The article discusses a forum held by the Kenya Muslim Youth Alliance (KMYA) and the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) in Garissa to address the recent rise in grenade and machine gun attacks in the town. The forum revealed that many local residents are unwilling to help security forces because of past mistreatment and victimization. Participants called on the government to rethink its security strategy by establishing structures to incorporate local community input. However, some fear this could escalate tensions between Muslims and Christians if attacks targeting "outsiders" continue. The sophisticated nature of some attacks also suggests involvement beyond local groups.

1. Abdulsatar: A man with a Mariam Ahmed
vision for empowerment talks about her
of Muslims-P5 UNFPA award-P7
Special Feature Marhaba Magazine
Vol. 07 Issue N0: 5
January 1 - January 15, 2012. (Safar 7, 1433 A.H) www.thenewdawn.info
Forum asks
Govt to rethink s
security strategy
Residents of Garissa and neighbouring districts say foreigners are carrying
out terror attacks in North Eastern with help from local accomplices
Photo: Iddi Musyemi
Religious and community leaders confer during the KMYA forum on security challenges in Garissa.
By Hassan Ole Naado
Muslims candidates perform poorly in 2011 KCPE
M
istrust between security agencies and the civilian By Fauzia Wangare
population in the frontline regions bordering Somalia
may jeopardise Kenya’s military operation against the
al-Shabaab militant group and even frustrate ongoing For the second year running, Muslim students have once again
homeland security efforts. performed poorly as others had their results cancelled due to
A grassroots crisis meeting organised over the Christmas weekend irregularities.
by the Kenya Muslim Youth Alliance (KMYA) in collaboration with At the Coast, students at Ganjoni Intergrated Mixed Primary
the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) to discuss School saw their results withheld by the Ministry of Education. In
the sudden rise of grenade and machinegun attacks in Garissa Town Mombasa County the highest scorer managed 437 marks while the
revealed that many residents of North Eastern Province are unwilling least had 428; Lamu County the highest had 406 and least scored
to assist the government arrest perpetrators of these attacks and even 371; Garissa 416 and the least 399; Mandera 414 and the least 378;
prevent some of the attacks because security agents simply ignore their Wajir had 406 and the least 395.
input or end up victimising the very people who volunteer information. County-wise among the top 20, Wajir was at position 13 while
Mandera stood at position 20 as Garissa came in at number 22.
Continued on Pg 2

2. 2 / National News The New Dawn
January 1 - January 15, 2012.
Rethink security strategy, forum tells Govt
Continued from Pg 1 situation in Garissa is very dynamic and, therefore,
requires thinking “outside the box.”
For example, a fact-finding mission organised “The government is relying on the same old
by KMYA was told that the brutality visited upon informers to gather intelligence. But today we are
good Samaritans who rushed to assist security dealing with sophisticated criminals and that is why
officers injured when an explosive device blew up we need the input of local people or officers who
the vehicle they were riding in around the Daadab understand the local society better in order to deal
refugee camp has discouraged local people from with crime in Garissa,” Mr Mohamed said.
assisting the government in security matters. In this regard, there is a feeling in Garissa,
“We fear victimisation and that is why we and the entire North Eastern region, that the
would rather say nothing and run away when our government should rethink its security strategy
help is needed. Youth leaders recently reported in this region by establishing mutually beneficial
that they came across people planting devices near structures through which local people can play a
the refugee camp and when they reported to the more active and beneficial role in policing activities.
police, they were instead beaten and locked up for They said that lack of arrests and arraignment
interrogation as suspects,” a local youth leader said. in court of suspected perpetrators of the Garissa
Since Kenya deployed the military in Somalia attacks showed lack of concern by the government
to pursue al-Shabaab militants that have lately posed hence encouraging more attacks.
a serious threat to the country’s national security, a “We expected swift action in arresting and
series of deadly grenade and improvised explosive arraigning in court people who carried out attacks
devises (IEDs) attacks have been carried out against in Garissa the way the police have done in similar
certain establishments and residences where close to situations in Nairobi and Mombasa. But given that
ten people, including children and women, have been nobody has been arrested for the Garissa attacks,
wounded and killed. we believe the government does not care or is not
This turn of events has raised concern among serious,” said Sheikh Salat.
grassroots leaders in Garissa, with many of them They also said that the long history of
wondering what has become of Garissa—a town Kenya Defence Forces personnel on patrol. exclusion has created lack of interest by the local
that was two years ago voted the safest town in East community to cooperate with government in
and Central Africa. security matters. The icy relationship between locals
Sheikh Salat, however, denounced the attacks and insisting on archaic methods of policing.
“Why have we suddenly made this about-turn and the government machinery had made it difficult
and those who facilitate them saying; “Islam itself A youth representative said that the recent
on peace and security when we were just voted the for a bigger population to volunteer information on
means peace and every local resident of Garissa attacks in Garissa seem to have been carried out
most peaceful and safest town in the entire East criminal activities to the authorities not because they
who claims to be a Muslim must first and foremost with a lot of sophistication, thus pointing to the
and Central Africa region? Why have we suddenly fear to give such information, but because they lack
embrace peace.” fact that those who carried them out are people with
lost our humanity and where did the rain start confidence in the government machinery.
He said that Muslims cannot practice their advanced military training.
beating us?” posed Sheikh Abdullahi Sirat, a senior The youth said they were not involved in
religion and worship effectively in the absence of “The people who did these things appear to be
SUPKEM official who hails from Garissa. security arrangements in the region yet they are
peace, and that is why it is incumbent upon all well-trained beyond the capacity of local police. This
The recent attacks have targeted people the ones who bear the brunt of police operations
Muslims to preach peace in their communities. is why the local police should seek new methods of
perceived to be “outsiders”, a situation KMYA and whenever there is an attack.
“The five pillars of Islam cannot thrive where tracking down these criminals by being proactive and
SUPKEM fear could create religious and ethnic According to them, the kind of attacks being
there is no peace and security, and that is why not waiting for attacks to occur and then swing into
animosity between Muslims and Christians in this carried out in Garissa, including the explosions
Allah has made it incumbent upon all Muslims to action when it is already too late and start harassing
region and spill-over to other parts of the country. targeted at security personnel in the refugee camps
embrace peace and commanded Muslims to protect innocent people,” said Aden Barre, a youth leader.
Security agencies and other analysts see these in Daadab and Ifo, are undertaken with the
the weak and innocent in society including securing Barre added that since the conduct of Kenya
attacks as “revenge” carried out by al-Shabaab sophistication that is beyond the comprehension of
the safety of people of other religions,” Sheikh Salat security agents is very predictable, foreign elements
sympathisers in Kenya who view Kenya’s military “traditional” security committees. Hence, there is a
said. come to Garissa to carry out attacks and sneak out
campaign in Somalia as a Christian crusade against need to incorporate young people in these security
The meeting that brought together youth, knowing very well that the police will later swing
Muslims and Somalis. committees so that they can bring on board new
women, religious and community leaders provided into action to harass local innocent people. This, he
“It is wrong and unacceptable for anyone skills of tracking down such sophisticated criminals.
a platform where participants spoke candidly about said, has encouraged the attackers to perpetuate their
of us to interpret the ongoing Kenya military Because of the apathy they have towards
the recent wave of attacks in Garissa and its environs. criminal activities with impunity.
operation in Somalia as a war against the entire government machinery, the youth also admitted that
Majority of participants conceded that as much Another youth leader, Musa Mohamed, blamed
Somali community and use it as an excuse to attack some young people are being recruited into terror
as the local people bear the greatest responsibility security agents for ignoring the input of local
innocent people elsewhere. Have we suddenly groups where they feel they are more useful.
for the attacks because they have allowed criminal people, saying that as long as the police continue
forgotten that Kenya’s defence minister is one of us? But despite the challenges, participants resolved
elements to operate from their midst, the security relying on their “traditional” intelligence gathering
So how can anyone say that the operation in Somalia to use their grassroots networks and influence to
agencies are also to blame for not being proactive systems, they will not get anywhere because the
is a campaign against Muslims or Somalis?” Sheikh restore and protect peace in Garissa, pointing out
Sirat added. that there is no excuse whatsoever for someone or a
Sheikh Mohamed Salat, a local Imam, said the group of people to create instability in Garissa.
attacks in Garissa have a direct link to the incursion “We must restore and protect the pride of
into Somalia by the Kenya’s Defence Forces (KDF) Garissa as the safest and most peaceful town, and
three months ago.
He said that militant youths from Somalia
The explosions targeted at security personnel in the that is why all of us must work together,” said
Sheikh Sirat.
have since been crossing into Kenya to carry out
retaliatory attacks against certain targets and that
refugee camps in Daadab and Ifo, are undertaken He conceded that the attacks targeted at certain
people perceived to be “outsiders” were placing the
a few locals from several parts of North Eastern with the sophistication that is beyond the town on a dangerous trajectory and called upon
Province, who are sympathetic to the Al-Shabaab
course, are involved in facilitating the attacks. comprehension of traditional security committees... the government to support the peace efforts being
initiated by local leaders.
Issues of Concern
1. KMYA has noted that if wave of people other communities get to feel given that the country is headed into a like declaring Garissa a security
attacks against perceived “outsiders” that their brethren are being targeted in crucial election year. operation and probably impose
in Garissa is not addressed, it could Garissa, they may also launch revenge 3. The attacks targeted at perceived martial law in the region like it did
easily escalate into a full-blown inter- attacks against members of the Somali “outsiders” in Garissa are also likely to during the Shifta war. Given the
religious conflict. community living and doing business complicate Kenya’s military operation economic developments that Garissa
2. People of the Somali community in other parts of the country. Such a in Somalia, especially given the has recorded in peace time, nobody
in Garissa should realise that there situation is likely to plunge the country fact that Garissa itself is a strategic would like martial law to be declared
are very many members of their into another undesirable inter-ethnic military outpost as far as the war in in this region again because this will
community spread across other parts conflict that Kenya is not ready to find Somalia is concerned. If not addressed kill the entrepreneurial spirit of the
of the country where they are doing itself in especially after the experience diplomatically, it could prompt the people of Garissa and scare away
very successful business. Hence, if of the 2008 post-election violence and government to employ drastic measures investors, leading to economic decline.

3. The New Dawn
January 1 - January 15, 2012. National News / 3
COUNTY BRIEFS
New Kadhi named for Western Province
By A. Okinda and Muslims in the region have been traveling all economic development. promoting understanding and co-existence among
Mbarak Abucheri the way to Kisumu to be served by Nyanza Kadhi Sheikh Atero noted that forms of disunity the Muslims community and area residents.
Sheikh Mohammed Rashid as the conventional displayed by some Muslims were uncalled for as However, Sheikh Atero castigated Muslim
KAKAMEGA: Muslim community in Western courts in the region could not handle matters they had no Islamic basis. He further pointed out scholars who spend too much time on irrelevant,
province has good reason to celebrate following under the jurisdiction of the Kadhis courts. that the apparent disunity was impacting negatively trivial and divisive issues leading to the neglect
the official appointment and subsequent Kadhis courts deal with domestic cases on development issues for Muslims in the region. of more pressing issues facing the Muslim
posting of new kadhi by Chief Kadhi Sheikh including marriages, divorce, inheritance and child Addressing worshipers at Kakamega Jamia community.
Ahmad Muhdhar. neglect. Mosque in his maiden speech end of December He singled out poverty, unemployment
Sheikh Kassim Atero is already stationed At the same time, the newly appointed Kadhi 2011, Sheikh Atero promised that during among Muslims youth, drugs, declining Muslims
at Bungoma law courts. The region has for Kassim Atero called on Muslims in the region to his tenure as Western Kadhi his office will be education standards and moral decadence as some
more than a year been without a judicial officer embrace peace, unity and Islamic brotherhood an embodiment of unity and will work on of the challenges being experienced in the Muslim
leading to backlog of cases. in order to forge ahead in political and social consolidating unity and peace geared towards community.
Bondeni change agents
fight gender based violence
By Abdul Fatahou Laye
NAKURU: On the surface, many marriages
appear to be in a harmonious environment with
love, care and affection attached to it, yet when
you go deeper things are not what they seem to
be.
That is exactly what the change agents
from Bondeni have been doing this December.
The change makers have been educating those
from Bondeni and other places where they are
implementing UNDP Amkeni Wakenya’s project
on human rights under the bill of rights.
In the Muslim community, women who are
not well versed with Islamic and secular teachings
are some of the people that are suffering silently
and this is because they are protecting their
marriages due to the high rate of living that
is being witnessed not only here in Kenya but
globally.
Muslims of Kakamega
Prison appeal for Mosque
By Iddi Musyemi
KAKAMEGA: Muslims in Kakamega GK
Prison are in dire need of Islamic facilities that
will accommodate right to practice their faith
inside the incarceration precincts.
The Muslim population includes both
prisoners and civil servants who work in the
prison including children.
The Provincial Maalim Abdallah Omar
said that there is need for Muslim community to
help in completing a Mosque inside the prison
in which all Muslims in the precincts will benefit
from.
The prison holds and average of 100
Muslim prisoners including women who are
sentenced for various crimes in Kakamega.
The construction of brick walled Mosque
is already going on but more materials are still
needed to complete the construction.
Maalim Omar says that due to limited
government’s budget they are only provided with
land and the rest is up to them to seek their
community’s help in building the facilities.
When completed, the Mosque will cater for
prisoners, warders and their children as a place for
prayers and learning.
Omar says they will need Qurans, books,
prayer mats and any other materials that can be
donated to help in the education of facility users.
At the meantime Omar, who is in charge of
Muslim prisoners and prison warders’ welfare in
the Western province, is appealing to Muslims to
help in completion of Kakamega GK prison and
over see in its running.

4. The New Dawn
4 / Advertiser’s Feature January 1 - January 15, 2012.
Human rights awareness forums
held in Nakuru and Isiolo
Peace street demonstrations in Isiolo during the International Human Rights Day. A similar one was held in Nakuru.
T
he International Human Rights Wamwere told the participants that things law limited workers of the same tribe to only They youth were taught how and who to
day in Nakuru and Isiolo was were not settled yet even with the passing 33% in each government institution. approach in the community and that they have
commemorated with different of the constitution. He cautioned the youth Bomet also added the era of police a place in the running of their affairs in the
activities that brought together youth, a about thinking that all was well and that even shooting innocent people and getting community.
former politician, and officers from Provincial though human rights were secured by the transferred was long gone. The Kenya Muslim Youth Alliance Rift
Administration and National Cohesion and constitution, it would need their vigilance Youth learning circles Valley Regional Coordinator Fadhili Msuri
Integration Commission. to ensure that the implementation process In Isiolo over forty youth benefited promised a spirit of partnership with the
Provincial Peace Forum Coordinator involves them. from training aimed at addressing human community and encouraged networking
Peter Waweru flagged off a procession in Koigi took issue with the small number rights issues, leadership and governance and among all participants.
Nakuru where participants of Human Rights of youth who attended the meeting but constitution implementation to enhance Programme Director of KMYA
Defenders gathered at Kenya Railway open said he was encouraged by the presence of proper participation in the matters of the Abdulhamid Sakar said that the programme
space and walked to Nakuru Players’ Theatre. government officials to celebrate the day community. carried out by UNDP AMKENI WA
Waweru said that the government did with the community. Previously, Koigi said, Those who attended the meeting said that KENYA aimed at highlighting importance of
appreciate the meeting held in Nakuru. He government officials would be sucked for insecurity was a threat to their human rights human rights.
asked the youth to avoid that bad culture of attending such forums. in the area. They cited banditry and killings as He said that there was need for people
violence which marks every general elections Reverend Lawrence Bomet from causes of insecurity. to know about their constitution so as not to
year. The internally displaced persons would the National Cohesion and Integration The training which was held at the Rural break the law. The aim of this programme was
be settled by government according to their Commission said that tribal balancing in Agricultural Training Centre ensured that to provide civic education.
rights as enshrined in the constitution, he said. government had been taken care of by the law. participants were introduced to the concept The International Human Rights Day is
Former MP for Subukia Koigi wa The NCIC commissioner said that the of learning circles. celebrated every year on December 10th.
This message is sponsored by the Amkeni WaKenya and UNDP in partnership with the Kenya Muslim Youth Alliance.
The views expressed herein emerged purely from activities of the project itself and do not in any way represent the
position of the Amkeni WaKenya or UNDP.
Kenya Muslim Youth Alliance, P.O Box 27592-00100, Nairobi-Kenya. Tel:254-(0)20-3861530/1
Email:info@kenyamuslims.org Website:www.kenyamuslims.org

5. The New Dawn
January 1 - January 15, 2012. Feature / 5
Abdulsatar: A man with a vision
for empowerment of Muslims
By Iddi Musyemi community.” run? handouts. “They should stop the culture of
Abdulsatar believes that the whole “Such an organization can assist in such a Omba! Omba! They should wake up and engage
community has to participate in the process throughout the year without necessarily in income generating activities or businesses no
development of any project aimed at helping waiting for long periods.” matter how minor they may be,” he says.
A
them so that they can own and identify with Abdulsatar refers to examples from other “Muslim youth look down upon and shy
bdulsatar is not a stranger to regular it. Coming together for a noble purpose also Muslim countries where such funds have been away from engaging in shoe-shining businesses,
listeners and contributors of nurtures the bond and unites Muslims. used to establish Muslim media like TV and selling groceries, maize roasting, and newspaper
Nairobi based Muslim radio station Although his ideas have received lukewarm radio stations that can enhance the Muslim vending yet such activities can make them earn
95.1 Iqra fm. acceptance he has not given up. He blames agenda. a living. They instead prefer to stay mitaani
He is the regular caller to the station’s talk the failures of Muslim community on various Even though modest (residential estates) chewing their youthful
shows whose every sentence is constructed with situations which he believes need to be worked with his achievements, energies away through miraa,” he
need for Muslim development. His Indian out. he reveals that a says exasperated.
accented Swahili has given him a unique profile. “Muslims are good at talking but poor in network of family, The retired businessman
Through his voice he has drawn pictures of translating their ideas into meaningful action.” friends and well- has four grown-up children
development that we all need to work towards if What also infuriates Abdulsatar is the wishers has helped and resides in Pangani,
Muslims are to succeed in this life. enormous amount of money spent every in construction of Nairobi. In fact, one
Muslims are yet to establish basic Islamic weekend on miraa (khat). The millions of Kayole’s Matopeni of his sons is with the
institutions such as universities, hospitals, and shillings wasted on the illicit stimulant would Madina Mosque Maahad group. He is also
schools to cater for the community. This is have been of much use if they were channelled among other a grandfather to several
despite the fact that Muslim entrepreneurs and towards Mosques and Madrassa schools. initiatives to grandchildren.
businessmen hold enormous economic power Corruption has also dealt a serious blow up lift the lives Muslims have been
with interests in petroleum and transport, and eaten into the goodwill of Muslims willing of recipient endowed by Allah with
banking and finance, and real estate industries. to donate their cash but not sure whether the community. great wealth in general,
Muslims have preferred personal funds will be handled in a transparent manner. Meanwhile, he says. But satan does
development at the expense of community, “We need leadership and trustworthy Abdulsatar does not want to see Muslims
if the facts are to go by. One man has added people who can manage such funds,” he says. not mince words develop from this wealth.
and sustained his voice to what less influential To prove that he is not chasing an about begging “We need to follow the
Muslims have silently been yearning. Where unachievable dream, Abdulsatar crunches youth and is teaching in Islam and forge
many have shied away from speaking loudly this numbers of how Muslims can develop. furious at them unity.”
man has continuously spoken with hope that “A Mosque with a capacity of 30,000 for their love of
people will listen and act. worshippers can collect Sh300,000 if each
When The New Dawn met the 75 year old Muslim donates as little as Sh10 every Friday,”
Abdulsatar Kassim, his message was the same. he says.
He is aware of the vast ground to be covered If the over 150 Mosques scattered in and
and the sooner we begin the better. around Nairobi were to do the same, Muslims
“Pepo haipatikani bure” says the visionary could collect up to thirty million shillings
Abdulsatar. “This is what has kept me going.” every Friday.
Abdulsatar believes Muslims would develop Zakat also creates an avenue
it they shift expectations to the hereafter for pooling funds together for the
and work for paradise than for just profits. betterment of Muslims. The
According to him, working for the grace of synergies that can be brought
Allah is more profitable and is also sadakatul forth from Zakat are yet to
jaria (reward from God even after an individual’s be fully exploited. Abdulsatar
death). compares this third pillar of Islam
Abdulsatar has repeatedly called for creative with rainfall: If the water is not
and progressive initiatives by Muslims for the harnessed in dams, it wastes away
Muslims not only in urban areas but everywhere on the land.
Muslims live. For the last ten years he has called “This will give rise to Baitul
for establishment of schools and hospitals Mal where resources can be
which are basic institutions that affect greatly brought under one roof, managed
Muslim communities everywhere. and disbursed in an appropriate
“I have been urging Muslims to donate manner to those who need
one shilling every Friday towards initiating self- help without discrimination,”
help projects like building mosques, Madrassa Abdulsatar says.
schools, and drilling boreholes among the “Modalities and conditions
for disbursement can be
established through a revolving
fund where recipients can get
loans to engage in business and
repay to as to assist others.”
Abdulsatar says Umma
Muslims are good Foundation under Zul Nimji has
been exemplary in steering the
at talking but poor community into realization of
in translating their development which is close to his
vision and dream.
ideas into meaningful “Why wait for Ramadhan to
give handouts that do not help the Mr Abdulsatar Kassim.
action... needy will not work in the long

6. The New Dawn
6 / Editorial January 1 - January 15, 2012.
Commentary
Prophets of doom should
The New Dawn is published twice a month.
Kenya Muslim Youth Alliance,
stop predicting poll chaos
Ngong Road, Nairobi.
P.O Box 27592-00100, Nairobi-Kenya. By Mohamed Kahiye That is the state in which foreign Violence.
Tel:254-(0)20-3861530/20-3861531/ 0732 550 440 diplomats in our country continue to So, reminding Kenyans from time
Email: editor@thenewdawn.info preach openly the probability of another to time that there will be recurrence of
N
Website:www.thenewdawn.info ew Year and new resolutions is post poll chaos in the country without any similar painful moments after 2012
the message across the country. action on the government side. elections is not promoting peace but like
Safar 7, 1433 A.H 2011 was certainly a year Extensive reforms in the Judiciary, telling the people to be ready for another
of mixed reactions - bad, good and ugly; devolved county government, reduction period of violence.
Muslims should but the new constitution should unite and of presidential powers, establishment As we approach the 2012
make us forget our old bad memories for of Truth Justice and Reconciliation electioneering period, all we need as
change attitude
the betterment of our country. Commission to look into the historical Kenyans is peace and prosperity to prevail
As a patriotic citizen who cares about injustices and the establishment of in our country. Foreign diplomats and
a credible electoral body the Interim visitors should stop wishing us a bad luck
towards education
the future of this beautiful and peaceful
country there is one thing that has Independent and Boundaries Commission by recalling our weaknesses but instead
captured my attention that needs expert (IIEBC), are the among the efforts of the help us in the way forward.
analysis or careful discussion whatever you Coalition Government to wipe out the Let us all hope and work for a happy
The 2011 KCPE performance was said to be the best in three may call it. bad memories of 2007/08 Post Election and prosperous new year 2012.
years, with more than 5000 candidates scoring above the 400
mark out of the maximum 500. But “best performance” could
Letters of the week
not be said of Muslims because many candidates from Muslim-
dominated regions in Coast Province posted some of the worst
results.
A picture of crestfallen hijab-clad candidates of Ganjoni
Integrated Mixed Primary School published in the December 31
issue of one of the local dailies told it all—KCPE results of these
Will strikes become a way of life in 2012?
candidates were withheld by the Kenya National Examinations
Council on allegations that there were irregularities during the
taking of the exams. Although Coast Provincial Director of
Education Tom Majani pledged to set up special committees to
probe the cause of poor examination results in the region, there
are no prizes for guessing what these committees will establish.
But Prime Minister Raila Odinga was spot-on when he
commented on the overall KCPE performance. As much as he
congratulated the class of 2011 for a job well-done, he lamented
over the poor performance in Coast Province, saying that this
dismal performance was a manifestation of the marginalization
that coastal people have been subjected to over the years. He,
however, expressed optimism that the coming into force of the
devolved system of government would assist uplift education
standards in such marginalized areas.
He cited poor staffing and inadequate investment in
education facilities as some of the factors contributing to poor
education standards in marginalized areas, but pointed out that
the establishment of the Equalization Fund to uplift marginalized
communities would help address inequalities in society.
However, as much as marginalization is to blame for poor Previous nation wide strikes by teachers and doctors.
examination performance in certain regions of the country, First, it was the teachers strike then came the All have one reason to seek better but this should be done in an orderly and
Muslims should also reflect upon themselves and find solutions doctor’s strike, Postal Corporation workers’ working conditions and standards but their organised way bearing in mind that we are
to the problems that plague their education systems. First and strike and now a matatu and Kenya National all Kenyans united by blood and divided by
intention is salary increament. However,
foremost, many Muslims in Kenya have a poor attitude towards Union of Teachers strike is once again greed. So lets take care for each other because
one wonders how important is a salary
the conventional education system.
looming. increament than the life of a Kenyan for we are in ‘house’ called Kenya and we must
It is a pity that some extremist ideology that considers
Therefore it is not wrong to say that doctors, education of a Kenyan child and live together.
conventional education un-Islamic has been allowed to permeate
some Muslim communities, especially at the Coast, thus causing October, November and December 2011 as so on? Barre Madey,
Muslim children to shun formal education. Parents who also the official month of strikes in Kenya. It is not wrong to seek salary increament Nairobi.
subscribe to such ideology end up not taking the education of
their children seriously. KCPE results prove NEP Shiekh Mahmoud
In this regard, when the probe committees that Mr Majani
plans to establish finally embark on their work, Muslims should has the potential to do wonders was a great Imam
be prepared to be honest with themselves and address the
The recent release of the KCPE results meant schools in the country with a mean score of I congratulate the New Dawn for its
influence of extremist ideology that discourages children from
many things to many people especially to 370.48. special feature on the late Sheikh
pursuing formal education. Muslims must not forget that even
the residents of north eastern Kenya which This is indeed an indication that despite Mahmud Suleiman, his life and work.
before the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was commanded
performed quite well. being among the marginalized regions in I was also surprised to learn that many
to offer prayers or fast, he was commanded to read and seek
Wajir County which seemed to be Kenya, NEP has the potential to be a leader in
knowledge. And among his last words before he died, the Holy of the prominent Sheikhs and Imams
favoured by the good performance was rated education development.
Prophet told Muslims to seek knowledge everywhere it is found were lucky to be students of the Sheikh
13th out 47 counties with Islamic Call
in all corners of the globe—even if it is found in China. He Mahmoud. Lets all aspire to be like him.
Foundation primary school emerging the Adow Gabow,
also said that knowledge is the best inheritance that a parent can Habiba Musa, Kericho.
9th among the 10th best performed public Wajir.
bequeath his children.
In this regard, there should no excuse whatsoever for Muslims DISCLAIMER: Views and opinions expressed in this paper are not necessarily those of The Kenya Muslim Youth Alliance.
to shun education. Muslim leaders, imams and parents should The Editor welcomes brief letters on topical issues.
rethink their attitude towards education and start playing a Tel:+254-(0)20-386153/1 or 0732 550 440
key role in investing in the education of their children. Islamic Email: editor@thenewdawn.info
institutions and Muslims at large should also start investing Or SMS: 0710 30 08 48
seriously in formal education the way they invest in madrassas. The Editor reserves the right to edit all letters for length and clarity.

7. Marhaba Women|P9
About Khadijah bint Khuwaylid-
The Mother of Believers
Marhaba
Sunday
January 1 - January 15, 2012. (Safar 7, 1433 A.H) Kid’s Corner|P10
Mariam Ahmed
talks about her
UNFPA award
By Farida Mwangi treated with dignity and respect.”
Although she would rather avoid the
fanfare of winning such a prestigious award,
Iqra Radio features reporter says that her
M
recognition is borne out of something she
any people will not hesitate started working on since childhood.
to bask in the glory of “Ever since I was in school I loved
their achievement when journalism,” Mariam says while exuding the
they get recognition from confidence of a battlefield commander. “It’s
their peers for exceptional not something I picked up while in college,”
performance in a given field. she adds.
But Mariam Ahmed falls in the category of
the few who would shy away from or choose to Continued on Pg 8
avoid the limelight that comes with being feted
for exceptional achievement. To comment on this story go to:
“Whenever possible, I would always avoid www.thenewdawn.info
the limelight,” Mariam told The New Dawn
during an interview for this column.
She has a passion for community
development and has used her profession as
a journalist to find ways of connecting with
women and children in order to articulate issues
concerning their education. And for her efforts,
she won the 2011 United Nations Population
Fund and Kenya Media Network on Population
and Development Award.
The UNFPA website states: “The United
Nations Population Fund is an international
Mariam Ahmed
development agency that promotes the right displays the
of every woman, man and child to enjoy a trophies she won.
life of health and equal opportunity. UNFPA
supports countries in using population data
for policies and programmes to reduce poverty
and to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted,
every birth is safe, every young person is free
of HIV/AIDS, and every girl and woman is Pix: Mohamed Kahiye

8. 8
The New Dawn
Marhaba|Cover Story January 1 - January 15, 2012.
Radio journalist talks
about her UNFPA award
Continued from Pg 7
Mariam believes that gender and
population issues are as important to the
Muslim community as studying Quran and
Islam are. While people have committed their
time to studying and understanding Quran,
very few have looked at gender issues and
growth of population and how it affects the
community.
She thinks that a lot of time is
spent on either religious discussions or
political activities when it comes to mass
communication at the expense of what
greatly affects women, children and the entire
community.
“When you talk about family planning
most of the time people confuse you with
advocating for abortion,” she says.
That two are not the same and she has set
out to work on a way of educating Muslim
community on the difference and making them
aware that while abortion is strictly limited in
Islam, family planning is widely supported.
“Quran has given women at least two Pix: Mohamed Kahiye
years to breast feed their children,” she says. Mariam Ahmed with part of the Iqra FM crew gather to celebrate the award.
“Getting pregnant in this period affects both
the mother and breastfeeding child.”
Family planning also involves reducing WHAT IS the Kenya Media Network on Population and Development
child mortality and ensuring that children
are brought up in a conducive environment
(KEMEP) AWARD?
K
which allows them love of their parents, good enya Media Network on features and research data on aspects Children’s Fund, United Nations
nutrition, and stable home. Population and Development of population and development from Population Fund, the National
In her weekly show Mseto aired on Iqra (KEMEP) is a network of professional around the country and the world at Coordinating Agency for Population
she relates social challenges in light of Islam journalists and media managers large. and Development, the Truth Justice
and sciences in order to educate her audience whose interest and speciality lies The award winners are awarded and reconciliation Commission and
and avail them with necessary information in covering and producing news a state-of-the-art laptop computer, Federation of Women Lawyers.
needed for making certain decisions. and features on issues related to modem, trophy, mobile phone and a It is noted that population growth
The two feature stories that won her the population, reproductive health, certificate. had a direct impact on the nation’s
award touched base in increase in population youth, gender and development. The 5th KEMEP award 2011 economy, quality of life, education
and factors that lead to child mortality rates It aims at strengthening the edition ceremony to award the best and employment and that population
and how to overcome them. coverage of issues concerning journalists of the year who had gone figures meant nothing unless they
95.1 Iqra FM is a community radio population and development and ahead to do gender and social stories were properly translated by the
established in 2000 to broadcast mainly to the to increase access to timely news, was co-sponsored by United Nations media.
Muslim community. It broadcasts in Swahili,
English, Somali and Urdu to cater for the OTHER MUSLIM JOURNALISTS WHO HAVE WON THE AWARD
needs of specific audience in educating and
Abjata Khalif: Nasra Hussein: Hussein and Abjata both come from
informing on Islam. It has also Arabic and
Khalif won the award in 2010 Nasra also won the award in 2010 Northern Kenya and their stories
Kikuyu programmes which are held weekly.
and she is the coordinator of and she is from The Star FM. were a clear indication that the
Mariam has gained influence on her
the Garissa Content Centre Nasra won the best radio journalist practice is an issue of
audience and her programme is among the
won the best print journalist on FGM. concern in the area.
most followed on the radio station.
in the FGM category for the
“I feel good when a follower of my show
headline story ‘Horrors of the Decker Hassan:
calls in with a message of thanks that keeps me Wedding night’. Decker won the 2011
going’’ she admits.
Best Presenter Award
She holds a diploma in journalism and The story which was in the Vernacular
media studies from Universal College and published in the Reject Category aired over
a Photo journalism certificate from Kenya newspaper highlighted Kenya Broadcasting
Polytechnic University Collage in Nairobi. the plight of young men Corporation (KBC)
Her fans should be ready for a more in northern Kenya Somali Station.
informative and educative programme because who endure
she is not about to take a rest. psychological Mariam Ahmed:
She is currently researching on her vast trauma from the Mariam Ahmed of Iqra
field of complicated issues in order to find a effects of FGM on FM.
simple solution to be communicated to her their brides which in
audience and encourage them to change. turn affects their
She says that her recognition has boosted marriages.
her efforts and wouldn’t disappoint her fans. Mariam Ahmed.

9. 9
The New Dawn
January 1 - January 15, 2012. Marhaba|Women
About Khadijah bint Khuwaylid
By Fauzia Wangare ibn Asad, since her father had died. to thy kinsfolk, kind to thy neighbours, charitable Khadijah marriage lasted 25 years together and
However, it was Abu Talib, Muhammad’s to the poor, hospitable to the stranger, faithful to she had given birth to five of his children. The
uncle, who delivered the marriage sermon saying, thy word, and ever a defender of the truth?” Prophet (SAW) placed her in the rank of four
K
“All praise is due to Allah Who has made us Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her) perfect women, with the sister of Moses, the
hadijah bint Khuwaylid or the progeny of Ibrahim and Who made us the was a constant source of help and comfort mother of Jesus, and Fatima.
Khadijah al-Kubra (Khadija custodians of His House and the servants of to Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the The year of her death is known as the Year
the Great) was the first wife its sacred precincts, making for us a House difficulties which he had to face. She bore of Sorrow, because of the devastation that it
of the Prophet Muhammad sought for pilgrimage and a shrine of security, patiently in the face of persecution to which her caused him and it was also the same year in which
(S.A.W). She was the daughter of and He also gave us authority over the people. revered husband and his small band of believers his uncle and guardian Abu Talib died. She was
Khuwaylid ibn Asad and Fatimah bint Za’idah This nephew of mine Muhammad cannot be were exposed at the hands of the polytheists and either 64 or 68years old (having been born in
and belonged to the clan of Banu Hashim. She compared with any other man: if you compare aristocrats of the Quraish, sacrificing her vast 555 A.D).
is important in Islam as Muhammad’s first wife, his wealth with that of others, you will not find wealth to promote Islam, seeking God’s rewards, Khadijah had been the first to publicly accept
and one of the “mothers of the believers”. him a man of wealth, for wealth is a vanishing helping to free slaves who had embraced Islam, Muhammad (S.A.W) as the Messenger of Allah,
Khadijah’s father, Khuwaylid ibn Asad, shadow and a fickle thing. Muhammad is a man and helping to feed and shelter the community of and she had never stopped doing all she could to
who died around 585 A.D, was a merchant, a whose lineage you all know, and he has sought Muslims that slowly but surely began to grow in help him.
successful businessman whose vast wealth and Khadijah bint Khuwaylid for marriage, offering numbers and strength. Love and mercy had grown between them,
business talents were inherited by Khadijah, her such-and-such of the dower of my own She remained at his side and supported him increasing in quality and depth as the years
who successfully managed her father’s business wealth. throughout his mission to spread Islam. passed by, and not even death could take this
interests and preserved the family’s fortune. When her husband (Prophet Muhammad At the time of her death in 619 or 623 A.D, love away. The Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W)
Khadijah earned three titles: Ameerat- (S.A.W)) received his first revelation from the never stopped loving Khadijah, and although
Quraish (Princess of Quraish) and al-Tahira (the Archangel Gabriel (Jibral), she was the first he married several more wives in later years and
Pure One), and Khadija Al-Kubra (Khadija the person (besides Muhammad) to convert to Islam. loved them all, it is clear that Khadijah always had
Great) and was said to have had an impeccable According to some sources, it was Khadijah’s a special place in his heart.
character. She used to feed and clothe the poor, parental cousin, Waraqah ibn Nawfal, who Indeed whenever Aisha, his third wife,
assist her relatives financially, and provide for informed Muhammad of his prophethood soon heard the Prophet speak of Khadijah, or saw
the marriage of those of her kin who could after his vision of the angel. Khadijah was a constant him sending food to Khadijah’s old friends and
not otherwise have had the means to marry.
Khadijah was said to have neither believed in nor
Khadijah did not hesitate to embrace Islam at
all, trusting to her husband’s teachings. source of help and comfort relatives, she could not help feeling jealous of her,
because of the love that the Prophet still had for
worshipped idols, which was atypical for pre- After the first encounter with Gabriel, to Muhammad (peace her.
Once Aisha asked him if Khadijah had been
Islam Arabian culture. Mohammad came trembling and agitated to
She was known for business dealings that Khadija. She saw everything with the eye of faith. be upon him) in the the only woman worthy of his love. The Prophet
caused many highly respected Arabian men to
seek her hand in marriage. However, by 585 A.D,
“Joyful tidings dost thou bring,” exclaimed she,
by Him, in Whose hand is the soul of Khadija, I
difficulties which he had to (S.A.W) replied: “She believed in me when no
one else did; she accepted Islam when people
Khadijah still remained unmarried. will henceforth regard thee as the Prophet of our face. She bore patiently in rejected me; and she helped and comforted me
nation. Rejoice,” added she, “Allah will not suffer when there was no one else to lend me a helping
Khadijah did not travel with her trade
caravans; she relied on others to trade on her thee to fall to shame. Hast thou not been loving the face of persecution... hand.”
behalf, whomshe compensated with commissions.
In 595 A.D, Khadijah needed an agent for a
transaction in Syria.
Several agents whom she trusted (notably
What’s cooking?
including Abu Talib ibn ‘Abd al-Muttalib) and
some relatives of hers recommended her distant
cousin Muhammad ibn Abdullah, who had
earned the honorifics Al-Sadiq (the truthful) and
Al-Amin (the trustworthy).
The profit that Muhammad returned
to Khadijah was the double of what she had
anticipated.
Muhammad fascinated Maysarah more
than anything else related to the trip because of
many strange events which took place during that
journey.
The trip’s measure of success encouraged
Khadijah to employ Muhammad again on a
winter trip toYemen.
Khadijah’s age has been narrated as anywhere
from 25 to 40 years and was deemed to be older
than Muhammad.
With the passage of time, her admiration for
Muhammad developed into a deeper affection.
Khadijah was by then convinced that she had
finally found a man who was worthy of her, so
much so that she initiated the marriage proposal
herself.
Khadijah sought the advice of a friend
named Nufaysa bint Umayyah. The latter offered
to approach him on her behalf and, if possible,
arrange a marriage between them. Khadijah and
Muhammad agreed that he should speak to his
uncles and she would speak to her uncle, `Amr

10. 10 Marhaba|Kids Corner
The New Dawn
January 1 - January 15, 2012.
What 20 minutes of Poem
Tahajjud can do for In The Name Of Allah
a Muslim
We seek Allah’s protection
From Shaitan’s evil mind;
And begin with the name of Allah
Most Merciful, Most Kind!
Some people say that a person without a Tahajjud time. Allah is Great
job is busier than a person who is working However, because we did not recognize Allah is Great this I know,
because a jobless person is always going here the value of this prayer, it is very difficult For the Qur’an tells me so;
and there to look for jobs. for us to spare only 10-20 minutes of our All of us to Him belong,
Even if this person gets a job that sleep to get up and pray. On the other hand, We are weak but he is strong.
requires him to stay up all night will do for some money, we are ready to stay up the
so as he needs to earn money. This is the whole night. Allah is One
nature of human beings. When he knows Performing this special Tahajjud prayer Related to none
the value of something, he will try to will require you to have a short deep sleep Allah is One!
attain it even if it be hard for him. before you even perform it, as the name of No father, no mother
Allah has granted us the gift No sister, no brother
the prayer, which means wake up, suggests.
of Tahajjud Prayer. Through this No daughter, no son
This prayer can be done anytime between
prayer, we can get many blessings Allah is One!
Isha’ and Fajr. However, it is best done
from Allah. Problems such as between midnight to Fajr, preferrably in the We Thank you Allah
sickness, family issues, money, last third of the night. Make it part of your For All the things
hunger among others can easily daily routine and God willing, He will return we have today;
be removed by praying to Allah at you with good fortune and health. for all our friends
we love so much
for home, for food
Your Hobbies
for work and play,
we thank you,
Madrassatul Al-Huda Oh Allah.
Islamia, California-Nairobi. When I was ill
One day when I was feeling ill
a sparrow flew on to my window sill.
Special thanks to Sheikh Mohammad Omar.
He didn’t see me tucked up in bed
as he pecked away at a piece of bread.
I thought of how he could fly
when I, in bed could only lie.
I thought how Allah had made him small
and then of dinosaurs, and giraffes so tall.
I thought of many, many things
some with four legs, others with wings.
I thought how wonderful Allah is
because everything around me is really His.
Allah
Before summer time, the cherry blossom
looks like pink icing
Name: Nabil Salim; Name: Yusuf Ahmed; Name: Ismail Abdullahi; Name: Amina Othman; The ground beneath shoots up daffodils
Age: 15 years; Age: 15 years; Age: 15 years; Age: 15 years; Trumpeting their praises to Allah
Madrassatul: Al-Huda Islamia, Madrassatul: Al-Huda Islamia, Madrassatul: Al-Huda Islamia, Madrassatul: Al-Huda Islamia, (Subhanahu wa ta’ala)
Nairobi; Best Subjects: Tajweed Nairobi; Best Subjects: Tajweed Nairobi; Best Subjects: Towhid Nairobi; During summer the days are long and hot
& Lugha; I want to be a: & Tawhid; I want to be a: & Fiqh; Sohail Mohammed.
Best Subjects: Quran & Seera; I The trees are green and shady.
Doctor. Businessman. I want to be a: Teacher. want to be a: Pilot. Flowers bloom bright and perfumed
Bees hover and drive for pollen.
Before wintertime, Allah paints the leaves
red, orange, and gold.
They cover the springy moss with a colorful
carpet.
Squirrels scurry, choosing the juiciest nuts to
store for their winter larder.
In winter Allah causes the earth to die hard
and cold
He permits water to form stalactites and
fossilize animal bones
Reminding us that He is the One who brings
back to life His creation...
Name: Zeinab Abubakar; Name: Saida Ramadhan; Name: Mariam Suleyman; Name: Halima Mohammed; Thank you Allah
Age: 16 years; Age: 15 years; Age: 14 years; Age: 15 years; Thank You Allah for all that You give
Madrassatul: Al-Huda Madrassatul: Al-Huda Islamia, Madrassatul: Al-Huda Islamia, Madrassatul: Al-Huda Islamia, I know sometimes I’m naughty so please
Islamia, Nairobi; Best Nairobi; Nairobi; Nairobi; Best Subjects: Towhid forgive.
Subjects: Tajweed & Hadith; I Best Subjects: Tajweed & Quran; I Best Subjects: Tajweed & Quran; I & Hadith; I want to be a: Please teach me to be good every day
want to be an: Accountant. want to be a: Journalist. want to be an: Air-hostess. Journalist. and let my heart be ready and willing to pray.
Thank You Allah for Your Prophet whom
Attention Children: If you wish to appear on this page, send us your digital photo, name, I love, please raise him in rank in Paradise
age school/madrassa/hobbies, hadiths, poems among others to: info@thenewdawn.info above.

11. The New Dawn,
January 1 - January 15, 2012. Advertiser’s Feature / 11
Peace and Security for
Development (PSD) Programme
2011 PSD activities in pictures
1 Mombasa Peace and Security summit that brought together key programme partners.
A Peace & Security Summit held in August, Cohesion and Integration Commission Development (PSD) Network brings together Muslims for human Rights (MUHURI),
2011 saw key government representatives (NCIC), the Civil Society, the religious five organizations implementing Peace and Council of Imams and Preachers of
that included the Provincial Commissioner- leaders, the youth representatives, the media, Security Programmes. These organizations Kenya (CIPK), and Likoni Community
Coast region, Kenya National Commission and conflict management experts present. are Kenya Muslims Youth Alliance (KMYA), Development Programme (LICODEP).
on Human Rights (KNCHR), National The Coast Peace and Security for Coast Interfaith council of Clerics (CICC),
First PSD Idd
2 4
PSD Change Agents in drive to feed the poor
3 during Ramadhan 2011 Baraza held in
Kilifi County
KMYA
Change
agents
deliver
food-
Yusuf Kagogo Lukwaro the PSD stuff to
field officer in Taita Taveta. Yusuf Kwale
highlighted the human/wildlife Women
conflict in the area that borders six Prison.
other counties. 62% of Taita Taveta
land is under the Tsavo National
Park, meaning that over half of the Kilifi DC Mr Katee Mwanza
county’s land is protected area. addresses an Idd baraza in Kilifi.
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)20-3861530/1
Email:info@kenyamuslims.org Website:www.kenyamuslims.org