My jilbab is a means to daawah in Maasai land -P5

Islam maintains zero tolerance towards FGM/C -P7

Rabi Ul Awwal 14, 1435 A.H

January 15 - February 1, 2014

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Dialogue is the best counter-terror measure

BY THe New Dawn Team
eligious extremism is spilling over into Kenya and causing serious security threats, Interior permanent secretary has said. Mutea Iringo was speaking during the first national conference on security and countering violent extremism in Nairobi organized by the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (Supkem). We cant keep quite about the issue of radicalization particularly in Mombasa where extremist youths are talking mosque pulpits, he said. Countering violent extremism is a complex issue that requires commitment and cooperation, the government will enhance engagement with communities and civil society and community based organizations he added Mr Iringo said the government will leave no stone unturned to ensure the security of the country in order to prevent violent extremists from causing mayhem saying the security at all major entrances has been beefed up. We have also increased the security of the vital government documents such as issuance of passports and screening procedures of persons. On the issue of discrimination of Muslims in the immigration department Mr. Iringo said the government is closely working with Supkem and only genuine Kenyans will be issued with travel documents after clearing with the Muslim body. Anybody denied passport should report to Supkem because we have allocated a member in the vetting committee to look into the interest of Muslims He said the government has carried out number of studies and engaged stakeholders on several occasions to

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Police at a scene of terror attack in Nairobi. Such attacks have been frequent with the recent one at the West gate Mall.

The New Dawn | January 15 - February 1, 2014.

NATIONAL NEWS
Prayer Timings: Nairobi & its environs
December 15, 2013 - January 1, 2014
Date Fajr Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha

Muslim Unity Cup football tournament to mark Milad-Un-Nabii

The Cultural Council of the Embassy of Islamic Republic of Iran has organized a one day seven aside Unity Cup football tournament. The objective of the tournament is to disseminate messages of unity and brotherhood especially among Kenyan Muslims

of different schools of thoughts and sects to close ranks in solidarity and commonality. The seven aside tournament is also meant to provide Fun and positive recreational activity for Muslim youth. The football tournament will be

on Sunday 26th January 2014, at the Parklands Sports Club, Westlands from 9.00 a.m. A total of 16 teams from all over Nairobi will compete. The Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran H.E Malik Hussein Givzad will be the Captain of Iranian diplomats team.

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Dialogue is the way forward in addressing terror

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
strengthen collaboration between the security and members of public and monitoring of blog postings and social sites promoting extremism and radicalization. Mr Iringo however noted that educational institutions, areas of worship, refugee camps and internet are now becoming new targets for extremist groups. Trends and extent of extremism and radicalization of Kenyan youths taking place in Nairobi, North Eastern, Western and Coast have changed from mosques to video and media broadcast and social media he said. On his part Cabinet Secretary for Interior Joseph Ole Lenku said the government will not apologize for using force against fighting terrorists in the country regardless of the human rights violations by the security agencies during security operations in the country. We have no apologies to make to any one by use of force to secure the country. He said the government will give necessary support to the Muslim organizations like Supkem in countering violent extremism. My office and the top leadership of this country will fully support your efforts, count on our support as we recognize you in a very special way, he said. Residents of Eastleigh and Garissa have always complained about harassment and money extortion by the police during security operations to flush out terror suspects. The Kenya police have turned Eastleigh in to an ATM where they come to extort money in the name of security operations, one participant observed during the conference. said. Over the last decade, said Supkem deputy secretary general Hassan Ole Naado, there has been an increasing recognition that security measures alone cannot address the threat of terrorism. The conference should trigger a discussion on how to bring closer the development and security communities to consult in a more systematic way on how best to address security challenges because security alone cannot address the threat of violent extremist and radicalization, ole Naado said. Secretary General of the Supkem Adan Wachu said what drives violent extremism is ignorance and religious leaders must take responsibly and no religion should be justified or associated with terrorism activities. Islam neither is terrorism nor is terrorism Islam, he said. While addressing the closing ceremony European Union (EU) ambassador to Kenya Mr Lodewijk Briet said security in the horn of African region is a mutual concern and should not be taken for granted and should be responded to The EU has budgeted 30 million to strengthen the security by fighting increasing violent extremism in the region, Briet said. UK High Commissioner Christian Turner urged the government of Kenya to respect human rights when responding to violent extremism in the country. He said dialogue and engagement is important and should be encouraged in countering violent extremism. The three day conference brought together Government officials, religious leaders, civil society organizations and the development partners. The conference comes following several terrorist attacks across the country particularly in Coast and North Eastern regions. The militant Al-Shabaab movement has built a cross-border presence and a clandestine support network among Kenyan population in some parts of the country trying to radicalize while recruiting youth from these communities, often capitalizing on long standing discrimination grievances against the government. Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) incursion into Somalia in 2011 has been partly blamed for the increased terror activities.

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Supkem

Supkem chairman Professor Abdulghafur El Busaidy said extremism is not only a threat to Kenya but also to the entire region and the globe adding that long lasting solutions should be put in place to counter violent extremism and radicalization agenda. The main objectives of the conference are to develop accountability and advocacy charter as well as finding long term solutions to extremism, he

A participant to the conference reacts to the proceedings.

The New Dawn | January 15 - February 1, 2014.

COUNTY NEWS

Kitui Muslim leaders concerned over high school dropouts

KITUI
BY MBARAK ABUCHERI
abucherimbarak@yahoo.com
Muslim leaders in Kitui county have raised concerns over the increasing number of Muslim youth dropping out of schools to chew miraa. The leaders say it was bewildering that a large number of Muslim youths were foregoing schooling for no apparent reason but to chew miraa and called on stakeholders to come out and address the trend. Led by the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (Supkem) Kitui Chapter officials Sheikh Bakari Baraka and Shaaban Mohammed, the leaders expressed concerns and noted that inspite of the numerous faith based institutions which have been established to cater for the needs of Muslims, the number of students was disappointing. Speaking at Kitui Jamia Mosque during Maulid celebrations, the leaders decried that many youth have dropped out of Islamic schools in the county, attributing the dropouts to parents who have neglected their responsibilities of inculcating Islamic ideals in their children. The Supkem officials further decried the insufficient number of Islamic teachers in the county and urged Muslim parents to encourage their children to go for teaching as profession in order to take up the teaching of Islamic Religious Education in both primary and secondary schools. As a result of the shortage, the officials pointed out that teaching of Islamic Religious Education has been take up by non-Muslim teachers, adding that there was need to strengthen the teaching of IRE recruiting competent Muslim teachers.

Kisumus Kaloleni and Bandani slums to be upgraded

KISUMU
BY THE NEW DAWN REPORTER
Two predominantly Muslim formal settlement slums within Kisumu County are among those set to be upgraded under the Kisumu Urban Upgrading Project. Other areas to benefit from the project are Nyalenda and Obunga. The project, an innovation by the Kenyan Government and French Agency for Development will cost Ksh 4 billion to run to 2016. It is intended to combat urban sprawl, inadequate urban infrastructure and unemployment. The Muslim community residing in the settlements has applauded the government for the project adding that they hope it would be a blessing and not a stepping ladder to evict or displace them from their land. At the same time they requested to be included in the project for their interests to be protected as stipulated in the constitution. The project will comprise the construction of roads, provision of water and sanitation and would cover five components which include capacity building and structure planning, solid waste material management, improvement of infrastructure, construction of commercial facilities, financial management and slums upgrading.

The New Dawn | January 15 - February 1, 2014.

Peace and Security for Development (PSD) Programme

What the government should do to encourage de-radicalization
he euphoria that greeted the promulgation of the new constitution in August 2010 seems to be fading fast as sections of the Muslim community are becoming disillusioned with the slow pace of constitutional reforms that were expected to address historical injustices introduced by colonial rulers and perpetrated by successive postindependent governments. It is therefore not surprising that State polices which include discrimination, collective punishment, harassment, arbitrary detentions, extra judicial killings and marginalization have been pin-pointed among factors which are currently breeding a culture of despondency in the community and driving young Muslims to embrace ideologies which advocate for violence. Article 27(4) of the Kenya Constitution clearly stipulates that The State shall not discriminate directly or indirectly against any person on any ground, including..... religion, conscience, belief..... This should be read with 27(6) which states: To give full effect to the realization of the rights guaranteed under this Article, the State shall take legislative and other measures, including affirmative action programmes and policies designed to redress any disadvantage suffered by individuals because of past discrimination. In the same vein, Article 29 on

Freedom and security of the person states: Every person has the right to freedom and security of the person, which includes the right not to be- (b) detained without trial, except during a state of emergency, ..... (c) subjected to torture in any manner, whether physical or psychological. As concerns continue to mount regarding increasing number of Muslim youth subscribing to extremist and violent ideologies, the State is being blamed for indirectly contributing to the spread of this attitude by not moving fast to implement the new constitution. This emerged during a national conference on security and countering violent extremism held in Nairobi. Speaking during the conference, constitutional lawyer Sheikh Ibrahim Lethome said while the youth are consistently being accused for engaging in acts of violence, actions on the part of the government are equally helping to fuel this attitude. We are law abiding citizens but when the law enforcers ignore applying the law and choose to retaliate by targeting the innocent, they help to create more radicals, said Sheikh Lethome. He gave an example of the retaliatory move by Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers who burnt down Garissa market after three of their colleagues were killed by suspected Al Shabaab gunmen. He noted that profiling of Muslims and injustices

committed against Muslims in the socalled war on terror, was also pushing many young Muslims to embrace violent ideologies. The Islamic scholar cum lawyer who also serves as legal adviser for Nairobi Jamia Mosque Committee acknowledged that violent extremism was a major concern for Muslims and said fighting the vice was a religious obligation as the Quran enjoins Muslims to fight munkar (evil). In his key note address, Arigatou International Nairobi director and secretary general of Global Network of Religions for Children Dr Mustafa Ali echoed similar sentiments. He said issues of exclusion of Muslims and marginalization on the part of the government was aggravating violent extremism. Many Muslim youth are embracing violence ideologies and celebrating violence. This remains a major concern and the government should not be party to aggravating this problem, he said. Dr. Mustafa, who is the former secretary general of Africa Council of Religious Leaders-Religions for Peace, also took issue with the media for associating terrorism and violent extremism with Islam and accused them of being party to the victimization campaign against Muslims. However, he cautioned those sanctioning the killing of the innocent in the name of Jihad as misguided.

The three day conference, which brought together national leaders, Islamic scholars and government officials, was organized by Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (Supkem) in partnership with Kenya Transition Initiative in an attempt to address the growing problem of violent extremism. Internal security principal secretary Mutea Iringo was at pains to absolve the government from accusations of continuous injustices against Muslims including discrimination of Muslims in issuance of national documents and violations of human rights in the war on terror. Without elaborating how the government is going to tackle the issue, he stressed that radicalism was a concern on national security and the government will not relent on its efforts to purge from society what he described as perverts who were threatening the countrys security. Nevertheless, Iringo called for critical cooperation with the Muslims. In view of the unfolding social scenario, it is becoming evident that the root of the current wave of radicalization is the slow implementation of the constitution. Thus, it is urgent that institutions charged with the task speed up the process to prevent victims of historical injustices from addressing their concerns through unconventional avenues posing a threat to national security and stability.

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:info@kenyamuslims.org Website:www.kenyamuslims.org

The New Dawn | January 15 - February 1, 2014.

FEATURE

Where ever she goes, Mariams jilbab is a source of admiration provoking curiosity and respect in equal measures in an area known to be entrenched in traditional ways of life
BY THE NEW DAWN REPORTER

My jilbab is a means to daawah in Maasai land

eep inside Maasai land in the vast Transmara region, Mariam Ole Talalas Islamic jilbab is a source of admiration to many folks in the area and is bound to provoke curiosity whereever she goes. At times, she has to contend with frequent interruptions on her way to the market to answer questions about the jilbab and Muslims in general. In short, Mariam has been using her jilbab as a means of daawah (Islamic propagation) in an area where you would least expect to come across Muslim women donning this Islamic dress code. As she went about her daily household duties expected of any housewife, The New Dawn caught up with her at the start of her chores by milking her cows ready for another day. Immediately after my reversion to Islam in the 1990s after getting married to my husband, Habib Ole Talala-a local chief in the area, it was befitting that I comply what Islam demands of Muslims, begins Mariam. Ever since, the hijab has been part and parcel of her life and we could not help but admire her deep religious conviction despite being in the middle of the vast Maasai land where Islam is slowly but surely gaining a foothold. So what are some of her daily chores as a Muslim woman in a community known for its firm grip on traditional and cultural practices? My day begins after I perform my morning prayers before 5.30a.m and thereafter wake up the children because they have to be up in preparation for school. I then head to the cow shed to milk cows and prepare breakfast for the family, says Mariam. According to Mariam, 39, some of the Maasai traditional and cultural practices tend to easily blend with some Islamic ones hence it is easy for locals to identify with Islam. For instance according to Maasais, one would wake up early in the morning to perform traditional prayers which incidentally is the Islamic version of tahajuud or fajr prayers. Once every one has left the homestead for their daily activities, I am left with the young children. When the children are taken care of, I perform some cleaning and tiding up of the homestead before I take the livestock out for grazing and water, Mariam says. When not busy Mariam will be found tending to some chicken which she rears to supplement her house income from the proceeds of selling the birds together with

Mariam Ole Talala goes about milking her cows in preparation for another day. (Inset) Mariam during the interview.
the eggs. Besides selling milk from the cows for KSh15 for a cup, I also do sell chicken for between KSh500 to KSh1000. Noting that economic empowerment activities for Muslim women are nonexistent in the area, Mariam is positive that as the number of Muslims grows, they are bound to initiate self-help projects. Asked how she copes with overwhelming house work, Mariam says its all about kujipanga (getting organised). Life here is a bit predictable so its all about knowing what to do and when. House work aside, it is at the local market day that Mariam has to contend with curious stares and questions from strangers about her dress code. Many mistake me for a Somali because locals tend to associate such dressing with Somalis but when we talk the local dialect, they relax and I am able to put some facts correct as well as a word or two about Islam. So, Maasais can be Muslims too? the locals pose and she responds affirmatively. Interestingly, the jilbab Mariam dons is made from clothing materials purchased at a local shop. Since ready-made hijabs are hard to come by in this area, I usually order for clothing materials that are sewn up by a local tailor. Whenever she goes, men and women stop to congratulate her for wearing in a respectable manner. The local women tend to consider the wearing of a jilbab as a hindrance in their daily activities but I emphasis to them that it is not an obstacle. Furthermore I stress the point that in Islam, it is important for women to be covered in a respectable manner, adds Mariam. As good example, Mariam has proved the local women that the jilbab has been no hindrance to her when performing her daily chores. She has now taken to advising women revertees to consider buying clothing materials that can be made into a dress that offers them sitara (modesty) if at all they are not comfortable with the jilbab. On whether local Muslim women are getting exposed to any sort of Islamic knowledge Mariam says that Muslim men

The Maasai are easy to revert to Islam if Muslims in general put more effort and visits through daawah activities...

well versed with that knowledge are doing a tremendous job in daawah activities however it is not enough. Muslim men in the area are doing a wonderful job. However, they cannot confidently address pertinent and private issues that are of concern only to women. It is hoped that the upcoming Shartuka Islamic Centre is bound to have an impact and complement some of the daawah activities in this region and beyond. On the future of Islam among Muslim women in the area, Mariam is optimistic that numbers will continue to soar. Maasais are easy to revert to Islam if Muslims in general put more effort and visits through daawah activities in the area, says Mariam. Interestingly Mariam goes further to give another example of how some Maasai traditional and cultural practices tend to blend with some Islamic ones. According to Maasai culture, men and women do not intermingle, they sit on separate sides. Mariams appeal to Muslim women living in urban areas is that they should consider donating their old hijabs or jilbabs to fellow Muslim women in rural areas when disposing them off.

The New Dawn | January 15 - February 1, 2014.

EDITORIAL

s Muslims continue to celebrate the birth anniversary of the Prophet of mankind Muhammad (SAW), one of the big challenges facing the world today is promoting coexistence in a multi-cultural society. The lack of peace and harmony has been caused by extremist teachings of different religious denominations and religiously restrictive state policies. However, by following the footsteps of the Holy Prophet (SAW), every Muslim is expected to render duties towards the society in which he lives as a means of getting closer to Allah (SWT) and promoting harmony and prosperity. The actual service to human beings should begin with treating them as humans first. Muslims need to help their fellow human beings in nurturing and growing their innate qualities which define them as humans. The Holy Prophet (SAW) launched his mission of service to humanity by first quenching their spiritual thirst. This was by teaching the 7th century Meccan Arab

Service to mankind is key to coexistence and prosperity

communities to know their Creator and their responsibilities towards Him. Every Muslim is equally expected to propagate the message of Tawhid (monotheism) wherever he lives, through awareness campaigns about Islam, teaching the people - especially the youth - understand the true meaning behind the message brought by Holy Prophet (SAW) and encouraging them to spread this knowledge among fellow beings. Secondly, the Seerah of the Holy Prophet (SAW) and Islamic history in general is full of the best examples of love and compassion for fellow human beings. Sometimes we find the Prophet of Islam (SAW) serving the needy and weak. Islam has laid great stress on helping the poor and needy ones. Islam states that service to humanity is a part of faith. Muslims should therefore be actively engaged in social welfare activities to alleviate suffering in society by establishing poverty eradication and health programs not only for fellow Muslims, but also for all the communities where they reside. Besides teaching people to know the Creator, Muslims must strive to establish institutions of learning in line with Islams broad perspective of education. These should include schools and colleges that provide solutions to contemporary societal challenges. Some of the greatest early Muslim scholars like Imam Al Ghazzali, Imam Jaffar and Ibn Sina among others, rendered invaluable service to mankind by educating students from all over the world on various subjects including mathematics, astronomy and science. But the tragedy is that Muslims today have negligently decided to focus all their efforts exclusively on madrassas for religious teachings. This ideological blunder has not only compelled Muslims to rely entirely on non-Muslims in other fields of knowledge, but also rendered their socio-economic contribution negligible in multi-cultural set ups. It is also a Muslims responsibility to act as true representatives of Islam and behave in accordance to the Islamic tenets. Muslims are expected to treat fellow beings with honesty, love and respect. You are the best community that has been raised for mankind. You enjoin good and forbid evil and you believe in Allah. (Al Imran, 3:110). In this verse, Muslims have been enjoined by Allah (SWT) to serve all mankind and promote goodness. If they fail to achieve this, then they cannot state that they are the best community. After all, a faith that is insensitive to the suffering of other human beings and is not inclined to serve the cause of human development cannot be described as a good faith. But Islam teaches that Muslims must be exemplary in serving mankind and showing love and kindness for all of Gods creation. Hence, by correctly and contextually following the teachings of the Holy Quran and life history of the Holy Prophet (SAW) in respect of service to humanity, Muslims can become the best agents of peace, love, harmony and prosperity wherever they live.

Quotes
No man fills a container worse than his stomach. A few morsels that keep his back upright are sufficient for him. If he has to, then he should keep one-third for food, one-third for drink and one-third for breathing. Tirmidhi. The whole world is a provision, and the best object of benefit of the world is the pious woman. Sahih Muslim. Meet the people in such a manner that if you die, they should weep for you, and if you live, they should long for you. Ali Ibn Abi Talib. If anyone fulfills his brothers needs, Allah will fulfill his needs; if one relieves a Muslim of his troubles, Allah will relieve his troubles on the Day of Resurrection. Sahih Bukhari and Muslim. Who is Allah? He is the First and the Last, the Most High and the Most Near. And He is the All-Knower of every thing. Surah Al-Hadid 57:3

READERS FORUM
What is not happening in Muslim schools?
Your top page story KCPE: Muslims lead from the bottom (Issue no 118) was really thought provoking. Being a Muslim parent, I am extremely ashamed that year after year the performance of Muslim children and Muslim schools in national examinations is poorest in the country. What is even disturbing is that Muslim leaders, scholars, educationists and stakeholders in education keep holding crisis meetings to address the situation every time exams are released but nothing positive seem to be coming out of these meetings. The same story is repeated every year. It is true Muslims and Muslim dominated regions have been victims of marginalization and historical injustices which may have negatively impacted on education. But this argument no longer holds water as several other minority communities who also suffered marginalization have managed to reverse the trend by taking necessary steps to address the issue objectively. Also the Free Primary Education introduced nationally in 2003 plus other reforms in the education sector have seen many communities except

Most Authoritative Muslim Newspaper

The New Dawn is a publication of The Kenya Muslim Youth Alliance and is published twice a month. P.O Box 27592-00100, Nairobi-Kenya. Tel:254-(0)20-4445518 / 0732 550 440 Waiyaki Way, Nairobi. Email: editor@thenewdawn.info Website:www.thenewdawn.info Rabi Ul Awwal 14, 1435 A.H

Muslim students on way home from school.

Muslims improve considerably. Just imagine? The curriculum is the same, teachers are the same, books are the same, national examination is the same, examiners are the same, and so on and so on----! So, what exactly is not happening in Muslim schools? Mahmoud Issa Kisii.

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: editor@thenewdawn.info Or SMS: 0710 30 08 48 The Editor reserves the right to edit all letters for length and clarity.

Rabi Ul Awwal 14, 1435 A.H January 15 - February 1, 2014

PEOPLE /

LIFE /

TRENDS /

Islamic calligraphy wall clocks P9

Islam maintains zero tolerance towards FGM

There are times when certain cultural practices such as FGM/C are so intertwined with certain religious values to the point of confusing one for the other. However, Islamic religious scholars are categorical that FGM/C has no basis in Islamic teachings
NASEEM ALI
naseem@thenewdawn.info

ulture and religion, though appealing to different human faculties, have one thing in common they serve to guide human behaviour in one way or another with the sole purpose of instilling certain values that would guarantee a harmonious society. Both also give the people who practice them a certain identity. However, the fundamental difference between culture and religion is that, while the commands of culture are values made by man for the guidance of man himself, religion comprises of values issued by a supernatural power, in this case a deity (God), for the guidance of humanity. Hence, while culture is man-made, religion is Godmade. Since people are both cultural and religious beings, often practicing the two simultaneously, there are times when certain cultural practices are so intertwined with certain religious values to the point of confusing one for the other. One such instance is where the practice of female circumcision, commonly known as Female Genital Mutilation/ Cutting (FGM/C) is often thought to be a religious command among certain communities. The justification for the performance of FGM/C appears to be largely grounded in a desire to terminate or reduce feelings of sexual arousal in women so that they will be much less likely to engage in perceived premarital intercourse or adultery. The practice is common among Northern nomadic communities that include Somali, Borana and Gabra whose populations comprise a good number of Muslim faithful thus misconstrued that Islam condones it. It is estimated that about 98 percent of women in these

communities have undergone some form of FGM/C. In Nairobi, Muslim dominated areas of Huruma, Kawangware, Eastleigh and Korogocho among others; the practice is conducted underground thus making it hard to detect. Though currently outlawed under The Prohibition

of Female Genital Mutilation Act of Kenya- that was signed into law late last year, the practice continues secretly despite the accompanying punitive penalties that includes a jail term of seven years or a fine of Sh500, 000 for anyone convicted of practicing or promoting FGM/C. Further more, a decade ago, February 6th every year is a special day set aside to observe the International Day of Zero Tolerance towards Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) to foster awareness of the devastating effects of FGM/C and renew the call for the abandonment of this harmful traditional practice. FGM/C is a practice that ranges from nicking to total removal of the external female genitalia and millions of women around the world have undergone this brutal procedure as other girls continue to be at risk every year. Just to appreciate the magnitude of FGM/C in the Muslim community, probably many can recall the bold move by Sophia Abdi Noor-a former nominated MP who stood up in parliament, during a debate to outlaw the practice, to narrate her ordeal at the hands of a female circumciser at a tender age of five years. According to Sophia, the psychological and physical scars continue to haunt her to date. Four days of prolonged labour, and the one-and-ahalf days I spent unconscious, after delivering my first child because giving birth once you have been mutilated is a very dangerous process. The child was later to be born with head injuries occasioned by difficult delivery. Furthermore, Sophia went on to narrate how difficult and frustrating it was trying to consummate her marriage with her husband to the extent of seeking medical intervention to rectify the situation.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

8 Marhaba Cover

Marhaba Life & Style | January 15 - February 1, 2014.

FGM/C has no basis in Islam

Female circumcision has nothing to do with Islam. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

Though it is the likely assumption of many that it is often mothers who are keen to ensure their daughters undergo the cut, Marhaba Life and Style can now report that some young Muslim girls out of negative peer pressure and seeking psychological comfort or relief are opting to appeal to their mothers to facilitate the same. When Marhaba Life and Style was out to assess reasons behind the trend at some higher learning institutions in Nairobi, we were able identify negative peer pressure from both boys and girls as the main culprits. Whether you have been cut or not is a source of stigma, says Mariam Farah. When in a relationship with a Muslim boy, he is likely to inquire from us whether we (girls) have been cut or not. If you have, he would go further and ask whether it is the sunnah way or traditional way. In case it is the traditional way, boys assumed that you are damaged and will keep away from you, says Mariam. For Amina Hassan, she has been accustomed to being taunted wewe ujakatwaunanuka (you have not been cutyou smell!) from both Muslim boys and girls. Muslim boys have also piled both pressure and misery to Muslims girls as they seek sexual favours from non-Muslim girls under the pretext that they would not wish to entertain cut Muslim girls. In some of Nairobis Muslim dominated residential estates, negative peer pressure about the cut is rife among Muslim girls such that it is considered the swag (fashionable). When pressure is high, the girls-usually from ocha (rural areas); turn to their mothers to facilitate for the cut through the clinical services of a doctor, says Maimuna Abdikadir. For mothers aware of the impact of such a cut on their daughters health, what is done is just a slight brush of the knife to give the girls psychological relief and comfort that they have been cut. According to Maimuna, when such girls return to ocha (rural areas) and converge in their circles of friends, they can proudly declare they have been cut. They get away with such declarations because the friends cannot ascertain whether truly they have been cut. For Leila Mohammed, 35, and a mother of two daughters who lives in PanganiNairobi; she has been circumcised and sees nothing wrong with having her daughters face the knife too. Any woman in my community who has not faced the knife is deemed as dirty and un-marriageable. Ignoring this practice will be tantamount to disrespecting our culture. However, Leila who faced the knife at the age of nine is not sure whether her daughters can withstand the pain. Hamida Yunus also a parent with a daughter, says that FGM/C has nothing to do with religion and against it though she went through the ritual. I was young and thought it was a normal thing to do. So I ended up being sewn up... says a tearful Hamida as she recalls. I would not put my daughter through what I experienced. When asked to comment on the alleged theory that FGM/C reduces a womans sexual feelings or desires, Hawa Ali begs to differ and says. To me, its all psychological. Hawa has faced the knife and is not shy to say it has reawakened her sexual feelings. I have not had any problems with my husband, Hawa says. FGM/C has been a contentious in Muslim circles such that Muslim Scholars, both male and female drawn from different areas of the country converged at Machakos hotel in September, 2013 under the auspices of Kenya Council of Imams and Ulamaa (K.C.I.U) to deliberate on and give direction on this matter. After lengthy discussions and deliberations with references from the

MEDICAL Side eFFecTS OF FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION/CUT

IMMEDIATE EFFECTS Shock from bleeding, pain and stress resulting from cutting very sensitive and delicate area of the genitalia without the use of anaesthetic. Bleeding or hemorrhage: the cutting of the blood vessels in the vulva (clitoral artery). Serious bleeding can also cause shock. Protracted bleeding can lead to anaemia and even death. Urinary retention from fear of pain, tissue swelling or injury of the urethra cause pain and discomfort which could easily lead to bladder and urinary tract infections. Infection caused by the use of unsterilized instruments in unhygienic environment may lead to other complications and even to death. Infections can also cause pelvic inflammation. There is also high risk of HIV transmission through the use of one instrument for multiple operations. Damage to organs such as the anus, urethra and the bladder from inexperienced circumcisers. primary sources of Islamic law, that is, Quran, Sunnah, Ijma and Qiyas and considering views of various scholars, the Imams and Ulamaas arrived at the following conclusions; 1) There is no authentic or relevant Islamic evidence sanctioning or allowing FGM/C in all its forms. 2) Quranic teachings and Practices of the Prophet (SAW) are against any practice that causes any form of harm to human beings. 3) FGM/C is harmful and violates freedom, privacy, health and dignity of the woman. 4) FGM interferes with the Muslim Womans full realization of her Ibadah (worship). LONG TERM EFFECTS Repeated urinary infection because of the narrowing of the urinary outlet which prevents the complete emptying of urine from the bladder. Extremely painful menustration due to the buildup of urine and blood in the uterus leading to inflammation of the bladder and internal sexual organs. Formation of scars and keloid on the vulva wound. The growth of dermoid cysts which may result in abscesses. Formation of fistula the rupture of the vagina and/or uterus. Vulval abscesses. Severe pain during intercourse which may consist of physical discomfort and psychological traumatization. Difficult child birth which in case of long and obstructed labour may lead to foetal death and brain damage of the infant. In the case of infibulation acute and chronic pelvic infection leading to infertility and/or tubal pregnancy. Accumulation of blood and blood clots in the uterus and/or vagina. 5) Based on the adverse medical, health, social and psychological effects of the practice, it is prohibited by Islamic law. 6) The Kenyan laws expressly illegalize the practice. Interestingly, before the Prophethood of Muhammad (SAW) over 2000 years ago and in the age of the Jahiliya (era of ignorance) it was a cultural practice that had nothing to do with religion. But a careful interpretation of the Islamic teachings on human sexuality reveals that, despite placing a high premium on chastity, the Holy Quran promotes the concept of husband and wife giving each other maximum pleasure during sexual intercourse. Allah says: It is lawful for you to go into your wives during the night preceding the (days) fast; they are as a garment to you and you are a garment for them. (Sura Al- Baqara 2: 187) But since mutilated genitalia reduce or completely eliminate a womans pleasure during sexual intercourse, this would go against Allahs will that allows sexual pleasure among married couples. Hence anything that goes against Allahs will and intentions must be haram (prohibited).

FGM/C has been a contentious in Muslim circles such that Muslim Scholars, both male and female drawn from different areas of the country converged at a hotel to deliberate and give direction...

Marhaba Life & Style | January 15 - February 1 , 2014.

Trends

Islamic calligraphy on wall clocks

1 1 2

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Round wall clocks with Islamic calligraphy.

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Square wall clocks with Islamic calligraphy and patterns.

I still have feelings for my high school ex

I am in a marriage that has lasted 3 years and with one child. However, I got into this marriage because I wanted to please my parents. Recently, I met with my ex-a former high school sweetheart of four years and could not help the situation. I am still love with him. He claims to have the same feelings for me and keen on reigniting our romance. I do not know what to do. Suhaila, Malindi. Dear Suhaila, First it was wrong for your parents to have forced you into a marriage you did not want. My advice is that you keep away and stop further communication with your ex because these are the temptations of shaytan trying to lure you to destroy your marriage. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Rukia. Dear Suhaila, By reigniting your romance with your ex, you shall be straying towards zina (adultery). Keep away from him and work on your marriage. Hawa. Dear Suhaila, It was not Allahs will that you marry your ex. So dismiss and do not entertain thoughts about him. Allah hates divorce. Swaleh. Dear Suhaila, Ndoa huandikwa na kufungwa mbinguni (Marriages are written and confirmed in heaven). Do away with your ex he is out to ruin your marriage. Jamillah. Dear Suhaila, It was wrong for you to get into a marriage so as to please your parents. This is not Islamic. However, a man who loves you will not want to play with your feelings through a boy/girl relationship which of course is haram. Your ex should have come forward to propose to you if he really loved you back then. Idriss. Dear Suhaila, Waweza kupenda kitu kumbe hakikuwa na heri yoyote; Na waweza kuchukia kitu kumbe kina heri na wewe! (You may love something but it may have no good tidings for you; Likewise, you may hate something which may have good tidings for you). I would advice you to forget about your ex and work to make your marriage a success. Mohammed. Dear Suhaila, If you desert your husband and go to your ex, what guarantee do you have that you will be happy? Do not entertain these feelings because they will distract you from your marriage. Fatuma. Dear Suhaila, Even if you were married against your wish, your husband is the person Allah wishes for you. Work on your marriage and forget your ex. Halima. NEXT ISSUES PLEASE ADVICE QUERY: I like the way your readers are giving and getting advice. I am a 27 year old lady and an Arab man wants to marry me though I am not an Arab myself. His parents like me and have approved the wedding but the rest of his family members are against it simply because I am not an Arab. They (family members) claim to have already chosen a partner for him whom I understand is also an Arab. I dont know what to do and I love this man. Please advice! Samira, Kakamega.

PLEASE ADVISE...

Email your concern and advice to: info@kmya.org or editor@thenewdawn.info

10 Kids Corner

Marhaba Life & Style | January 15 - February 1, 2014.

Story of a rich businessman WORD WORD and his lazy son Nasheed Time
here once lived a rich businessman who had a lazy and fun loving son. The businessman wanted his son to be hard-working and responsible. He wanted him to realise the value of labour. One day he summoned his son and said: Today, I want you to go out and earn something, failing which you wont have your meals tonight. The boy was callous and not used to any kind of work. This demand by his father scared him and he went crying straight to his mother. Her heart melted at the sight of tears in her sons eyes. She grew restless. In a bid to help him she gave him a gold coin. In the evening when the father asked his son what he had earned, the son promptly presented him the gold coin. The father then asked him to throw it into a well. The son did as he was told. The father was a man of wisdom and experience and guessed that the source of the gold coin was the boys mother. The next day he sent his wife to her parents town and asked his son to go and earn something with the threat of being denied the night meals if he failed. This time he went crying to his sister who sympathized with him and gave him a coin out of her own savings. When

his father asked him what he had earned the boy tossed the rupee coin at him. The father again asked him to throw it in a well. The son did it quite readily. Again the fathers wisdom told him that the coin was not earned by his son. He then sent his daughter to her in-laws house. He again asked his son to go out and earn with the threat that he shall not have anything for dinner that night. This time since there was no one to help him out; the son was forced to go to

the market in search of work. One of the shopkeepers there told him that he would pay him two coins if he carried his trunk to his house. The rich mans son could not refuse and was drenched in sweat by the time he finished the job. His feet were trembling and his neck and back were aching. There were rashes on his back. As he returned home and produced the two coins before his father and was asked to throw it into the well, the horrified son almost cried out. He could not imagine throwing his hard-earned money like this. He said amid sobbing: Father! My entire body is aching. My back has rashes and you are asking me to throw the money into the well. At this the businessman smiled. He told him that one feels the pain only when the fruits of hard labour are wasted. On earlier two occasions he was helped by his mother and sister and therefore had no pain in throwing the coins into the well. The son had now realized the value of hard work. He vowed never to be lazy and safe keep the fathers wealth. The father handed over the keys of his shop to the son and promised to guide him through the rest of the life. Moral of the Story: Some of the lifes best lessons come from the hardest situations.

Read and sing along

For the Rest of My Life

I praise Allah for sending me you my love Youve found your home its here with me, and Im here with you Now let me let you know Youve opened my heart I was always thinking that love was wrong But everything was changed when you came along, oh And theres a couple of words I want to say Chorus: For the rest of my life, Ill be with you Ill stay by your side, honest and true Till the end of my time, Ill be loving you, loving you For the rest of my life, through days and nights Ill thank Allah for opening my eyes Now and forever I, Ill be there for you I know it deep in my heart I feel so blessed when I think of you And I ask Allah to bless all we do Youre my wife, and my friend and my strength And I pray were together in Jannah Finally now Ive found my self, I feel so strong Yes everything was changed when you came along, oh And theres a couple of words I want to say Chorus: For the rest of my life, Ill be with you Ill stay by your side, honest and true Till the end of my time, Ill be loving you, loving you For the rest of my life, through days and nights Ill thank Allah for opening my eyes Now and forever I, Ill be there for you I know it deep in my heart And now that youre here, in front of me I strongly feel love And I have no doubt, and Ill sing it loud And that I will love you eternally Chorus: For the rest of my life, Ill be with you Ill stay by your side, honest and true Till the end of my time, Ill be loving you, loving you For the rest of my life, through days and nights Ill thank Allah for opening my eyes Now and forever I, Ill be there for you I know it deep in my heart

Some techniques to beating laziness

Yawning promotes laziness
Yawning is from the devil. And when it comes to us, we must fight it. Despite what medical classes say about needing oxygen through yawning, it is Prophet (SAW) who advised on covering the mouth and resisting the yawn, by not letting out any noise. No Ahhhsss!

Spend time with energetic people

Allah says, Be patient with those people who call upon their lordin the mornings and the evenings. Alternatively, if lazy people surround you, distance yourself from them, or give them daawah, encouraging positive action. You want to pick the right people, because we tend to emulate those whom we befriend.

Feed from their energy.

Eating 1/3rd

The Prophet (SAW) taught us to eat using the 1/3rd method. You dont need much to sustain yourself, a few bites will usually do, but if you are going to eat a meal, then 1/3rd is the crucial number. One third should be the food, one third for water, and one third for breathing. Realise that one of the most cunning tricks of Shaytan is urging people to fill their stomachs beyond capacity. How many times have you eaten a huge meal only to feel like taking a nap afterwards? And how many times has this nap dissuaded you from the worship of Allah?

Do as your Prophet did and constantly seek refuge from Allah from the laziness that Shaytan uses to defeat the Muslims. When you find yourself reaching for that snooze button, a.k.a the Shaytan button, remember the ploy against you and seek Allahs help to resist. You will have the strength to wake for Fajr. Ultimately, laziness is a state of mind. In conclusion, the one concept that ties this all together is honesty. Being honest about your laziness and sincerely striving to change is the first step in seeing results. The fact of the matter is that when Allah commands us to do something, it is not possible to have excuses, and know that tasks put upon you are doable, for Allah does not place a burden on a person more than they can bear. (Al-Quran 2/286) You can do it, others have done it before you, and others continue to do it. Join the ranks of the energetic.

Use Prophets example

By Maher Zain.

The New Dawn | January 15 - February 1, 2014.

FEATURE

11

Role of Maulid in spreading Islam in East Africa

Many locals were won over to Islam, not as a result of organised missionary crusades, but because of the rst impression of the Islamic way of life and the ties and security offered by becoming part of the Ummah
BY THE NEW DAWN TEAM

aulidi or Milad-Un-Nabii (the Prophets birthday) is a very significant ceremony within a significant number of Muslim communities in East and Central Africa region. Despite differences of scholarly opinion over whether or not Milad-UnNabii celebrations are sanctioned by teachings of the Quran, Hadith or Sunna, they remain a significant event which distinguished scholars agree have played a crucial role in the spread of Islam into the interior of Africa. Available historical evidence holds that, despite Islam having had a presence in this region for over 1000 years compared to other exotic religions which have existed for about 100 years only, Islam was slow to spread into the East African hinterland. For example, the spread of Islam into the interior of Kenya lacked the professional zeal and drive as seen in the case of West Africa. Before the establishment of British colonial rule in Kenya, Islam had remained confined to the coastal strip and a few areas of the interior namely, the north eastern among the Somali communities and at Mumias in Western Kenya where Muslim caravan traders had penetrated through Tanganyika trade routes in the early nineteenth century. The building of the Kenya-Uganda railway in 1896 opened up the interior of Kenya to the people of the Coast where Islam had gained prominence for centuries. The railway made Mombasa an important distribution centre in the post-1890s for East Africa and beyond. Commercial activities intensified as trade picked up between the coast and the interior with European and Asian businesses succeeding in attracting secondary industries and as commerce expanded, new job opportunities were created. Good wages attracted migrant labour form as far as Eastern, Central and Western provinces of Kenya to the coastal towns of such as Mombasa and Malindi, to the numerous plantations that emerged along the railway line while others crossed the sea to Pemba and Zanzibar. Many of these migrant workers came into contact with Islam and were later converted, and when

A past maulid procession in Lamu.

they returned home, they propagated it among their people. Apart from up country people coming down to the coast, the railway line also made travel in the opposite direction easier, thus enabling coastal Muslim traders and preachers to gain access to the interior and propagating Islam there. In this regard, admires of Islam who later converted seem to have been impressed by the fact that they were about to join a community characterised by brotherhood and egalitarianism. There were no marked distinctions among the Ummah, with social functions like Maulidi celebrations being devoid of the high-table phenomenon. Thus it was only after the establishment of colonial rule in Kenya that serious attempts were made to convert the people of the interior into Islam. But unlike Christianity, efforts to spread Islam in the interior of Kenya were not missionary-based. Spread of Islam in many parts of Kenya during colonial rule was urban-based, haphazardly conducted and localized, as reversions were done though personal contacts or ceremonies. Many of those in the interior that were won over to Islam, not as a result of organised missionary crusades, but because they were first impressed by the Islamic way of life and the ties and security offered by becoming part of the Ummah. Many of the early converts in the interior were impressed by the bonds of brotherhood that were enshrined in Islamic festivals like Idd and Maulidi. In this regard, scholars agree that Maulidi played an important role in the spread of Islam in the interior of East Africa and the evolution of an African Muslim demography in the region. Maulidi festivals in Kenya and the region are about 120 years old, meaning that they their commencement coincides with the establishment of early trade links between the Kenyan coast and the interior. But they gained momentum from about 1905 after the Kenya-Uganda railway reached Port Florence (present day Kisumu). The genre Mauludi celebrations common in the East Africa region was started by Habib Swaleh bin Alwy Jamalulay of Lamu. He originally came from the Comoros Islands where Islam had spread many years ago. Habib Swaleh introduced Maulidi in honour of Habib Habshi of Yemen. Thereafter, Sharif Ahmad al Ahdaly used the Maulidi to spread Islam into the interior of Kenya to as far paces as Mumias, Kakamega, Kendu Bay and Gulu in Uganda.

Apart from up country people coming down to the coast, the railway line also made travel in the opposite direction easier, thus enabling coastal Muslim traders and preachers to gain access to the interior and propagating Islam there.

The New Dawn | January 15 - February 1, 2014.

12

Muslims official entertainment magazine

Only in The New Dawns...

The New Dawn | January 15 - February 1, 2014.

PICTORIAL

13

Pomp and colour mark Milad-Un-Nabii celebrations

(Top and Left) Different scenes from Maulid celebrations in Eastleigh, Nairobi. (Middle photos) A Zefe procession from Sir Ali sports grounds through to Pangani mosque in Nairobi. (Below) Madina mosque along Mbagathi way maulid celebration.

The New Dawn | January 15 - February 1, 2014.

14

MUSLIM WORLD NEWS

Israeli settlers storm Al-Aqsa Mosque, climb Dome of the Rock

BY AGENCIES
Israeli settlers have stormed repeatedly Al-Aqsa Mosque compound over the last few days, and even climbed the Dome of the Rock Mosque. The settlers were led by the radical Rabbi Yehuda Glick, who is the former head of the Temple Institute. Witnesses reported that Rabbi Glick returned to storm the Al-Aqsa Mosque twice on Friday, joined by groups of Jewish settlers whom he lectured to about the alleged Temple. The settlers have now become accustomed to storming the mosque regularly, usually touring around the yards starting from the Mughrabi Gate and then going to Al-Marwani Mosque, Rahma Gate, Al-Asbat Gate and King Faisal Gate until the Alqtanin Gate, exiting from Al-Selselah Gate. However, this is the first incident where the settlers have climbed the Dome of the Rock Mosque. The General Director of Muslim Endowments and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs, Sheikh Azzam Al-Khatib, has condemned the incident and described it as a provocative and dangerous step. Meanwhile, the Islamic-Christian Committee to support Jerusalem and its holy sites issued a press statement affirming that the incident represents a flagrant violation against places of worship and pointing out that the Israeli occupation authorities have almost completed their efforts to Judaise Al-Aqsa Mosque and its surroundings and are preparing to announce it as a Jewish synagogue.

Indian Muslim scholars boycott drunkards funerals

Muslim baby boom for Britain

BY AGENCIES
Almost a 10th of babies and toddlers in England and Wales are Muslim, a breakdown of census figures shows. The percentage of Muslims among the under-fives is almost twice as high as in the general population. Fewer than one in 200 over-85s are Muslim, showing the extent to which birthrate is changing Britains religious demographic. One expert said it was foreseeable that Muslims who worshipped would outnumber practising Christians. Its not inconceivable, said David Voas, professor of population studies at the University of Essex. A breakdown of Britains religions and age groups was produced by the Office for National Statistics. The figures, seen by news agencies, were extracted from data collected for the 2011 census. They show there were 3.5 million children aged 0-4, of whom 320,000 were Muslim. That proportion is more than 9 per cent and compares with a total Muslim population among all age groups of less than 5 per cent. It certainly is a startling figure, said David Coleman, professor of demography at Oxford. We have had substantial immigration of Muslims for a long time ... There seem to be very low levels of falling away from religion among Muslims. Christians remain the largest religious group among those aged 0-4, at 1.5 million, or 43 per cent. Professor Voas said he saw no prospect of Muslims becoming a majority in Britain. Ibrahim Mogra, assistant secretarygeneral of the Muslim Council of Britain, said the large number of young Muslim children reflected the confidence that Muslims had in the country, encouraging them to bring up families here.

A Muslim funeral (janaza) procession. BY AGENCIES

Muslim clerics in a Bihar district have decided not to lead or offer janaza (funeral prayers) of drunkards. This decision was taken at a meeting by a group of Imams of Bihars Nalanda district. They earlier said they wont conduct marriage ceremony of those who give or take dowry. It is a historic decision not to offer funeral prayers of the drunkards who die. We hope that it will send a strong massage among Muslims not to consume liquor, Hafiz Maulana Mahtab Alam Makhdumi said. Makhdumi, who presided over the meeting of the Anjuman Faizane Mustafa Committee at Biharsharief, district headquarters of Nalanda, about 100 km from here, said that liquor is prohibited in Islam. He said it was decided to first socially boycott those drinking liquor in public places. We have urged people that drunkards should be socially boycotted but even after that if they fail to end their habit, we will not lead their funeral prayers, he said. Makhdumi told News Agencies over telephone that after much deliberations they took a final decision to end increasing trend of drinking among Muslims. The Muslim community has welcomed this move. It will help discourage consuming of liquors and sereve as a warning for drunkards, said Nayiar Fatmi, a Muslim activist in Patna. Makhdumi said that after this decision is successfully implemented in Nalanda, they would request Imams of other districts across Bihar to start similar campaigns.

Iyad Madani is 10th IOC secretary-general, aims to realise its vision

BY AGENCIES
Iyad Madani, former Saudi Haj and information minister, has taken charge as the new secretary-general of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation at the OIC headquarters in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Addressing a reception, Madani said he would continue his efforts in the service of the Ummah and for the success of its just causes. A secretary-general, whoever it may be, will be working to realize the vision of OIC leaders and bridge the gap between opinions on various issues, the new OIC chief said. He said OIC would continue its endeavors to strengthen cooperation among its 56 member countries, address their political and social issues and remove stereotypes against them. Madani is the first Saudi to become an OIC secretary-general and analysts said his appointment would have a big impact on strengthening the organisation. His appointment as the 10th secretary-general was endorsed by the 12th Islamic Summit in Cairo in February 2013. He replaces Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu who had been in the position since 2005. Madani was minister of Haj until 2005. Then he served as minister of culture and information from 2005 to 2009. He was appointed chairman of the board of directors of Knowledge Economic City in Madinah on March 10, 2012. He also serves as vice president of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Foundation for Housing Development.

CAR Muslims hide in churches to escape atrocities from on going sectarian war
In the Central African town of Boali, the local church has become a refuge for some 700 Muslims fleeing a flare-up in sectarian violence, part of a nationwide wave of unrest unleashed by a coup last March. Boali the resplendent welcomes you reads a sign at the entrance to the town, famed for its waterfalls around 100 kilometres (60 miles) north of the capital Bangui. A few metres into town, Saint-Peters parish offers a potent symbol of a countrywide tragedy: fear and hatred pitting Christian against Muslim, neighbour against neighbour, alleviated here and there by lone acts of kindness. No one knows for sure what touched off the fighting last Friday, but it has left at least seven people dead -- six Muslims and one Christian -- and several homes in ruins. Here, like elsewhere, the arrival of French troops charged with disarming the Muslim fighters terrorising the mostlyChristian country, has left Muslim civilians exposed to reprisals. Some 700 civilians, most of them women and children, have spent two nights under the churchs corrugated-iron roof, guarded by around 70 troops from the 1,600-strong French force in the country. For Sunday mass, Muslims have to step outside to make way for parishioners come to worship.

Iyad Madani, IOCs new Secretary General.

A Muslim man hides inside a church in Boali.

The New Dawn | January 15 - February 1, 2014.

SPORT
FOOTBALL FOOTBALL

15

Yaya Toure named African Chilean club dons jerseys with historic Palestinian map footballer of year
A Chilean football team founded by Palestinian immigrants in 1920 has refused to apologise for featuring a pre1948 map of Palestine on their official jersey, an act that has angered the countrys Jewish community. The Jewish community in Chile called the Palestinian club, known as Deprotico Palestino to remove the map. Palestino revealed its 2014 uniform with jerseys sporting a map of Palestine that includes Gaza, the West Bank and what territory that is now considered to be the State of Israel. The map replaces the numeral 1 in squad numbers. Jews have protested the political nature of the shirts to the football governing body FIFA. The Israeli foreign ministry had contacted the Chilean embassy to express its dissatisfaction over the issue. A statement by the Israeli embassy in Chile urged for avoid anti-Israeli provocations such as presenting a map in which the state of Israel appears as part of Palestinian territories, with the evident intention of denying the existence of Israel, Chilean newspaper La Nacion reported. The Palestinian Federation of Chile slammed the criticism in a statement, saying: We reject the hypocrisy of those who blame this map, and yet talk about the occupied territory as disputed territory.

Manchester United player, Yaya Toure.

Manchester City and Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya Toure has been named the Confederation of African Football (Caf) Footballer of the Year. It is a third straight title for Toure-a Muslim, who also won Decembers BBC African Footballer of the Year award. He was up against fellow Ivorian Didier Drogba, of Galatasaray, and Nigeria and Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi. What I am doing now, I am doing very well and I am very happy about that, Toure said after receiving his award. But he acknowledged that it had been a difficult choice for the national team coaches and technical directors who take part in the vote. It was quite tight - because it there were good opponents in front of me. Obi Mikel was doing well - and Drogba as well, so I was thinking maybe I would lose it. I am lucky today, I am very proud of myself, he said. Toure, 30, emulates Abedi Pele and Samuel Etoo with a hat-trick of wins. Ghanaian Abedi Pele won three in a row between 1991-93 while Cameroonian Etoo took the award from 2003-05. His closest rival for the Caf award was Mikel, 26, who helped Nigeria win the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa and also featured in Chelseas Europa League win.

The Chilean clubs jerseys that have drawn protests.

SPORTBRIEFS
FOOTBALL FOOTBALL

Abu Treika named best Africa-based player of 2013

Retired al-Ahly midfielder, Mohammad Abu Treika was named best Africabased player of the year by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), reports Egyptian news website al-Ahram. Egyptian Abu Treika, who already won the title three times, nabbed the award at the Glo-CAF Awards Gala held in Lagos, Nigeria. The 35-year old who helped al-Ahly to a record-extending eighth African Champions League title swept the prize at the expense of compatriot Ahmed Fathy and Sunday Mba of Nigeria. The midfielder, who hung up his boots last month after al-Ahlys participation in the FIFA Club World Cup, claimed the title in 2006, 2008 and 2012. Egyptian player Saleh Gomaa, who recently joined Portuguese team Nacional Madeira, was beaten out by Nigerias Kelechi Iheanacho for the title of Africas Most Promising Talent.

Egypt fourth best African team in FIFA ranking

Egypt has made the biggest improvement among African countries in the first 2014 FIFA World ranking to become fourth best team in Africa and 31st worldwide. The Pharaohs, winner of a record seven African Cup of Nations (CAN) trophies, climbed 10 places since the last ranking released in December 2013, according to the FIFA official website. The monthly ranking showed that the Egyptian football team surpassed the continents champions Nigeria. In the African ranking, Cote dIvoire leads the pack with 912 points and placed 17th in the world, followed by Ghana with 851 points and Algeria with 792 points. No movement in the top 25 was noted in the ranking with Spain still holding the lead over Germany and Argentina. Next months ranking is expected to bring novelty to the order as FIFA is due to include results from the African Nations Championship, the website reported. The African Nations Championship takes place from Jan. 11 till Feb. 1.

Arsenal tracking and keen on hiring Moroccan prodigy Monir el Haddadi

English football giant Arsenal is considering a move to sign Moroccan youngster Munir el Haddadi, according to a British daily news website. Arsenals coach Arsene Wenger said he is looking to add the teen striker, who is seen as the next Cesc Fabregas, to the Gunnerss squad. Wenger hopes the el Haddadi will follow in the footsteps of football star Fabregas and make the move from Barcelona to London. The18-year-old forward of Moroccan descent has moved through the Barcelonas famed La Masia academy and currently plays for Barcas Juvenil A side. However, Barcelona remains hopeful they can convince the teenager, who is rated as one of Barcas hottest prospects, to sign a long-term contract, according to the website. El Haddadis versatile style of playing out on the wings or in the central attacking role has helped him attract interest from clubs across Europe including Real Madrid and Manchester City.

Munir el Haddadi seen in action here is deemed as the next Cesc Fabregas by coach Wenger.

Rabi Ul Awwal 14, 1435 A.H January 15 - February 1, 2014.

SPORT: P15

Muslim community urged to help prevent radicalisation

BY THE NEW DAWN REPORTER
The government is looking into expanding to community engagement and development programmes to counter escalating extremism and radicalisation among Kenyan youths. Cabinet Secretary for Interior and Coordination of National Government, Joseph Ole Lenku called on Kenyans to cooperate and support the initiative, stressing that radicalism was a concern on national security and the government will not relent on threatening the countrys security. Speaking at the closing ceremony of a three days National Conference on security and countering violent extremism in Kenya held in Nairobi recently, Ole Lenku noted that extremism is a danger to many hence the need for concerted efforts to contain it and called on the leadership of the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (Supkem) to continue working closely with the Government in the fight against violent extremism, which continues to negatively affect the economic growth of the country and well-being of Kenyans. High prevalence of poverty in some Muslim dominated areas especially in parts of north-eastern, eastern and coast regions provide a fertile environment for extremist to lure young people into radicalism with promises of better life, said Ole Lenku. Lenku pointed out that individuals who perpetuate extremism leading to terrorism do so on their own and not as members of any religion, adding that they only hide behind religion as a lame excuse to divide Kenyans. I want to assure the Supkem leadership and indeed the entire Muslim community that at no time has the Government targeted them in the fight against violent extremism, he said. The event was conceived as one of the measures to help tame increasing extremism that appears to be growing rapidly in Kenya leading to terror attacks therefore posing a threat to national security. Lenku said poor integration in the society was the main cause of perception of exclusion among a section of the Muslim community especially the youth, adding that this makes them prone to radical opinions hence push them to engage in violent extremism.

Lamu and Mambrui set for Maulid celebrations

A past Maulid celebration in Lamu.

LAMU
BY MBARAK ABUCHERI
abucherimbarak@yahoo.com
About 60,000 Muslims from within Coast region as well as parts of East and Central Africa and Middle East are expected to congregate at the ancient Swahili towns of Lamu and Mambrui for what is expected to be the climax of Maulid celebrations in Kenya. The events are set to commence on January 30 to 1 February, 2014. The occasion is celebrated by remembering the favours bestowed by Allah on Muslim community. The first of these favours is the revelation of the Holy Quran with its instructions and the second is the institution of an everlasting guide the Holy Prophet Mohammed (SAW) who would advise and guide the believers to the path of the righteous. As a build-up to this illustrious occasion, various activities will take place which will include a medical camp, Quran recitation and memorization competitions, Qasida (Islamic poems) sporting activities, Swahili wedding and heena designs (for ladies only) According to Lamu medical camp

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coordinator Dr. Abubakar Badawy, this year over 80 doctors and medical professionals have confirmed their participation and are expected to attend to more than 5,000 patients and operate on 150 Maulid participants. Among the services to be offered include medical, dental and surgical procedures, Voluntary Counseling and Testing of HIV/AIDS and STIs, health talks, First Aid services and demonstrations, male circumcisions using the revolutionary Alis klamp Device, breast and cervical cancer awareness campaign, deworming and parasitic awareness campaign and many others. In the spirit of humanitarian service and good will, the doctors appeal to all well wishers and friends to join this noble initiative through any generous offer of professional services, ideas, guidance and materials. This will be the 12th year the medical camp being held. Milad-Un-Nabii (birth anniversary of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) celebrations, usually referred to as Maulid is an annual event that began in the coastal town of Lamu 103 years ago. Over the years it has developed and become one of the most spectacular religious events cum tourist attractions in East Africa.

Garissa Muslims call for holiday to mark Prophets (SAW) birth

BY THE NEW DAWN REPORTER
Muslims in Garissa have called on the government to declare Maulid-Un-Nabii, the day Muslims commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), an official public holiday. Speaking at the Garissa Primary School grounds after holding processions to mark the day, Hassan Ibrahim, Secretary General of the Ahlsunna Waljamaa Community called on the authorities to move with speed and make the day an official holiday to enable hundreds of Muslims to celebrate it. He called on legislators to table a motion in Parliament for government to make it a public holiday. At Christmas, we get two public holidays, why not this day? Ibrahim said.

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