the Coast Interfaith Council
chairman Mohamed Abdulkadir expressed
concerns about the gradual erosion of cul-
tural and religious and stressing that reli-
gious and community leaders need to take
concerted efforts to fight immorality in the
society
Sh Abdulkadir emphasized that it is pru-
dent for parents to be role models for their
children and be at the forefront to inculcate
good moral values into their children for their
well-being and growth.
tion difficulties.
Abdullahi noted that it is crucial to have
schools for the hearing impaired learners in
each Sub-county to cater for the many chil-
dren who need special education. “I want to
request the government to consider having
such institutions in every sub-county, they
are important in enhancing communication
with children with hearing problems,” he
said.
Asha Adan, a teacher at the Mandera School
for the Deaf, urged both the national and
county governments to work in the direction
of having more schools for the physically
challenged children in the region.
She also called on parents and guardians to
The theme of the convention is ''Islam is the
true liberation of a Muslim woman''. At the
convention, women leaders will speak on
promoting interfaith harmony, societal and
spiritual development, as well as utilize the
event to encourage women to take their role
and revive the true Islamic spirit through
knowledge.
''We want to see unity, cooperation and
peace among Muslim women in the country
while at the same time address challenges
Umrah is now open-SUPKEM
vaccine certificate,” he said.
He called on Muslims to adhere to the pre-
cautionary measures designed to prevent
the spread of COVID-19 and also to get
vaccinated in the ongoing drive that seeks
to inoculate at least 10 million Kenyans by
December.
“SUPKEM thanks the governments of
Kenya and Saudi Arabia and the Saudi
Ambassador to Kenya Khalid al Salman
for facilitating Muslims an opportunity to
go to and perform this important religious
exercise,” Sheikh Yunis.
Umrah is a less pilgrimage to Makkah that
Muslims can perform at any time of the
year.
At the same time, the Saudi Ministry of
Hajj and Umrah has announced that 10
million pilgrims have successfully per-
Safar 24, 1443/October 01, 2021
While addressing the media, Lamu Women
Alliance chairperson Raya Famau said her
organisation would undertake door-to-door
counselling for young Muslim women in the
town to remind them of how they ought to
behave as per the religious and cultural con-
notations. “Our women need to know they
shouldn’t have sex until after marriage. We
also know that those who posted the videos
are trying to advertise Lamu for commercial
sex, but we want to tell them it won’t hap-
pen,” Famau said.
Lamu town is a Unesco heritage site having
been listed by the international body in 2001
owing to its well-preserved Swahili culture
and heritage spanning decades.
ensure children with disabilities are enrolled
in school. Asha further stated that it is impor-
tant to create awareness on the significance
of sign language in the society as this will
enhance communication with the hearing
impaired members.
While there are 120 primary and second-
ary schools for the hearing impaired in the
country, a Director with the National Chair-
man for the Kenya Society for Deaf Chil-
dren (KSDC), Rhoda Kabit, said that only a
very small percentage of the over 200,000
deaf children in the country were enrolled in
school. “The government should take pu-
nitive action against parents who refuse to
enrol their disabled children in schools,” she
observed.
being faced by vulnerable Muslim women
and youthful girls in their pursuit of educa-
tion'', said sister Zuhura Akumu Muslim La-
dies Da’awah group chair-lady.
Zuhura said the group has volunteered to
spearhead positive change in the Muslim
society in Western Kenya region by focus-
ing on uplifting the spiritual and social status
of Muslim women ensuring that women are
empowered with knowledge to improve their
lives.
formed Umrah since Oct. 4 last year, fol-
lowing the launch of its “safe Umrah” pro-
cedures and the gradual return of pilgrims
to the Two Holy Mosques.
It also revealed that more than 12,000 vi-
sas have been issued since the Kingdom
once again began to welcome pilgrims
from other countries on August 9 this year.
Abdulfattah bin Sulaiman Mashat, the
deputy minister of Hajj and Umrah, said
the current capacity is 70,000 pilgrims a
day.
He added that full vaccination is a prereq-
uisite for the granting of permits to Umrah
pilgrims and other worshippers who wish
to visit the Grand Mosque and Prophet’s
Mosque.
The Friday Bulletin
Following the Quran, Sunnah & Ahl al-Bayt
By Shaphic Omer
Undoubtedly, the doctrine of the imamate
was the most salient doctrine in all Shi’ism.
It constituted a nucleus around which al-
most every other doctrine, conviction and
canon revolved, and was influenced by it,
one way or another.
The presence of an Imam in every age,
it follows, is a must. In their capacities as
the spiritual and political successors to
Prophet Muhammad, Imams play the role
of the divinely appointed authorities on all
matters of faith and law in Muslim society.
Their quality of being infallible is at once
essential, considered necessary and as-
sured.
As a result, Shi’is believe that the Sunni
orthodox caliphs before ‘Ali were usurpers
who usurped from ‘Ali his right to succeed
the Prophet Muhammad. Those compan-
ions of the Prophet who neither supported
nor sided with ‘Ali before and during the
bloody civil wars, and, much worse, who
supported and later accepted Mu’awiyah as
caliph, as well as the subsequent Umayyad
establishment, are to Shi’is far from being
righteous. Some have even been accused
of out-and-out hypocrisy as well as apos-
tasy, having betrayed the Prophet Muham-
mad and his will and command concerning,
most importantly, the matter of succession
and leadership.
The righteousness of the companions af-
ter the Prophet’s death could be assessed
by the extent of their de facto and palpable
support and loyalty towards the household
of the Prophet (ahl al-bayt) and their noble
struggle and cause, which, if truth be told,
connotes support for the Prophet and his
heavenly mission.
Without a doubt, the companions (sa-
habah), their immediate successors
(tabi’un), and the latter’s successors (atba’
tabi’in), with their outstanding status and
position in descending order as the best
generations after the Prophet Muhammad,
had more than a few chances to prove
themselves and to display their right colors,
because throughout the said epochs the
members of ahl al-bayt went from one
stern trial and tribulation to another. They
and their valiant undertakings were in dire
need of truly righteous individuals and ar-
dent supporters. However, in the end many
failed to stand up and be counted.
While trying to ascertain the superiority of
‘Ali and ahl al-bayt over the rest, believing
that the imamate belonged firstly and ex-
clusively to ‘Ali and then to his descend-
ants with Fatimah, the Prophet’s daughter,
on the grounds of clear designation and
unambiguous appointment by the Prophet
Muhammad, many Shi’is ultimately went
to the point of slandering the leading
Prophet’s companions and declaring them
unbelievers, or at least accusing them of
injustice and hostility for usurping ‘Ali’s
succession right, and then when his de-
ferred appointment finally came, for failing
to fully side with him and subsequently with
his progeny.
Shi’is try to substantiate their fundamen-
Page 3
DA'WAH Safar 24, 1443/October 01, 2021
tal doctrines with proofs explicitly or
implicitly derived from both the Quran
and Sunnah. One of those proofs is the
Prophet’s words that he was leaving two
things to the people to follow, lest they
go astray. Those two things are the Holy
Quran and the members of his family

(ahl al-bayt).
Indeed, this is one of the strongly estab-
lished hadiths (traditions) and has been
transmitted through many chains of
transmission and in different versions.
Both Shi’is and Sunnis agree on its au-
thenticity and validity.
The Quran and ahl al-bayt are thus not
to be separated. They will remain legiti-
mate and applicable till the end of days,
complementing each other in leading and These two bona fide statements of Prophet
guiding the people. Whoever follows them, Muhammad not only do not contradict each
therefore, will not fall into error and will other, but also greatly support and explain
reach true felicity in both worlds. each other. In their most profound actual
meanings, they are like one.
A Closer Study
The Prophet’s Sunnah, as a way of life,
In Shi’ism, by ahl al-bayt or the “members
was perfectly typified by each and every
of the household” and “progeny” it is not
member of his household, certainly more
meant all the descendants and relatives of
than anyone else, due to their constant
the Prophet (peace be upon him). Rather,
proximity to and most intimate contacts
specific individuals are only meant, espe-
with the Prophet which allowed them to be
cially those “who are perfect in the reli-
the immediate, and often first, recipients of
gious sciences and are protected against
his knowledge, wisdom and counsel. That
error and sin so that they are qualified to
qualified them to become the legitimate
guide and lead men. For Shi’ism (Ithna
sources of Islamic jurisprudence, as well
ʿAshariyyah or Twelvers), these individu-
as the ideal exemplars to be emulated by
als consist of ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib and his
the succeeding generations of Muslims.
eleven descendants who were chosen to
the imamate one after another.” (Allamah Hence, the way of life of the members of
Tabataba’i) the Prophet’s family – spirituality-wise —
was in many ways the way of life of the
However, as regards the same authentic
Prophet Muhammad himself. Talking about
Prophet Muhammad’s words, the scholars
the way of life of the Prophet’s family mem-
considerably differ concerning the exact
bers is as good as talking about the way of
meaning and extent of ahl al-bayt. In any
life (Sunnah) of the Prophet.
event, apart from ‘Ali, Fatimah, Al-Hasan
and Al-Husayn, the wives of the Prophet, This status of the Prophet’s family mem-
too, are included as members of ahl al- bers was possible, principally, because of
bayt, because the Quran mentions the the successful functioning of the Prophet’s
whole idea in the context of lengthily ad- family as an institution and his houses as
dressing the wives of the Prophet. It follows family education and development centers.
that other daughters of the Prophet are At any rate, however, in the two above men-
also included within the definition. tioned hadiths (traditions) of the Prophet, it
According to some accounts, the members is meant that the Quran, first, the Prophet’s
of the Prophet’s family are the family of Sunnah, second, and then the members of
‘Ali, the family of ‘Aqil, the family of Ja’far the Prophet’s household, and by extension
and the family of ‘Abbas, since they were the closest companions of the Prophet,
not permitted to receive charity after the are guarantors that a person, or a society,
Prophet had died. that sticks to and follows them will not go
astray. As a small digression, Muhammad
Some scholars went so far as to extend the
Abu Zahrah stated that although both tra-
concept to the whole of the Banu Hashim
ditions (hadiths) are very sound and mu-
and the Banu al-Mutallib. Some even
tawatir (successive narration), the state of
thought that the whole Ummah (Muslim
being mutawatir of the one with the words
community) is the family of the Prophet
“the Quran and Sunnah” is stronger than
(peace be upon him). (Tafsir Ibn Kathir; al-
the same state of the one with the words
Nawawi’s Sharh Sahih Muslim)
“the Quran and ahl al-bayt”.
Furthermore, not only that the Prophet is
It was owing to this undeniable veracity that
reported to have said that he was leaving
the wives of the Prophet were instructed to
the Quran and ahl al-bayt to the people to
keep maximizing the roles and functions of
follow, but also, as per another authentic
their houses, while unreservedly enjoying
tradition, he said that he was leaving the
personal and family comfort, privacy and
Quran and his Sunnah (traditions and way
security in them. Their houses were to be
of life) also to be followed. (Muwatta’ Malik
transformed into the centers of learning
ibn Anas)
and spiritual upbringing for the members
What is the relationship between these
two proclamations of the Prophet? Continued To Page 6
The Friday Bulletin
Muhammad & Fatimah – The Perfect Father-Daughter Relationship
By Theresa Corbin
We know from modern psychology that
father-daughter relationships have a great
impact on the lives of both parties. Daugh-
ters learn what kind of man they should
bond and form relationships with from their
fathers. And fathers learn how to be gentle,
patient, and loving from their daughters.
There is no greater father-daughter rela-
tionship than that of the Prophet (peace
be upon him) and Fatimah (may Allah be
pleased with her). By studying how they
interacted, we can model our familial re-
lationships after them and see the many
fruits that grow from it.
Fatimah’s affection for her father
Fatimah (may Allah be pleased with her)
was born when her father (peace be upon
him) began spending long periods of soli-
tude in mountains around Mecca. But this
distance was not to be the pattern of their
future relationship. When she was just five
years old, Fatima (may Allah be pleased
with her) learned that her father had be-
come the Messenger of God and she was
among the first few privileged to accept
that message.
When she was nearly ten years old, a
group of pagan Quraysh approached the
Prophet (peace be upon him) while he was
praying in Masjid al-Haram. “Menacingly,
the group went up to the Prophet and Abu
Jahl, the ringleader, asked: ‘Which of you
can bring the entrails of a slaughtered ani-
mal and throw it on Muhammad?’ Uqbah
ibn Abi Muayt, one of the vilest of the lot,
volunteered and hurried off. He returned
with the obnoxious filth and threw it on the
shoulders of the Prophet, may God bless
him and grant him peace, while he was still
prostrating. Abdullah ibn Masud, a com-
panion of the Prophet, was present but he
was powerless to do or say anything.”
Fatimah witnessed this act of degradation
as her father prayed to Allah. But she didn’t
let it embarrass or even frighten her, even
at her tender age. Drawing upon her im-
mense respect and love for him, she stood
firmly against this oppression, wiped the
filth off her still praying father, and railed at
the offending parties. The pagan Quraysh,
in shock at her reaction and brazenness,
said nothing in return.
Fatimah continued to defend her father as
he was attacked and suffered insult and
injury at the hands of the Quraysh in Mak-
kah. Her defense of him only brought her
heart closer to him and his heart closer
to her. How many of us as adult show our
fathers this kind of respect? We can learn
from Fatimah’s strength and loyalty what it
means to be a great and noble child. We
don’t have to be in extraordinary circum-
stances to be extraordinary children to our
parents. It only takes loyalty and respect.
The Prophet’s fatherly love and affec-
tion
Page 4
WOMEN Safar 24, 1443/October 01, 2021
“There is a misconception that a father is Not only did they have mutual respect
merely the breadwinner, the supporter of and show each other every kindness, Fa-
the household, that his role is primarily that tima (may Allah be pleased with her) and
of financial provider rather than nurturer. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon
After all, isn’t it the mother’s job to raise the him) were a great comfort to each other.
children? Isn’t it the mother’s job to teach One day the Prophet summoned Fatimah.
her daughters what it is to be a girl, a wom- When she came to him, he kissed her and
an?” writes Zainab. whispered in her ear. She wept. Then again
The Prophet (PBUH) had a special place in he whispered in her ear and she smiled.
his heart for Fatimah (may Allah be pleased Aisha saw and asked, “You cry and you
with her). Fatimah, of whom Aisha (may Al- laugh at the same time, Fatimah? What did
lah be pleased with her) commented, “[…] the Messenger of God say to you?” Fati-
When the Prophet saw her approaching, mah replied: “He first told me that he would
he would welcome her, stand up and kiss meet his Lord after a short while and so I
her, take her by the hand and sit her down cried. Then he said to me: ‘Don’t cry for you
will be the first of my household to join me.’
in the place where he was sitting.”
So I laughed.”
The Prophet showed his daughter great
respect and dignity, teaching her, as well Fatima could not grieve her father’s death
long because she would be the next to fol-
as the men around him, and even us to-
day what good treatment to our daughters low him. Even the thought of her own death
made her laugh because it meant that she
looks like.
could soon be near him again. This is the
The Prophet (PBUH) once said: “Whoever mark of the immense comfort she felt from
pleased Fatimah has indeed pleased God her father’s presence, and a father know-
and whoever has caused her to be angry ing exactly what to say to bring comfort to
has indeed angered God. Fatimah is a his daughter.
part of me. Whatever pleases her pleases
me and whatever angers her angers me.” This is an extraordinary example of a fa-
ther-daughter relationship. But it is fool-
(Bukhari and Muslim)
ish to think that it is out of our reach to-
Many fathers who create and sustain a day. Daughters can learn from Fatimah’s
healthy connection and relationship with (may Allah be pleased with her) fierce loy-
their daughters will find that this is true for alty and respect for her father and fathers
them as well. What hurts and angers their can learn from the dignity and respect the
daughter also hurts and angers them. This Prophet (PBUH) showed to Fatimah. The
connection between father and daughter is father-daughter relationship is one of ten-
undeniable and comes from a nurtured re- derness, respect, dignity, and comfort, and
lationship and natural love. the Prophet’s and Fatimah’s is the gold
standard.
The father-daughter relationship is one
with many fruits
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The Friday Bulletin YOUTH Safar 24, 1443/October 01, 2021

8 Children in the Company of the Prophet

Prophet Muhammad was known of being caliphate lasted for four years after which mous one: “One day I was riding behind
very kind and affectionate towards chil- he died as a martyr in 40 A.H. the Prophet when he said: “O young boy! I
dren. He used to carry them, kiss them, Usamah Ibn Zayd wish to instruct you with some words. Ad-
and even weep when they died… He was born in Makkah in the fourth year here to (the orders of Allah) and safeguard
Ever since the very beginning of the Islam- following the Prophet’s mission. He was His commandments, Allah will be watch-
ic call, many children were bright and influ- born Muslim and he did not know any ful over you. Safeguard His rights and He
ential during the lifetime of the Prophet. For other religion except Islam. His father was will ever be with you. When you beg; beg
example, ‘Ali Ibn Abu Talib embraced Islam Zayd Ibn Harithah, who was one of the first of Him alone; and if you need assistance;
when he was only ten years old. people to embrace Islam. Usamah was supplicate Allah alone for help. Remem-
Zayd Ibn Thabit was one of the scribes who brought up in the Prophet’s house where ber that if all the people desire to benefit
used to write down the Quran while he was his parents lived. you, they will be unable to bestow anything
still young. Anas Ibn Malik was the servant upon you except that which Allah has pre-
The Prophet loved Usamah as he had
who was entrusted him with the secrets of ordained (for you) and if all of them united
loved his father Zayd to the point that he
the Prophet although he was just ten years to do you harm, they will not be able to af-
made him and just like one of his family. He
old. flict you with anything except that which Al-
used to say about him and Al-Hassan Ibn
Many children later became caliphs, com- lah has predestined for you”. (At-Tirmithi)
Ali: “O Allah, love them for I love them”. (Al-
manders and scholars thanks to the Proph- Bukhari) Usamah Ibn Zayd died in 54 A.H. Since his childhood, Ibn Abbas was very
et’s constant encouragement, care for their studious in seeking knowledge. His intel-
Abdullah Ibn ‘Umar Ibn Al-Khattab
talents, and guidance to the straight path. ligence and good manners attracted peo-
He embraced Islam along with his father ple’s attention to him. The Prophet invoked
Ali Ibn Abi Talib when he was a young boy in the sixth year Allah to endow him with religious knowl-
He was the cousin of the Prophet. He was of the Prophet’s Mission. At that time, he edge and understanding. When the Proph-
brought up in the Prophet’s house because was approximately seven years old. He mi- et died, Ibn ‘Abbas was thirteen years
Ali’s father was poor and he had a large grated to Madinah before his father. old. He started a long journey in order to
number of children. Ibn Umar was known for his close following acquire religious knowledge and jurispru-
The Prophet wanted to alleviate the bur- of the Sunnah of the Prophet. He narrated dence at the hands of senior companions.
dens of life from Abu Talib so he took Ali to many Prophetic narrations and was one He became a great scholar when he was
live with him. Ali remained in the Prophet’s of the companions who narrated the most still young.
house until his mission and he was one of number of narrations. He died in 73 A.H. ‘Umar Ibn Al-Khattab used to invite him
the first three people to embrace Islam. Abdullah Ibn ‘Abbas to attend his meetings with the prominent
Ever since he was young, Ali was strong He was a cousin of the Prophet. He was companions and to consult him in prob-
and courageous. When the Prophet mi- born in Makkah three years before the mi- lematic issues that required deep under-
grated from Makkah to Madinah, Ali slept gration to Madinah. Along with his father, standing and wise judgment. ‘Umar used
in the Prophet’s bed although he knew that he migrated to Madinah before the con- to tell him: “You have indeed acquired
the Quraysh fighters were waiting outside quest of Makkah in 8 A.H. He accompanied deep knowledge that we did not.” Ibn ‘Ab-
the house to kill the Prophet. He also knew the Prophet for two and a half years and baas was famous for many titles such as
that if they were able to enter the house, narrated many Prophetic narrations. the “Grand Scholar of the Nation”, and the
they would kill him thinking that he was the Among these narrations is the following fa-
Prophet. Continued To Page 6
Ali Ibn Abu Talib par-
ticipated in the Battle of
Uhud and in the Battle
of the Trench with the
Prophet.
In the Battle of Khay-
bar, the Prophet gave
him the banner, and
said: “I will give the
banner to somebody
who loves Allah and
His Messenger and is
loved by Allah and His
Messenger. (Ahmad)
Ali was famous for his
eloquence, rhetoric
and profound knowl-
edge of the Book of Al-
lah and the Sunnah of
the Prophet. He was
one of the ten people
given the glad tidings
that they would enter
Paradise. He married
Fatimah, the daughter
of the Prophet, and she
gave birth to Al-Hassan
and Al-Hussein who
were the reasons for
the continuity of the
progeny of the Prophet.
Ali became caliph after
the martyrdom of `Uth-
man Ibn ‘Affan. ‘Ali’s

Page 5
The Friday Bulletin
Following the Quran, Sunnah & Ahl al-Bayt
Continued From Page 3
of ahl al-bayt (the Prophet’s family), where-
from all other Muslim houses and households
were bound to benefit.
Their personalities, similarly, were to be
transformed into inestimable sources of
knowledge and guidance, ultimately position-
ing themselves as legitimate and substantial
references to the Ummah (community). The
Quran says: “And stay quietly in your houses,
and make not a dazzling display, like that of
the former times of ignorance; and establish
regular prayers, and give Zakat and obey Al-
lah and His Messenger. And Allah only wish-
es to remove all abomination from you, you
members of the Family (ahl al-bayt), and to
make you pure and spotless. And recite what
is rehearsed to you in your houses, of the
Signs of Allah and His Wisdom: for Allah un-
derstands the finest mysteries and is well-ac-
quainted (with them).” (Al-Ahzab 33:33–34)
Surely, this was one of the reasons why
the wives of the Prophet are called in the
Quran “the Mothers of believers” (ummahat
al-mu’minin). By analogy, the Prophet could
also be looked at as the father of, or a fa-
therly figure to, believers. He is therefore re-
8 Children in the Company of the Prophet
Continued From Page 5
“Interpreter of the Quran” because of his ex-
tensive knowledge of the Quran.
Ibn ‘Abbas died in At-Ta’if in 68 A.H. when he
was seventy one years old.
Zayd Ibn Thabit
He embraced Islam when he was still young.
He was eleven years old when the Prophet
migrated from Makkah to Madinah.
Although still young, he liked Jihad and he
was enthusiastic in seeking religious knowl-
edge. He wanted to participate in the Battles
of Badr and Uhud but the Prophet refused
because he was too young. The first battle in
which he fought was the Battle of the Trench.
During this battle, he carried sand to help
prepare the trench.
Zayd Ibn Thabit accompanied the Prophet
ever since he arrived in to Madinah.
His family brought him to the Prophet and
said: “This boy has memorized seventeen
chapters of the Quran. When he recited the
Quran to him, the Prophet admired him. He
asked him to learn the Syriac which was the
written language of the Jews in Madinah so
that the Muslims could be aware of the evil
plots of the Jews. Zayd Ibn Thabit learnt it in
a short period”.
He used to write in this language the mas-
sages that the prophet used to send to the
Jews, and he also used to write down the
Quran that was being revealed to the Proph-
et. Whenever one verse or more was re-
vealed to the Prophet, he would send to Zayd
Ibn Thabit to come and write it down.
When the Prophet died, Abu Bakr As-Siddiq,
commanded Zayd Ibn Thabit to compile the
Quran into one book. This was a very difficult
task which could only be shouldered by the
most intelligent of men. Zayd performed the
task in an excellent way and he succeeded
in compiling the Quran in one book that we
recite until now.
DA'WAH
ported to have said at the beginning of
one of his hadiths (traditions): “I am like
a father to you, teaching you…” (Ibnu
Majah, 313)
The Quran reveals that Prophet Lot de-
scribed the women of his nation as his
daughters. That said, it becomes appar-
ent why some scholars — as mentioned
earlier — were of the view that the whole
Ummah (Muslim community) is the fam-
ily (ahl al-bayt) of Prophet Muhammad.
Finally, in a somewhat reconciliatory
tone, Fakhr al-Din al-Razi, in is tafsir
(exegesis) Mafatih al-Ghayb suggested
that a Shi’i precept that the members of
ahl al-bayt are like the ship of the Proph-
et Noah, and whoever embarks upon it
will be saved, and a Sunni principle that
the Prophet’s companions are like stars,
so whomsoever the people follow, they
will be guided – could be integrated into
one broad and flexible ideology where
both parties, to some extent, could be
brought together.
However, that hypothetically suggested
ideology would be closer to the Sunni
Zayd Ibn Thabit died in 45 A.H. When he
died, Abu Hurayrah said about him: “To-
day, the best man in the Muslim nation
has died. May Allah make Ibn ‘Abbas an
excellent alternative to him.”
Anas Ibn Malik
He was born ten years before migration
to Madinah. When the Prophet migrated
to Madinah, Anas Ibn Malik started to
serve him at that young age.
He continued to serve the Prophet until
the latter died. Anas said: “I served the
Prophet for ten years, and he never hit
me, insulted me, or frowned in my face.”
The first advice the Prophet gave to
Anas when he started to serve him, was
to keep the secrets and never disclose
them. Anas adhered to this and nobody
ever managed to make him disclose any
of the Prophet’s secrets.
Anas grew up under the supervision of
the Prophet. Anas learnt much and his
manners were greatly affected by the
noble manners of the Prophet. He nar-
rated about two thousand Prophetic nar-
rations and he was known as the “Narra-
tor of Islam”.
Anas witnessed Al-Hudaybiyyah Treaty
with the Prophet and he participated in
the conquests of Makkah, Hunayn, Ta’if,
and Khaybar. He lived long after the
death of the Prophet. It is said that he is
the last companion to die. Some hold the
opinion that he died in 91 A.H.
Al-Hassan Ibn Ali
His father is Ali Ibn Abu Talib and his
mother is Fatimah Az-Zahra’, the daugh-
ter of the Prophet. He was born in Ram-
adan in the third year after migration.
He was brought up under the close su-
pervision of the Prophet who used to
Safar 24, 1443/October 01, 2021
sentiment, by reason of their unbigoted and
unprejudiced position on ahl al-bayt, than
to the Shi’i sentiment, owing to their fairly
rigid and opinionated position on a number
of the Prophet’s companions.
Fakhr al-Din al-Razi said in the context of
explaining the meaning of verse 23 that the
verse illustrates the obligation of loving and
honoring at once ahl al-bayt and the com-
panions of the Prophet. However, such a
feat could be achieved only if one follows
the examples of the people of ahl al-sunnah
wa al-jama’ah who amalgamated the love
of ahl al-bayt with the love of the compan-
ions. Anything short of this modus operandi
will not work.
Similarly, the people of ahl al-sunnah wa al-
jama’ah in the past boarded a robust ship of
love for ahl al-bayt and directed their gazes
towards the guiding stars of the Prophet’s
companions, trusting and hoping that by
the grace of God they will thus navigate to
a point of securing happiness and wellbe-
ing in this world and in the Hereafter.
carry him, cuddle him and play with him
along with his brother Al-Hussein.
It is narrated that the Prophet was deliver-
ing a speech, when Al-Hassan and Al-Hus-
sein came stumbling, wearing red shirts.
He came down from the pulpit, carried them
and ascended it and lapped them saying: “I
saw both of them, stumbling in their shirts
and I could not bear it so I descended the
pulpit and carried them.” (An-Nasa’i)
Al-Hassan Ibn Ali was brought up in a Pro-
phetic environment. He had excellent man-
ners, never uttered obscene words, was
eloquent, generous, and a courageous
fighter.
When Ali Ibn Abu Talib was a martyred peo-
ple chose his son Al-Hassan as the next ca-
liph. Many events happened and Al-Hassan
waived this position to Mu`awiyah out of the
sole wish to unite the Muslims. The Prophet
said: “This son of mine is a Sayyid (i.e. a
master) and perhaps Allah will reconcile
two sects of Muslims thanks to him.” (Al-
Bukhari)
Al-Hassan Ibn ‘Ali stayed in Madinah where
he was highly respected and honored ow-
ing to his generosity. He died in 50 A.H.
Al-Hussein Ibn Ali
He was born in Sha’ban in the fourth year
after migration. Al-Hussein and Al-Hassan
were the most beloved persons in the fam-
ily by their grandfather, the Prophet (peace
be upon him). He could not stand to stay
away from them. He would either go to
them or order someone to bring them to
him. Al-Hassan and Al-Hussein used to
climb on the back of the Prophet and play
with him several times.
Sometimes, they did so while he would be
prostrating in prayer and he would prolon-
gate his prostration until they got down.
Page 6
The Friday Bulletin
Masjids in the Prophet’s Time and Now: What Has Gone Wrong?
By: Dr. Mahmudul Hasan
First informal masjid
Early in his prophetic mission, Prophet
Muhammad (peace and blessings be
upon him) felt the need for a place for con-
gregational prayers as well as for social,
cultural, and educational exchanges. Giv-
en the cruelties of Makkan oppressors, he
and his followers could not gather together
or say prayers in public. Meanwhile, with
the acceptance of Islam by al-Arqam Ibn
Abi al-Arqam (c. 597-675), the number of
his adherents reached seven or eight.
Al-Arqam offered his house as a sanctuary
for the Prophet to pray with, and train, the
new converts. Dar al-Arqam (the house of
al-Arqam), as it came to be known, was
located in a strategic spot where it was
relatively safe for the Muslims to meet. It
is regarded not only as the first meeting
place for Muslims to pray but also as their
first educational centre.
First formal masjid
Violence against Muslims in Makkah
reached an unbearable level; the Prophet
and his companions had to migrate to Ma-
dinah in 622 (13th year of prophethood).
There, in the first year of Hijrah (Migration),
he and his followers built a public house of
worship named Masjid Quba. About three
kilometres south of al-Masjid al-Nabawi
(the Prophet’s masjid), it has thus far mor-
phed into a large prayer facility.
Within the same year, the Prophet along
with his companions built al-Masjid al-
Nabawi that became the centre of his
religious, educational, and administrative
activities.
It was a hub for collective knowledge-
building, the Prophet being the main edu-
cator. Its “unpretentious and rudimentary
structure” catered to “the spiritual, social,
educational and political needs” of Mus-
lims.
It was a multi-functional and multifaceted
space that played critical roles in the de-
velopment of the early Muslim community.
Simple and purposeful
Al-Masjid al-Nabawi is currently one of the
most magnificent masjids on earth. How-
ever, when first built, structurally, it rep-
resented simplicity and purposefulness.
The modesty and austerity of its structure
was proverbial. Once it rained while the
Prophet was leading a congregational
prayer. The roof of the masjid leaked and
the Prophet was “prostrating in water and
mud” and there was a “mark of mud on his
forehead” (Omer, 2010: 123).
About the architecture and functions of the
Prophet’s masjid, writer and theological
historian Karen Armstrong states: It was a
rough building, which expressed the aus-
terity of the early Islamic ideal. Tree trunks
supported the roof, a stone marked the
qiblah (the direction of prayer), and the
Prophet stood on a tree trunk to preach.
All future mosques would, as far as possi-
ble, be built according to this model. There
was also a courtyard, where Muslims met
to discuss all the concerns of the ummah
Page 7
DA'WAH
– social, political and military as well as re-
ligious.
The late British writer Idris Tawfiq comments
on the simplicity of the Prophet and on the
utter plainness of his masjid which was also
his administrative centre. He states: ‘Which
one is Muhammad?’ So humble was the
Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings
be upon him) that strangers looking for him
in the mosque in Madinah had to ask this.
Sitting in the row of believers for the daily
prayers, Muhammad (peace and blessings
be upon him), with his simple and modest
bearing, could not be distinguished from
anyone else.
As a ruler, the Prophet did not have a palace
or separate administrative structure. Nor did
he have an imposing official residence. The
seat of his government was within the walls
of al-Masjid al-Nabawi and his residence,
within its premise.
Unconventional and effective
At that time, most rulers had palaces that
functioned as principal power centres. How-
ever, the Prophet went against the flow of
the convention. He focused on the effec-
tiveness of his masjid, not on its physical
magnificence.
That is not to say that he disliked architec-
tural styles or was opposed to basic, nec-
essary infrastructural amenities. Perhaps,
building a magnificent masjid was not a pri-
ority then. Nor was it within the means of
the then fledgling Muslim community. How-
ever, what is important to note is that, the
absence of a grand masjid did not prove an
impediment to the Prophet to spreading the
message of Islam.
The Prophet made optimal use of his mas-
jid. To him, its functions were more impor-
tant than its architectural form. In other
words, form is important but “only inasmuch
as it supplements and enhances function”
(Omer, 2010: 137).
In the humble setting of al-Masjid al-Na-
bawi, the Prophet trained his companions
who in a few decades changed the face of
the world. They helped spread Islam to the
farthest corners of the globe. The seed of
what later evolved into many civilisations –
branching out from the root of Islam – was
planted in the Prophet’s masjid.
Masjid now
Most masjids in today’s world are conspicu-
ous by their exterior and interior architectur-
al design and beauty. Their artistic features
and aesthetic hallmarks have their own val-
ue and must be treated with respect. How-
ever, many of them are bereft of important
functions and are valued chiefly for their
meretricious ornamentation. Herein lies a
cause for concern and pity; it indicates a
weakness in the foundation of Muslim so-
ciety.
In this regard, the Prophet left stark warn-
ings which are widely known and equally
widely ignored. In one hadith, the Prophet
said: “The Hour will not commence be-
fore people boast of their mosques.” The
narrator, Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased
Safar 24, 1443/October 01, 2021
with him), added: “You will ornament your
mosques just as the Jews and Christians
did with their temples.” (qtd. in Elshinawy,
2018)
Forewarning about the future decadence
and decline of the Muslim ummah, he re-
portedly said that there would be a time
when masjids would be imposing and
splendid structures but devoid of true guid-
ance and enlightenment (Mishkat Ul Masa-
beeh, 2004: 72 [hadith no. 276]). Although
this hadith is classified weak by scholars,
we can see some of its predictions already
materializing in our times. Given the sad
condition in which most Muslims find them-
selves globally today, these premonitions
should strike a chord with them.
Sadly, Muslim communities do not seem to
take appropriate lessons from these proph-
ecies that illustrate a fundamental paradox
in the concept of masjid. At a time when
Muslims are faced with “a drastic cultural
and civilizational decline” and with other
challenges, it is perhaps “inappropriate” for
them “to be gripped with lavishly erecting,
ornamenting and decorating their edifices”
(Omer, 2015: 13).
In other words, as during the Prophet’s
time, it is perhaps not a priority for today’s
Muslim communities to erect gorgeous
masjids only for architectural elaboration.
The impact of such masjids on improving
the quality of Muslims does not go far be-
yond aesthetic appeal.
What is missing
It is true that many masjids are purpose-
built and used as sites of socialization. Of-
ten “a source of pride, confidence and zeal”
(Omer, 2015: 23), they play important roles
in transmitting cultural and religious values
to younger generations. Many magnificent
masjids are highly respected structures,
have artistic and historical significance,
and have turned into tourist attractions. All
these characteristics and uses of masjids
are not necessarily incompatible with Is-
lamic teachings. There is perhaps no harm
in decorating masjids with permissible im-
ages and in attracting visitors to their prem-
ises.
However, many important functions of
masjids are missing and forgotten. In most
cases, holding congregational prayers
is considered the only activity for which
masjids are now built. One most important
purpose of masjids that has been sadly
ignored and needs to be restored is edu-
cational service to the community. Nowa-
days, masjids are not considered centres
for imparting knowledge; most imams and
khatibs are not counted as educators; and
khutbahs (sermons) are not treated as a
means to educate the congregation.
What is needed
In order to bring back the educational role
of masjids, the imams and khatibs need
to be more knowledgeable about various
aspects of Islamic teachings. They should
also know about other religious traditions
as well as secular worldviews.
The Friday Bulletin OPINION Safar 24, 1443/October 01, 2021

Want to Be a Successful Business Owner? Follow the Prophet peace be upon him
By: Suzana Nabil Saad
How honest are you in business transac- in Makkah, Allah gave him permission to was very keen on giving back the rights to
tions? migrate to Madinah. their owners, even though the owners of
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) The Prophet had many things that non- these valuable items were plotting against
praised honesty in business. He said: “The Muslims and other people had deposited him and conspiring to kill him.
truthful and trustworthy business owner with him. The trustworthy Prophet did not The Role of Muslim Businessmen in
will be in the company of Prophets, saints migrate until he had entrusted his cousin, Spreading Islam
and martyrs on the Day of Judgment. (At- Ali Ibn Abi Talib to stay in Makkah in order “As was the case in most of the areas to
Tirmidhi) to return these trusts back to their owners. which Islam spread, peaceful and volun-
In West Africa, as was the case with South- Ali fulfilled this mission with excellence. tary conversion was far more important
east Asia, it was traders who introduced Is- Indeed, the Prophet (peace be upon him) Continued To Page 9
lam, and many rulers accepted it first, fol-
lowed by their followers.
In East Africa, traders had spread Islam
down the coast by the tenth century, and
it gradually developed further in the follow-
ing centuries…” (The Role of Merchants in
Spreading Islam)
The role of honest trade was paramount
not only in the spread of Islam, but also in
preserving its credibility.
But who was the most trustworthy busi-
ness owner of all times?
Indeed, it was no doubt the best human
that tread upon this earth, Muhammad ibn
Abdullah, the seal of Prophets.
Prophet Muhammad’s Trustworthiness
in Commerce
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
becomes independent from a young age.
His father dies before he is even born. His
mother dies when he was six.
He then moves to his grandfather’s house
dwelling for a very short period upon his
death. So, when he finally moves into his
uncle Abu Talib’s household, it is not long
before he starts work.
The noble Prophet (peace be upon him)
proves to be very efficient in commerce.
Not only due to his intelligent personal-
ity, but owing as well to his virtuous em-
bodiment of excellence: “Ihsan is that you
should serve Allah as though you could
see Him, for though you cannot see Him
yet He sees you.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
The following was a transaction between
Prophet Muhammad and one of his com-
panions. It is mentioned that Al-‘Adda’ ibn
Khalid said: “The Prophet Muhammad
wrote for me: “This is what Muhammad,
Messenger of Allah, has purchased from
Al-‘Adda’ ibn Khalid, a sale from one Mus-
lim to another, with no hidden defect, no
taint and no wickedness (gha’ila)
Returning Trusts to Those Who Harmed
Him “Verily! Allah commands that you
should render back the trusts to those, to
whom they are due; and that when you
judge between men, you judge with jus-
tice.” (Quran 4: 58)
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
was highly trusted by the people of Mak-
kah. Anyone that owned money or valuable
property and was afraid that it might be sto-
len or lost, would entrust him with it.
The Prophet used to keep these depos-
ited trusts and return them to their owners
whenever they asked for them. When he
was severely harmed by the disbelievers
Page 8
The Friday Bulletin INTERNATIONAL Safar 24, 1443/October 01, 2021

By: CJ Werleman
US drone admission is just a drop in the bucket
The US called its strike in Afghanistan a mis- civilians, and not suspected IS-K (Daesh-K) number of civilians the US has claimed to
take, but that was only because they were militants as initially claimed, because hun- have killed, and the number non-govern-
caught red-handed. What about the other dreds of international journalists, including mental agencies and human rights groups
victims of similar 'mistakes'? dozens of seasoned war correspondents, has claimed the US has killed, could hardly
Several days after a US drone strike killed were stationed in Kabul reporting the US be greater.
10 members of a family, including seven chil- withdrawal from Afghanistan at the time of For instance, when the Department of De-
dren, on the outskirts of Kabul on August 29, the attack. fence (DOD) released its first report on civil-
General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint They, including Al Jazeera correspondent ian casualties in 2018, it claimed its forces
Chiefs of Staff, called the attack “righteous.” Osama Bin Javaid, were able to visit the site, had killed a total of only 499 civilians in
But this time, unlike the thousands of oth- examine surveillance footage, gather foren- Afghanistan, Iraq, Yemen and Syria during
er drone strikes the United States has ex- sic evidence, including missile remnants, the previous year, but Airwars, a non-profit
ecuted in secrecy across South and Central and meet with eyewitnesses and surviving transparency group, documented more than
Asia, Middle East and Africa during the past members of the family immediately after the 3,000 civilian casualties from US air strikes
two decades, the Pentagon was caught red- strike happened. in Iraq and Syria alone.
handed, clutching the metaphorical smoking In other words, a level of scrutiny not af- Even when confronted with allegations and
gun. forded to the vast majority of the at least even irrefutable evidence of civilian casu-
“The strike was a tragic mistake, General 14,040 drone strikes the US has carried out alties, the US either flatly rejects the find-
Frank McKenzie, Commander of US Central in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen and Soma- ings or waves them away without comment,
Command, told reporters after a Pentagon lia since 2010, according to the Bureau of which I learnt first-hand after speaking with
investigation was concluded on Friday. Investigation. US drone strike survivors at a refugee camp
“I covered countless US drone strikes and in Mogadishu, Somalia last year.
Cian Westmoreland, a former US drone
technician, who built the infrastructure in Af- civil casualties during the last years. Not a “They [US] began firing down on crops. We
ghanistan used by the US drone program to single time, Washington acknowledged that saw dead and wounded everywhere. Then
connect operations on the ground and the it murdered civilians. Why? Because strikes the next day it happened again [more strikes]
Combined Air Operations Centre (CAOC) mostly took place in rural Afghanistan and and then it happened a third day in a row,”
scoffed at the notion the strike was a “mis- not in Kabul,” observes Austrian-Afghan one survivor told me. “Our homes destroyed,
take.” journalist Emran Feroz. livestock destroyed, crops destroyed, peo-
One can only imagine how many civilians ple obliterated. Our children and I faced so
“It wasn’t a mistake, it’s not a mistake when
the US would be forced to admit it had killed much agony and suffering after being forced
it’s been happening for over a decade. It’s
were throngs of international journalists able to flee. And now we don’t even have a single
being caught red handed that they don’t
to reach all or most of the 14,000 sites it has bag, let alone a home to go to,” said another.
know who they are targeting most of the
time, that’s the mistake,” he tweeted. targeted during the past decade. While US AFRICOM acknowledged it had
As it stands, however, the gulf between the carried out five airstrikes in areas located
The US was forced to admit it had killed 10
near their village in Janaale on March 16
and 17, 2020 – the same dates the survivors
Be a Successful Business Owner said they were struck – it denied claims of
Continued From Page 8 civilian casualties, saying only it’s “aware of
than conquest and force in spreading the faith in Southeast Asia. social media reports alleging civilian casual-
Almost everywhere in the islands of the region, trading contacts paved the way for con- ties resulting from this strike.”
version. Muslim merchants and sailors introduced local people to the ideas and rituals “As with any allegation of civilian casualties,
of the new faith…” (The Spread of Islam to Southeast Asia: Islam from the Beginning To U.S. Africa Command will review any infor-
1300: 2002) mation it has about the incident, including
“The adage: “Actions speak louder than words” was well embodied in Muslim history, any relevant information provided by third
namely the spread of Islam in many non-Muslim countries – like parts of Asia, Africa and parties, and take appropriate action based
Europe – through the good conduct of Muslim merchants who came into commercial on the outcome of this review,” said AFRI-
contacts with the people of those countries. COM.
In the year 1500, the historian Anthony Reid notes that Muslim influence was present in But it hasn’t reviewed information regard-
coastal ports of Sumatra, Java, and Malaysia. Southeast Asian people came into direct ing the incident, not from me, nor from lo-
contact with Muslim traders who had been not just to India, but also to Arabia. Arabic cal journalists and NGOs. In fact, the US
scholars also came to Malaysia and Indonesia, facilitating information about the new military has admitted to killing only two civil-
religion. (The Role of Merchants in Spreading Islam) ians during its decade long aerial bombard-
ment campaign against the Somali group Al
Honest Contemporary Muslim Business Owners
Shabaab, a claim that flies in the face of al-
Today we have many positive examples of honest contemporary Muslim business own- legations made by local media outlets and
ers. Airwars, which estimate 139 to 284 Somali
An American Muslim of Palestinian origin has been praised as a role model for honesty civilian deaths from US drone strikes.
after he returned a stolen MacBook Air to a Jewish family. Ultimately, we will never know how many
In New York In 2008, a world-class violinist gave a free concert at an airport taxi stand to civilians the US military has killed in Soma-
show his gratitude to an honest Muslim cab driver who reunited him with his lost 4-million- lia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Pakistan and
dollar violin. Yemen, but what we do know for certain is
In November 2014, a Muslim owner of a Burger King branch in San Jose returned to the 10 members of a single family it killed
police a backpack which contained US$100,000. in Kabul on August 29 doesn’t even scratch
In Germany, a Syrian refugee in Minden near Hannover, the hero who handed €50,000 the surface.
(£41,000) cash he found hidden in a donated wardrobe over to the authorities. There will never be accountability until
A Muslim taxi driver has won praise and thumbs up, thus becoming a hero, after returning there’s transparency, and without both –
life savings to an elderly pensioner, who fell victim to a scam. They told him to withdraw there will never be a change in the way the
£12,000 – £8,000 in £50 notes and £4,128 worth of euros – and hand it over to a taxi US conducts its secretive drone program.
driver. (trt.com)
More recently in Dubai, a Pakistani Muslim was praised for his honesty after returning
Dh50,000 he found at an ATM machine.

Page 9
The Friday Bulletin
Court dismisses case challenging leadership changes at SUPKEM
A case that was filed by Mustafa Tobiko,
a former member of the Supreme Council
of Kenya (SUPKEM) in 2020 challenging
the leadership changes at the council, has
been dismissed by the High Court.
The ruling which was delivered by Judge
A.C. Mrima last week pointed out that no
constitutional issues were raised in the
proceedings and as such, there was no
competent petition before the court for ad-
judication.
“The Respondents only stated that the
SUPKEM is a society and that all disputes
involving its affairs must be first dealt with
Northern-Eastern counties trailing behind in vaccine uptake
Counties in the Northern region have con-
tinued to lag behind in the ongoing Cov-
id-19 vaccination campaign despite state
efforts to boost uptake.
Health data shows that as of last week,
6,857 people in Garissa had gotten their
first dose while Isiolo had 4,998 people
with at least one dose of the vaccine.
Others lagging behind include Lamu with
4,346, Mandera with 5,989, Marsabit with
2,649, Tana River with 3,065, Samburu
with 6,358, Wajir with 4,765, Turkana with
8,210 and West Pokot with 7,496.
A worrying trend deep-rooted in myths has
emerged in the Northern counties and is
being blamed for the low uptake of the vac-
cine.
As a result, health professionals are al-
ready on the ground organizing regular
public engagements to try and demystify
the myths.
The Government also plans to target fami-
lies in the ASAL areas who come for relief
food, with the Covid-19 vaccine.
The health ministry plans to employ this
strategy to boost vaccine uptake, espe-
14 years on, Al Huda girls centre empowers women in education
For more than 14 years
now, Al Huda Girls Cen-
tre has been providing
Islamic education to
promote a better under-
standing of Islam among
girls and women in Ka-
jiado county.
The centre which is cur-
rently located in Isinya,
along the Athi-River
Namanga highway had
its beginning in Ongata
Rongai in 2007.
It is the only centre of
its kind in the sprawling
county providing holistic
Islamic education and vocational students to
female students.
It currently boasts of a student population of
37 students from surrounding areas while
others come from various areas of the coun-
try.
According to the Director of Al Huda Girls
Centre, Sheikh Shaban Ismail, the educa-
Page 10
NATIONAL
as provided for under the SUPKEM consti-
tution. The constitution of SUPKEM is not
part of the record in these proceedings. As
a result, this court is unable to interrogate
whether there is a truly a defined procedure
laid down under the SUPKEM constitution
as alleged, and if so, whether the excep-
tions to the doctrine of exhaustion apply,”
the judge ruled.
The court also ruled that the dispute relates
to the internal affairs of SUPKEM which is
a duly registered society and has its own
internal procedures of settling disputes,
which the petitioner had failed to subject
cially in North-
eastern re-
gion.
“Remember
the President
declared the
drought a na-
tional disas-
ter in most of
those coun-
ties. When we
start food dis-
tribution that
will be a very
good entry
point for us.
As you get food, you get the jab. Chakula
na chanjo, maybe that can be our slogan,”
Health DG Patrick Amoth said on Friday.
Amoth said a meeting held in Nyeri last
week resolved to ensure that counties in
the region get help in meeting the vacci-
nation targets. “Counties such as Mandera
are vast areas with pastoralist communi-
ties, hence we came up with a work plan
tion facility was started to equip women with
Islamic knowledge to enhance their spiritual
growth. “There is a lack of access of Islamic
education to girls and women especially in
many rural areas and we found it prudent
to start an education facility where they can
obtain correct Islamic teachings and also
mould them to be productive members of the
Safar 24, 1443/October 01, 2021
the dispute into.
Judge Mrima further directed the petitioner
shall pay the cost of the suit and any other
relevant damages caused.
SUPKEM chair Hassan Ole Naado wel-
comed the ruling stating that it will galva-
nize the council to continue with its vision
of fostering unity in the community.
In January 2020 SUPKEM held a special
general meeting where new officials were
appointed but Mustafa was dissatisfied
with new changes at the council hence he
went to challenge it at the High Court in
Nairobi.
to ensure such counties get help especially
in the distribution of vaccines,” he added.
So far, a total of 3,600,187 vaccines have
been administered across the country. Of
these, total first doses were 2,713,427
while second doses were 886,760 with the
proportion of adults fully vaccinated stand-
ing at 3.3 per cent.
society,” he said.
Students receive training in various Islamic
disciplines which include fiqh (Islamic juris-
prudence), Qur’an, hadith (prophetic tradi-
tions), Arabic language and seerah ( biogra-
phy of the prophet) among others. Besides,
vocational studies such as cookery, com-
puter training and tailoring are also offered.
The Friday Bulletin
Youth advised on Social media use
Youth have been advised to positively use
social media to promoting societal and moral
issues in the society.
The North Rift Chairman of Council of
Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK)
Sheikh Abubakar Bini told the youth to en-
gage in the proper use of social media to
inspire positive change and foster develop-
ment among young people and the society
at large.
The Sheikh told young people to positively
use platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook
and Instagram to create networks to help
each in increasing their knowledge of Islam,
enhancing moral behaviours and contribut-
ing to social-economic issues.
“Social media is like a double-edged sword.
It can be used positively for the benefit of
an individual and the society but it can as
well be detrimental for a person if it is used
to watch pornography and other anti-social
habits,” said Sheikh Bini.
Bahari School board appeal for Mosque
The Board of Management of Kilifi County-
based national school, Bahari Girls High
School is appealing for well-wishers and
donors to facilitate the construction of a
mosque at the institution to cater for the spir-
itual needs of its Muslim students and staff.
Speaking to the Friday Bulletin, the BOD
Chairman Prof. Halimu Suleiman Shauri
called on the community leadership and
other well-wishers to take the initiative of fa-
cilitating a Mosque to cater for the over 300
Muslim students at the school.
Protect children from harmful TV content-Parents told
Parents have been urged to be wary of
negative content in the media which has the
harmful effects of destroying the moral and
spiritual values of children.
Sheikh Rishard Rajab Ramadhan, the
deputy headteacher of Sheikh
Khalifa Secondary School in
Mombasa said the modern
media is replete with harmful
AVAILABLE VACANT SPACE
content and parents need to
take measures to prevent their
children from accessing such
content.
He said with the school holi-
days, many children will be
engrossed on television and
social media easily accessing
video materials which have the
potential to harm their moral
and spiritual lives.
Sheikh Rishard pointed to the
online streaming service Netflix
which he said is filled with ho-
mosexual (LGBT) content such
as movies and serials which
can easily be accessed.
“When you leave children with
the remote, make sure that pa-
rental controls are enabled to
prevent them accessing con-
tent which is deliberately made
to entice them to the world of
NATIONAL
He nevertheless cautioned on social media
addiction saying that it retarded productivity
and social relations and could have nega-
tive implications on academic performance.
He observed that in the ongoing school holi-
days, the youth also have an obligation to
assist their parents and also involve them-
selves in community work.
Sheikh Bini went on to advice the youth to
seek authentic and beneficial Islamic knowl-
edge to avoid falling into traps of groups
whose insidious agendas are detrimental for
their life both in this world and the hereafter.
At the same time, the CIPK chair called on
Parents in the Muslim community to protect
their children against involvement in harmful
activities for better growth and moral values.
Sheikh Bini observed that immorality and
drug abuse in the Muslim community was on
the increase and is impacted negatively on
the lives of the youth. He asked Muslim par-
ents to monitor their school-going children
Prof Shauri who is a lecturer at Pwani Uni-
versity added at present, a small room acts
as a prayer area that can barely provide
space for the hundreds of students. “We
have challenges among our Muslim girls in
performing congregational prayers which
forces them to perform prayers in shifts of 50
people at ago. Some of them miss afternoon
classes because of lack of enough space.
We are calling on well-wishers to come to
our rescue and support the building of the
mosque to cater for the growing number of
immorality and other social evils,” he said.
Some of the content promoting LGBT in-
clude House flowers, Black lightning, Sniper
assassins end, Man on fire and Colombiana.
During the holidays, Sheikh Reshard told
LOCATION: JAMIA TOWERS,
MURANGA ROAD
(TWO SHOPS)
SIZE: 2100 SQ FT
ALL APPLICATIONS TO:
SECRETARY GENERAL
JAMIA MOSQUE COMMITTEE
P.O. BOX 100786 00101 NAIROBI.
Safar 24, 1443/October 01, 2021
during this coming holiday to protect them
against immorality. “As community leaders
and parents, it is our obligations to educate
our Muslim children and youth on the danger
of involvement in harmful activities so that
they grow as responsible persons with good
moral values for progress,’’ he said.
The Sheikh pointed out that among factors
fueling indiscipline and youth involvement in
drug abuse and other immoralities was the
failure on the part of parents to assume their
role of shaping the character of their children
who are left with too much freedom.
He emphasized that it was the responsi-
bility of parents to do whatever it takes to
prevent their children from deviating from
Islamic teachings and underscored the need
for Muslims to give priority to education and
urged parents during this vacation to enroll
their children in Madrassa classes to acquire
Islamic education.
students,’’ he said.
The BOM chair called on the local Muslim
community, donors and Muslim charitable
organizations to support the project to ca-
ter for the spiritual needs of the Muslim stu-
dents.
Donations towards this noble cause can
be made through MPESA to paybill num-
ber 7329063 account Bahari Girls Mosque
project. More information can be obtained
through 0721516671.
parents to reconnect with their children and
engage them in meaningful activities which
will promote their moral and spiritual devel-
opment.
Page 11
 Education for our Children
Education is a basic human right that is recognized globally and
documented in many education policies even among the third
world countries.
So many of our Students end up completing Primary education,
but due to financial restraints cannot afford transition to Second-
ary school.
Ummah Foundation helps intelligent Kenyan poor students with
limited financial resources to pursue and successfully complete
secondary education. Over the past 15 years the programme has
enabled top performers from primary schools countrywide who
cannot pay the requisite school fees an opportunity to further their
education by offering them bursaries that caters for their four years
of secondary school education.
A large number of our beneficiaries are orphans and vulnerable
children from rural marginalised areas who have excelled, and are
nationally in the top cadre.
To be considered for the scholarship, the applicant must have com-
pleted the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) in the
preceding year with a minimum marks of 350 and above. Our first
priority is to orphans though poor and needy students are consid-
ered by the selection committee after verification of each case. We
would like to notify all applicants that applying for this Bursary as-
sistance is not a guarantee that your request will meet automatic
approval.
So many students apply and Ummah Foundation cannot meet the
overwhelming demand of all the applicants hence there is an as-
tute Education Committee in place that is tasked with the respon-
sibility of accessing each and every application to ascertain who
more is deserving.
The Committee comprises of very prominent, veracious Muslim
The Friday Bulletin is a Publication of Jamia Masjid Committee, P. O. Box 100786-00101 Nairobi, Tel: 2243504/5 Fax: 342147
E-mail: fridaybulletin@jamiamosque.co.ke Printed by Signal Press Limited-Lords House-Tom Mboya Street signalpresslimited@gmail.com
educationalists and scholars who have vast experiences in the
education sector. This has been the trend from the day this pro-
gram was incepted in the year 2006.
The recipient must have received admission to a public or private
secondary school that is recognized as such by the Ministry of
Education in Kenya. Together the application form has to be filled
with due diligence without giving misleading information that can
warrant disqualification if the truth is otherwise. We also advice
all the applicants to supply us with all the correct information and
documents as required in the forms. The Imam of your estate or
village mosque, the chief or the assistant and the School man-
agement should furnish us with independent information details
that qualifies or disqualifies the applicant from our support. It is
also important to note that the applications are only done once
each year and more specifically at the beginning of the academic
year as stipulated by the Ministry of Education.
You can get an application from our offices located in Ngara,
Nairobi or you download the application forms from; http://www.
ummahfoundation.net. We believe by fearing Allah swt and be-
ing honest in relaying to us the correct details, you will all have
participated in this noble work of helping our Orphans, Poor and
needy students achieve their ultimate goals.
Contact us:
Ummah Foundation
Village Plaza, Ngara Rd, Suite 2A
P.O Box 58717-00200 Nairobi
Tel: (+254) 20-2680610/13, Mob: 0734845277
Email: info@ummahfoundation.net
Web: www.ummahfoundation.net