In
the name of Allah, The Beneficent, The Merciful |
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All
praise is for Allah (SWT) lord of the worlds, and may salaams and
blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (SAW)
SAYED ABDULLAY SHAH MEMORIAL LIBRARY
JAMIA ISLAMIC CENTRE LIBRARY
‘TO
SEEK KNOWLEDGE IS A DUTY FOR EVERY MUSLIM’
Introduction
Established in 1950’s as Sayed Abdullah Shah Memorial Library,
the name Jamia Islamic Centre was enjoined to accommodate the diverse
activities that are carried out by the Majlis appointed Library
Sub-Committee.
Location
The library is located in the Heart of Nairobi’s Central business
district at Jamia Masjid Complex 1st floor at Kigali road next to
the Macmillan Library with a custom-built hall size 415 sq. meters.
We are a first stop for an avid reader, providing an opportunity
to impart Islamic knowledge/ awareness to all residents and visitors
to Nairobi.
Current
Utilization
Open for all members of the public, members are required to pay
Kshs.250/ per year as a membership fee.
Working hours;
Mondays
to Fridays from 9.00am. To 12.45pm. and from 2.00pm to 5.00pm
Saturdays open from 9.30am to 1.00pm.
Closed on Sundays and public holidays
The
library attracts over 200 readers per day.
Current
book stock and furniture status
The library hall is divided into three sections:
• Ladies reading section ‘enclosure’
• Librarians office section
• General reading room
The
library reception is outside the main library hall. The library
furniture is in fair condition and the environment is very tranquil
and conducive for studies and research.
A large section of the library shelving comprises of Islamic books
(Arabic and English) and some old ‘antique’ Urdu books.
These books have a very important place in the history of Islam
in general and are publications of great value for all, Muslims
and non-Muslims. The current books stock is as follows:
• Urdu Islamic 1000 books
• Arabic Islamic reference 5000 books
• English/ Swahili Islamic reference 2500 books
• Secular reference i.e. accounts, economy etc 1200 books
Approximate total 9700 books
We
also stock English and Swahili Islamic magazines such as: Al
Jumuah, The Muslim youth,
Al Da’awah, Mnara etc.
Lending
services
It is our utmost wish to introduce such a service as a controlled
and deposit-based gratis lending facility, initially to the Muslim
members and later to other faiths. The current stock levels do not
permit us to pursue this activity.
Library
activities
Besides the library services, we also do Arabic/ English translation,
issue reversion certificates and affidavits to new reverts and we
also have a separate Audio-Visual library.
Other
activities
The Library Sub-Committee is continuously providing assistance to
other smaller libraries in the environs of Nairobi.
1. A community-based library has been established in Kibera
2. A similar project will be Insha Allah undertaken in
Majengo and Riruta Muslim villages on self-help community based
and donor funds.
Future
development and vision
To develop a Hi-tech Islamic Resource Centre of excellence in the
East and Central African Region networking with all Islamic organizations
world wide.
Operation
and oversight
The library is run by a team of dedicated employees under supervision
of a chief librarian who is a graduate of Library studies. The team
reports to the Library Sub-Committee comprising of 6 members who
report to- and are appointed by the Majlis.
Conclusion
We thank Allah (SWT) for giving us such an opportunity to serve
the Muslim Ummah. May Allah give us courage for the upliftment of
Islam and forgive us for our shortcomings ‘Ameen’
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