Shaaban 30, 1438/May 26, 2017 www.jamiamasjidkenya.org Issue No.

734
MEMBERS AND STAFF OF JAMIA MOSQUE COMMITTEE WISHES ALL MUSLIMS RAMADHAN KAREEM

Friday Bulletin
The

The Weekly Muslim News Update

Mandera curfew to be lifted

during Ramadhan
A
fter being under a dusk-dawn curfew
for eight consecutive months, Man-
dera residents can now breathe a
sigh of relief as the government is set to
lift the order.
This is a reprieve for the residents who
were glaring at the possibility of missing
out on the special night prayers during the
blessed month of Ramadhan which is ex-
pected to begin either Friday or Saturday
across the globe.
Speaking in Mandera town on Sunday dur-
ing a political rally, Deputy President Wil-
liam indicated that the government will be
suspending the curfew to allow Mandera
residents to fulfil their religious obligations
during the month long period of fasting.
The Government wishes Muslims well dur-
ing the Holy Month of Ramadhan as we un-
dertake to review the curfew in Mandera and
other areas. We will ensure that the curfew
is lifted so that no one is prevented from par-
taking in night prayers, said Ruto.
The deputy president said the decision was
reached following consultations with leaders
and security officials in the area.
The areas that are currently under the
12-hour curfew include Mandera town,
Omar Jillo, Arabia, Fino, Lafey, Kotulo,
and Elwak and areas 20km from the
Kenya-Somalia border. Residents of
these areas are expected to remain in-
doors from 7pm to 5am unless author-
ized by their respective Deputy County
Commissioners.
The curfew was first imposed on the
county by Interior cabinet secretary Jo-
seph Nkaissery as a security measure
Continued To Page 2

Sheikh Sayyid al Suyouti from Al Azhar University in Cairo Egypt presents a scroll to a graduand of RAF International University
during the graduation ceremony held at the main campus in Kisaju, Kajiado county on Sunday. Next to him is the University
chairman Sheikh Muhammad Osman while on the extreme left is Sheikh A'la Abdulhalim also from Azhar University. On the right-
Naimah Abdullahi shares the joys of learning with her child after the graduation.

Jamia Girls Quran competition for weekend

The annual Quran memorization competi-
tion organized by Jamia Mosque will kick
off this weekend with the girls event.
The event to be held on May 27 and 28 has
attracted 68 participants from different ma-
drasas and institutions in Nairobi and sur-
rounding areas. This will be followed by the
boys event which will be held from June 1
and resume on June 3rd and 4th. Close to
130 participants have registered to partici-
pate in the competition, the highest number
since its inception.
Participants will show their unique skills in
the art of Quran memorization during the
event which is aimed at nurturing young
minds in preserving the Quran and its mes-
sage.
In addition, Jamia Mosque for the second
year running will be organizing a Hadith
competition on June 10th.
Participants both males and females
will be gauged in their knowledge of the
Prophets tradition (hadith).
Various prizes have been lined up for
participants in the competitions which
will be held in conjunction with Africa
Muslim Agency.

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The Friday Bulletin
RAF University: A transformation from tents to world class institution
In 2003 at the opening of the then pro-
posed Andalus Islamic University at Kisa-
ju, 47 kilometres along the Nairobi-Na-
manga Highway, the first batch of students
had their lessons in unfamiliar classes-
tent structures.
The hot weather which characterizes the
area further exacerbated the situation as
during sunny days, learning became more
uncomfortable due to the high tempera-
tures inside the lecture rooms.
The upper area of the mosque, initially re-
served as a women prayer area served as
the students dormitory.
Fourteen years down the line, the tents
are nowhere to be seen and the 50-acre
expanse of the land is dotted with mod-
ern multi storey education complexes
complete with modern learning amenities
geared to make learning easier and enjoy-
able.
The institution is now renamed RAF Inter-
IPOA alleges rise in police complaints in Coast
Cases of police brutality in coast region are
on the rise, the Independent Policing Over-
sight Authority (IPOA) has said.
According to the oversight body which
monitors police work, most of the cases
involve extrajudicial killings and enforced
disappearances.
Speaking during the commissioning of a
new branch in Mombasa over the week-
end, IPOA Chairman Macharia Njeru said
cases of police harassment and brutality
are very rife in Mombasa, a reason behind
the opening of the new IPOA offices in the
county.
He noted that since March the authority
has received 69 complaints against police
officers, out of which 21 have already been
investigated and recommendations made
to the Office of the Director of Public Pros-
ecution. For the little time we have been
in Mombasa, we were able to receive 69
complaints against police officers. Com-
plaints against police officers are rife in
Mombasa that is why we have prioritized
the opening of our offices here, said Nje-
ru. He noted that most of the cases filed
against police officers go unpunishable
No curfew in Mandera during Ramadhan
Continued From Page 1
for a month in October 2016 following the
killing of 12 people in a hotel in Mandera
town by suspected Al Shabaab gunmen.
The order was then extended in Decem-
ber 2016 for three months until March 28,
2017. It was further extended for the third
time in March for another three months un-
til June 27.
The deputy President added that the na-
tional government will soon employ an
additional 150 Kenya Police Reservists
(KPRs) who will be deployed in the area to
secure the county against insecurity.
The county has recently witnessed series
of insecurity incidents from suspected Al
Page 2
national University following the support it
received from the Sheikh Thani bin Abdul-
lah Al Thani Foundation for Humanitarian
Services (RAF) of the emirate of Qatar.
We want to make RAF International
University among the best universities in
Africa with world class facilities to make
learning convenient and successful, said
the founder and chairman Sheikh Mu-
hammad Osman during the 5th gradu-
ation ceremony held on Sunday. It was
the first graduation since the institution
was granted a Letter of Interim Authority
(LIA) in December last year which gave
it a status as a recognized government
institution.
Umma University managed by Africa
Muslim Agency which is located 20 kilo-
metres away on the highway to Namanga
became the first Islamic university to gain
government recognition in 2014 when it
was awarded the Letter of Interim Author-
ity.
due to lack of sufficient evidence as he
urged Mombasa residents to make use of
the new offices to lodge their complaints
against rogue police officers.
As IPOA, we want to assure all complain-
ants of the Authoritys commitment to take
their complaints to logical conclusions.
Holding to account culpable officers and
vindicating wrongly accused ones as
well, he said.
He urged security officers to carry out
their duties and responsibilities with pro-
fessionalism and desist from violating the
rights of citizens ahead of the electioneer-
ing period. He at the same time called on
members of the public to cooperate with
security agencies in maintaining peace
and security.
The opening of the offices in Mombasa is
a big relief for victims of police brutality
who have been forced to travel to Nairobi
to report their complaints. The Mombasa
office is also part of the organisations ef-
forts to take its services closer to the peo-
ple.
The police watchdog will soon be opening
other branches in Kisumu and Garissa.
Shabaab gunmen including last weeks
killing of a chief in Omar Jillo location.
We are going to recruit 150 KPRs within
this month because we want to have a se-
cure Mandera so that people can go on
with their daily business uninterrupted,
noted the DP.
Meanwhile five bodyguards attached to
Mandera governor Ali Roba's security de-
tail were killed on Wednesday when their
vehicle ran over an Improvised Explosive
Device (IED).
The officers were part of a convey that
was escorting the governor to a political
rally in Fino, Mandera.
Shaaban 30, 1438/May 26, 2017
President Uhuru Kenyatta has promised
that the two institutions will be granted a
charter which will see them being accred-
ited among the countrys fully fledged uni-
versities.
In his address at the graduation ceremony,
Sheikh Muhammad Osman emphasized on
the universitys goal to provide a holistic ed-
ucation to Kenyans and improve on educa-
tion standards in the community. We want
to prepare an educated generation through
educational programmes that are respon-
sive to the expectations of the future, he
said
He clarified that while it is a Muslim oriented
university; the institution also embraces di-
versity and accommodates students from
other faith communities. RAF International
University is open to Christians, Hindus and
others. But as we respect their faith, we also
expect them to respect the ideals governing
our faith while at the institution, he said.
Speaking at the event, the Isinya Deputy
County Commissioner David Kipkimei said
local residents appreciate the development
contributed by the university. We want
to appreciate the investors as they have
opened up the countryside for develop-
ment, he said.
During the graduation event, 161 students
drawn from the three campuses in Nairobi
and Mombasa graduated in various dis-
ciplines. In furthering its academic disci-
plines, the university has already started a
Masters programme and a PhD programme
is also expected to begin next year.
Among its future programmes, the univer-
sity has acquired a 50-acre of piece of land
which will be used as a demonstration farm
for the Faculty of Agriculture which will be
introduced next year. Also planned is an FM
Station to train journalists and a bachelor of
Continued To Page 7
Jamia to offer Iftar
programmes
Jamia Mosque Committee through its social
welfare programme will during the month
of Ramadhan offer daily Iftar meals to hun-
dreds of Muslim faithful who break their fast
at the mosque.
The annual programme is expected to ben-
efit an estimated 800 worshippers on each
day during the entire thirty days of fasting
which is set to commence on either May 26
or 27.
While emphasizing on the virtues of feeding
a fasting person, the Jamia mosque ad-
ministrator Said Abdallah called for support
towards this noble initiative saying that it is
keeping with the spirit of the blessed month.
Feeding a fasting person in much reward-
ing. Such a person receives as many re-
wards as the fasting person received, with-
out any reduction in the reward of the fasting
person, he said.
The mosque is offering Ramadhan Iftar
vouchers at a cost of Sh200 which will go
towards the iftar programme. Contributions
can also be made through Mpesa Paybill
number 150770 Account number Iftar.
The Friday Bulletin
Get ready to welcome a dear friend Month of Ramadhan
Khurram Murad
Alhamdullilah, Allah has blessed us to wit-
ness and reach another Ramadhan. The
Prophet (peace be upon him) has called
this month a blessed month and a great
month In this article we will focus on How
can we fully benefit from this season of
blessings.
In this month, a believer prepares the gar-
den by removing the weeds, seeding the
soil and watering the ground in hopes of
beautiful flowers and tasty fruits later in the
year. The following 10 tips can be helpful in
reaching this goal.
1. Intention and determination Inten-
tion creates the desire, the conscious-
ness and the determination; which in turn
produces the required efforts for a task or
goal. At the start of this Ramadhan, make
the intention of attaining the piety (Taqwa)
which is the goal of the month of fasting.
Have the intention of reaching this level of
piety through your fasting, worship (Ibadat)
and all the planned special activities during
this month.
To achieve, this goal, it may be beneficial to
dedicate some private time before the first
day or on the first day of Ramadhan and
make Hamd and Istighfar to Allah . Send
salutations on the Prophet salallahu alayhi
wa sallam and ask Allah to assist you in
this endeavor. Making Duaa with focus
and concentration can help you attain the
proper mindset.
2. Relationship with Quran Make spe-
cial arrangements during this month for
recitation, listening, understanding and
pondering on the verses of Quran. Spend
as much time as possible in the company
of Quran. Attending Taraweeh regularly is
a great opportunity to complete listening
to the Quran at least once during Rama-
dhan. If you dont understand the Arabic
language, you should make every effort to
understand a set portion with translation
and tafseer.
If following the translation for an entire
Juz is not possible, dedicate time to fol-
low some portion of a Juz. Alternatively,
you can plan to complete the reading with
translation within one year and before the
next Ramadhan. In our day and age, the
Internet has opened an unlimited number
of opportunities for learning and under-
standing of Quran from the comfort of our
homes.
3. Stay away from sin Make a special
effort to stay away from any and all types
of sins. In this month, believers are given
special protection from the devil (Shaytan),
which we should take advantage of by pro-
moting and increasing our closeness to Al-
lah. The farther we are from sin, the closer
we get to Allah. The Prophet sallahu alayhi
wa sallam reminded us in his famous Had-
ith that Fasting acts as a shield from sins,
so use it as a shield.
The fasting person should not curse any-
one, yell and badmouth anyone. If some-
one curses him or fights with him, he
should move away by saying, I am fasting.
DA'WAH
I cant be part of bad deeds related by times such as the time of breaking of fast
Bukhari and Muslim. We can gradually and
consciously correct our bad habits for ex-
ample, we can decide to consciously lower
our voice and avoid yelling, screaming or
fighting during this Ramadhan. Also we
should avoid mentioning negative things
about people in their absence. Make a
special effort to guard your tongue during
this month. Make a habit every night to as-
sess your day before going to sleep. Make
immediate Istighfar and repent if you have
committed a sin during your day.
4. Seek good deeds A believer should
always be seeking opportunities to perform
and engage in good deeds. During the
month of Ramadhan the reward for every
good deed (Nawafil) rises to the level of
the reward of obligatory acts (Faraidh). We
should seek all such opportunities in wor-
ship (Ibaadat) and relationships (Muamalat
). When a believer goes beyond the obliga-
tory acts (Faraidh) and hastens to perform
the optional (Nawafil) it shows his eager-
ness to please Allah.
These are the believer about whom Al-
lah relates in the Hadith Qudsi related by
Abu Hurayrah (radhiallahu anhu) that such
people become so dear to Allah that Allah
becomes the eyes through which they see;
He becomes the ears through which they
hear; He becomes the feet through which
they walk, and the tongue through which
they speak. In this Ramadhan decide on
any three (3) or more good deeds that you
will consistently perform to attain this spe-
cial nearness to Allah.
5. Qiyam al-layl To stand the night in
prayer and recite from the Book of Allah
is one of the most effective methods of at-
taining the consciousness of Allah (Taqwa).
Allah praises these believers in Surat Al-
Dhariyat [51:18] And in the hours before
dawn they would ask forgiveness [51:18]
Taraweeh is considered to be part of Qiy-
am al-layl. Believers are also encouraged
to wake up and pray during the second
part or the third part of the night right be-
fore dawn. We can be among those who
are mentioned in the above verse of Quran
by simply waking up 15-20 minutes before
Suhoor and performing two rakaat Nafil
prayers.
6. Dikr and Duaa Remembrance of Al-
lah is important throughout our lives, but is
even more important during the month of
Ramadhan. Making a special effort to keep
the remembrance of Allah, especially with
your tongue is a source of great reward.
This act keeps Allah in your thoughts con-
stantly.
A constant dhikr of Allah and his praise
(Tahmeed and Tahleel) are one of the
best of ways of reaping rewards during
this month. As we make Duaa to Allah, we
perfect our conviction and belief that He
is the only one who can fulfill our needs,
wants and desires.
Extending our hands in complete devotion
any time of the day or night and at specific
Shaaban 30, 1438/May 26, 2017
(Iftar) would be a source of Allahs mercy
and acceptance. Make a special effort to
memorize some of the adhlar and frequent-
ly repeat them throughout the day.
7. Night vigil on the Night of Power
(Laylatul Qadr) and Itikaf In this night
Quran was revealed. The status of this
night was clearly stated in the famous vers-
es of Surat Al-Qadar
The Night of Decree (a.k.a. The Night of
Power) is better than a thousand months
[97:3]
In this night Allah forgives those who seek
forgiveness and stand the night in prayer.
This night is the most important and bless-
ed night of the year. According to the Ahad-
ith, this night is one of the odd nights of the
last ten (10) days of Ramadhan and believ-
ers are commanded to seek this night and
ask for forgiveness and the expiation from
the Hell fire in this night.
This night was given to the Ummah of
Muhammad sallahu alayhi was allam as
a special gift which allows them to gain
mountains of reward in a short amount of
time. Make special arrangements for your-
self and your family to earn the rewards of
this special night to its fullest.
The Prophet salallahu alayhi wa sallam
taught his wife, Aisha (radhiallahu) a short
and concise Duaa which we should recite
during this night. O Allah, You are The For-
giver, You love to forgive, so forgive me
8. Spend for the pleasure of Allah
(Charity) Charity is considered the sec-
ond most important act of worship after
prayers. Spending with the pure intention
of pleasing Allah from ones wealth is one
of the most noble acts liked by Allah. Allah
promises the recompense of seven hun-
dred times of what a believer spends for
His sake.
Infaq has been described as a key char-
acteristic of Muttaqeen (those who have
Taqwa and consciousness of Allah at all
times). In this month, open your heart and
your wallet. Give for the sake of Allah with-
out any fear of poverty. Give to your rela-
tives, the orphans and poor to the best of
your ability. Give without any desire of rec-
ompense or worldly reward as described
by Allah in Surat Al-Dahr We feed you only
for the countenance of Allah. We wish not
from you reward or gratitude. [76:9]
9. Helping and Supporting People The
Prophet salallahu alayhi wa sallam called
the month of Ramadhan as the month of
consolation. During this month make a
special effort to help someone. Is there
a family in your neighborhood that you
Continued To Page 4
SATURDAY LECTURE
Topic: Ahkam za Ramadhan
By: Sheikh Sulayman Muhammad
Date: 27th May 2017
Time: 10 am to 12 pm
Venue: Makina Mosque Kibra
Page 3
The Friday Bulletin
10 Ways of benefit for menstruating women in Ramadhan
Nour Mirza
Every Ramadhan, most women will have
about a week in which they are unable
to join in the major religious practices of
the holy month: fasting and praying. Many
women, when their menstrual period be-
gins, find that their level of engagement
with the high spiritual atmosphere of the
month drops. The same goes for those
whose postnatal bleeding coincides with
Ramadhan. For many of these women,
frustration and a sense of lacking spiritual-
ity sets in.
This, however, shouldnt be the case.
Menstruation, postnatal bleeding, and oth-
er uniquely feminine concerns are all part
of Allahs creation, which He created in
perfect wisdom. They are not a punishment
for women wanting to draw near their Lord.
They are just part of the special package
of blessings, opportunities and challenges
that Allah has given uniquely to women. To
refrain from ritual prayer (the salaat) and
ritual fasting (the sawm) during this time is
actually considered a form of worship, and,
if done with the intention of obeying Allah,
it earns women good deeds.
In order to take full advantage of the bless-
ed month of Ramadhan, however, men-
struating women and those with postnatal
bleeding can do more than refraining from
ritual prayer and ritual fasting to draw near
Allah. Below are ten ways that women un-
able to fast can boost their spirituality dur-
ing this special month.
1. Increase dhikr
It is recommended for menstruating wom-
en to engage in making a lot of adhkar
such as such subhanAllah, alhamdullillah
and Allahu akbar. This would be especially
good to do in Ramadhan, a time of spe-
cial focus on worship. Dhikr has a special
way of touching the heart, and by invoking
Allahs names whenever you can during
this unique month you create the space,
inshaAllah, for beautiful spiritual openings.
2. Increase duaa
Duaa is something we do very little of
these days, but speaking directly to your
Lord is one of the most intimate ways to
connect with Him. The beauty of duaa is
that you can make it in any place or time.
Take this opportunity to ask your Lord for
all that you need in your life, and to draw
near Him through either repeating the
beautiful duaas of the Prophet or reaching
out to Allah with your own unique words.
3. Feed others
Whether it be your family, neighbors, com-
munity members or the poor, use the time
you are not fasting to make meals that fill
the stomachs and souls of those around
you. Consider sponsoring iftar at your local
mosque.
4. Gain Islamic knowledge
Use the extra time and energy you have
from not fasting and praying to increase
your knowledge of the faith. Listen to
scholars discussing timely issues, form a
Page 4
WOMEN
small circle of women who can commit to
reading a book on Islam and discuss it to-
gether, or take some time to read articles
on the religion from trusted online sources.
5. Increase your charity
We are surrounded by countless blessings,
so make sure to spread those blessings in
the month of Ramadhan. Give money to
a good cause, such as supporting Syrian
refugees, helping a local poor family with
school fees, or supporting students of Is-
lamic knowledge. In a very busy world, we
may have little opportunity to give our time
to help others in charity giving money
takes minimal time, but brings great ben-
efit.
6. Make your responsibilities a form of
worship
Sometimes, women are overwhelmed
by the responsibilities of the home and
young children, and cannot make time to
do things like study or sponsor an iftar. In
these circumstances, renew your intention
regarding your role as a mother and a wife.
See these demanding and time-consuming
roles for what they are: responsibilities
that you are fulfilling to please Allah, which
makes them a type of worship.
Ask Allah to accept all your work as wor-
ship, and approach all that you do in this
way. This will make even the most mun-
dane of tasks, such as changing another
diaper, cleaning up another spilled cup of
apple juice, or making yet another dinner
a way for you to gain the pleasure of your
Lord.
7. Listen to the Quran
While some scholars holds that women
cannot touch the mushaf or recite Quran
while experiencing menses or postpartum
bleeding, they are able to listen to the reci-
tation of the Quran. Doing so offers much
benefit in a month that has such heavy em-
phasis on reciting the book.
You can take special time out of your day
to listen to it, such as while children are
napping, or you can listen to it while in the
midst of cooking or cleaning the house.
8. Increase Repentance
Ramadhan is an excellent time to increase
repentance to Allah. Use moments when
others are praying or breaking their fast
to ask Allah to forgive you and your loved
ones and to keep you from returning to sin.
All we have is a gift from Allah, so even for-
getting that for a moment is a deed worth
asking forgiveness from. Know that Allah is
the Forgiving, and trust that when you seek
sincere forgiveness from Allah you are truly
forgiven.
9. Babysit to help mothers worship
Mothers with young children often find
it difficult to go to the mosque because
they worry that their kids will disturb oth-
ers who are praying. Since you dont need
to be at the mosque, volunteer a night or
two (or more!) to babysit the children of a
young mother who would love to go pray
Shaaban 30, 1438/May 26, 2017
taraweeh. If you have young children of
your own, you can tell the mother to bring
her kids to your house before the prayer.
By helping this woman worship, you will
gain the same good deeds she gets from
going to that prayer.
10. Spread love and light
Use the extra time and energy you have to
share the joys of Ramadhan and Eid with
your non-Muslim friends, peers and neigh-
bors. Invite a work colleague for an iftar,
make a special Ramadhan dish and give it
to a neighbor, or take time to make special
cookies or gift bags for peers at the office
or in school to hand out during Eid.
By sharing these happy moments with
friends and colleagues in the non-Muslim
community, you counter the negative nar-
ratives about Islam in the media.
More than that, however, you become
someone who creates bonds in an increas-
ingly isolated world, reflecting the beauty of
the Prophetic light to all those around you.
Welcome dear Ramadhan
Continued From Page 3
havent seen in a while? A student in a
strange new city? A new Muslim who is
fasting for the first time? An elderly couple
who cant get to the Masjid? Why not take
a few minutes to make a phone call, drop
in for a visit, or invite someone for Iftar.
Even the smallest gesture of kindness can
make a huge difference in someones life.
Remember your actions are measured on
their quality and not their quantity. Breaking
someones fast even with modest food can
make you worthy of great reward and can
be an expiation from the fire of Hell. The
Prophet salallahu alayhi wa sallam said, If
someone helps break the fast of a fasting
person in the month of Ramadhan, he will
receive the same amount of reward as the
person fasting without any reduction in the
reward of the fasting person. He also said,
If someone feeds a fasting person, Allah
will quench his thirst from the water of Kaw-
thar and he will never be thirsty again until
he enters Jannah.
10. Invite towards the Quran The strug-
gles of this world will end, but the strug-
gles of those who enter Hell will never end.
Therefore, the biggest service to anyone
is to save them from the fire of Hell and
help them enter Paradise (Jannah). The
month of Ramadhan was honored by Allah
ue to the revelation of Quran during this
month. So, inviting people to the message
of Quran is among the noblest acts we can
perform during this month. In this month,
we are all focused on reaping rewards and
cleansing ourselves, but we should not
ignore the highest responsibility of calling
people to the Deen of Allah and to the mes-
sage of Quran.
We pray to Allah to make us of those who
are able to benefit from this Ramadhan
and reap the benefits and rewards of this
blessed month (Ameen).
 The Friday Bulletin Shaaban 30, 1438/May 26, 2017

Ramadhan
Mubarak
1438 A.H. / 2017

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The Friday Bulletin
Empowering communities through education financing
Umar Abdalla
Higher education has a critical role in the
realization of sustainable development,
since it ensures socio-economic transfor-
mation at the individual, family and com-
munity levels. It also assures human dig-
nity, equity and prosperity.
Despite this, high number of students es-
pecially those from humble backgrounds
do not go beyond secondary school level
due to lack of fees. Young professionals
seeking to pursue post graduate studies
are also unable to do so, owing to high
cost of living and dependency. Thus un-
derscoring the critical role of education
financing in contributing to enhanced ac-
cess to higher education.
In the recent past, there has been a trend
of increasing university enrollment, which
subsequently translates to increased de-
mand for educational financing. Africa Ed-
ucation and Development Trust (AEDT), is
a Non-profit organization which provides
interest-free study loans.
AEDT utilizes a model based on a revolv-
ing fund concept which though divergent,
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was singled out for having developed a
unique product to protect livestock from
devastating droughts.
The product, the Index Based Livestock
TakafuL (IBLT) is the first insurance policy
that combines an Islamic-compliant finan-
cial instrument with innovative use of sat-
ellite imagery to compensate pastrolist for
drought-induced losses. The product was
developed in partnership with the Interna-
tional Livestock Research Institute (ILRI).
Taqwa Sacco registers 55 percent growth
During its last financial year, Taqwa Sacco
registered a 55 percent growth in depos-
its, an achievement which the chairman
Dr Ahmed Yusuf attributed to rising con-
fidence in the Islamic savings and credit
sector.
Figures released during the annual general
meeting held at the weekend, indicated that
the deposits as at December 2016 stood
at Sh383,743,944 up from Sh246,610,542
in December 2015 translating to an a 55.6
percent increment.
Members contributions also rose by 26
percent from Sh138, 154,804 in 2016 from
Sh109, 003,200 recorded in the previous
year. Members were also granted interest
free loans totaling Sh240 million.
The growth is due to increase in member-
ship. Taqwa Sacco has become a great
force in the Sacco movement in Kenya and
we will achieve higher heights with your
support, said Dr. Ahmed.
Page 6
OPINION
is complementary to the traditional model
of provision of bursaries and scholar-
ships. The study loans are payable in easy
monthly installments, relieving the high
burden of education costs. It also provides
an alternative access to education financ-
ing for Muslims, since it is interest-free.
In 2012, a pilot program began, providing
study loans to 20 students. To date, over
400 beneficiaries have been supported to
undertake both post graduate and under-
graduate studies.
Due to huge demand for education fi-
nancing at the undergraduate level, last
year we started offering study loans for
students pursuing Bachelors degree. We
have since supported 50 beneficiaries.
Through our study loan program, pro-
fessionals in diverse fields like health,
education, law, administration, finance &
management etc., are supported to pur-
sue their studies. Our beneficiaries are a
critical resource to the community, serv-
ing both in the public and private sectors.
These beneficiaries will acquire the requi-
The project was first piloted in Wajir in Au-
gust 2013 and rapidly grew in demand and
expansion to other ASAL counties which
include Isiolo, Garissa, Mandera, Marsabit,
Moyale and Tana River.
The product was introduced to mitigate
climate risk, focusing on the devastation
caused by cyclical droughts in ASAL Coun-
ties. It provides peace of mind and conti-
nuity to livestock owners, said the Takaful
Insurance of Africa Group CEO Hassan
Bashir.
Since its inception, IBTL has provided
insurance to over 8000 pastoralists for
115,000 livestock worth about Sh323 mil-
lion.
The insurance policy has won international
Addressing the members of Taqwa Sacco,
the chairman highlighted the achievements
of the cooperative as he noted that it will
endeavor to promote the social economic
well-being of its members through the pro-
vision of quality financial products. He ad-
vised members to embrace the saving cul-
ture as this will improve on their livelihood.
He stated further that after being grant-
ed the FOSA license, the Sacco has the
greenlight to offer additional services in-
cluding mobile banking and money transfer
adding that the Sacco will partner with oth-
er financial institutions so as to introduce
the use of Automated Teller Machine (ATM)
services.
In January this year, Taqwa Sacco-the
first Shariah compliant savings and credit
society-commissioned its FOSA banking
services which allows members and non-
members to open accounts, make deposits
and withdrawals.
Shaaban 30, 1438/May 26, 2017
site skill set for their career development.
For instance, we have supported students
to pursue advanced degrees in orthopedic
surgery, radiology and so forth. This will go
a long way in ensuring we have local spe-
cialists, thus minimizing travels outside the
country for medical assistance.
We have also supported young profes-
sionals working with County governments
to pursue degrees, particularly in finance,
administration and management.
Building the capacity of the County gov-
ernments, ensures the success of devolu-
tion. Undergraduate students, whose par-
ents couldnt afford to pay their fees have
benefited from this program.
The benefits of this program, both short
term and long term, is immeasurable. The
study loan program is a case in point, for
the need to invest in higher education. Be-
yond access, we must also invest in quality
education.
The writer is the CEO, Africa Education &
Development Trust
recognition for its success in protecting low-
income pastoralist farmers in from drought
and climate change. The New York Times
hailed the project as cheaper and better
than life insurance, and the UK-based
Guardian publication praised the initia-
tive as a promising option for addressing
poverty traps that arise from catastrophic
drought risk.
Under the Tafakul scheme, compensation
for the loss, or reduction in value of live-
stock is based on an index formulated by
the International Livestock Research Insti-
tute and according to information gathered
by satellites to measure vegetation cover-
age and thus the severity of drought.
TASSIA MOSQUE
Taasia Mosque in Nairobi's Embakasi area is
appealing to wellwishers and donors to sup-
port it raise over Ksh 1.9 million to save it from
being taken over by the National Social Secu-
rity Fund.
The purchase price of the land is Ksh 4.5 mil-
lion and already through the efforts of the
management committee and support from
Jamia Mosque have managed to raise Ksh 3.5
million which has been paid to NSSF as the
first instalment leaving a balance of Ksh 1.9
million.
Wellwishers can contribute to the fund
through Jamia Mosque Committee-Reserve
Account Number 00101464-004, First Com-
munity Bank Wabera branch.
Donations can also be done through MPE-
SA Pay Bill number 150770, account Tassia
Mosque.
More information on the mosque can be ac-
cessed from Issack Hussein- committee mem-
ber through 0720325114 or 0737576007.
The Friday Bulletin
Award Muslim universities charters, Duale tells CUE
National Assembly majority leader, Aden
Duale has asked the Commission for Uni-
versity Education (CUE) to award char-
ters to Islamic universities operating in the
country.
Speaking in Garissa last week, Duale said
that it was high time the government ini-
tiated the process of granting charters to
these institutions of higher learning be-
cause of the role they played in imparting
knowledge among Kenyans of the Muslim
faith.
Duale said this will save students gradu-
ating from Islamic Madrassas expenses of
flying to Sudan, Saudi Arabia or any other
country to seek university education.
We want Umma and RAF Universities to
be given charters so that all the Muslim
students in secondary schools can go to
these two universities because it is less
expensive for their parents and will create
employment for our people, Duale said.
The two Muslim universities currently have
a Letter of Interim Authority (LIA) present-
ed to them by the Commission for Univer-
sity Education (CUE).
In 2014, Umma University which is man-
aged by Africa Muslim Agency became the
first Islamic university in the country after
it was granted a Letter of Interim Authority
Joint iftar programme to feed 1,000 people
Various dawa groups and institutions in
Nairobi have come together in an initiative
to provide iftar (breaking the fast meals) to
the less fortunate during the blessed month
of Ramadhan.
Dubbed Muslims 4 Muslims Initiative the
programme aims at providing foodstuffs to
sustain 1,000 families for the entire dura-
tion of the month long fasting.
Among the groups include Al Ameen
Mosque Juja Road, Masjid Salaam South
C, Park Road Youth Group, Dawa Centre,
Soma Mama organisations, Light Sisters
Organisation and Ansaar Sisters.
We decided to come together to avoid du-
plication of roles in the distribution of iftar.
We will coordinate our efforts and ensure
that each group will handle a specific area
to enhance on efficiency in the distribution
Gulf African Bank wins Best Islamic Bank Award
In another fete, Shariah compliant bank
Gulf African Bank (GAB) was last Friday
recognized as the Best Islamic Bank in
East Africa.
Gulf African Bank which boasts of 15
branches across the country received the
award during the fourth Banker Africa-
East Africa Awards ceremony held at the
Crowne Plaza Hotel, Nairobi.
The bank was declared the Best Islamic
Bank on account of its outstanding per-
formance and impressive Islamic banking
services offered to its clients beating peers
in Kenya, Ethiopia, Mauritius, Rwanda,
Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.
NATIONAL
with RAF international university being is-
sued in December last year.
Sheikh Hussein Mahat a Garissa based
Muslim scholar echoed calls by majority
leader Aden Duale for the government to
initiate the process of granting charters to
Islamic colleges in the country.
Islamic institutions are coming up with the
right curriculum and right teachings of Is-
lam. This is reason enough for the commis-
sion to award the institutions charters, he
stated.
Sheikh Mahat pointed out that the call has
come at the right time when more and
more parents of the Muslim faith prefer to
take their children to the Islamic colleges.
He said the process and conditions set by
the Commission for University before they
award the charters do not favour the Islam-
ic institutions of learning.
Most of our Islamic colleges offer secular
education. The commission seems not to
recognize this system, But for us these
system forms part of teaching and faith,
he said.
The Sheikh asked the commission to relax
some of the conditions to ensure all insti-
tutions operating in the country can apply
and be granted the charters.
of iftar, said Ali Khalid the vice chairman of
the Park Road Youth Group and coordina-
tor of the initiative.
An appeal for support towards the initiative
made on the social media has received
positive response with well-wishers pledg-
ing financial and material support towards
the programme. An anonymous donor has
made a contribution of 50 bags of sugar to-
wards the initiative.
While we appreciate the support, more ef-
forts needs to be done to help the less for-
tunate during the month of Ramadhan as
the cost of living has skyrocketed, added
Ali Khalid.
Contribution towards this worthy cause can
be made through Mpesa paybil number
745834 account 00113611701. More de-
tails through 0719500202.
The winners of the corporate Awards were
as the result of a 77,000 votes cast by the
financial services community in East Af-
rica, the largest number in the four-year
history of the Banker Africa East Africa
Awards.
Each year, the Banker Africa East Africa
Awards identify and rewards excellence in
financial services with the aim to recognise
outstanding performance and excellence
in the financial services industry.
Managing Director of Gulf African Bank
Abdalla Abdulkhalik thanked the banks
customers for their commitments and sup-
port that facilitated the institution to scoop
the award.
Shaaban 30, 1438/May 26, 2017
SACCOS urged to introduce
shariah compliant products
Savings and Credit Co-operative Societies
(SACCOS) have been urged to introduce
shariah compliant products to benefit the
Muslim clientele.
Addressing the Kenya Union of Savings
and Credit Co-operative Societies (KUSC-
CO) Annual General Meeting, managing
director George Ototo pointed out that the
Finance Bill 2017 required that all finan-
cial service providers to embrace Islamic
finance.
Ototo noted that the move will present sac-
cos with a new opportunity to attract new
funds and bring them at par with banks and
insurance firms that have embraced Islam-
ic Finance model.
The larger Muslim community in Kenya
has not been adequately catered for and
the introduction of the Shariah compliant
products is the first step for the saccos to
reach out to these clients with a product
that is fully compliant with their religious
beliefs, he said.
Kenyas sacco sub-sector is ranked first on
the continent and seventh globally. It has
more than 6,000 active registered coop-
eratives, which have mobilised deposits to
the tune of over Sh600 billion with an asset
base of Sh878 billion.
Treasury cabinet secretary Henry Rotich in
his Budget speech signalled the intention
to ride on the cheap Islamic finance prod-
ucts to close a budget deficit.
He proposed amendments to Kenyas Cap-
ital Market Acts in a bid to introduce sha-
riah compliant financial models that he said
will help position the country as a regional
hub for Islamic finance products.
In the last ten years, Islamic Finance has
recorded tremendous growth in the country
and has attracted both the government and
private sectors interest as an alternative
source of financing projects.
RAF University
Continued From Page 2
education programme is expected to be
rolled up in December this year.
According to the chairman, the university
is expected to launch the second phase of
its expansion project which will cost US$11
million. The project will involve the con-
struction of a university library, auditorium,
hostel blocks for both males and females,
and health centre among other facilities.
On completion, the project is expected to
cost US$50 million and is part of the initia-
tives to foster mutual cooperation between
the Kenyan government and the State of
Qatar.
Currently RAF University boasts of three
campuses, the main campus in Kisaju, the
women campus in Nairobis south C area
and the Mombasa campus which offers di-
ploma, degree and masters programmes
in Arabic and English.
Overall, more than 1,500 students are en-
rolled in the institution with the numbers
expected to grow with the construction of
additional facilities.
Page 7
 Manchester Mosque set on fire
Hours after a deadly attack in Manchester Arena, a mosque in Old-
ham, Greater Manchester, was badly damaged after being set on fire
by arsonist.
At around 2.55am on Tuesday 23 May police were called to reports
of an arson attack in Oldham, a police spokeswoman told The Inde-
pendent. No one was injured and enquires are on-going.
The door of the Jamia Qasmia Zahidia Islamic Centre in Oldham,
Greater Manchester, was set alight and badly damaged.
News was confirmed later at Victoria Park mosque in Manchester,
where imams from across the city gathered to pray for the victims of
the concert blast, Buzzfeed News reported.
The imam, Mohammad Saddiq, told The Daily Mail that a member of
the public called the fire brigade and nobody was inside the building
at the time.
We have no idea why somebody would target us. We are a religious
and educational center. Ive been involved her for three years and
never dealt with anything like this, he said.
CCTV shows a man walking up to the front door and setting fire to it
at around 3am.
Theres a possibility that its retaliation to what happened in Manches-
ter last night but we cant confirm that, he added.
Hamad Mukhtar Irfani, a committee member at the mosque, told the
Manchester Evening News: Its absolutely disgusting. Its a disgrace
someone would do this. There is no place for this kind of thing.
Of course its in relation to what happened earlier in the night, but I
know, you know and I hope everyone knows its barbaric people who
do that kind of attack on innocent people.
According to Saddleworth News, Labour MP Debbie Abrahams con-
demned the suspected arson attack.(Aboutislam.net)
Africa Education & Development Trust
UNDERGRADUATE & POST GRADUATE
Africa Education & Development Trust
INTEREST-FREE STUDY LOAN
UNDERGRADUATE
Africa Education and Development Trust is& POST
calling for soft GRADUATE
loan applications for
Bachelors, PGD (Post Graduate Diploma), Masters and PHD programs.
INTEREST-FREE STUDY LOAN
Eligibility
Africa Education and Development Trust is calling for soft loan applications for
MustPGD
Bachelors, be a (Post
KenyanGraduate Diploma), Masters and PHD programs.
Have secured admission in any institution of higher learning that is recognized
Eligibility
by the commission for University Education (CUE)
Have proof of a steady income through salary or self-employment
Must be a Kenyan
Parents/Guardians who undertake to pay for the Bachelors degree applicants to
Have
fulfill secured
the aboveadmission in any institution
and subsequent conditions.of higher learning that is recognized
by the commission for University Education (CUE)
Provide proof of ability to service the loan on monthly basis
Have proof of a steady income through salary or self-employment
Be able to provide a collateral or an acceptable guarantor(s) against the loan
Parents/Guardians who undertake to pay for the Bachelors degree applicants to
fulfill the above and subsequent conditions.
Provide proof of ability to service the loan on monthly basis
NB: LIMITED CHANCES available for Bachelors degree program.
Be able to provide a collateral or an acceptable guarantor(s) against the loan
For
NB:enquiries
LIMITEDand application pleasefor
contact us viadegree
below program.
addresses:-
CHANCES available Bachelors
info@elimishatrust.or.ke
Mobile Nos 0726 919 557, 0726 919 711, 0726 917 485
For enquiries and application please contact us via below addresses:-
2nd Floor, Mirage plaza, Next to Oil Libya, Belle vue Mombasa rd.
info@elimishatrust.or.ke
Mobile Nos 0726 919 557, 0726 919 711, 0726 917 485
2nd Floor, Mirage plaza, Next to Oil Libya, Belle vue Mombasa rd.
Website: www.elimishatrust.or.ke
TheWebsite:
Friday Bulletin is a Publication of Jamia Masjid Committee, P. O. Box 100786-00101 Nairobi, Tel: 2243504/5 Fax: 342147
www.elimishatrust.or.ke
E-mail: fridaybulletin@gmail.com Printed by Signal Press Limited-Lords House-Tom Mboya Street signalpresslimited@gmail.com
Uplifting the Ummah
Socially disadvantaged individuals are those who have been
subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice or cultural bias because
of their identity as a member of a group without regard to
their individual qualities. Some are alienated or marginalised
based on their disability, health status and gender. This is the
biggest lot that suffers the daily brunt of stigmatization and
segregation. They are the forgotten segment of our society.
Economically disadvantaged individuals are those socially
disadvantaged individuals whose ability to compete in the free
enterprise system has been impaired due to diminished capi-
tal and credit opportunities as compared to others in the same
business area who are not socially disadvantaged.
Ummah Foundation through its wise guidance of the Holy
Quran and the teachings of our beloved Prophet (peace be
upon him) has factored these two major disadvantages that
have plagued our community. Poverty and ignorance has
been identified with Muslims wherever they are and live. In
each town we have section of settlement Majengo or Mjini-
identified as Muslim estates.
These settlements are known to suffer from social and eco-
nomic degradations. In the rural setups, education is per-
ennially hampered with incessant drought and hunger. The
economic back born of livestock that the residents depend
on is annually at risk of being wiped out by rain shortages
and drought. As a country we suffer from deficit of long term
programs to mitigate these looming severe weather patterns.
Ummah Foundations efforts are geared towards these long
term achievements. We understand that through education
the vicious circle existing in our communities can be stopped
and we have done this by sponsoring poor and needy clever
students from the Majengos and rural villages that have suf-
fered both social and economic impediments.
These efforts have yielded noticeable results and today many
who have passed through our education sponsorship pro-
grams are potentially empowered and can compete favour-
ably with the rest of the Kenyans in securing good jobs. Some
well-placed doctors, nurses, teachers, lawyers, engineers are
the results of the Ummah Foundation Bursary scheme.
For those who have been marginalised socially and relegat-
ed by the society to the lower cadres, Ummah Foundation
has uplifted them and empowered them to suit in the society
and given motivations and incentives for them to realise their
goals and utilise their full potential.
At Ummah Foundation, the slogan of disability is not inability
is indeed a true testimony of how our work has gone beyond
helping the disabled. Through the years, Ummah Foundation
has provided wheel chairs, tri-cycles, crutches, blind canes,
sun screens and monetary support to assist the physically
challenged to start viable economic projects that can help
them to be financially secure.
Even for our youths who complete high school lack qualifi-
cations to join universities, Ummah Foundation has always
given them hope and opportunities to pursue their dreams.
The Foundation sponsors students to take technical and vo-
cational courses to enable them acquire skills that help them
access artisan jobs that are readily available. We would like
to emphasise the fact that Ummah Foundation is making all
these efforts to bring a social and economic balance in the
society and lessen the ills that are bedevilling us. We need
everybodys support to attain the ultimate goals.
Our Contact: Ummah Foundation
P.O.Box 58717-00200
Tel: 0202680610/13 Mob: 0734845277
Email: info@ummahfounfation.net
Web: www.ummahfoundation.net