What are basic teachings of Islam?
What is the place of Women in Islam?
Islam and Gender equality?
Is Jihad to spread Islam?    
Does Islam support killing of Civilians?

These were some questions posed by TWO groups of Egerton University students from the Laikipia and Njoro Campuses who visited Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya on April 9th and April 29th, 2008.
 
The students numbering 45 in each group in the 1st, 3rd and 4th year of Department of Philosophy, History and Religion from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences were accompanied by Senior Lecturer Dr Isaac Tarus and Mr J. Mwangi.

The purpose of the Seminar was to familiarise with the teachings of Islam and 
current issues. The topics listed for discussion were:

• Meaning of Islam
• Basic Teaching of Islam
• Islam and Peace/Islam and terrorism
• Islamophobia
• Status of Women
• Marriage and family life , Polygamy

On arrival the group was led through an exhibition of posters on Discover Islam Series.
This display was captivating for the visitors who took down notes.

Thereafter a brief introduction on BMMK activities was given. This was followed by interactive discussions on the above topics. The talks were addressed by Mulla Sajjadali Musa, Sheikh Jamal Kasole and Sheikh Fazle Abbas Datoo.

At the end of session gift of books were presented to the visitors.

The Seminar proved to be enlightening to the visitors who did not hesitate in giving their feedback on the Seminar.  Here below are some of the comments received from participant:

* Islam as religion is greatly misunderstood. As students, we need to increase our knowledge in Islam.  We are so grateful for the enlightening presentation and literature. (Barar M)
* I am very impressed by your presentation today.  It was educative and very knowledgeable. At a personal level, I have learnt a lot about Islam that previously I hadn’t known.  Congratulation for what your organization is doing. (Juma Charles)
* Have been able to cancel some of the bad feelings or attitudes that I have against Muslim.  Especially in the side to do with Jihad            (Molly Japar)
* The session had been interesting especially the Islamophobia which have always disturbed me for quite long. I find Islam acceptable way of living. (Fredrick Odhiambo)
* The session was ‘superb’, the topics interesting and sweet. The lecturers were well versed with Islamic knowledge and skills. The most interesting topic was the position  of a woman and how Islam elevates her status in society as per the Muslim faith, (Onyango Onono Williams)

April, 2008

Egerton University students visit Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya 2007

A group of 48 students from Egerton University, Laikipia Campus, accompanied by The University Chaplain Father ( Dr) Karega and Two Senior Lecturers Dr P. Waweru and Mr Joseph Mwangi, from Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences: Department of Philosophy, History and Religion visited Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya on 25th October, 2007.

The purpose of the visit was to familiarise with the teachings of Islam and current issues. The topics listed for discussion were:
• Islam and Peace / Islam and terrorism
• Islamophobia
• Status of Women
• Marriage and family life , Polygamy
• Quran : Divine revealed book

On arrival the group was led through an exhibition of posters on Discover Islam Series. This display was captivating for the visitors who took down notes.

Thereafter a brief introduction on BMMK activities was given. This was followed by interactive discussions on the above topics. The talks were addressed by Mulla Sajjadali Musa, Mrs Umi Hassan, and Fazle Abbas Datoo. A Multi Media presentation on Islam, Islamophobia and This is Islam was thrilling for the students.
At the end of session gift of books were presented to the visitors. 

Herebelow comments written by the Visitors:

1. The program is very great. I have always related the Muslims with terrorism and other wicked deeds in the society like killings. I have never understood Islam. But the program has been very educative and has at least made me change my attitude towards Islam. Thank you.

2. As a first time of my visit I was highly impressed. I learned a lot and I think there is still more to learn. The program was well organized. I would have loved to learn more and I hope I will get a chance to come back.

3. This is wonderful place. I want to be a member. May the almighty make you to have the same activities to areas like Kisii.

4. I am pleased to be with you because through this meeting I was able to get more information and my fellow students were satisfied. Thank you. Shukran Jazillah.

5. Islam is a very good but a highly misunderstood religion. It is one and only religion that I have truly found that reflects the way of life that we live daily. I strongly believe that Islam has brought about peace in the three perspectives and hope other terms of religious will copy that as an example.

6. I would like to appreciate the Islamic efforts of supporting the needy people in the society. May Allah bless you so much.

7. Has been wonderful. You need to teach people the truth to improve the image of Islam internationally.

8. Grateful for the warm welcome to your Muslim community. We are in a position to know and not to think of Islam as a partial religion but a religion with full dedication to work. Thank you and God bless you. Remain in peace “Shalom”.