117th Issue New Dawn
117th Issue New Dawn
@thenewdawn
recent statement issued by the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) calling on warring factions in Moyale County to embrace dialogue and seek a peaceful solution to their differences is very encouraging. Apart from calling on the various factions in Moyale to end hostilities, SUPKEM also offered to facilitate peace efforts. SUPKEM is in an advanced process of working out on a more elaborate and comprehensive mechanism to achieve peace among the communities of Moyale as it did during the unfortunate Turbi Massacre of 2006 and the conflict in Mandera, the statement read in part. Indeed, the inter-ethnic conflict in Moyale, which has claimed scores of lives and left thousands of innocent local residents fleeing to safety in neighbouring Ethiopia, is an unfortunate incident that should not have occurred in the first place. However, as SUPKEM hopes to draw from Islamic teachings to facilitate a peaceful resolution to the Moyale conflict, it is important for the organization to keep in mind the challenges that lie ahead. Firstly, the conflict in Moyale is fueled by historical ethnic animosities between two main communities that dominate Marsabit County Borana and Gabra. Secondly, the conflict is saddled by deeply-rooted political competition between these two communities the winner in this political competition gets to control the economic resources of Marsabit.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
HOW THEY DO IT WAJIR: Clan elders, villagers and government ofcers share ideas and experiences on peace initiatives.
NATIONAL NEWS
Prayer Timings: Nairobi & its environs
December 15, 2013 - January 1, 2014
Date Fajr Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha
A section of participants in the Muslim youth camp follow proceedings. BY MOHAMED KAHIYE
[email protected]
Young Muslims from various ethnic backgrounds across the country began a youth camp at Wamy Boys High School, Nairobi on 14 December. The event which was organized by Kenya Muslim youth alliance in partnership with Wamy High School brought together primary, secondary and university students across the country.
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
5:09 5:09 5:10 5:10 5:11 5:11 5:12 5:12 5:13 5:13 5:14 5:14 5:15 5:15 5:16 5:16
12:28 12:29 12:29 12:30 12:30 12:31 12:31 12:32 12:32 12:33 12:33 12:34 12:34 12:34 12:35 12:35
3:54 3:54 3:55 3:55 3:56 3:56 3:57 3:57 3:58 3:58 3:59 3:59 4:00 4:00 4:01 4:01
6:33 6:33 6:34 6:34 6:35 6:35 6:35 6:36 6:36 6:37 6:37 6:38 6:38 6:38 6:39 6:40
7:43 7:44 7:44 7:45 7:45 7:46 7:46 7:47 7:47 7:48 7:48 7:48 7:49 7:49 7:50 7:50
Rescuers converge on the scene where a Kenya Air Force aircraft carrying members of a peace delegation crashed in Marsabit on April 6, 2006.
COUNTY NEWS
[email protected]
ith run-away-insecurity, the government was bound to come up with something to arrest the situation. The Nyumba Kumi initiative, borrowed from Tanzania, which the government intends to implement with zeal has been received with mixed reactions as its merits and demerits continue to be debated. The Nyumba Kumi concept is based on the know thy neighbour doctrine in which one is required to know his or her neighbours lifestyle such that they can be able to vouch for their character or report them to the authorities in cases of security breaches. The initiative seems simple as neighbours only have to know who lives next to them. It may be because of its simplicity that the chairman of Kenya Muslim National Advisory Council Sheikh Juma Ngao declared his support for it. The insecurity in the Coast region, which has seen a rise in macabre killing of Muslim clerics due to sectarian ideological differences, makes the Nyumba Kumi initiative a very attractive remedy. Police alone cannot fight insecurity, said Juma Ngao recently. This is because they are not in every place. The Nyumba Kumi will help because all who visit homes will be known and reported to their leader who will contact security apparatus. But how does such an initiative work in urban areas where there are no proper addresses that take you to a specific building? Kenya, unlike Tanzania, is a highly urbanized society with most of the citizens living in town centres. The
society is set to become even more urbanized as the country implements the Vision 2030. Who will be given the responsibility of being in charge of the ten house clusters? Besides, wouldnt this amount to asking the people to spy on each other? If so, wouldnt the government be abdicating its duty to provide security? However, the initiative, if handled well, will provide an opportunity for people to foster good neighbourliness and promote the be thy brothers keeper virtue which, indeed, has a high premium in Islamic teachings. In the words of Shiekh Ngao, the initiative is good. It will go a long way in incorporating the society in fighting crime in addition to promoting unity and friendliness. But if it is not handled well, the initiative has a possibility of setting neighbours upon each other. The very idea of privacy may be abused by some nosy neighbours who interfere in other peoples affairs in the guise of Nyumba Kumi. In this regard, the initiative should be well legislated to avoid any perceptions that the government is promoting snitching or snooping among its citizens or exposing people to abuse in the guise of being terrorists, thieves or witchdoctors. In urban settings where people are always moving houses, the question is how effective will the initiative be? Wealthy residential areas have successfully used resident associations for neighbours to know one another and control activities within their residential areas, meaning that there is a place for the Nyumba Kumi initiative. But how the initiative will be implemented will determine its acceptance countrywide.
This message is sponsored by the Peace, Security for Development (PSD) programme which is undertaken by the Kenya Muslim Youth Alliance in partnership with the Royal Danish Embassy. The views expressed herein emerged purely from activities of the PSD programme itself and do not in any way represent the position of the Danish Embassy. Meanwhile, Kenya Muslim Youth Alliance thanks the Royal Danish Embassy for supporting this column over the years.
Kenya Muslim Youth Alliance, P.O Box 27592-00100, Nairobi-Kenya. Tel:254-(0)20-4445518 Email:[email protected] Website:www.kenyamuslims.org
ONLY 100/-
DUBAI BANK
KENYA LIMITED Quality Banking with a Personal Touch
Nairobi Head Office Tel: 311114/09/23/24/32 Fax: 2245242 Eastleigh Branch Tel: 6760757/6761587 Mombasa Branch Tel: 041-2311611/5 Fax: 041-2226223 Nakuru Branch Tel: 051-2214026/42/2214042 Fax: 051-2214018
EDITORIAL
Kenya @50: Muslim community should reect and chart way forward
t is unfortunate that as entire Kenyan nation proudly celebrates 50 years of independence, the Muslim community is still struggling to address constitutional, political and socioeconomic issues which have made it lag behind fellow Kenyans in development. True, due to historical injustices initiated by British colonial rulers and perpetrated by post-independent governments, the constitutional status of Muslims has never been settled. They are still being regarded as foreigners despite having settled in Kenya even longer than most so called indigenous tribes. In spite of the Kenya Constitution 2010 being explicit about citizenship, Muslims have to undergo stringent vetting to obtain the national identity card and other registration
documents. Members of the Somali tribe, Nubians, Arabs and Asian communities are viewed in suspect manner by fellow Kenyan tribes. They cannot easily get land title deeds in regions they have inhabited for centuries while local migrants easily acquire the same. In view of this, majority of Muslims live in the slums of major cities and towns across the country. Educationally, members of the Muslim community have chronically lagged behind due to religiously restrictive rules imposed by institutions of learning. Though nearly every Christian denomination has managed to establish a university besides primary and secondary schools, it is just last year that the first Muslim university attained charter. Schools
in predominantly Muslim regions like NE and Coast lack essential teaching facilities and continually perform dismally in national examinations. Though Islam places considerable emphasis on health and cleanliness, to date there is no single Muslim hospital in Kenya. Instead, Muslim organizations and individuals have set up few medical clinics in city slums and other areas of Muslim concentration. However, in most cases, these institutions are staffed by non-Muslims due to shortage of qualified Muslim professionals. Overall, Muslim participation in national development has been severely undermined by unfair distribution of jobs. The number of Muslims employed in public, civil and private sector does not reflect the true
proportion of Muslim population in the Republic of Kenya. Hence, Muslims and Muslim majority regions are comparatively least developed socioeconomically. In recent years, discriminatory laws imposed in the name of global war on terror have further complicated issues for Muslims. Every Muslim is viewed as a potential suspect and whenever there is a terrorist attack Muslims bear the brunt of security operations in disregard of their constitutional rights. Nevertheless, the prevailing situation does not exonerate Muslims from the responsibility of forging their own destiny. Instead of helplessly pointing fingers at historical injustices, Muslims need to learn from these communities and chart their way forward accordingly.
Quotes
Abu Hurairah reported that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, The Muslim has six rights. (1) When you meet him, you should greet him. (2) When he invites you, you should accept his invitation. (3) When he asks you for counsel, you should counsel him. (4) When he sneezes and praises Allah, you should bless him. (5) When he is ill, you should visit him. (6) When he dies, you should follow him (i.e. his funeral procession). Sahih Muslim. When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say, I used everything you gave me. Erma Bombeck There are people who might not appear to be the best of Muslim but their struggle to gain the love of their maker is far greater than those who may appear to be the best of Muslim. Anonymous. Build your own dreams, or someone else will hire you to build theirs. Farrah Gray.
READERS FORUM
Voluntary repatriation good news for Somali refugees
The confirmation by Somali Ambassador to Kenya Mohammed Ali Nur and Kamukunji MP Yussuf Hassan that there will be no forceful repatriation of Somali refugees and that the Kenya-Somali agreement implies voluntary repatriation( ND, Dec 1-15, 2013) is indeed good news for Somali refugees. The over one million Somali refugees in camps and cities in Kenya who have been living in fear since the signing of the deal in October 2013 can now proceed with their businesses without worry as they prepare to return to their beloved country of Somalia at an appropriate time of their own choice in future. Abdi Rizak Omar, Garissa.
A banner welcoming visitors to celebrate the birth of South Sudan as a new nation.
There is extreme danger of the newly independent nation of South Sudan sliding into ethnic cleansing. The sudden eruption of war where over 700 people have been killed in a country that has a three-decade history of bloody civil war just two years after achieving independence from its sister northern state may result in irreparable damage to our new neighbor state. African Union, IGADD, and UN should act rapidly to reconcile the warring Sudanese communities and prevent a humanitarian catastrophe. Kenya should particularly take keen interest in helping to stop the fighting as Kenya nationals have invested heavily in Sudan and the war is likely to have negative impact on relations between the two friendly states. Hussein Wario, Marsabit.
DISCLAIMER: Views and opinions expressed in this paper are not necessarily those of The Kenya Muslim Youth Alliance. The Editor welcomes brief letters on topical issues. Tel:+254-(0)20-4445518 or 0732 550 440 Email: [email protected] Or SMS: 0710 30 08 48 The Editor reserves the right to edit all letters for length and clarity.
PEOPLE /
LIFE /
TRENDS /
Incense burners P9
her phone from her husband of 15 years. She was used to love text messages from her husband but this one was different and about to hit her like a thunderbolt. My Dear Wife, Amina! I have divorced you! I have divorced you! I have divorced you! Love Mustapha. So devastating was the text message that her life literally came to a standstill. I could not do anything else as I tried contemplating why my husband would send such a text, Amina says. Was it intended for me? Was he serious or joking? If it is true that I am divorced through a simple text message, what is its validity under Islamic teachings? These among other questions are what ran through her mind. She is not alone, Sofia* confides to Marhaba Life and Style that her marriage ended in a similar manner courtesy of a social media post on her Face Book page by her husband who is away in Zanzibar. Before he left early this year, he had issued me with two verbal talakas (divorce declarations) on different occasions. Since we communicate a lot through Face Book, I had no idea that the final talaka was on its way and through the same social media site, narrates Sofia. Sofia is now a source of ridicule by friends because it was done openly and in the public domain. Others empathised with her, urging her to seek the re-dress from a Kadhi. In a new twist of events in Sofias case, his husband several days later called her claiming that he had no intention of divorcing her; but the damage had already been done. Both Amina* and Sofias* give an insight on the extent of the onslaught the digital era is having on Muslim marriages.
* Names changed
CONTINUED ON PAGE 7
8 Marhaba Cover
has to be done in a formal way. However, Riziki concurs that as much as parting amicably and in a formal way is really the way it should be, the reverse occurs. There is usually a lot of pushing and pulling with a lot of bitterness and anger coming into play during a divorce. On the way forward, Riziki is of the opinion that prospective Muslim couples need to invest in pre and post marital counselling sessions as this can help stem the increase in cases of divorces in the Muslim community. The rules of engagement need to be outlined beforehand. Expectations from couples set among other housekeeping rules. If they quarrel, what are the ways of resolving it? If they are to divorce, how should they go about it? These assist couples before they get entangled in a union they would live to regret, Riziki advices. Divorce aside, what is also coming out is the manner in which such divorce declarations are issued. That they are issued without courtesy, in a casual and often crude manner brings into question whether those issuing them married their partners in a similar manner. Zubeda* who works at a prestigious firm in Nairobi can also relate to the above. She got a rude shock when a neatly addressed envelope was handed to her by a boda boda (motor cycle) courier. On the fateful day, I could not recall having a tiff I had had with my husband in the recent past although
several years back and on different occasions, he had issued two verbal talakas (divorce declarations), says Zubeda. It is degrading and insulting to have someone you have loved and had children with to terminate years of marriage through the services of a boda boda courier, she laments. For Mariam Wanjiru, it smacks of cowardice and hypocrisy on the part of men unwilling to face their wives when terminating a marriage. Its an act of cowardice on the part of men, she fumes. Saada Musa, also concurs with Mariam and says it is a sign of immaturity. I mean this is an adult and not a child. Furthermore, when he was proposing to me, did he do it via a text message, email or letter? she wonders. Shahid Mubari from Nairobi raises other pertinent issues concerning the misuse of technology. Divorce via digital platforms only adds up to misuse of technology which should not be the case. The issue of observing e-security also comes into play when frequenting some of these social media sites and also handling communication gadgets. According to an IT expert, Hassan Ali, it is prudent to always have security measures in place. Have a security code on your phone because of the gravity of the issue at hand. We have malicious people and some may use your phone to send unintended
That they are issued without courtesy, in a casual and often crude manner brings into question whether those issuing them married their partners in a similar manner...
messages. So it will be very hard for one to deny not sending messages on these digital platforms yet everything shows it is from your respective facebook/email account or phone number among others. On this matter of mobile phone security, Halima Lul warns of jealous people out to ruin other people relationships. Hasidi wako wengi sana, so watch out..., she warns. Elsewhere in the Muslim world in Tajikistan, religious authorities have banned the use of text messages by Muslim men to divorce their wives. But divorce by text message has become a problem in Tajikistan because an increasing number of migrant workers there are not returning to their countries of origin and so need a remote method to divorce their wives from home. Besides Tajikistan, Singapore banned the practice in 2001. Hopefully, more countries will follow the lead of Tajikistan and Singapore, and protect the rights of Muslim women. In the UAE, the Emirates of Dubai and Kuwait are in favour of using technology to terminate a marriage. In fact, the worlds first divorce on a mobile phone took place when a man in Dubai divorced his 26-year-old wife. In Malaysia, a woman contested the validity of declaring divorce through SMS. According to Islamic Sharia, it is possible to obtain a divorce based on written text, but the concern here is not so much the technology but the way it is used. The wrong guys might use this to get quick e-divorces and it is the women who will have to bear the brunt. As things are at the moment, Kenyan Muslim faithful will continue to wade through a sea of confusion as it is evident that there is no leading scholar who has the ultimate authority to issue a fatwa (Islamic ruling) on such matters to nip it in the bud.
* Names changed
Trends
Incense burners
Ceramic incense burner.
A Middle Eastern hand hammered & engraved brass antique incense burner
PLEASE ADVISE...
10 Kids Corner
Marhaba Life & Style | December 15, 2013 - January 15, 2014.
man woke up early in order to pray the Fajr (Morning) prayer in the Masjid (Mosque). He got dressed, made his Wudhu (ablution) and was on his way to the Masjid. On his way to the Masjid, the man fell and his clothes got dirty. He got up, brushed himself off, and headed back home. At home, he changed his clothes, made his ablution, and was, again, on his way to the Masjid. On his way to the Masjid, he fell again and at the same spot! He, again, got up, brushed himself off and headed home. At home he, once again, changed his clothes, made his ablution and was on his way to the Masjid. On his way to the Masjid, he met a man holding a lamp. He asked the man of his identity and the man replied I saw you fall twice on your way to the
WORD Short stories about WORD perseverance, persistence Nasheed Time and determination in Islam Read and sing along Deen-ul-Islam A
Masjid, so I brought a lamp so I can light your way. The first man thanked him profoundly and the two were on their way to the Masjid. Once at the Masjid, the first man asked the man with the lamp to come in and pray Fajr with him. The second man refused. The first man asked him a couple more times and, again, the answer was the same. The first man asked him why he did not wish to come in and pray. The man replied I am Shaitan (Satan). The man was shocked at this reply. Shaitan (Satan) went on to explain, I saw you on your way to the Masjid and it was I who made you fall. When you went home, cleaned yourself and went back on your way to the Masjid, Allah (SWT) forgave all of your sins. I made you fall a second time, and even that did not encourage you to stay home, but rather, you went back on your way to the Masjid. Because of that, Allah (SWT) forgave all the sins of the people of your household. I was afraid if I made you fall one more time, then Allah (SWT) will forgive the sins of the people of your village, so I made sure that you reached the Masjid safely. Moral: Do not let Shaitan (Satan) benefit from his actions. Do not put off a good that you intended to do as you never know how much reward you might receive from the hardships you encounter while trying to achieve that good. If you ask me, why do I stand here, So unafraid of everything around me. Proudly I would say, I am a Muslim. If you ask her, why does she dress that way, All covered up in a world that gives it all away. Proudly she would say, I am a Muslim. Chorus: Deenil Islam deeni Wala ardab gheiru deeni Muhammad elli hadeeni Nourel iman If you ask me, surely this cannot be, You give your wealth so free, and you say your life is charity. It aint hard to see, I am a Muslim. If you ask him, why does it hurt so, When he sees injustice, even though its folks he doesnt know, With tears in his eyes he says, I am a Muslim. Chorus: If you ask her, why doesnt she cry, Theres no one by her side, shes the only one thats left behind. Patiently she sighs, I am a Muslim. If you ask him, why does he still pray, Five times a day when so many others have strayed. Smiling he would say, I am a Muslim. Chorus If you ask me, why do I love you No matter where you are, we are the greatest Ummah With the beating of our hearts, we are Muslim. La-illah-ha-illalah Muhammad-urrasullulah There is only one God La-illah-ha-illalah Muhammad-alMustapha Muhammad is the messenger
amerlane! Amir Timur was a great Mongolian King and great great grandfather of Babur, the founder of the Mughal Dynasty in India. He was one of the bravest and greatest warriors born in present Uzbekistan. He had conquered nearly half of the world known at that time. His courage was great. Amir Taimur, was someone who was so firm and unfaltering in every predicament, that he did not cower from any misfortune. He learnt from an Ant not to loose courage. He tells his own story as follows. Once he was fighting a battle. He was defeated. He had to run away to the mountains to save his life. He hid himself in a safe place. Tired and hungry he sat at one place quietly
By Zain Bhikha
FEATURE
11
ou may have seen them on TV during prime time news or live national assembly broadcasts communicating to a special group of people. Though they never utter a word, their signing alone speaks volumes. These are sign interpreters and their work is to communicate to those with hearing difficulties. Together with his colleague, Omar Awadh, Abdulwahab Ali have been signing for the past 10 years and both can be found seated at Jamia mosque during Jumma prayers interpreting the Khutbha (sermon) in turns to the deaf. Abdulwahab, 49, became a sign language interpreter out of concern that deaf Muslim faithful who frequent the masjid had no one to interpret for them and thus they could not understand what was going on. What is more is that he was also concerned with the discrimination directed towards these special group of people. According to Abdulwahab who is also a sign language teacher at Jamia Training Institute and Aga Khan primary school deaf unit, signing is simple. What one needs to know is the usual alphabetsonly that these have to be signed in a special way for the deaf to understand, notes Abdulwahab. Depending an individuals interest and ability to grasp quickly, learning may take no less than three months for one to be fluent. So far, Abdulwahab is proud to note that he has taught many people and that the society is slowly accommodating them. This success has in turn made him seek further training to adjust and address challenges that lay ahead. Despite being a diploma holder in sign language trained at the University of Nairobi, I have to keep updating my skills, says Abdulwahab. He frequently downloads Arabic sign language literature so as to be at par with International standards. Modern communication channels such as social media have also seen him engage his students who are tech savvy on social media sites to discuss matters they did not understand during sermons as well as other issues of concern. The fact that a deaf person cannot hear does not mean he/she cannot write, thus you will find many who are quite good in expressing themselves through writing.
Together with his colleague, Omar Awadh, Abdulwahab Ali have been signing for the past 10 years and both can be found seated at Jamia mosque during Jumma prayers interpreting the Khutbha (sermon) in turns...
12
SPECIAL REPORT
Kenya@50: Muslims
Well past his retirement age, Ahmad continues with his passion in architecture. As Kenya marks 50 years of independence, his contribution to society cannot be overlooked
(Inset) Ahmad Biringi among buildings that bear his signature. (Right) Makina mosque in Kibra. (Below) Nyayo House.
s Kenya celebrates 50 years of independence, little has been said or is being celebrated about Muslims contribution in this long journey into nationhood. This is in spite of the fact that Muslims achievements are still and will be felt for the better future of this country. Take for instance Ahmad Suleiman Biringi a retired architect. From mosques to structures that dot many urban areas in Kenya including landmark buildings such as Nyayo House, they all bear his signature. That is not all; in London too, his work can be spotted in some buildings. Today, Ahmad, 73, looks back with a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction as he talks passionately about his work which he still engages in well past his retirement years. A 1963 Royal College graduate now University of Nairobi, Ahmad received his first degree in architecture before landing his first job with the then Ministry of Works. While working at the Ministry of Works, I oversaw the construction of Madrassa Al Falah in Kibra among others, Ahmad proudly recalls. It is while at the Ministry of Works that Ahmad mastered his skills in architecture such that he was a beneficiary of a 1971 technical exchange agreement between the Kenya and British governments. He got an opportunity to secure a postgraduate scholarship to learn advance building and construction at Thames Polytechnic School of Advanced Buildings. That course lasted for 4 years and upon completion in 1974, I stayed in London for an additional two years. It
is during this time that I made some contribution in constructing some structures that dot the British skyline, says Ahmad. When he came back to Kenya, Ahmad continued his work at the Ministry of Works in architecture which saw him traverse the country. Being a Muslim, I felt I was fulfilling part of my religious obligation by using my skill towards designing better places of worship for fellow Muslims. Thus, I was involved in the initial design and construction of Imtiaz mosque next to Meridian Hotel in Nairobi, Makina mosque in Kibra, Laikipia Airbase mosque, Kiganjo Training College mosque and the Recruits Training Institute mosque among others. Currently Imtiaz mosque is about to undergo a major reconstruction. Ahmad has not only been confined to designing mosques only but also several learning institutions. Kibera Academy in Salama Estate in Kibera, Nairobi is among other notable institutions that are part of my work. When asked to comment about the current use of computer technology in architectural drawings, Ahmad observes; I appreciate the use of modern technology
I felt I was fullling part of my religious obligation by using my skill towards designing better places of worship for fellow Muslims...
and how it has made things simple, however, the old ways of doing things cannot just be wished away just yet. For example, designing and constructing detailed features such as minarets in oriental architecture have to be done the analogue (old) way. As far as his work is concerned, Ahmad is proud to having contributed towards Kenyas changing skyline. In the 50 years of Kenyas independence, Ahmad has also had a taste of different governments under former presidents Jomo Kenyatta, Daniel Arap Moi, Mwai Kibaki and presently Uhuru Kenyatta. According to Ahmads assessment, it is former president Mwai Kibaki government and now Uhurus that have been favourable to Muslims. Mwai Kibaki brought many notable Muslims to the fore during his reign. Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairman Issack Hassan is one such example. Now President Uhuru Kenyatta is carrying on with the same trend. He (Uhuru) has brought on board outstanding Muslim women personalities such as Foreign Secretary Amina Mohammed.
He attributes all these to the fact that Muslims have embarked on educating their children and he is happy about this trend. 10 years from now if the trend continues, we shall have Muslims well positioned in government, he says. On the future of Muslim youth in the country, Ahmad laments that the present environment in urban areas does not favour the Muslim youth. Unlike our times, Muslim youth of today have embraced a lot of westernization and been blinded by short term ventures like drugs abuse instead pursuing more Islamic knowledge. Ahmads story cannot end without posing the pertinent Nubian land question in Kibra and he says, I am grateful to Allah for having given me an historical opportunity that is about to materialise and that is- Nubians finally getting a piece of land they can call their own. We have agitated for this piece of land for many generations and hope that President Uhuru Kenyatta will fulfill his promise by handing title deeds to Nubians. He acknowledges that 300 acres of land maybe not be enough for the Kibra Nubian community, but it will do.
SPECIAL REPORT
13
(Top) Yahya Sebit poses for a group photo with members of Starehe Boys Centre and School. Together with them is the now President, Uhuru Kenyatta (seated in the middle). (Above Left) With Prince Andrew.
was talented. By 1952, I had polished my musical skills such that I was seconded to go and train the Malawian, Zambian and Mauritius armed forces bands as a band master. What Yahya noted during the training of such bands was that once he had established a band and it was doing well, a colonial band master would come in and take over. The colonial bandmaster (s) would bask in glory as I was overlooked. Such discouragement and long absence from home made him homesick. Despite calls from superiors to persevere in my assignment, I missed my country a lot and I wrote a letter purporting that my wife was not feeling well so that I could be transferred back home. Fortunately, I was granted permission to come back home in 1969, recalls Yahya. No sooner had he landed home than he was told to choose joining either the Kenya Police or Kenya Prisons departments as prospective places of work. Yahya opted for Kenya Prisons department and was instrumental in forming its first band. With 270 people including 64 women, I was tasked by the then Commissioner of Prisons with the responsibility of training and putting up a professional band. Luckily he gave all the assistance I needed towards realising that dream, he says. With that, the famous Kenya Prisons Band was formed and he worked with them for over 24 years before retiring and heading to work at Starehe Boys Center and School where he is currently situated. Despite his exploits locally, Yahyas shining star caught eye of Queen Elizabeth who in 2005 invited him to England. This was the turning point in my career because I had never imagined that one day I was to be a guest of the Queen. While in England, I visited many places not forgetting that I met and shared a few musical tips with renowned band leaders. At home today, Yahya Sebit can today be found relaxing with part of his treasured musical instruments that included brass plated trumpets, straight soprano saxophone, guitar and trombone just to mention but a few. Some of these instruments are gifts from friends living abroad. Indeed they are priced possessions too because they do not come cheap. The cheapest instrument can be bought at not less than KSh50,000, says Yahya. On whether he is passing his musical skills to Muslim youth, Yahya laments; They lack discipline, commitment and passion. However, I am always on the lookout for any promising talent to impart my skills. Sadly, according to confidential documents in the custody of The New Dawn issue by the Government of Kenya in 2012 nominating Yahya Sebit Salim for honours and awards for his illustrious career, he is yet to get any recognition for his contribution to the country even as we mark the Kenya@50 celebrations. It is not yet too late to accord Yahya Sebit Salim a befitting honour!
Former President Mwai Kibaki being welcomed by Yahya Sebit at a past function.
14
Palestinian protesters confront a soldier with posters of former South African President Nelson Mandela. Mandela has been eulogized by the Palestinians. BY AGENCIES
Arab and Muslim figures have mourned the death of former South African President Nelson Mandela, noting his cause as an example for the world to follow. Egypts presidency released an official obituary statement, reflecting on Mandelas fight for justice and the struggle to end apartheid. Egypt had a leading role in supporting the resistance of African countries to reach their freedom and independence. Because of its hard stance against racial discrimination in South Africa, Egypt did not hesitate to cut diplomatic relations with South Africas former racist government. al-Masry al-Youm website quoted the statement as saying. Leaders like Nelson Mandela, Gamal Abdul Nasser, and the African forefathers who struggled for freedom and independence will forever be a source of inspiration to people, and an example to lead by. He will remain in the hearts and mind of Egyptians as one of the most prominent symbols of national struggle in the modern world, added the statement. Ahmad al-Muslimani, presidential advisor to Adly Mansour, publicly commented on Mandelas death, saying that Egypt and the African continent will always remember him as a lieutenant of pride and glory, reported the website. Cairo feels deep sorrow for the departure of an iconic figure of national freedom and independence, and his cause will always inspire those seeking justice, said the Egyptian official. Irans president Hassan Rouhani tweeted: With a heavy heart, we say goodbye to Nelson Mandela. Surely, his legacy will remain a source of #inspiration and courage for all people. Pakistans former Interior Minister Rehman Malik, like a number of Pakistani figures, also took to Twitter to mourn the Mendelas loss. The world has lost Nelson Mandela a great leader and symbol of struggle. May God bless his soul in peace, Malik tweeted. Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas also commented on Mandelas death, highlighting the former South African leaders stand with the Palestinian cause. The Palestinian people will never forget his historic statement that the South African revolution will not have achieved its goals as long as the Palestinians are not free, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was quoted by news agencies. Influential Palestinian Islamist group Hamas called Mandela one of the biggest supporters of our cause, according to other news sources. Today a great freedom fighter, Nelson Mandela has died, one of the worlds most important symbols of freedom, Moussa Abu Marzouk, a senior Hamas official, was quoted. In the United States, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization in the United States, released a statement to pay tribute to Mandelas death. Throughout his life, Nelson Mandela served as an example of strength in adversity to all those fighting for freedom and justice. His legacy of uncompromising perseverance in the face of bigotry and injustice will live on for generations to come, said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad in the statement. CAIRs statement on the occasion quoted a saying by the Prophet Mohammad (SAW): For every day on which the sun rises, there is a (reward) for the one who establishes justice among people.
Van Doorn.
Riyadh. Doorn, a former member of the farright Freedom Party (PVV) has embraced Islam earlier this year after an extensive study into the religion. He was among party leaders who helped produce an offensive film titled Fitna that linked Islam and the Quran to violence. But after Muslim outcry at the movie, Doorn began to read more about Islam and Prophet Muhammad (SAW), leading him to embrace Islam.
SPORT
FOOTBALL FOOTBALL
15
Jordan and Malaysia are some the Muslim countries to host women soccer tournaments.
FIFA has made the geopolitical decision to choose India as a youth World Cup host for the first time, and Jordan will be the first Arabic host of a womens tournament. India gets the Under-17 World Cup in 2017, and the Under-17 Womens World Cup goes to Jordan in 2016. FIFA president Sepp Blatter told a news conference selecting India was really a sports political, a geopolitical decision. Jordans victory was another landmark for FIFA that an Arabic country would organize a womens competition, he said. In other decisions, South Korea will stage the Under-20 World Cup in 2017, and South Africa got the 2016 Under-20 Womens World Cup. FIFAs congress of 209 member countries will go to Mexico City in 2016 and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the following year.
SPORTBRIEFS
ATHLETICS
Nicholas Kipkemboi.
Rimla Akhtar (Left) the chair of Muslim Womens Sport Federation (MWSF).
SPORT: P15
Islamic nance in Kenya is set to expand further with the launch of the rst sharia- compliant Crescent Takaful Savings and Credit Cooperative Society recently. Some of the products that the new sacco will offer include personal and business accounts, development nance funding for property developers, asset nance and a diaspora account to help Kenyans in the diaspora save among other products. Crescent Takaful Sacco has been modeled as the favorite conduit through which both locals and the diaspora can investment locally in a secure, reliable and stress-free manner, said the saccos chairman Hassan Bashir. Bashir noted that the sacco will also provide its clients with investment advisory and management services. Besides First Community Bank and Gulf African Bank, other sharia compliant nancial institutions in Kenya include the Takaful Insurance Company. Sharia compliant nancing prohibits making huge prots through charging of interest on loans and also prevents beneciaries of loans from spending the money on goods or services that are considered unlawful under Islamic teachings.
The New Dawn is published by Kenya Muslim Youth Alliance, P.O Box 27592-00100, Nairobi-Kenya. Tel:254-(0)20-444 5518 or 0732 550 440 Email: [email protected] Website: www.thenewdawn.info