Friday Bulletin - Jamia Mosque
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Shawwal 09, 1442/May 21, 2021 Issue No. 941
The
The
Friday
Friday Bulletin
Bulletin
The Weekly Muslim News Update
Israeli Gaza carnage'war crimes’
Mourners pray over the bodies of 17 Palestinians who were killed in overnight Israeli air raids in Gaza City on May 16, 2021
Israeli airstrikes on scores of residential Amnesty said in a statement. he said.
buildings which has resulted in the death of The organization said Israeli government More than 60,000 people have been dis-
nearly 300 people amounts to war crimes. has engaged in a pattern of deadly at- placed by Israel’s ongoing offensive in
UK based human rights group Amnesty In- tacks against residential homes in Gaza, Gaza, which has destroyed or badly dam-
ternational called for a probe for war a war carrying out bombing raids without giving aged more than 450 mainly civilian build-
crimes against Israel for its mass killings of the innocent men, women, and children ings, the UN said on Tuesday.
Palestinians saying that its disproportion- inside any time to escape Nearly 47,000 displaced civilians have
ate actions violate international law and Speaking during a virtual meeting of the sought shelter in 58 UNRWA-run (Unit-
amount to war crimes. United Nations Security Council session, ed Nations Relief and Works Agency)
“Israeli forces have displayed a shocking Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al- schools in Gaza, according to the UN Of-
disregard for the lives of Palestinian civil- Maliki accused Israel of committing “war fice for the Coordination of Humanitarian
ians by carrying out a number of airstrikes crimes” in its attacks on Gaza as he urged Affairs (OCHA).
targeting residential buildings in some international pressure to stop the carnage The attacks which were a precursor to the
cases killing entire families – including chil- in the besieged enclave in occupied Pal- desecrated raid on Al Aqsa mosque by
dren – and causing wanton destruction to estine. “Some may not want to use these Israel troops have led to global outrage
civilian property in attacks that may amount words – war crimes and crimes against with the Turkish President Recep Tayyip
to war crimes or crimes against humanity,” humanity – but they know they are true,”
Continued To Page 2
314
This Newsletter contains some of Allah’s names. Please do not throw in the trash. Either keep, circulate or shred
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The Friday Bulletin NATIONAL Shawwal 09, 1442/May 21, 2021
KCSE: Call for strategic plan for NEP and Coast counties
Call has been made for concerted efforts by education stakeholders to improve the Bin Zayed Secondary School for the sterling
and strategies to be put in place to improve situations. performance saying their achievement was a
on the education standards in the counties of demonstration that Muslim youth value educa-
“We are concerned that Coast and North tion and can also make a contribution to na-
North Eastern and Coastal regions. Eastern regions are always lagging behind tional building.
This is after seven counties in the two re- in education and this is reflected in national
gions performed poorly in the 2020 Kenya examination results where in 2020 seven Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Secondary School
Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) counties in the two regions did not manage topped the charts in the Coast region and was
examinations. to have any A plain student. We have to listed among the best performing schools in
rise up and change this situation,” Muna- the country.
Garissa, Isiolo, Kilifi, Lamu, Mandera, Mar-
sabit and Tana River counties did not have war said. Other schools which posted good results in-
any candidate with a mean grade of A in The executive director said stakeholders in clude Wamy High School of Nairobi, Memon
the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Educa- the Muslim education sector are concerned Academy, Quba Muslim School-Mombasa,
tion (KCSE) examination results released by the dismal performance in the Coast Istiqama Academy and Abu Hureira Academy
recently. and North Eastern regions despite huge from Mombasa.
Speaking to the Friday Bulletin, Muslim resources pumped to schools in terms of Others are Don Bosco Secondary School, Bo-
Education Council (MEC) executive direc- infrastructure and bursaries for students. qol Soon Academy and Nairobi Muslim Acad-
tor Munawar Khan said the perennial dismal He commended students of Sheikh Khalifa emy.
performance of these counties in national
examinations should be addressed and ne-
cessitates strategic measure to reverse the
Mvita MP condemns police brutality on Palestine protest
trend and find lasting solution.
Munawar, however noted that while there
was an improvement on the part of Muslim
schools, overall the education standards in
the community were still at low level and
added that measures have to be put in place
Israeli Gaza carnage
Continued From Page 1
Erdogan on Monday criticizing United
States President Joe Biden for his sup-
port towards the wanton killings of Pales-
tinians by the Israeli army.
"You are writing history with your bloody
hands in this incident that is a serious Pro-Palestinian demonstrators run past tear gas lobbed by riot policemen to dis-
disproportionate attack on Gaza, which perse them during a protest last week in Nairobi.
is leading to the martyrdom of hundreds Last week, Muslims in the Kenyan capital
of thousands of people," he said. "You Mvita Member of Parliament (MP) Ab-
dulswamad Shariff Nassir has condemned took to the streets in large numbers after Eid
forced us to say this. Because we cannot prayers in a show of solidarity with Palestinians
stay silent on this anymore." the police brutality meted on Pro-Palestine
demonstrators in the country. who are facing disproportionate Israeli attacks.
Erdogan also criticized Austria for flying Police fired teargas to disperse a crowd of
the flag of Israel last week. "I condemn The MP has requested a statement from
the chairperson on the departmental com- more than 200 people in Nairobi protesting
Austria for hanging the Israeli terror state's and arrested several youth. Four of the youth
flag," Erdogan said. "The Austrian state mittee on administration and national secu-
rity in the National Assembly regarding the were later taken to the Anti Terrorist Police Unit
seems to be trying to make Muslims pay (ATPU) headquarters where they were booked
the price for [its role] in the Holocaust." police brutality against peaceful demonstra-
tions by residents of Nairobi and Mombasa as terrorist suspects. They were later released
In the midst of its mass killings of Pales- in expressing their views on the ongoing upon the intervention of the Supreme Council
tinians, the Biden administration on Mon- conflict in Palestine. of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) chairman Has-
day approved the potential sale of $735 san Ole Naado.
million (€602 million) in precision-guided “In the last two weeks, a number of dem-
onstrations were experienced in the country Israel attacks on Gaza have drawn widespread
weapons to Israel. international anger leading to mass protest in
regarding the treatment of Palestinians by
"Today, we saw Biden's signature on the state of Israel, among them in Momba- different parts of the world. Tens of thousands
weapons sales to Israel," Erdogan said. sa and Nairobi. The police were informed of people have taken to the streets in cities
"Palestine territories are awash with per- through the usual channels however, they around the world, from New York and London
secution, suffering and blood, like many went to disperse the demonstrators violent- to Cape Town and Auckland, demanding an
other territories that lost the peace with ly,” he said. end to deadly Israeli air raids on the Gaza Strip.
the end of the Ottomans." Cities where protests have taken place include,
The MP asked the chairperson to explain
He also called on 57-member Organiza- the plans put in place to end the manner in Al Aqabah, Algiers, Amman, Amsterdam, An-
tion of Islamic Cooperation, states to take which police are handling peaceful demon- kara, Athens, Auckland, Baghdad, Basrah,
concrete steps to act against Israeli ag- strations to allow them freedom of expres- Beirut, Benslimane, Berlin, Birmingham, Bos-
gression on Palestinians. "If (it) does not sion as stipulated in article four of the con- ton, Bradford, Brighton, Bristol, Brooklyn, Brus-
immediately take a concrete and effective stitution of Kenya. sels, Calgary, Cape Town, Casablanca, Chica-
attitude, it will be deemed to have denied go, Christchurch, Copenhagen, Cork, Daraa,
its existence," Erdogan said. “Could the chairperson provide an assur-
ance on the manner the police should han- Dearborn, Dhaka, Diwaniyah, Doha, Dublin,
Now in its second week, Israel’s bombard- dle the residence of Mombasa and other Dunedin, Edinburgh, Eindhoven, Edmonton,
ment has killed at nearly 300 Palestinians, parts of this country to express their emo- Frankfort, Galway, Glasgow, Haifa, Hague,
including 61 children and 36 women, ac- tions in solidarity with the Palestinians,” he Halifax, Hamburg, Hamilton, Irbid, Istanbul,
cording to Gaza health authorities. Over posed. Jacksonville, Jakarta, Johannesburg, Jerusa-
1,400 have been injured. lem, Kampala, among others.
Page 2
The Friday Bulletin DA'WAH Shawwal 09, 1442/May 21, 2021s
Five ways you can help liberate al-Aqsa
By: Abu Nusaybah
The recent closure of Masjid al-Aqsa by the take place in the mosque, a local commu- their efforts, the Ummah has not forgotten
Israeli occupation forces has once again nity centre or even your own home. Masjid al-Aqsa and that their attempts to
brought to light the ongoing violations of Do not wait for a specialist speaker to ar- destabilise it are not going unnoticed.
one of the most sacred sites in Islām. For rive; be that speaker. The best way to learn Of course, there is a chance that even with
many Muslims, this may have been the first about anything is to teach it. If you do not all your efforts and preparation the Israeli
time they heard of Masjid al-Aqsa, such
has been the neglect with which the Um-
know about Palestine, there are a number
of resources available from Friends of Al-
occupation forces will refuse you entry and
deport you to your country after lengthy
mah has treated it. Others have allowed Aqsa and other groups. You will find the questioning and detention. As intimidating
a feeling of powerlessness to overcome journey truly enlightening and spiritually as this may sound, this in itself will allow
them leading to a sense of indifference on uplifting and, before you know it, you will you to live the Palestine experience and re-
the basis that there is nothing they can do have become the local expert on Palestine turn even more emboldened to free Masjid
to help. Leave it to Allāh to deal with. in your community. al-Aqsa from those who have violated its
Neglecting Masjid al-Aqsa on the basis that 3. Dedicate the Friday Khutbah to Mas- sanctity.
there is very little we can do to help is con- jid al-Aqsa It is quite possible that the possibilities of a
trary to the spirit of the advice given to this Ask your imām to dedicate a khutbah on failed journey may lead you to feel it is nei-
Ummah by the best of creation, the Prophet Masjid al-Aqsa so that the community ther worth the money nor the effort, but we
Muḥammed (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam). becomes aware of the importance of the should remember that until we try, we will
He urged us to visit Masjid al-Aqsa to pray mosque and the current violations that are never know. Secondly, even the Prophet
there and that if this were not possible, we taking place there. (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) himself and
should send oil to be used in its lamps and 4. Visit Masjid al-Aqsa his companions set out to make Umrah to
that whoever did so would get the same re- the Kaʿbah and were stopped from entering
Organise a family holiday to Masjid al-
ward as if they prayed there. and had to return to Madīnah. It would be in
Aqsa. The cost of such a holiday is a
This ḥadīth demonstrates not only the vir- fraction of the cost to visit Makkah and those blessed footsteps that we would be
tue of Masjid al-Aqsa for this Ummah but Madīnah. A week-long trip to Jerusalem walking. Thirdly, if we were to quantify the
also points towards the importance of not will set you back about £600 per person experience of trying to please Allāh by re-
belittling any deed that will help this special which will cover your flights, transfers, ac- viving the ḥadīth of visiting Masjid al-Aqsa
mosque. With this in mind, what follows are commodation, guided tours and two meals and the opportunity to experience, empa-
5 things we can all do to support Masjid al- a day. Anyone who has had the blessing thise and subsequently share what the av-
Aqsa in these difficult times: of visiting the masjid for even one prayer erage Palestinian goes through on a daily
1. Instil the love of Masjid al-Aqsa in the will testify to the magnificence of the expe- basis, we would realise that the money
hearts of our children rience and how they returned even more spent is an investment, the growth of which
Our children are raised with stories about determined to liberate al-Aqsa, such was we will see in the future in our deeds, our
Makkah and Madīnah, the land where the the love that was nurtured in their hearts children and our ākhirah, inshāAllāh.
Prophet (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) was through their journey there. By travelling to 5. Pray for Masjid al-Aqsa
born, where he lived and where he died. this blessed land and walking in the foot- Let not any period of your supplicating to
This was the land of the hijrah and where steps of the prophets you will witness first- Allāh pass without mentioning Masjid al-
the stories of the great companions took hand the daily humiliations that ordinary Aqsa. We pray for those things that are be-
place. Our homes are adorned with photo- Palestinians have to endure at the hands loved to us and are meaningful to us. The
graphs of the haramain and many children of the Israeli occupation forces. No amount more we pray for something, too, the more
have been blessed to have even travelled of reading or listening to lectures can bring beloved and meaningful it becomes. Ulti-
to them on pilgrimage. As such, the love home the horrors of living under occupa- mately, it is Allāh that will liberate Masjid
of these mosques is firmly implanted in tion as witnessing it for yourself. Finally, al-Aqsa in a manner that He chooses but
the hearts of our children to the extent that visiting Masjid al-Aqsa will demonstrate to will we be part of that struggle?
any rumours of any attempt to violate the the Israeli Occupying Forces that, despite
sanctity of these places provokes the most
powerful of emotions.
In much the same way, we must educate Signs of an accepted Ramadhan
ourselves and our children about the great
virtues of Masjid al-Aqsa, the first qiblah Ramadhaan is over.
of Islām, the second mosque ever built on Alhamdulillaah you worked hard this Ram- If Allaah has accepted a person's Ramad-
earth by either Ādam (ʿalayhi al-Salām) or adhaan. haan, and he has benefitted from this pe-
the angels, the place from which the Proph- You fasted, you prayed, you read the riod of (spiritual) training and has remained
et (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) ascended Qur’aan, and you gave Sadaqah. steadfast in obeying Allaah, then he has
to the heavens, and the only place in the But was it all accepted by Allaah Subhaan- joined the caravan of those who have re-
heavens or the earth that every one of ahu wa Ta’aala? mained steadfast and responded to Allaah.
Allāh’s prophets, all 124,000 of them, gath- The ulama say that although only Allaah Allaah says: “Verily, those who say: ‘Our
ered together to pray behind their leader, knows for SURE if any deed is accepted Lord is Allah (Alone),’ and then they stand
our beloved Prophet Muḥammed (sall or not, there ARE definitely certain SIGNS firm, on them the angels will descend (at
Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam). It is indeed the that point to whether our good deeds were the time of their death) (saying): ‘Fear not,
masjid where numerous prophets lived and accepted by Allaah or not. nor grieve! But receive the glad tidings of
were buried and it will be the focal point in So what are those signs? Paradise which you have been promised!
the events leading to the end of times. Was our ibaadah, our duaa, our fasting and We have been your friends in the life of this
When our children’s hearts are filled with praying accepted by Allaah Subhaanahu world and are (so) in the Hereafter. Therein
the love of Masjid al-Aqsa, they will take wa Ta’aala? The scholars said: “Among the you shall have (all) that your inner selves
steps towards its liberation in future that signs of acceptance (of good deeds) is that desire, and therein you shall have (all) for
our generation has been unable to. Allaah causes one hasanah (good deed) to which you ask”[Fussilat 41:30-31]”
2. Start a weekly study circle about the be followed by ANOTHER, for the hasanah In other words, if we IMPROVE ourselves
history of Palestine and Masjid al-Aqsa says, “My sister, my sister!” after the month of fasting, and develop a
Educate your local community by begin- And the sayi’ah (evil deed) also says, “My BETTER relationship with our Rabb, then
ning a weekly study circle on the history sister, my sister!” –we seek refuge with Al- that’s a sign that Allaah has accepted our
of Palestine and Masjid al-Aqsa. This can laah.
Continued To Page 9
Page 3
The Friday Bulletin WOMEN Shawwal 09, 1442/May 21, 2021
The women of al-Aqsa: the compound's self-appointed guardians
Par Bethan Staton
JERUSALEM: It’s a wet Monday morning, groups are looking to take over the site ing right-wing visits to Haram al-Sharif, has
and about twenty women are gathered un- entirely - a fear corroborated by organi- been that of men barred from the mosque
der the stone arches of al-Aqsa mosque, sations like the Temple Mount Movement, praying in the street, the rows of duplicated
clustered on plastic chairs and carpets as which explicitly states that the “pagan backs bowed in collective worship and pro-
they shelter from the torrential rain flooding shrines” of al-Aqsa and the Dome of the test. But this is only part of the story. The
the courtyard. They talk together and read Rock must be destroyed and replaced women who come to the mosque every
out loud, as they bend over religious books. with a third Jewish temple. It’s this that’s day have also been arrested, beaten and
Before long they are joined by more women, fuelling much of the recent tension sur- banned from the mosque grounds. Yet, they
who are all holding prayer mats and have rounding al-Aqsa, and many confronta- continue to return and insist that they are
come to huddle for shelter from the storm. tions between the women of the mosque prepared to continue to pay a heavy price
These women, aged from their early twenties and police. just to be close to al-Aqsa.
to over seventy, come to Jerusalem’s most “Imagine if you are not allowed to go and New reports of women being arrested at
important Islamic site, the third holiest in the pray at the church, it would be so hurt- the compound, or hurt by security forces,
religion, every day. Under the arches of the ful, it would make you angry,” says Ayda emerge every week; Abdullatif says she
mosque, or in the shady courtyards of the Sidawil, 53, as she looks over the gar- was detained for two hours earlier this
golden Dome of the Rock, they pray, meet dens of the compound, to the blue walls month, interrogated, and threatened with
and learn together. Older students, many of of the Dome of the Rock in the distance. expulsion from the mosque. Other women
whom cannot read or write, are schooled in Nearby, a group of soldiers shelter under also say they’ve been repeatedly prevented
reading the Quran, while younger women a tree. from entering the mosque compound
consider more complex questions of reli- “I don’t care if my home was destroyed, The women at the mosque, however, say vi-
gion, and learn the history of the mosque or if they took my money. The Aqsa olations continue and blame the authorities
and the holy city. mosque is a red line. If they take al- for the various flare ups. Sidawil explains
But this isn’t the sole reason the group visits Aqsa, the rest of Jerusalem won’t be that she was recently beaten by security
al-Aqsa. The women are known as the ‘Mu- okay either,” Sidawil adds. forces. She shows a photograph of her jil-
rabitat’ the steadfast, who have come here One of the most iconic images to come bab - a loose-fitting dress worn by Muslim
to defend the holy site from Israeli incursions out of the increasing turmoil surround- women - which she says was ripped by sol-
and deepening control. They say they are Continued To Page 6
keeping watch against groups of
MUSLIM ACADEMY,
right-wing and religious Israelis who
frequently tour the al-Aqsa complex
and on occasion attempted to pray
PARK ROAD
at al-Aqsa - which is known as Tem-
ple Mount to Jews and regarded as
Judaism’s holiest site.
When a group of Israeli Jews pass
by the mosque, escorted by police, Under new management
the Murabitat women cry “Allahu
Akbar” - God is Great - to remind THEME: NURTURING LEARNERS TO BE ABLE TO FACE
the visitors that despite growing CHALLENGES IN THE 21ST CENTURY
escalations and infringements, the
compound is still in Muslim hands. • Tarbiya • Excellence • Innovation
“I live in the Old City, and I used
Discounted Fees
to come here just for the prayers
at night time. But when I saw the
settlers come every day, and saw
BACK TO SCHOOL ENROLL
how much they want to be here,
that they want to have the Dome of 2021 ADMISSION NOW
the Rock destroyed, I realised that
I have the right to come and that Nursery Primary School Secondary School
therefore I should come. [I come] to
make a point: we will not leave this
Pre-Primary Boys & Girls Boys & Girls
place, this place is ours, and we
won’t go anywhere.”
Abdullatif’s conviction is shared by
many Palestinians, who believe the
status quo at al-Aqsa is gravely
threatened. Officially, Jewish Israe-
lis are currently allowed to visit the
compound, which is administered Play Group CBC (Grade 1-4) 8-4-4 (Form 1-4)
by the Islamic Waqf, but not pray Pre-Primary (PP1 & PP2) Standard 5-8 (8-4-4) IGCSE (Year 9-11)
in it. In recent years and months,
however, right-wingers have been • Islamic Integrated Education • Conducive & Secure Study
challenging that arrangement with • Arabic language atmosphere
increasing force and frequency. • Excellent facilities • Computer & Cyber Classes
By regularly visiting the compound • Strategic location • Sports activities
Jewish settlers, including prominent
names in the Knesset, say they’re For enquiries contact admission: +254 722 702099 / +254 111 701616
asserting their religious rights to The institution is fully compliant with the Ministry Of Health
pray in at the site.
Covid-19 Protocols
Palestinians though, believe the
Page 4
The Friday Bulletin YOUTH Shawwal 09, 1442/May 21, 2021
Ramadhan has ended how do we sustain our iman
By Habiba Amin
How time and days fly it was just the other
day that we were talking about preparing
for Ramadhan, studying and finding out
about its benefits and looking at the rulings
and requirements of the blessed month.
Before we knew it, the first 10 days passed,
the second 10 days came and went and
during the last ten days, we maintained the
momentum keeping our nights alive with
different aspects of worship to make sure
we got lailatul qadr (the night of power).
May Allah accept it from all us and make us
among those who benefited and forgiven in
Ramadhan.
As we observed Ramadhan most of us had
to unlearn and undo what we did before,
we abandoned and embraced new things,
dropped some bad habits, picked some 3. Have a realistic goal with your schedule right over you.
good habits, became time conscious, built to ensure sustainability, prevent burnout 6. Take care of your mental wellbeing.
self-discipline, self-awareness, enhanced and spiritual fatigue (balance between your Being a mental health practitioner I can’t
our tolerance, anger management and different roles) help but include mental wellness into the
conflict resolution skills. 4. Visualize the arrival of the next Ramad- sustainable actions post Ramadhan. Emo-
Our days and nights had a purpose, we han, May Allah grant us to reach the next tional, social and psychological wellbe-
had targeted goals from planning how to Ramadhan and ask yourself what improve- ing guarantees a beautiful life, the ability
spend time with the Quran, committing to ments would I want to see in the next to regulate your emotions, manage your
memorize a certain portion, understand the Ramadhan, what can I do differently, what anger, improve your concentration and
translation of certain chapter, prayers more would I like to achieve in the next Rama- memory, help you in staying focused, set
nawaafil (optional prayers), waking up for dhan, for example if it’s Umrah, visualize realistic ambitious goals, be positive, hope-
the night prayers, having a list of people or and start saving small. ful, feel useful and happy.
organizations to donate to, maintaining ties 5. Pick up a healthy lifestyle. Some of us Trust me with a healthy mind and body your
of kinship and regularly attending lectures. had stopped exercise during Ramadhan spiritual health does not only increase, it is
Our digestive system for a month in a year and ate the wrong foods during iftar and sustainable and come next Ramadhan you
had time to slow down and detox while our suhoor. Some of us have not exercised in are more than ready to reap its benefits
souls received the highest level of oxygen a long time, while others have been pro- and keep strong from the beginning to the
and nourishment during Ramadhan. crastinating, giving multiple excuses- the end by the will of Allah.
In the end the days and night were cel- pain after exercise is too much, I can’t af- May Allah give us physical, mental and
ebrated with the sense of achievement not ford a gym, it is too much work etc. Doing spiritual health and keep us steadfast on
to mention the spiritual nourishment that regular exercises, eating a well- balanced the right path Ameen
was achieved. diet, staying hydrated, is not only beneficial The writer is a Nairobi based mental
After bidding farewell to Ramadhan, hop- but also taking care of your body that has a health practitioner
ing to meet next time and embrace shaw-
wal with the iman and spiritual nourishment
that we had received, some of us are strug-
gling with the anxiety of how to maintain JAMIA BURSARY SCHEME
the “spiritual high” outside Ramadhan. How
do I not slip back into my “old bad habit”? The JMC Education Committee invites applications from suitable, quali-
How do I hold onto the “new good habits” fied and eligible Form 1 Students for the Year 2021.
that I have learnt in Ramadhan? How do I
stay strong and keep the momentum? How The application forms for the limited number of scholarships must meet the
do I find balance between staying strong following criteria:-
and not slipping? • Must have sat for the 2020 KCPE (Which was done in March 2021) and ob-
Below are some points that I suggest we tained at least 375 marks.
work on to help us stay strong and sustain
the routine we had created in Ramadhan • Be an orphan or from a family suffering extreme poverty.
1. Reflect: Take some time to reflect about • Must have been admitted to form one in Public/Islamic Schools.
how was Ramadhan what did I gain (I don’t
mean weight here), what did I like the most
(apart from the samosa and mahamri),
Application Procedure
what are the acts of worship I would like to The JMC Bursary Forms are available at Jamia Library and can be downloaded
continue even if small. at Jamia website: www.jamiamosque.co.ke/bursary
2.Create a post Ramadhan schedule in- The following documents must be attached:-
clude some acts of worship that you would
like to sustain and continue with, for ex- 1. Copy of KCPE Results Slip.
ample fasting 6 days of Shawwal, fasting 2. Copy of Form One Admission Letter.
Mondays and Thursdays and 3 days every 3. Parents ID/Death Certificate (Copy).
month the white days, reading a portion of
Quran everyday, seclusion for reflection 4. Hand Written Application Letter by the applicant/student.
and “audit” (choose a time and space). The The Sponsorship will benefit the successful applicants through form 1 – 4 on the
Messenger of Allah salallahu alayhi wa sal- basis of the student’s academic performance and discipline records.
lam said “And the most beloved of deeds to
Allah are those that are continuous, even if
they are few.” [Sunan an-Nasa’i]
All Applications to be received by 30th June 2021.
Page 5
The Friday Bulletin OPINION Shawwal 09, 1442/May 21, 2021
Unrelenting global support rings out for Palestine
By: Shaheer Choudhury
People around the world continue to be un- of one of football’s most august [sic] cup or are perpetuating false narratives.
relenting in their push for greater alertness competitions is a show of support that is In a prominent example of pushing false-
and understanding of the live situation in reverberating all over Palestine. For a hoods, the Chancellor of Austria, Sebas-
Palestine, after yesterday’s “Free Pales- people beleaguered, occupied and under tian Kurz, tweeted his backing for ‘Israel’,
tine” march in London saw an estimated intense bombardment for daring to stand saying, “Together we stand by Israel’s
150,000 attendees according to Tommy up for their rights, your gesture could not side”, adding, ”The terrorist attacks on Is-
Corbyn, son of the former Labour Party be more timely and appreciated.” In rael are to be condemned in the strong-
leader Jeremy Corbyn MP. touching closing remarks, the ambas- est!” Included in Kurz’s tweet is a photo-
In a reflection of the sheer influence that sador expressed his wish that Leicester graph of the Israeli flag hoisted atop the
ordinary people can have on the humani- City will one day “play in Jerusalem, the Federal Chancellery in Vienna.
tarian crisis in Palestine, which is arguably capital of the free state of Palestine.” Pertinent to false narratives, the embattled
being seen as ethnic cleansing, and a day While the examples of the Italian dock- Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netan-
after one of the largest pro-Palestine dem- workers and the Leicester City football- yahu, who is hugely unpopular within ‘Is-
onstrations in recent years in the British ers are to be lauded, they are the tip of rael’ and is currently in court over corrup-
capital, there continue to be expressions of the iceberg. They are only a reflection of tion trials, tried his hand at swaying public
support for the Palestinian cause through- the wider and ever-increasing support for opinion on the recent surge in violence
out the globe. Sportspeople, politicians, the Palestinians at a time when many in between Palestine and ‘Israel’ by tweeting
artists, celebrities, and business icons large public organisations are silent or an extremely misrepresentative video de-
alike are taking action to raise awareness skewing truth into falsehood and report- picting ‘Israel’ as being under siege. In the
of the ongoing suffering caused by the Zi- ing blatantly untrue accounts. video, which appears to be from the IDF’s
onist state of ‘Israel’ and its utter disregard
Many commentators have noted that the TikTok account, the viewer is asked the
for human lives.
majority of the big news organisations in question, “Imagine if it was Washington,
In other parts of Western Europe, the Ital- the UK were eerily quiet on the events Imagine if it was Paris, Imagine if it was
ian cities of Bologna, Milan, and Rome of London demonstration. The BBC, ITV, London,” whilst conveniently forgetting
also held large pro-Palestine rallies on The Guardian, and Sky all decided that that it is the case right now in Palestine.
Saturday. On Friday afternoon, the con- the 150,000-strong turnout was unworthy However, in a scene of public humiliation,
tainer ship Asiatic Island arrived in the of live reporting. Netanyahu almost immediately saw Twit-
port city of Livorno, but unlike other cargo
In addition, it is only logical to argue that ter users rebutting him by responding to
ships, this particular vessel was stopping
those who are speaking up or taking ac- his tweet and uploading their own videos.
to collect weapons and explosives. Long-
tion against the oppressive state of ‘Is- One response in particular has stood out
shoremen were quickly tipped off by their
rael’ in its genocidal actions are people of as it parodies the Israeli leader’s initial
trade union—the Autonomous Port Work-
integrity. It is a most embarrassing indict- video by drawing light on the actual situa-
ers Collective of Genoa—and The Weapon
ment on the mainstream media and on tion in the region. The tweet has currently
Watch (a research centre that studies the
governments around the world who are gained in excess of 66,000 retweets and
flow of weaponry through Mediterranean
either guilty of inaction against the Zion- just under 100,000 likes.
and European ports) that the ship would
ist aggression towards the Palestinians,
be travelling onward to the Israeli dock of
Ashdod. Dockworkers refused to load the
armament-laden containers reportedly set The women of al-Aqsa
to be used on Palestinians.
According to MarineTraffic, an online pro- Continued From Page 4
ject that tracks real-time locations of ves- diers during the incident. mosque so much,” says Abdullatif, who’s
sels around the world, the Asiatic Island one of the youngest members of the group.
Zoya Badawni, 67, is another woman
is now en route to Ashdod, having left the
who says she was roughed up, this time “But since the conflict became more diffi-
Port of Naples earlier in the day. However,
by settlers. She now wears a bandage cult, more extraordinary, they became free
one could argue that the swift thinking by
around her wrist that was broken during of these thoughts that the women should
the longshoremen in Livorno helped to de-
the confrontation – a scar that Badawni stay at home, that she shouldn’t say any-
lay the ship’s journey, causing a logistical
insists is still hurting her. thing, shouldn’t raise her voice.
frustration to the Israeli military.
In sporting news, fans of Leicester City “Four women were arrested, they were For many of the women here, the al-Aqsa
FC were ecstatic after the club won their beaten as well. Why do they do this? Is it complex is the central point not just in Je-
first FA Cup in 137 years of competition. because we want to pray? Is it because rusalem, but also their lives. It’s the cen-
The win, which came after the midfielder we want to say ‘Allahu Akbar?’ Or be- tre of community in the city that most have
Youri Tielemans scored the only goal of cause we are women? We are just wom- been visiting since they were children. But
the match in the 63rd minute, was made en, we have nothing, and they are soldiers it’s more than that, too. The Mubaritat say
even more poignant when fellow Leicester with weapons.” that as long as al-Aqsa stays, so does Pal-
teammates Hamza Choudhury and Wesley Despite these challenges, however, the estine. Their conviction to defend it has
Fofana celebrated by holding the Palestin- group says that they only grow more con- compelled them to challenge threats of vio-
ian flag. Choudhury in particular draped vinced of the need to stay at defend the lence, arrests and restrictions.
the flag over himself as he picked up his mosque. Despite her injuries, Badawni is “I was arrested two weeks ago, and they
winner’s medal. one of many that travel to al-Aqsa from in- took me for six hours and asked me ques-
The prominent display of support for the side Israel – areas like Jaffa, Acre or the tions. They said, if you go back to Al Aqsa
Palestinian cause did not go unnoticed. Galilee – almost daily. you will be banned, we will put you in pris-
Ambassador Husam Zomlot, Head of the As women, the Murabitat believe they on,” Abdullatif says. “The next day, I came
Palestinian Mission to the UK, wrote an have an especially crucial role: Jerusa- back.”
open letter to Choudhury and Fofana late lemite men, they say, are at greater risk of “We know it deeply inside that we are
last night thanking them for using “the oc- arrest in the exposed and heavily policed putting ourselves at risk, but we have no
casion of the FA cup triumph to show soli- courtyard of al-Aqsa, and they feel women other way. What do we have to express
darity with the Palestinian people.” are less likely to be detained, or to lose ourselves? None of us would love to be ar-
In his letter, Ambassador Zomlot stated: control and resort to violence. rested, none of us would like to be beaten.
“Carrying the Palestinian flag on the stage “Before women didn’t really come to the But it’s the only way,” she adds.
Page 6
The Friday Bulletin INTERNATIONAL Shawwal 09, 1442/May 21, 2021
US repeatedly blocks UN attempts at reaching Palestine-Israel ceasefire
US repeatedly blocks UN attempts at
reaching Palestine-Israel ceasefire
While the election of Joe Biden to the of-
fice of President of the United States was
seen as a relief in restoring order to Amer-
ican politics, the façade appears to be
slipping. On the international stage, Rich-
ard Gowan, the UN director overseeing
the advocacy work undertaken by the or-
ganisation Crisis Group, suggests, “If the
Biden administration had a honeymoon at
the U.N., it’s over now.”
Remarkably, the US has used its power
of veto for the third time in a single week
to prevent multiple UN Security Council
statements that would have condemned
the Zionist state of ‘Israel’ for its exces-
sive and murderous acts surrounding the
Al-Aqsa Mosque, as well as the Zion-
ist state’s manufactured justification for
launching an ongoing barrage of missiles
on the besieged Gaza Strip. The with-
held statements from the Security Council
would have called for an urgent ceasefire
to prevent further loss of life on both sides
of the crisis.
Foreign Relations Committee, Thomas- Biden further added: “The question is how
As seen by Politico, the statement calls for
Greenfield expressed her desire to defend — how we get to a point where — they
the “restraint, refraining from provocative
‘Israel’ at the UN: “…if confirmed, I look get to a point where there is a significant
actions and rhetoric, and upholding and
forward to standing with Israel, standing reduction in the attacks, particularly the
respecting the historic status quo at the
against the unfair targeting of Israel”. rocket attacks that are indiscriminately
holy sites.” In addition, it also highlights
Due to the persistent blocking tactics of fired into population centers.”
the Security Council’s “serious concern
over the possible evictions of Palestin- the US, many are arguing whether there By emphasising rocket attacks – the im-
ian families in Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan has truly been any change in this par- plied message being those fired by Ha-
neighborhoods in occupied East Jeru- ticular foreign policy area. Biden, a life- mas into ‘Israel’ – Biden is making clear
salem, many of whom have lived in their long Democrat, is evidently maintaining his stance on the issue. In focusing on the
homes for generations.” the status quo in backing ‘Israel’ on the justified retaliation by Hamas to fire rock-
world stage while the Zionist state sees ets when ‘Israel’ has already massacred
Whilst Biden himself has, to date, been
immense opposition to its repeated incur- close to 200 in its targeted airstrikes, in-
somewhat muted in his Middle East di-
sions on Palestinians. cluding demolishing the regional offices
plomacy, it does not come as much of a
Last Thursday, Biden, responding to a re- of the Associated Press and Al Jazeera,
surprise that America continues to defend
porter’s question on whether Israeli leader Biden is brushing attention away from
its indefensible partner, ‘Israel’. The in-
Benjamin Netanyahu is doing enough to the Zionist government and attempting to
cumbent US ambassador to the UN, Lin-
prevent an escalation in violence, said, blame the Palestinians.
da Thomas-Greenfield, recently argued
absurdly that BDS (boycott, divestment, “One of the things that I have seen thus Representative Ilhan Omar of Minnesota’s
and sanctions) “verges on antisemitism.” far is that there has not been a signifi- 5th District released a blistering statement
Moreover, on 27th January, while address- cant overreaction.” The question, howev- earlier today after the news that Biden and
ing her confirmation hearing at the Senate er, must be asked: what, then, would be his administration approved an arms deal
deemed a “significant overreaction”? amounting to $735m worth of precision-
guided missiles to ‘Israel’ whilst the ongo-
ing oppression sees no sign of easing.
Israel mocks the Quran while raining bombs on Gaza Ilhan slammed the government, saying:
“The violence in Israel and the Gaza Strip
Israel has sparked outrage by trying to jus- Yasir Qadhi. is spiraling out of control. Far right ethnon-
tify its bombardment of Gaza using verses "The official Arabic Twitter account of the ationalist Israeli leader Benjamin Netan-
of the Quran. In what is seen as a new low Apartheid country of 'Israel just tweeted yahu is now responsible for at least 1,505
for the Zionist state, Israel's Arabic Twit- out the Quranic verses of Surah al-Fīl, in casualties in Gaza, including 200 deaths,
ter page shared an image of devastation which the pre-Islamic destruction of Abra- 59 of them children. He has leveled entire
in the besieged enclave alongside verses ha's army is described by sending stones residential buildings, targeting journalists
from Chapter 105 of the Muslim holy book. upon them, with a picture of its bombing of and civilians alike in direct violation of in-
Known as Al-Fil (the elephant), the chap- Gaza," he explained. ternational law.”
ter recounts the story of how God pun- "This is a sacrilegious mockery of the The statement by Omar went further by
ished an army that attacked the holy city of Quran, and of human life," he added de- calling out the complicity of America in
Makkah by sending a flock of birds which nouncing what many have said is an at- these genocidal acts: “And he is doing so
pelted the invading army with stones of tempt by Israel at trolling the entire Muslim with direct funding and military assistance
hard-baked clay. world. from the United States of America … It
The use of Quranic scripture has trig- "How low can you go??" Al-Qadhi ended would be appalling for the Biden Admin-
gered an enormous backlash with people his remark by saying that he was genu- istration to go through with $735 million in
denouncing the Israelis for mocking the inely surprised that an official account precision-guided weaponry to Netanyahu
holy Quran and taunting the world's 1.8 can stoop to such a level, but then he re- without any strings attached in the wake
billion Muslims. "Sacrilegious Blasphemy minded himself of the reality of the "Zionist of escalating violence and attacks on civil-
and Callousness of the Highest Magni- mindset", and everything all fell into place. ians.”
tude," said US based Islamic scholar Dr
Page 7
The Friday Bulletin Shawwal 09, 1442/May 21, 2021
Gaza: This time it’s different
By: Ahmed Abu Artema
As I write, the building I live in here in
Gaza is shaking continuously. Above us,
Israeli F-16 warplanes pummel us with a
seemingly endless barrage of bombs.
I am writing amid a rapid flow of develop-
ing events, so it is certain that by the time
this is published, many things may have
changed, but I am trying to highlight the
general features of this current round of
escalation in Palestine.
The escalation began in Jerusalem dur-
ing the month of Ramadan, in a series of
provocations carried out by the Israeli oc-
cupation authorities.
The first in this series was the decision
to prevent Palestinians from gathering at
Bab al-Amoud (Damascus Gate) in Jeru-
salem in late April. This sparked a series
of protests which eventually forced Israel
to rescind the order.
Another – ongoing – provocation, which ets towards Jerusalem. the “Jerusalem Day” march was an early
drew some international attention, is the The Israeli military responded by bom- victory.
expulsion orders pending against Pales- barding the city of Beit Hanoun in the The reality of suffering and tragedy is al-
tinian families from their homes in Sheikh northern Gaza Strip. ways present in Israeli aggressions on
Jarrah that Israeli courts have granted to Nine people, including three children, Gaza. Still, this time, the escalation feels
Israeli settlers. were killed there as they were preparing meaningful, it feels heroic.
A third Israeli provocation was the storm- to break their fasts. People across Palestine desperately
ing of al-Aqsa mosque during prayers on Gaza freedom fighters kept retaliating and needed someone to make them feel sup-
the morning of Friday, 7 May. Israeli forc- Israel expanded its bombardments to in- ported and defended. Palestinians need
es fired tear gas and rubber-coated metal clude residential homes. to feel they are not paying the price alone.
bullets onto worshippers, resulting in over It is therefore hugely significant that re-
The Israeli air force destroyed several res-
200 injuries. sistance has exploded across historic Pal-
idential towers that also accommodated
In a fourth provocation, settlers an- dozens of media offices and commercial estine.
nounced that on 10 May they would march establishments. Israel has been committed to destroying
through Jerusalem to celebrate what they the Palestinian identity, especially in de-
Israel also attacked police offices and
term Jerusalem Day. The intention was to liberately economically deprived cities,
several government buildings, all civilian
march near al-Aqsa mosque. towns and villages inside the 1948 bound-
targets.
This march escalated into a fifth provo- aries – the areas where the state of Israel
Why it’s different
cation on the morning of 10 May as, for was declared that year, during the Nakba,
the second time in a week, Israeli forces The current escalation is distinguished by the ethnic cleansing of Palestine.
stormed al-Aqsa, attacking worshippers the fact that the Palestinian people de-
Mass protests in those areas, the torch-
praying inside and ransacking the sacred manded a response to the practices of the
ing of police stations and the replacement
site. More than 300 Palestinians were in- Israeli occupation. Hamas, in responding,
of Israeli flags with Palestinian flags, all
jured. is being considered heroic.
seem like a new revival of the Palestinian
A wave of anger There is no public judgment or denuncia- spirit.
tion of Hamas’ decision to act, even when
These provocations persisted throughout Palestinians are still deeply rooted in their
citizens are paying the harshest price of
Ramadan, and caused a wave of anger to land, clinging to their identity, their deep
Israeli aggression, losing their loved ones
sweep through Palestinians across their sense of unity is more significant than any
and their homes.
homeland. Protests broke out in Haifa, factors that may divide, and their ability to
Jaffa, Ramallah and Gaza. It is clear in Gaza that Palestinians re- survive Israel’s terror and crimes never
main firm in their belief in resistance as ceases to amaze.
In Gaza, demonstrators called on the Qas-
the pathway to liberation from occupation.
sam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, Israel has a powerful arsenal of missiles,
to intervene. Palestinians in Gaza strongly This round of fighting is also significant and in an attempt to recover lost dignity in
supported the need for a swift response because it came as a response to continu- the face of Palestinian resistance, Israel
by resistance factions to retaliate for the ous violations in Jerusalem. continues to commit crimes against civil-
violations in Jerusalem. All previous rounds of Hamas escalation ians in Gaza.
I read what seemed like hundreds of have been provoked by Israeli aggression Yet, Israeli power does not ensure legiti-
messages from activists on social media on the Gaza Strip. Thus, when Jerusalem macy or stability. The Zionist project in
asking Hamas why they were late in re- called for Gaza’s aid, and Gaza rose to Palestine is alien to this land, and all ef-
taliating. Taxi drivers and shopkeepers, defend Jerusalem, this amplified the bur- forts to neutralize or eject the Palestinian
ordinary folks on the street: Everyone was geoning sense of Palestinian national uni- presence have failed for more than 70
posing the same question. ty and liberated the Palestinian resistance years.
from its isolation in Gaza.
Eventually, Qassam issued a warning that The Palestinian people may weaken, but
Israeli troops had two hours to evacuate Whether in Gaza or anywhere else in Pal- they will not die. They have the will to fight
al-Aqsa, lift the siege of the murabitoun – estine, Palestinians struggle against the until the end and certain victory.
the faithful who remain at the site around occupation, whose attacks and violations
Ahmed Abu Artema is a writer who lives
the clock in order to protect it with their affect them everywhere.
in Gaza and a researcher at the Center
presence – and release all prisoners. This escalation has also been character- for Political and Development Studies.
As the deadline expired, and Israel failed ized by an increasingly defiant spirit within
to respond, Qassam fired a burst of rock- the resistance factions. The cancelation of
Page 8
The Friday Bulletin Shawwal 09, 1442/May 21, 2021
Soulful reflections Maahad Daawah Organisation
By: Fat’hia Abdo
United in faith stands the human race.
Every individual either infected or affected
is the case.
United, stronger , determined :we must
fight the Covid-19 pandemic.
Armed with reason and facts in solidarity
we stand,
To eradicate the enemy of rumours, fear,
stigma going round.
Wash your hands, sanitize, physical dis-
tance and wear your masks.
Protect the young and old; vulnerable
amongst the fold.
Perform at home your prayers,
Many lives have we lost, indiscriminately
they are gone, no more,
Empty slots on our tables and undeniable
voids in our homes.
Gender and sexual based violence, a ram-
pant disease.
painful embedded scars ,innocence so
violently snatched,
many by those who should have protected
them from the start.
Unemployment and economic downfall as
companies retrenched ,others completely
closed remains the trend.
Their livelihoods gone, desperation and
despair ravaged many souls.
No longer a roof over their head to call Some of the residents of Isiolo
home, who were beneficiaries of Iftar
Barely a meal to hold the hunger pangs at distribution exercise in joyous
bay they start and end some days.
While some sadly succumb to hopeless- mood after receiving donation
ness, of food packages.
Taking to vices, drugs with worse taking BELOW:Iftar food packages in
their own lives,
Some hold on to dear lives, forging on with an open field before distribution.
a forced smile, for better times to come The food packages were distrib-
Each person burdened with a matter or uted to over 4000 vulnerable and
two,
Every loss and grief is unique to the per- needy families in Isiolo,Garissa
son, never same for any given two, and Tana River County respec-
Never underestimate the burden a soul
carries, for if you only knew. tively in partnership with United
Rest assured Allah never burdens a soul Kingdom based Angel Welfare
more than it can bear, and Education Trust
To each in accordance to his faith, just
give support ,be there.
For each other we hold space, allow each
soul to mourn at its own pace.
Accepted Ramadhan
Give of that which you receive, a different Continued From Page 3
tradition inculcate in acts and deeds.
Never a decrease in provision, rather an ibaadah and our hard work didn’t go in the ultimate desire to OBEY Him, and SUB-
investment so plant your seeds. vain. MIT to His Commands
Ripple is the effect, trickling from you to You see, just as the purpose of establish- And that’s PROOF that your fasting for a
your loved ones and the world around. ing Salaah, is to remember Allaah Sub- month has produced the desired result....
Empathize, sympathize and always see
through a third eye, haanahu wa Ta’aala, [“…And establish which is TAQWA of Allaah Subhaanahu wa
Giving excuses for every wrong, forgiving Salaah to remember Me” (Ta Ha:14)], sim- Ta’aala.
more than seventy times ilarly the purpose of fasting is to establish So if you’ve come closer to Allaah....
Safeguard human life, give ease to the and develop Taqwa (God-consciousness) If you've become punctual about your five
mind, keep life dignified.
Thus be kind this pandemic and hence- in ourselves. daily prayers...
forth in days to come. Allaah says: “O you who believe, fasting is if you’ve started wearing Hijaab...
Savour each moment, make every second prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for if you’ve given up your bad deed, or your
count those before you, so that you may become bad company....
May every effort, intent and deed be ac-
ceptable, al-Muttaqoon (the pious God-conscious)” if you’ve improved your manners...
weighing heavily on scales when numbers (al-Baqarah, 2:183) if you’re controlling your tongue and your
and coins are no longer applicable. So if your attitude, your conduct and man- anger....
Restore smiles, mend kinship ties, give ners, your lifestyle, and your relationship if you’re reading the Qur’aan regularly....
justice where its due,
Better days are coming, however long the with your Rabb and His creation have if you’re continuing your Qiyaam....
night may last, the dawn will surely come CHANGED for the BETTER and show a then these are all signs that your Ramad-
With a united front, for humanity we keep POSITIVE transformation after Ramad- haan is accepted.
praying, holding and forging on. haan then that’s a sign that Allaah accept- So KEEP UP all the good work.
And help one another in goodness and pi- ed your Ramadhaan. PUSH yourself to continue.
ety, and do not help one another in sin and
aggression; and be careful of (your duty Just as the effectiveness of a treatment DON’T let the Shaytaan take you away
to) Allah; surely Allah is severe in punish- is known when a sick person feels better, from the remembrance of your Rabb.
ment. Quran 5:2 similarly, your fasting for a whole month And make Duaa that He keeps you STEAD-
And spend in the way of Allah and do not should manifest itself as FAST and ACCEPTS.
throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands
into destruction [by refraining]. And do a POSITIVE change in you... Remember that “the most beloved of deeds
good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of a beautiful and gentle transformation of to Allaah are those which are continuous,
good. Qur'an 2.195 your character, your manners.... even if they are little.” (Saheeh Muslim)
The author is a member of National Mus- a keen consciousness of the pleasure of May Allaah accept from all of us and for-
lim Covi-19 Response Committee (NM-
CRC) your Rabb... give us. Ameen.
Page 9
The Friday Bulletin NATIONAL Shawwal 09, 1442/May 21, 2021
Muslim leaders condemn Israeli aggression
Muslim leaders have urged the United Na- Sheikh Kassim said both Muslims and ernment should not remain quiet but in-
tions Security Council and International non-Muslims are suffering following the stead join the world in condemning the
community to intervene and end Israel’s wanton attacks in Gaza and other areas inhumanity in Gaza. “We are all human
aggression against Palestine to promote of the occupied territories as he criticized and no one should entertain such occur-
peace and stability in the volatile Middle the indifference by powerful nations to rences in Palestine,” said Abdulswamad
East. protect the lives of Palestinians. Sharif Nassir.
They further condemned Israel's raid on Al “Israel has continued to kill Palestinians In Eldoret, North Rift chairman of the
Aqsa mosque and the plans to evict Pales- while big nations are looking the other Council of Imams and Preachers of Ken-
tinians from homes on land claimed by Jew- way. It is unacceptable and denial of jus- ya (CIPK) Sheikh Abubakar Bini strong-
ish settlers. tice for the Palestinian population who are ly condemned Israeli police violations
While marking the Eid-ul-Fitr prayers at the living under a brutal occupation regime. I against Palestinians and called for an
Ronald Ngala grounds in Mombasa on Fri- ask the United Nations and International urgent intervention by international com-
day, Former Chief Kadhi Sheikh Hammad community to intervene and end this car- munity to quell the ongoing killings in the
Muhammad Kassim appealed to the United nage,” he said. besieged Gaza strip.
Nations to use its mandate to stop the Is- His sentiments were backed by Mvita “We condemn in the strongest terms
raeli carnage in Gaza which has led to the Member of Parliament Abdulswamad possible the brutality of the State of Isra-
deaths of at least 300 Palestinians. Sharif Nassir who said the Kenyan Gov- el towards defenceless Palestinians. We
called upon the International community
Allocate cemetery land to Muslims, Eldoret Imam to come to their rescue and ensure their
rights are not violated and their lives are
appeals protected,’’ Sheikh Bini said.
Muslim residents in Eldoret have been left county government to intervene and al- Over 200 families left
pondering on where they will bury their loved
ones after the current Muslim cemetery lo-
locate us with land for the cemetery,” he
added. homeless after demolition
cated within the town was declared full.
According to Eldoret Jamia mosque Imam
Sheikh Hussein said that they were ini-
tially given land in Kiplombe Area but af-
in Kinango, Kwale County
Sheikh Mohammed Hussein, Muslims in the ter burying five people they were denied Over 200 families have been left home-
region were experiencing challenges in bur- access by Kenya Forest Service officials. less after the demolition of houses in
ying their deceased loved and efforts to ac- In his response, the Uasin Gishu Gover- Kinango Sub-county, Kwale County last
quire alternative land have not been fruitful. nor Jackson Mandago said his adminis- week.
“Our Eldoret Muslim cemetery is now full to tration has begun process to acquire a The families from Mwamdudu in Bonje
capacity and we have nowhere to bury our new cemetery land to relieve pressure area are now appealing to the govern-
deceased. We are now appealing to the Ua- from the already full Eldoret Muslim Cem- ment to help them repossess their land
sin Gishu County Government to allocate an etery. “We are holding discussion with from a private developer who they are
alternative land for the cemetery,” Sheikh the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) through accusing of colluding with top govern-
Muhammad Hussein while speaking to the Environment Cabinet Secretary Keriako ment officials and other unscrupulous
Friday Bulletin. Tobiko and other stakeholders to fulfill our individuals to grab their ancestral land.
“The number of deaths have increased due promise. We will get the land soon,” said According to the residents, they could
to the effects of coronavirus, where will we Governor Mandago. not salvage anything as the demolition
bury our people? We are calling on the caught them unprepared.
Addressing the media at Bonje village in
Busia Muslims urged to invest in education Kinango, led by a resident of Mwadudu
village, Ramadhan Lewa Kalume, the
Muslims in Busia County have been urged learning institution will also offer Islamic locals denied a report that they had en-
to invest in education as this will improve studies lessons. tered into agreement with the company,
social-economic development in the com- “We aim to provide a well- balanced but declined to name the top government
munity. foundation for early childhood education official behind the land scandal saying it
The call was made by the chairlady of the with the purpose of preparing students is in the public domain. “I wish to insist
Kisumu-based Sisters With A Mission Mus- to face challenges and take advantages that we were never consulted in the sale
lim Development Group, Sister Rahma of opportunities that will encounter in of the land to the private developer,” he
Akidah who urged Muslims in the region to the next level of education and beyond, said.
establish educational institutions providing so as to make them active life- long The residents condemned the action and
holistic knowledge to nurture contemporary learners,’’Rahma said. calling it inhumane and a violation of hu-
and Islamic knowledge among Muslims in Sister Rahma further pointed out that fu- man rights and access to justice.
the county. ture expansion plans are also in the pipe- Salama Kenga, a single mother said
Speaking recently in Busia, Rahma under- line to set up a Muslim-run Secondary they are spending cold nights with their
scored the importance of education in any school in the region to cater for educa- children in open-air and appealed for
community stating that more emphasis tional needs of the local Muslims, adding government intervention.
should be placed in social and intellectual that the county lacks a Muslim-run Sec- Mwanahamisi Ramadhan, a 24- year-old
empowerment of Muslim children in order to ondary School. mother of three children said she was
bring up a good society. She termed the opening up of the inte- not able to salvage any property, but
She disclosed that as a measure to pro- grated Muslim school as a milestone only managed to save her three children
mote, improve on the education standards which will go a long way in contributing to including a one-day–old child she had
and cater for the educational needs of Mus- the improvement of education standards given birth to the day the demolitions
lim children, Sisters With a Mission will in among the local Muslim populace. were carried out.
July unveil an integrated Muslim school in The Sisters With A Mission also runs Ma- The residents are now appealing to the
Busia County. drassa (Islamic School) for women situ- government to intercede so that they can
Ummul Kheir Integrated Primary school is ated at Railways Mosque in Kisumu. The get back the land taken from them.
set to admit its first batch of students start- Madrassa has been offering knowledge Among the destroyed places are the
ing with PP1, PP2, Grade 1 and 2, and apart and Islamic studies to Muslim women and Mwamdudu secondary school, a dispen-
from the national primary curriculum, the reverts for the last five years. sary, a children orphanage and other
houses.
Page 10You can also read
