Professional Documents
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Friday Bulletin
Muharram 25, 1435/November 29, 2013
Human rights violations by the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) are counterproductive to efforts to combat terrorism and additionally, are eroding trust and leading to rising tension between the Muslim community and the government. This was the verdict reached in a joint report by the Open Society Justice Initiative (OSJI) and the Mombasa based Muslim for Human rights (MUHURI) which told the government to ensure that security agencies comply with domestic, regional, and international human rights standards in the fight against terrorism. The report, We are tired of taking you to the court, provides a chilling record of counterterrorism abuses by the ATPU accusing the squad of being behind extrajudicial killings, torture, excessive use of force, disappearances, arbitrary detentions and renditions among other serious human rights violations. The two organizations also called on the United States and Britain which are the primary financiers of ATPU to cease their support to rid the country of torture and extra judicial killings. The damning report said the ATPUs record of fighting terrorism is tarnished by its counter-productive operations which impacts a poor human rights record. The challenges that arise in counterterrorism policing are real, but do not in any way excuse the ATPUs regular perpetration of human rights abuses, including use of excessive force during house raids; torture and ill-treatment of detainees; arbitrary detentions, including disappearances; and rendering terrorist suspects to countries where they face a real risk of torture, read part of the report authored by OJIS legal officer Jonathan Horowitz. The organizations warned that human rights violations are counterproductive and could be employed by violent extremists as a recruitment tool to justify terrorist violence. In addition, the report said the counterterrorism-related abuses often indiscriminately target entire communities and this extinguishes opportunities for dialogue which can be instrumental in reducing extremist violence. Story Continued To Page 2
The Saudi Arabian envoy to Kenya Ghorm Malhan being assisted by Sheikh Fathudin Thangal unveils the Arabic course book for primary schools. This was during celebrations to mark the 75th anniversary of Muslim Academy, formerly Muslim Girls Secondary School. On the right is Munawar Khan the Islamia Madrasa Society secretary general and extreme right Sheikh Ahmad Uthman who authored the book. See Page 7
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EDITORIAL
The 96 page report seen by The Friday Bulletin was presented to the US Congress by former MUHURI executive director Hussein Khalid and the peace and security officer Francis Auma. The two organizations also appealed to President Uhuru Kenyatta to take steps and ensure that Kenyan citizens renditioned to Uganda were returned home. The report further said accountability mechanisms, such as the courts and the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA), must hold its officials accountable for committing human rights abuses. This includes ensuring independent, impartial, and transparent investigations into allegations of extrajudicial killings, torture and other ill-treatment, excessive use of force, disappearances and other forms of arbitrary detention, renditions, and transfers to torture and other serious human rights violations allegedly carried out by the ATPU. Among other recommendations, the organizations also called for the Prevention of Terrorism Act which was enacted last year to be amended or repealed to meet international human standards. The legislation contains vague and broad language and permit states to engage in excessive investigatory, detention, confiscation, and punitive action. While the Westgate Shopping Mall attack demonstrated the threat posed by terrorism, MUHURI and OSJI said in the process of carrying out counterterrorism responsibilities, the ATPU went on to commit a wide array of human rights abuses that violated the domestic law. The courts also came up for criticism for often bending to the whims of the security officers and failing to take into account the rights of the accused as envisioned in the law. The modus operandi of ATPU was replete with excessive force and abusing peoples rights in the course of conducting raids, the report said in the most damning criticism of the police unit. Heavily armed ATPU officers break down doors, give no warning, reason, or display a warrant for the raid, provide no or minimal identification and beat and threaten bystanders and terrorist suspects.
The report also presents credible allegations of disappearances and extrajudicial executions of terror suspects. It documented the case of a Mombasa resident Swaleh Abdullah Said who was arrested in connection with the Westgate attack and subjected to beatings and other forms of inhumane treatment. In the words of Francis Auma, Kenyans came together to pass a new constitution and police reforms with the goal of ending incessant police brutality and impunity. The ATPU is unraveling that progress with every beating, disappearance, and unlawful killing it commits; this will only be stopped if its officers know that they will be held accountable for all abuses, he said. The report attributed the reasons for the draconian actions to the ATPUs failure to gather evidence that results in convictions. If the ATPU brings someone to court they know theyve lost, so they kill you instead, one lawyer explained. The organisations said the government has a legal obligation to effectively investigate the murders and disappearances, work to stop them, and bring the perpetrators to justice. All of these allegations of beatings, disappearance, and killings require, at a minimum, a robust and effective investigation by Kenyan authorities. In the cases documented in this report where the government denies any involvement in the murder or disappearance of terrorist suspects, the government nonetheless has an obligation to conduct an effective investigation into who was responsible.
announcement last week that the government would crack down on "sects". The headlines were the result of the government's "clumsy policy" and "poor communication", he said, warning they "might not only radicalise Muslim communities in Angola but could make Angola a legitimate target for jihadists." (AFP)
Sheikh Sulayman Shaqsy Denition and Types of Hijrah Thomas Patrick Hughes in his Dictionary of Islam, page 175 says: Hijrah literally means migration: (a) The departure of Prophet Muhammad (salallahu alayhi wa sallam from Makkah to Madinah; (b) the Muslim Era; (iii) the act of a Muslim leaving a country under non-Muslim rule; and eeing from sin. What Hijrah is Not. The Arabic word Hijrah, says HAR. Gibb in his Shorter Encyclopaedia of Islam, page 139, should not be translated ight, for the idea of eeing is not properly expressed by the verb Hijrah. This verb means to break off relations, to abandon ones tribe, to emigrate. The Islamic Concept of Hijrah From the above it is clear that Hijrah denotes movement, but it is that type of movement, which is not conned only to the geographical sense. In its wider scope, in addition to movement from a place to another, it also implies dissociating oneself, shunning or withdrawal, from the behaviour, utterances and practices of a misguided and sinful group of people or society. Sometimes this act of dissociation or self-isolation is effective and adequate. But where a social environment is so polluted, vicious and hostile as Makkah was throughout the thirteen years of the Holy Prophets (salallahu alayhi wa sallam) stay there, mere dissociation or shunning could logically only be the rst step. Sooner or later it had to be followed by the second step which was emigration -movement through space to a country more receptive to Islam. This is so, for Islam aims at training people of the best morals, manners and character thus Creating a sinless, pure and godly society ideal for the establishment of the Kingdom of Allah on earth. Hence, to the individual Muslim Hijrah enjoins to always struggle for a positive change in his life: from bad to good, better to best; from immorality to morality, indecency to decency, sin to virtue in short from the un-Islamic to the Islamic in all his spheres of activities and aspects of life. To the Muslim community, the world over, the message is to struggle hard, tooth and nail, so as to become an Islamic ummah to the tune, and in its true sense. Background Hijrah is neither a new phenomenon nor did it rst occur to the Noble Prophet Muhammad (salallahu alayhi wa sallam). Indeed it is as old as history. Many a Prophet before al-Mustafa did migrate. To mention a few, Prophets Nuh, Ibrahim, Yusuf, Musa and lsa (alayhim sallam.) migrated, and this has been documented in the Noble Ouran. For lack of space let us mention only one example that of Prophet Ibrahim (alayhi sallam). Prophet Ibrahim (alayhi sallam) tried his best to propagate Islam to his people in Iraq but they turned a deaf ear to his call and Message. He then broke down their idols, and for this they decided to burn him alive, but Allah, (Subhaana wa Taala) succored him and he came out safe from the Nimrodic re: They said: Burn him alive and avenge your gods, if you want to take any action. At this, We commanded, O re! Be cool and safe for Ibrahim. (21:68-69) After this he decided to migrate and look for another place more receptive for the message of Islam; he said: I shall migrate for the sake of my Lord, He will guide me. (37:99) So he left his native country of Iraq for Sham and the Holy Land of Palestine, with him were his lady wife Sarah radhiallahu anha and the Prophet to be Lut alayihi sallam. In this connection, the Quran observes, Then Lut believed in him and Ibrahim said: I shall migrate towards my Lord, he is the Almighty, the Wise. Then from Palestine he migrated to Egypt where he stayed for sometime and then returned again to Palestine; with him were his wife and her Egyptian maid Hajar whom he married later. Not long after that he was again commanded by Allah to migrate with his infant-son Ismail (alayhi sallam) and his wife Hajar, to Hijaz. In this connection we read in the Ouran: Our Lord! I have settled some of my descendants in a barren valley near Your Sacred House. Lord! I have done this in the hope that they would establish Salah there. So turn the hearts of the people towards them, and
Da'wa
Muslim Education Council has organized a forum to discuss the 2013 Basic Education Act, its impact on the Muslim community and the role of the Muslim community. Date: Sunday 1st December 2013 Time: from 9 am to 12: 30 pm. The Venue: Awliyaa of Satan and their errors Jamia Multi-purpose hall Ustadhah Twaybah 6thNovember ANNUAL GIRLS YOUTH CAMP 2nd 2013 2.00 pm -4.00 pm Date 1st-8th December 2013 Venue: Jamia Mosque Multi-purpose Hall Venue: Star Sheikh Academy Athi River For more information contact Ustadha Hafswa Diko Cell 0725828028/0738282828 Email:mwanajahadiks@yahoo.com Belief Of Loving Prophet's Companions Ustadha Hafsa Abdulmajid 30th November 2013 2.00 pm -4.00 pm Venue: Jamia Mosque Multi-purpose Hall Nyumba ya Muislamu By Adam Jaden Date: 1st December 2013 Time:2.00 pm -4.00 pm Makina Mosque Kibera
SATURDAY LECTURE
SUNDAY LECTURE
WOMEN
No doubt watching a child suffering from physical abuse is very painful, however knowing how sexual abuse affects the physical and psychological well-being of our children is much more devastating. Although physical abuse is more tangible with its bruises and scars, sexual abuse print has a far-reaching, profound and persistent effects. Contrary to the conviction that avoiding talking with the children about sexual abuse for the sake of preserving their innocence; experts believe that awareness is much better than innocence in this particular case. "Lack of sufficient knowledge will unfortunately lead the children to be more vulnerable to be attacked," highlighted Samar Abdo, a social counsellor Knowledge Better Than Innocence Educating children about sexual abuse won't necessarily include using inappropriate terms or explaining details of sexual relations. It shouldn't also be frightening for the kids, you'd rather chit chat with them about social activities they like to practice and talk briefly with them about risks they might face when they are alone dealing with strangers. Factual discussion is always the best way to make them fully comprehend what sexual abuse is, who is likely to do it, and what to do in such cases. Here are some facts that might help you spot the problem in a more systematic and informative way: 1- First of all, sexual abuse includes a wide range of behaviors that range from sexual exploitation to full intercourse, in which a very simple behavior might cause a serious psychological impact. It also includes getting the children involved in any sexual activities or to produce child pornography. 2- Psychological influence might appear on children who suffer from sexual abuse in different forms like: General fear or fear associated with certain people or places Feeling of shame or guilt Sleeping and eating disturbance Attention problems Social withdrawal and depression Aggression, anger, hostility, hyperactivity Poor school performance Drug addiction Imitating mature sexual behaviors and suicidal attempts. It might also reflect on the pictures they draw and the stories they tell, that abnormally contain sexual content. Fear, insecurity, anxiety, inferiority, and embarrassment are also very common among abused children. Physical signs that parents should be aware of include: Blood or semen in their underwear Trouble walking or sitting Oral and anal bruises Presence of objects in the vagina or the anus On the long term, abuse can lead to low self-esteem and difficulties in intimate relationship, or unity with the predator and abusing kids. 3-The person who practices this behavior, is not necessarily a stranger, he/she might be a relative, parent's friend, neighbor, teacher, trainer- anyone, just anyone. 4-The predator is not a weird person, he might be very nice people. Abdo explained that it is not uncommon that those people show extra care for the kids, while brainwashing their heads to keep the practice going. Parents should always question money and belongings found with their kids that are not logic and might be a strong signal of someone manipulating them. 5- Persons who practice child abuse are not necessarily victims of abuse themselves.
6- No one is secure or immune to be abused; it is not associated with disturbed families, certain socioeconomic level, gender, or race. Timid children are more vulnerable, as well as those who don't receive adequate love or care from their families. Believe Your Children 1- Express your unconditional love and support to your child by different ways, this will be sufficient to create mutual trust and will help him/her tell you if anything goes wrong. 2- Teach your child that certain organs in their bodies are private (not dirty or shameful) that shouldn't be seen or touched by anyone. 3- Teach them to say no when necessary, and that they shouldn't accept whatever they feel a scary or weird situation, and how to seek immediate help from a grown up. 4- Always keep an eye on your children at home or wherever they present, and be sure you know their caregivers in either ways. 5- Set your online rules, like parents' control techniques and banning any secret activities online. 6- Make a network with other parents in the school, club, or neighborhood; this will help you all cooperate in the kids' protection. 7- Any query incident associated with inappropriate language or touch should be reported to the parents, whom will handle the whole issue in a better way. "Children tend to imagine things, but this is very unlikely to happen in the case of sexual abuse", the social counselor Samar Abdo said. This is because they didn't experience similar incidents before to build on, that's why parents should basically believe their children unless there is a strong reason to reject their statement. In many cases, children will be afraid, anxious, and confused while talking about abuse incidents; for this parents should listen attentively, and believe the child even if some details are not very accurate. 8- Reassure them and assert that they are not at all responsible for this behavior. Taking an action towards the harassers especially in major cases is mandatory, not only to ensure it won't happen again, but also to help the child get over the situation and report further possible attacks. The child will have a better chance to recover if the parents' intervention is quick and appropriate.
By Altaf Husain
YOUTH
Timeless Islamic Teachings We often end up falling into the trap of believing that maybe Islamic teachings are outdated and old-fashioned. On the contrary, Muslims accept the Qur'an and the teachings of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) as comprehensive, universal, and timeless. Therefore, no matter where or during what time period in human history, premarital relationships have and will be forbidden because of the detrimental impact on the people involved as well as on society in general. Allah Most High ordains upon us a lifestyle according to which human life is sacred and which considers righteous conduct, mutual respect, and chaste and dignified relations to be the norm rather than the exception. We read in the Qur'an. O Prophet! When believing women come to thee to take the oath of fealty to thee, that they will not associate in worship any other thing whatever with Allah, that they will not steal, that they will not commit adultery (or fornication), that they will not kill their children, that they will not utter slander, intentionally forging falsehood and that they will not disobey thee in any just matter,- then do thou receive their fealty, and pray to Allah for the forgiveness (of their sins): for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful (Al-Mumtahanah 60:12) In the context of social relations, Allah Most High has ordered men and women who wish to establish an intimate and physical relationship to do so by signing a contract, to bind each of them to certain rights and responsibilities towards the other. The marital relationships is characterized therefore as a "solemn covenant," (An-Nisaa' 4:21). Contrast a "solemn covenant," to having no contract and no covenant whatsoever. In a premarital relationship there is no contract. There might be some commitment but it is not stipulated by any conditions: both the man and the woman can walk away from the relationship without any fear of breaching a contract, because there is none. You must know how painful it is for young people to "break up" or "break off" or "get dumped," and how painful it is for them to be "in love" with a boy one day only to find him with another girl the next. In the most tragic cases, young women have lost their virginity to young men who spoke so passionately about love and future marriage, but then one day just stopped calling, or fell instantly out of love. To the extent that men and women will, out of fear of Allah and out of a desire to please Allah, uphold their contractual obligations, marital relationships are strong, whereas without any contractual obligations and stipulations, both the man and the woman are at risk, as noted above. Allah Most High desires that we live chaste lives and therefore the Islamic outlook is that we shouldn't even go near, come close to, or approach the possibility of becoming vulnerable towards a man or a woman's attraction, unless we are serious and committed enough to sign a marriage contract and take on the rights and responsibilities associated with it. Allah warns in the Qur'an, And come not near unto adultery (or fornication). Lo! it is an abomination and an evil way. (Al-Israa' 17:32) Painful Consequences While not all premarital relationships are characterized by intimate, physical relations, there are clearly painful consequences for both the boy and the girl who are involved. Dr. Shahid Athar notes in an article entitled, "Sex Education for Muslim Youth and Their Parents" that there are "hazards" for young people engaging in sexual relations prematurely. He states, "The health hazards of early sex include sexual trauma, increase in the incidence of cervical cancer, sexually transmitted diseases, and teenage pregnancy." It is important to note in this instance that Islamic teachings are often preventive in nature so "chances" that a person may become vulnerable to the temptation of one sin or another are excluded. The preventive nature of the teachings is most obvious when we consider the Islamic prohibition against gambling and the consumption of intoxicants. A person might not become addicted to drugs or alcohol by just having a single drink, but Allah our Creator, out of His mercy for us, has prohibited outright all intoxicants and thus He
The post holder will be responsible for all aspects of management of the home and the care of the Orphans in accordance with:
1. Should be matured and of age 35 years and above. 2. Have a minimum of Higher National Diploma or Bachelors Degree. 3. Should have Islamic knowledge. 4. Have experience of at least 3 years as an Admin in a busy office. 5. Have an accounting and book keeping knowledge. 6. Female applicant only. Deadline of applications is 15the December, 2013 Qualified candidates please send you CV to email: nmwwg.karen@gmail.com For more information about the home please visit our website www.alnisachildrenshome.org
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An Islamic Institution based in Nairobi in the process of establishing and running a TV station seeks to recruit qualified candidate for the following position HRZ/001/13: TECHNICAL MANAGER/PRODUCTION MANAGER The Technical Manager will be in charge of the non-editorial broadcasting functions. In charge of the hardware/ technical direction for broadcasting set up, advise on hardware and software solutions to enable transmission and ensuring the signal goes on air and all safety precautions are taken by staff handling company equipment and ICT. Job description Identifying, assessing the needs and recommending appropriate equipment for broadcasting Rigging and set up of broadcast infrastructure for diverse needs Maintenance of the stations transmission equipment Overseeing the functioning of live or recorded program links Responding to equipment failure and fixing problems Planning the technical aspects of a production, ensuring equipment is ready and technical checks are completed before production begins Assisting with camera settings, lens choices, etc. Training staff on equipment use, safety and new technologies Assisting with equipment changes and modification. Qualifications At least a Bachelors degree or advanced professional training in telecommunications technology, electronics or audio visual production At least three years working experience in a similar position Experience with servers and transmission systems and new media technology Experience in media projects start-ups Good leadership skills and ability to work under intense pressure and deadlines
VACANCY
Send your detailed CV and copies of testimonials quoting the job title and reference to: P.O Box 100786 00101, Nairobi or email to info@islamkenya.org to be received latest by 14th December2013.
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NATIONAL
AFWAN HOSPITAL
This involves
Speech therapy Milestone Development Problems in school, attention and learning difficulties Depression and anxiety Psychopathic personality disorder Youth alcohol drug abuse Gender violence and rape care WE ARE NOW DOING CERVICAL SCREENING FOR LADIES AND VACCINATION AGAINST CERVICAL CANCER FOR GIRLS We are located at Pumwani directly opposite the Pumwani Maternity Hospital For more information please pay us a visit or give us a call on 0723937630, 0739136969 or 020-8084481
Wamy Academy a new school in Nairobi and a sister school to Wamy High School will commence its operations in January 2014. The Academy is in the process of recruiting teachers for its nursery, primary and girls secondary sections. The academy will be integrated offering the 8-4-4 curriculum.
VACANCIES
Secondary Section: Degree/Diploma in Education 4-5 years experience in teaching at least 2 subjects at secondary level Honest and upright character Guidance and counseling experience an advantage. Primary Section: Diploma in ECED or PI 4-5 years experience in teaching at primary level Honest and upright character Nursery School Certificate /Diploma in ECED 4-5 years experience in teaching at nursery school level. Honest and upright character Other qualified and experienced (4-5 years) staff being recruited include: Secretaries School Administrator Lab technicians Catering services also required Send application letter, testimonials and CV with at least 3 references to:
The Director WAMY Academy P.O.BOX 70541-00400 Nairobi Or Email: info@wamykenya.org All applications should be received not later than 10th December 2013 and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Ladies are particularly encouraged to apply.
Vacant positions are now available at Wamy Academy, the newest integrated school in Nairobis South B. The academy will be based on the 8-4-4 curriculum and will offer: Integrated system of education Nursery, Primary and Secondary sections all under one roof Girls Secondary Day school Transport will be available for students in Nairobi West, South B and C (optional) Secure learning environment, computer classes and lunch (optional) Registration for the 2014 intake at the nursery (KG1, KG2 & pre-unit), primary (Standard 1- 6) and the girls secondary (Form 1 and 2) sections can be done at the following centres: Wamy Academy adjacent to Diamond Park II Estate (South B). Nawiri Junior School in (South B and C) RAF University (South Campus) Wamy High School (South B) For inquires please contact 0721 71 72 41 or 0721 241 631 or Email info@wamykenya.org
The Friday Bulletin is a Publication of Jamia Masjid Committee, P. O. Box 100786-00101 Nairobi, Tel: 2243504/5 Fax: 342147 E-mail: fridaybulletin@islamkenya.org. Printed by Graphic Lineups Limited-Kweria Road info@graphic.co.ke