DISCOVER ISLAM SEMINAR- EGERTON UNIVERSITY

An enlightening seminar to educate University students on the true teachings of Islam and its ideals was conducted on the 19th of November 2009 at the Bilal hall. A total number of 60 students from the Egerton University participated in this seminar.

The seminar commenced at 9:30 am with recitation of words from the Holy Quran by Mulla Sajjadali Musa. Thereafter the students were given a “greetings of peace” as warm welcome and were presented with a brief profile of the lecturers that would conduct the seminar. The students were given an insight on the activities performed by Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya since its inception. The areas highlighted were the going projects that the Mission conducts in various parts of the Coastal region in educating, uplifting socio economic standards, empowering and assisting the locals from various walks of life.

A section of the Audience

The important role that a woman plays in Islam was the next topic, which was discussed by Sister Ummi. She elaborated that women in Islam enjoy enormous privileges that are not availed to women who practice other religions. She gave the example of inheritance where a woman in Islam inherits both from her parents and from husband.

During the interval the students were shown a small skit on “Is this Islam?” which highlighted that Islam is a religion of peace and condemns terrorism.

After the interval Brother Alireza Karim delivered on Islam and terrorism. He gave example of many groups practiced terrorism in the world were not Muslims, but not labeled according to their religion beliefs it was only Islam that has been branded. He informed the students that during the current month of Dhul Hijjah, approximately 3 million Muslims faithful are gathered to perform their pilgrimage at Makka, without the supervision of security officers. They are guided by their obedience to Allah (s.w.t). (TAQWA). During his closing note he requested the students to have an open mind with regards to their thinking of Islam and not to be carried away by the biased media.

As Kenya is concluding its chapter of the constitution review process, many of the students were keen on learning why the Muslims had requested for the Kadhi court to be recognized by the constitution. Sheikh Abdillahi Nassir commenced his lecture by stating that Islam is a complete way of life, it guides us in all the spheres. Therefore no man made law could supersede this divide law as a result the Muslims had requested the inclusion of the Kadhi courts in the constitution. He also discussed the history of Kadhis Court before and after independence. This was a special moment for the students to hear from one of the members of the Lancaster house.

On completion of this seminar the students had the opportunity to ask questions and air their comments regarding this seminar. They also had the opportunity to interact with the speakers to clarify any misconceptions they had regarding Islam. Free books were distributed at the end of the session related to the teaching of Islam. COMMENTS Received from the participants;

November 2009