On Friday 7th May 2021, Nairobi Shia Asna Asheri Jamaat Chairman Alhaj Zaheerabbas Zulfikar Khimji had the opportunity to present – Effective Management of Elections: Perspectives of a Religious Leader to the Selection Panel (appointed by the H.E the President) on behalf of the Shia Community in Kenya.
Selection Panel for appointment of positions of the IEBC
On 1st May 2021, the Selection Panel for the appointment of Members of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) issued an advert in the Kenya Gazette inviting all Kenyans to apply for positions to preside over the electoral process of their Leaders.
Religious Leaders present among the Selection Panel were:
- Rev, Fr. Joseph Mutie – Chairman of the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya (Panelist)
- Dr. F.S Abdalla – Executive Committee Member of the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya (IRCK) and Ambassador of Peace and Interfaith (Panelist)
- Alhaj Hassan Ole Nado – Chairman of the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims
- Mr. Nitin Malde – Trustee of the Hindu Council of Kenya
In his address he quoted verses from the Holy Qur’an, a letter written by Imam Ali (as) to Malik al-Ashtar on governance, and various other aspects on how free and fair elections should be held.
He mentioned that religious jurists (al-Marjaiyah ad-Deeniyah) have always affirmed the importance of elections and its central role in deciding the future of a country, protecting the rights of the people from all sects and constituencies. They have called on all citizens – men and women with an emphasis to participate in elections and to choose – after inspection and judgment – who is qualified to lead the nation and to be constituents of the parliament, who conform to the values of people and will strive in realizing their interests, and are characterized with the purity and dedication to serve them.
He quoted an extract from Imam Ali’s letter saying:
Develop in your heart the feeling of love for your people and let it be the source of kindliness and blessing to them, do not behave with them like a barbarian and do not appropriate to yourself that which belongs to them. Remember that the citizens of the state are of two categories. They are either your brethren in religion or your brethren in kind. They are subject to infirmities and bound to commit mistakes.
Some indeed do commit mistakes, but forgive them even as you would like God to forgive you. Bear in mind that you are placed over them, even as I am placed over you and there is God even above me who has given you the position of a Governor in order that you may look after those under you and to be sufficient unto them and you will be judged by what you do for them.
Do not set yourself against God, for neither do you possess the strength to shield yourself against His displeasure, nor can you place yourself outside the pale of His mercy and forgiveness. Do not feel sorry over any act of forgiveness, nor rejoice over any punishment that you may mete out to any one. Do not rouse yourself to anger, for no good will come out of it.
Do not say: “I am your overlord and dictator, and that you should, therefore, bow to my commands”, as that will corrupt your heart, weaken your faith in religion and create disorder in the state. Should you be elated by power, ever feel in your mind the slightest symptoms of pride and arrogance, then look at the power and majesty of the Divine governance of the Universe over which you have absolutely no control.
This will restore the sense of balance to your wayward intelligence and give you the sense of calmness and affability.
Highlighting Kenya is a diverse country, he further mentioned that it is important to include all religious communities.
He also said that women should be included the election process to ensure their representation and gender equality.
He emphasized inclusion of Youth, as they are the future of our world and decisions made today, will effect their tomorrow.
While describing the traits of an ideal candidate, he mentioned that one of the crucial aspects when vetting a person who shall oversee the election is that he or she must be a person of integrity as they are to be entrusted with the responsibility of taking care of people’s lives, livelihood and protection of their properties. He added that by integrity, as Muslims we consider that to be a person who is God-fearing and trustworthy. In addition to that, he or she must be knowledgeable and capable of executing the role effectively. Allowing persons who may not have high and firm morals to oversee the process will undermine the purpose of elections.
He added that for effective elections, we should use knowledge and skills we have acquired to find solutions to the challenges we face as a nation and promote innovation for our economic and social development. He concluded the presentation by thanking the members for the opportunity to address the panel.
SAAJ Nairobi acknowledges and appreciates the immense and relentless efforts of Dr. F.S Abdalla over the years in fostering interfaith and his constant involvement with the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya, which has put our Community on the Map of Kenya.
Dr. F.S Abdalla has been awarded various Presidential Decorations, including EBS (Elder of the Burning Spear), OGW (Order of the Grand Worrior of Kenya), HSC (Head of State Commendation) for his Services to the Nation, and is an Ambassador of Peace and Interfaith.
The SAAJ Chairman also thanked Sheikh Ali Samoja, Sheikh Zuhair Jaffer and Br. Qamarabbas Alimohammed for their contribution.
