“Together We Can Make a Difference”
Discover Islam Seminar
Egerton University – 7th October 2014
On Tuesday 7th October 2014, students of Egerton University, Njoro, were invited by Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya to attend a Discover Islam Seminar. The students were from the Department of Philosophy, History and Religion from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. They were accompanied by Dr. Onyancha, the Chairman and Mr. Macharia Mwangi, the Senior lecturer.
The students were taken through an exhibition of posters on “Discover Islam”. The Seminar commenced with recitation of some verses from the Holy Qur’an.
Students were shown a short video clip on the various religious, social activities and humanitarian services undertaken by Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya.
The first paper ‘Islamophobia’ was delivered by Sheikh Stambuli Abdillahi Nassir. In his captivating presentation, Sheikh Stambuli provided a historical perspective and the hostility that the Muslims have faced in different continents. The paper also discussed how people accepted the various articles and media reports without pondering into it or questioning it.
Sister Rayhana Molu delivered a paper on the ‘Women in Islam’. In the presentation the rights woman in Islam compared to other religions was discussed in detail. She also compared women’s rights Pre-Islam and post-Islam. The presentation covered the woman’s veil as a source of honor, dignity, identity, respect and status for a woman.
Watch the brief overview of the seminar on Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQyB5y0JnaY
Sheikh Stambuli Abdillahi Nassir: In his second paper, he talked about Islam, Youth, Radicalization and Terrorism. He presented to the students that there was a difference in being “Informed rather than opinionated”.
During the question and answer session, the students were able to ask question to the speakers on topics discussed at the seminar.
Students’ comments:
At the end of the session vote of thanks was presented by Dr. Onyancha. Addressing the students, facilitators and the Mission, Dr. Onyancha said, “Thank you to Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya and the presenters. This has been a wonderful talk and very knowledgeable indeed. I describe this as a privilege, listening to a very open and informed talk on the Islamic faith. Religion is a phenomenon that is misunderstood both by the insiders and outsiders. Especially, religions with scriptures because, readers give varied interpretations of the same. For example, on the concept of Jihad, I have been telling my students that ‘I think this concept is misunderstood’. Today, I say I know what Jihad means and I think I will teach the in a better way than I have been doing. Thank you very much.”
“I have learnt a lot; especially on the relationship between Islam and other religions. I have also learnt that Islam has got nothing to do with terrorism. I request the Mission to send the presenters to visit the department of Philosophy, History and Religion so that they can address and respond to our many questions about Islam because today the time was short.” Paul Angasa, Student – Egerton University
Second Discover Islam Seminar: 11th November 2014
Due to the interest that the first seminar generated, Egerton University arranged for a second group of students to visit Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya of the 11th of November 2014. The speakers presented on Islam the liberator of Women, Islam in East Africa and Successful Women in Islam.
Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya would like to thank Sheikh Stambuli A Nassir, Sister Rayhana Molu, The Department of History, Philosophy and Religion of Egerton University and all those involved in this Educative event and pray to Allah (S.W.T) to reward all who have generously assisted towards making this event a success.
Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya
P O Box 82508-80100, Mombasa, Kenya
Tel: (254) 41 2229641
Email: admin@kenbilal.org
For news of our activities, visit: www.kenbilal.org