Kenya: An Islamic Perspective on the Mary & Joseph Centre

Protecting the Dignity of Life and Empowering Women and Children with Compassion and Human Values..

Nestled on the outskirts of Nairobi, the Mary and Joseph Life Center (MJLC) shines as a beacon of hope and compassion. This centre, situated at St Josphat's House located along Kabiria Road in Riruta, one of the satellite towns of Nairobi, serves as a sanctuary for women and children (unborn and born), facing different forms of violence from conception to natural death.

At its core, the Mary and Joseph Life Centre embraces fundamental human values that are universally cherished. These values include respect for the inherent worth and dignity of every individual, the promotion of human rights, compassion, empathy, and the fostering of a culture of love and care. By providing serenity, support, and empowerment to women and children facing violence and crisis situations, the centre embodies these human values and addresses the pressing needs of vulnerable individuals in the urban informal settlements (slums).

This is a deeper understanding of the essential and noble work of the Mary and Joseph Life Centre from an Islamic perspective.

Protecting the Dignity of Life

The Mary and Joseph Life Centre is committed to creating a society where the dignity of human life, women and children, including the unborn are free from violence and unjust social structures. This is actualized through its unique three main purposes and services that provide a nurturing environment that encourages individuals to embrace the inherent value of each life, fostering a culture of respect, dignity, and love.

The first purpose of the MJLC is to offer pregnant women and girls, along with their families, who are considering and/or are being coerced to have abortions, other options to have their babies born.

Islam also places a tremendous emphasis on the dignity of life, considering it a divine gift bestowed upon humanity. This is deeply entrenched and enshrined in the Islamic principles as well as the Islamic laws that encourage the preservation of life from the moment of conception, recognizing it as a sacred trust from Allah. According to the Declaration of Human Rights in Islamic Law, Article 2 (J), ''Safeguarding the continuation of mankind's life, as far as God has destined, is a legal duty.". The centre's efforts resonate with the Quranic verse, "Whoever saves one [a life], it is as if he had saved all of mankind" (Quran 5:32). By addressing violence against women and children, the centre promotes a culture of respect, care and protection which is a timeless teaching of Islam.

Educational workshops/seminars for Empowerment and Support Guidance

The Mary and Joseph Life Centre through its second purpose endeavours to offer educational workshops/seminars that are oriented to help prevent crisis pregnancies and help those already in need with supportive guidance for psychological, spiritual and economic livelihood resilience.

This guidance helps different categories of groups; young girls and women in crisis pregnancies, teenage girls and boys, young adults, single mothers and fathers, young mothers and fathers, just to mention but a few, to learn about personal development, coping strategies, and parenting skills. The acquired knowledge and skills are imperative in empowering them to make informed decisions and avoid circumstances that could lead to crisis situations.

The Quran reminds believers to exercise responsible decision-making and parenthood, stating, "And do not kill your children for fear of poverty. We provide for them and for you surely for killing them is a great sin." (Quran 17:31). Islamic teachings also underpin the need for dignity of life, self-awareness, and the importance of healthy relationships within the framework of Islamic values that underpin need for support and guidance for the vulnerable and marginalized, for them to be able to navigate their challenges with confidence and resilience.

The values upheld by MJLC, grounded in broader human values align closely with Islamic principles. The center's dedication to preserving the dignity of life, providing education, and offering counselling and support resonates with the universal principles of compassion, justice, and respect for human rights.

Holistic and Intensive Counselling

Recognizing the profound emotional and spiritual impact of abortion, the Mary and Joseph Life Center extends its compassionate support to women who are suffering from post-abortion syndrome. The third purpose seeks to offer counselling, medical support, guidance, and empowerment to women who have had abortions and are seeking assistance for trauma, self-esteem and healing in one form or another. Through the holistic and intensive counselling provided at the centre these women overcome trauma, rebuild self-esteem, and find healing in their lives, providing a safe space for individuals to reconcile with their past choices and embrace a hopeful future.

Islamic teachings emphasize the importance of mercy, forgiveness, and healing. The Quran assures believers that Allah is "with the broken-hearted" (Quran 4:110) and encourages seeking forgiveness and turning towards Allah for solace.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "He who alleviates the suffering of a sister or brother out of the sufferings of the world, Allah would alleviate his suffering from the sufferings of the Day of Resurrection" (Sahih Muslim). By providing a safe and supportive environment, the centre enables women to heal from trauma, rebuild their self-esteem, and find hope for the future.

The Islamic practice emphasizes the need for holistic counselling which helps the individual in need to explore and discover different options through their challenges and get clarification on better ways of living a more fulfilled life.

Islamic teachings emphasize the preservation of life, the importance of compassion, justice, and the protection of the vulnerable. The Mary and Joseph Life Centre's commitment to protecting the dignity of life, offering educational workshops and counselling, and empowering aligns with these Islamic values. Islam recognizes the divine gift of life and encourages believers to exercise responsible decision-making, seek forgiveness, and provide support and guidance to those in need.

MJLC's work is deeply rooted in human values and it also transcends religious boundaries by promoting these shared human values. By nurturing the well-being, dignity, and empowerment of women and children, the centre exemplifies the inter-connectedness of human values across different faiths and beliefs. The names Mary (Maryam) and Joseph (Yusuf) are mentioned both in the Quran and Bible. The MJLC is dedicated to creating a society free from violence and upholding the inherent worth of every individual.

Ilhan Ali Salah has a BA in International Relations and is studying for an MA in International Relations and Peace Studies. She works at the In-Training Capacity Programme of the Shalom Center for Conflict Resolution & Reconciliation based in Nairobi, Kenya.

LINK

Mary & Joseph Life Centre: https://maryandjosephlifecenter.org/