Discuss the significance of the freedom of religion to the Muslims in Kenya.

KCSE IRE Paper 1 2010 Question 5(b) with Answers and Marking Scheme.

(b) Discuss the significance of the freedom of religion to the Muslims in Kenya. (10 marks)

Significance of Freedom of Religion to Muslims in Kenya.

1. Muslims are able to practice their religion freely without any victimisation e.g can worship freely.
2. They are able to construct places of worship e.g. mosques and madrassas anywhere in the country and manage these places.
3. Sanctity of the places of worship e.g mosques and madrassas is upheld i.e. followers of other religions recognise and respect these places,
4. Muslims are able to form organizations for the welfare of their fellow Muslims e.g WAMY, SUPKEM etc.
5. They are free to express their opinions, wishes and stand on mailers affecting them e.g inclusion of the Kadhi’s courts in the new constitution.
6. They are free to travel out of the country for religious obligations e.g travel to Makka for Hajj and Umrah.
7. Free to celebrate religious ceremonies and festivals e.g. Milad Nabi, ldd-ul-Fitr,Idd-uI-Hajj.
8. They are able to wear/observe Islamic code of dress at the workplace, homes and in education institutions.
9. They are able to publish and sell Islamic books and other education materials.
10. They are able to use the electronic and print media to preach/teach the religion of Islam e.g through radio Rahma, Iqra FM etc
11. Provide religious instructions/Islamic Religious Education in’ education institutions right from primary level to university level.
12. Muslims receive government support in their undertakings e.g initiation of development projects in marginalised areas e.g North Eastern, Coast province where majority of people are Muslims.
13. Receiving equal treatment by the government/authority with people of other faiths
14. Are allowed to operate Islamic shariah banks, i. e First Community bank, Gulf Africa Bank

(5x2= 10 marks)

Read More