Gainako Newspaper

The Miss Gambia-USA pageant is undoubtedly becoming the most prestigious and popular Gambian
beauty contest in the USA. According to the organizers, the main objective of the pageant is to
choose one female who best represents the intelligence and beauty of the Gambian community in the
States.

On June 14th, 2008 Khadijah Jallow was crowned as the
winner of the third edition of the pageant. In this interview,
she talks more about herself, the pageant among other things.

GON: Who is Khadijah Jallow?

Khadijah: That's me.

GON: Is that enough for our readers?

Khadijah: I am a very intelligent and motivated 21 year
old woman who was blessed with the title of Miss Gambia
USA 2008 In June. I am very ambitious and I plan to make
a significant difference within our youth. I am the eldest of
five girls and the product of Maimuna and Salifu Jallow

GON: What makes you think you are intelligent?

Khadijah: Because I am confident in myself and I always strive to do my best in my academics as
well as in every other aspect of life. I also have the guidance and wisdom from my elders that allows
me to make good decisions

GON: Can you tell us about your level of education and areas of interest?

Khadijah: I am currently a sophomore at the University of West Georgia. I am working on my
bachelor's degree in science and I will soon be getting into the Pre- Pharmacy program inshallah.

GON: Like you mentioned earlier you are the winner of Miss Gambia USA 2008. Tell us
about this pageant and what motivated you to take part?

Khadijah: The pageant took place in Maryland. It was a once in a life time opportunity and I was
fortunate enough to be a part of it. I competed with seven other beautiful young women all there for
the same cause and that is to have a chance to be a positive role model and influence to young
Gambians. The pageant was wonderful and fun and I encourage young Gambians all over to
participate. What motivated me was the fact that we would be helping a child in need as well as a high
school. I just want to be able to give back to The Gambia and make a difference.

GON: But you can give back to Gambia without necessarily being a beauty queen?

Khadijah: Yes, but being a beauty queen gives me recognition and credibility; it also gives me the
opportunity to represent The Gambia.

GON: How to you intend to represent The Gambia?

Khadijah: In the best way possible and with confidence. I intend to reveal the Gambian culture to
the rest of the world. I also want to represent the love and pride that the young Gambians have for
Gambia.

GON: Are you beautiful?

Khadijah: I believe every woman is beautiful in their own way. Beauty is in the eye of the
beholder. I believe I have the inner beauty, confidence and strength to inspire young Gambian women
to strive for their best.

GON: What do you think are some of the ingredients that a girl has to posses to be
successful in a beauty pageant?

Khadijah: The same ingredients that it takes to be successful in life. She has to have pride in
herself, confidence, principles, intelligence, the ability to inspire and motivate kindness and inner and
outer beauty.

GON: When did you move to the USA?

Khadijah: I came here as a baby when I was about ten months old

GON: Can you speak any Gambian local language?

Khadijah: I can speak a little Wolof but I am working on mastering it. I can however understand
the language

GON: What about pulaar (Fulani)?

Khadijah: (laughs!)..... I know what is Tanala and Jamtun, but I am willing to learn.

GON: So how do you intend to communicate with some Gambians, when ever you visit the
country?

Khadijah: I am working on it so by the time I get to Gambia, inshallah, I will be speaking fluent
wolof.

GON: When are you visiting The Gambia and what type of activities are you planning to
embark on?

Khadijah: I will be visiting inshallah by December. I will be visiting the school that the Miss
Gambia non-profit organization and I have chosen to give scholarships to, as well as other schools. I
will be visiting the children's ward at the hospital as well as doing radio and television interviews.

GON: Who is sponsoring your trip?

Khadijah: The Miss Gambia USA Pageant organization

GON: When last did you visit The Gambia?

Khadijah: I have never been

GON: So what makes you think you are still a Gambian?

Khadijah: It's in my blood. The Gambia is my birthplace. It is my true home and there is where my
culture, pride, and principles originate from. My parents and family made sure to instill the Gambian
culture in me.

GON: Instill the Gambian culture? When they can't let you visit home and see for yourself.

Khadijah: If my parents had the means to, they would have had no problem in doing so.

GON: What a good excuse.

Khadijah: That's no excuse, just the truth

GON: You seem to have a lot of confidence in your self. What would you have felt if you
didn't win the pageant?

Khadijah: I would be happy for whoever won and believe that it was not my time. I would be
blessed for the opportunity and the experience, and I would still represent Gambia every day.

GON: On your face book profile you indicated that you are in a relationship. Did he feel
any kind of shock after his girlfriend was suddenly the most beautiful Gambian girl in the
USA?

Khadijah: I think he would better answer that question.

GON: Who is he, so that we can forward the question to him?

Khadijah: My boyfriend is my books and my education. I don't think the public really wants to
hear about my relationship status, let's talk more about the Miss Gambia.

GON: Is there any renowned Gambian you would like to meet during your visit?

Khadijah: I am just excited to meet everyone and be back home. I am looking forward to meeting
anyone who wants to meet me from the little kids to the big shots. I am excited about meeting my
family

GON: What would you be like in 5 years?

Khadijah: In five years I would be done with school and working as a pharmacist. I would also be
working on a way to build a pharmacy in The Gambia Inshallah. I also would like to be married by
then

GON: To your books I guess?

Khadijah: (Laughs) .....next question please.

GON: Before you go, can I please know what you think of Barack Obama?

Khadijah: I think his story is an inspiration to all young people.

GON: Can you tell us a bit of that story?

Khadijah: You don't know the story? He came from a very humble background and is making
something out of his life.

GON: Your final words please.

Khadijah: I just want people to know that I am honored to be the reigning Miss Gambia USA
2008. I plan to make everyone proud and show the world how proud I am to be Gambian. My main
goal is to promote education and confidence and I will do that to the best of my ability. I want
everyone to know that being Miss Gambia is not only about looking pretty and smiling, it is also about
having a plan and representing your country to the best of your ability. I would like to see all young
ladies who think they have those qualities next year competing for the title and the responsibility.

I also encourage Gainako to be there and cover the pageant in its entirety. Keep up the great work
and I will spread the word that Gainako is the paper for young aspiring Gambians to read and get
exposure.

GON: Thanks for being such a great ambassador for your country and best of luck in
school and your journey

.......................................OPINION
........POLITICS IN ISLAM
..................................By Imam Amadou Kanteh...........August 8th, 2008
As-salaamu 'alaykum ya jama'tul Muslimina wa Muslimati:
Peace be upon you my fellow Muslim brother and sisters. I am
honored to share this treasure of knowledge with you about politics
in Islam.

This article below is adapted and rearranged from the book
Fiqh al-Dawlah written by Professor Yusuf al Qaradawi is meant
for educational purposes only not an attempt to criticize, or plunge
into any political debate. As an Imam I owed the society to seek
knowledge and guide them towards good and prevent them towards
evil either word of mouth or Khalima (Pen).

Adapted and rearranged from the book Fiqh al-Dawlah written by Professor Yusuf al Qaradawi

What is the aim of politics in Islam?
According to Al-Mawardi from his book Al-Ahkam Al-Sultaniyyah, it is hirasatud din wa
siasatud dunya - to uphold the religion and administer the world. Politics is not munkar - is not a
depravity - real politics is noble virtuous because it administers the affairs of all creatures, bringing man
closer to good and away from fasad - evil. According to Ibn al-Qayyim, politics is really the justice
of Allah the Almighty and His Prophet (peace and the blessings of Allah be upon him).

The Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. was a politician as well as the messenger conveying the risalah,
murabbi - teacher, Qadi - Chief Justice, Head of the nation and Imam of the ummah. The Khulafa'
al Rashidun - the rightly guided leaders who succeeded him were also politicians following the
Sunnah - way of the Prophet, establishing just administration, practicing ihsan - the betterment of good
and providing the leadership of 'ilm - knowledge and Iman - belief.

However in the present time, due to 'politics' man faced suffering as a result of deceit and political
ploys and scheming and devious politicians, whether in the form of past colonialists, treacherous rulers,
tyrannical leaders and regimes preaching Machiavellian philosophy (the ends justifies the means!).
It became common to label and describe committed Muslims as 'political' so that they are regarded
warily and wickedly for the purpose of disassociating and furthering apart the people from them,
intending that society will shun and hate what is called 'political Islam'. It has been such that symbols
of Islam like the headscarf, the proper attire and congregational prayers - Salat jama'ah are
attempted to be labeled 'political'.

It is ignorant for those who say that there is no religion in politics and that there is no politics in religion.
This deceit was once tried in the form of an attempted fatwa - a decree while the members of the
Ikhwan al-Muslimun were imprisoned in the detention camps in Egypt in the 50's. The regime
wanted to influence the masses to regard the activists and the Dai' (the very people who wanted to
uphold the Shari'ah, Al-Qur'an and Al-Sunnah) as the purveyors of fasad - evil by using corrupted
'ulama - paid scholars.

From the understanding of the Prophet's tradition (mafhum hadith):
Munkar (transgression) is not limited to khamr - liqour, gambling and zina - - unlawful sex but
degrading and defiling the honor and dignity of the people and citizens is a major transgression, so is
cheating in the elections, refusing to give testimony - neglecting to vote, letting government be in the
hands of those who are not deserving and undesired, stealing and squandering the nation's wealth and
property, monopolizing the people's needs for personal gains or cronies' interests, detaining people
without crime or just cause, without judgment from a fair court, torturing human beings in prison and
the detention camps, giving, accepting and mediating in bribes, cowering up to, praising evil rulers,
allowing the enemies of Allah and the enemies of the Muslim community to be leaders and shunning
the believers - the mu'min.

These are all grave transgressions!
When a Muslim remains quiet upon seeing all of these it means that he or she does not deserve to live
(is not alive) from the mafhum of al-ayat and al-hadith.

Islam requires that every Muslim has political responsibility. A Muslim is required by his Iman - faith to
be truly concerned with the affairs and problems of the ummah - community, helping and defending
the meek and the weak, fighting tyranny and oppression. By retreating and abstaining oneself, it will
only invite divine retribution and being seized by the flames of hell (mafhum ayat).

Political Freedom is Our Utmost Need Today
Islam is always rejuvenated, its message spread across, its resurgence, its reverberating call heard by
all even if it is given some limited freedom. Therefore the first battle is to obtain freedom to deliver the
message of da'wah, the Risalah of tawhid (Unity of God), spread consciousness and enabling the
existence of Islamic movements.

True democracy is not the whims and desires of the tyrannical rulers or their cronies, it is not the place
to jail and incarcerate its fighters and not the place to torture its proponents. Democracy is the
simplest and proper way to achieve the aims of a noble life, to be able to invite all to Allah and Islam,
to be able to call others to Iman without having our souls being imprisoned and our bodies sentenced
to be executed by hanging. It is the space for a free and honorable nation to have the right to choose,
evaluate the ruler, change governments without coups and without bloodshed.

The theory, way and system which look alien maybe adopted if it benefits us and as long as it does not
contradict clear Islamic edicts and the rules of Shariah. We appraise, amend according to our spirit,
we do not adopt its philosophy, and we do not allow what is forbidden and vice versa. We do not
relinquish or compromise what is ordained or compulsory - the wajib in Islam.

The gist of democracy is that the public, the people can choose the rulers who are going to administer
them; the people having the right to select, criticize and terminate; and the people are not forced to
accept systems, trends, and policies which they do not agree to and they are not abused. They are
free to hold elections, referendums, ensuring majority rights, protecting minority rights, having
opposition, have multi parties, have press freedom and safeguarding the independence of the judiciary.
But once again to constantly uphold and safeguard the principles of Islam, the firm rulings, the
al-thawabit: the determined laws - hukm qat'i, the Daruri - the essentials of religion and the
non-ijtihadiy must not be compromised or neglected.

Syura:
Syura or consultative decision making must be followed and not just as a debating factor. By
practising syura, it is closer, hence even better than the spirit of democracy. It is but the lost jewel
found, the lost wisdom - al-hikmah which has been rediscovered.

Syura enables musyawarah to be conducted, obtains views and opinions, becomes the responsibility
of the people to advise and counsel the government (ad-dinu nasiha) and establish amar ma'ruf nahy
munkar - enjoining good and forbidding evil. Among the obligations of amar ma'ruf nahy munkar is
the highest jihad (struggle) that is to voice out the truth in front of the unjust tyrant.

The State of Politics in the Ummah:
The musibah or calamity of the ummah then and now is the absence and the obeying of the system of
syura and the adoption of an oppressive dynastical ruling system. In the modern era, dictators stay in
power by the force of arms and gold - power and wealth resulting in the shariah being hindered,
secularism being forced upon and cultural Westernization being imposed. Islamic da'wah and the
Islamic movement has been victimized, brutalized, imprisoned and hounded viciously.

An Example of Leadership
Balqis, the Queen of Saba' as told in the Qur'an was a woman who lead her people well, just and
administered them with intelligence and wisdom saving her people from a war that was destructive and
made decisions by syura-consulting them. Alas, the story ended with the acceptance of Islam. She
led her people towards the goodness of the world and the hereafter.

Leaders like her are much more capable and qualified with political acumen and wise administration
than most of the present Arab and Muslim 'male' leaders. (Prof. Yusuf Qaradawi purposely avoided
the term 'al-rijal')

Pluralism and Multi Parties in Islam
The existence of various parties or movements is not forbidden as long as unification is not achievable
due to differences over objectives, approaches, understanding and the level of confidence and trust.
Variety and specialization are allowed as long as they do not become contradictory and
confrontational. However everyone has to be in one united front when facing the challenges to aqidah
- belief, shariah, ummah and the survival of Islam. Relations between parties and groupings should
be in the atmosphere of non-prejudice, forgiveness, nobleness, counseling truth and steadfastness,
wisdom and engaging in healthy cordial debate.

Even when the Islamic State is established there is no reason to feel distraught at the existence of
pluralism and differences.

Counseling and Corrective Participation in Politics
Without the shedding of blood, the most effective way as the outcome of long and painful struggles is
the existence of political forces which the government in power is unable to contain or eliminate: that is
presence of political parties. The ruling regime can get rid of individuals and small groups of opponents
but it is difficult for them to defeat or wipe out larger organizations which are well structured,
organized and rooted in the masses of society. Political parties have the platform, machinery,
newspapers and publications as well as mass influence.

Political parties or political movements are necessary to fight oppression, to enable criticism, bringing
back the government to to uphold truth and justice, bringing down or changing the government. These
parties are capable of monitoring and appraising the government, offer advice and criticism.

Voting
Voting in the elections is a form of testimony. A just testimony is considered as long as one is not
convicted of crime. Whoever so votes or abstains from voting in the general elections causing the
defeat of a trustworthy and deserving candidate but on the other hand allows the candidate who is less
trustworthy and undeserving to win, one has gone against the command of Allah concerning giving
testimony.
...................................Interview
.' GAMBIANS FOR OBAMA '
...................To Be Launched Soon
.......................................................August 5th, 2008
Mr. Alieu Badara Khan, former student Gamsu executive member
and long time Daily Observer staff writer has offered to form an
organization in the Gambia as an extension of campaign for the US
democratic nominee, Senator Barack Obama. Below we bring to
you the full interview:

GON: Hello there! For the sake of this interview, do we get
formal or just keep it informal as in the years gone?

Alieu: The choice is yours.

GON: Briefly then introduce yourself to the many readers
who for the longest followed your work on the Daily Observer
and now at Gainako.

Alieu: What do I say Gainako? Okay, I was born and brought up in Brikama. I attended
Brikama Secondary School, Nusrat High School, Gambia College, GTTI and now I am studying
Peace and Conflict Transformation, but just decided to take a break to sort out few things. I was a
teacher in The Gambia and taught at different Schools like St. Therese Junior Secondary, SEP Senior
Secondary and Charles Jow Memorial Academy.

Like you mentioned I was with the Daily Observer and also the Independent Newspaper. What
more can I say?

GON: You are famous for your name; a former GAMSU executive, an educator who organized a
lot of gatherings both at your house and the surroundings, and an eloquent speaker both at Nusrat
High and at the Gambia College. Tell us a little about the inspiration you gave to tens of hundreds of
Gambians, including an editorial team member of Gainako.

Alieu: ( laughs!) inspiration? I like being part of organizations and getting involved in activities.
When I was in The Gambia, my room was always full with young people and my family used to
wonder how I can easily flow with them without difficulties. I am happy that most of them are
successful now.

GON: If you wouldn't mind, share a little bit your siblings, notably Sister Mariama Khan and
Bamba Khan who both authored books.

Alieu: Mariama was a postgraduate student in the USA. She is now in The Gambia. For Bamba, he
has just arrived in the UK for his postgraduate degree. Our family is not a small one. My father was
very strict and for him education should always be our first priority. I am happy that most of my
siblings went through university.

GON: So many myths you have broken, so many tough rules you've softened, so many complex
beliefs you've simplified. Any comment on the above?

Alieu: (Laughs!) People can always change in their beliefs and ways of doing things. Attending the
European University Center for Peace Studies has offered me the opportunity to strengthen my ability
to remain human and develop the ability to identify and empathize with people's needs and frustrations.
I now prefer making observations, rather than judgment. I am happy now that I am trying to develop
the ability to think about other people with compassion, even when you don't like what they are doing
or saying.

We should be able to see situations as they are, without making judgment or throwing the blame on
others. I hope you understand what I am trying to say? Gainako, I am now a student and believer of
Marshall Rosenberg. He is the founder of Non Violent Communication and was one of my lecturers.

GON: Giving a straight shot at things, it was with great pleasure that Gainako gathered you are
working on an 'Obama organization.' If this is to go by, please walk us through the door of how such
an organization will look like.

Alieu: At the beginning of the primaries, I didn't know much about Obama and was not that much
interested in his campaign for the US presidency. An American (white) classmate of mine encouraged
me to google and read more about him and also he was constantly telling me about Obama and his
achievements as a senator.

All of a sudden I became a strong fan and started encouraging others to join the wagon. I started a
face book group called Gambians for Obama and guess what? The response is just overwhelming.

After consulting few friends, I felt it would be a good idea to register �Gambians for Obama� as an
organization in The Gambia. There are many people back home, who are keenly interested and have
already pledge their support. Hopefully the organization will start operation before the General
Elections. My plan is to get it lunched on the very day Barack Obama is declared the Commander
�in-Chief of the USA.

GON: I am sure it is an indisputable fact that Obama inspired people of all nations and races. What
is particularly inspiring you about Obama?

Alieu: Just like what an Obama fan wrote on the campaign website-�Hearing Obama speak has
made me happy to know that a true orator could rise again. Watching Bush and McCain make
me want to wretch; seeing their beady eyes running over a teleprompter.�

To be honest no politician has ever inspired me like Obama. I can spend a whole night watching his
videos on you tube. I think Americans are lucky to have a man who could be that president they have
been longing for many years.

I was never interested in US politics, but with Obama it's like I am an American tax payer now.
Obama is a source of hope for the black people and he has started a struggle that we can't betray. He
is so proud of his African roots and I think that's enough inspiration for me.

Obama has brought a huge change in American politics. His ideas are great and his call for unity is
another great solution to all the crises brought on this earth by George Bushy Bush.

GON: You live in Sweden and dreaming to form an Obama organization in the Gambia. If I may
ask, what will be the setup like? Do you have people there to help propagate such a movement and
what will be its principle focus?

Alieu: I am no longer in Sweden. I have moved to Finland, to join my wife. I have lot of young
people back home who can efficiently run the organization. I have started talking with them about it
and they will set up the executive and I will be actively involved in coordinating the activities of the
organization. We will obviously create some awareness about it and try to attract lot of members. We
want every Gambian Obama supporter to be involved, especially does at the University of The
Gambia, Gambia College and other tertiary institutes.

The organization will be involved in activities like debates (to create Gambian orators like Obama),
quiz, fund raising programs and many other things that will surely come up when we start. I am also
thinking of trying to introduce non-violent communication in schools, through the organization.

GON: How about the finances too?

Alieu: It's not very difficult to run organizations in The Gambia. The most important thing is to get
committed members and be able to create activities that are of interest to the people. I was having a
charitable organization and we achieved most of our objectives, despite the limited resources at our
disposal.

GON: Aren't you foreseeing that some heavyweight Gambian politicians will come down hard
on you, for a fact, instead of promoting a Gambian political reform; you are working on a global
Obama campaign?

Alieu: (Laughs!) No I don't think so. They have better issues to tackle than Alieu Khan mobilizing
Gambians to show solidarity to Obama.

GON: Having followed the primaries and caucuses? In the US, what predictions would you make?

Alieu: Barack Obama will unquestionably win the General Elections. I would like all the readers to
try to read the poem written by Momodou Sabally.

GON: Feedback from our readers indicated that your pieces are well written and placed within
acceptable standards; any comments?

Alieu: I am not a good writer and so I try to write something simple that every one will understand. I
am just trying to offer some attention to Gambian music. Your readers will continue to see more from
me, because I don't want to extinct like the old elephants called mastodons (to quote Sheriff Bojang,
the man who transformed into an entertainment writer)

GON: Thank you for talking to Gainako and keep your pen sharpened all the time. Good luck
in the project of democracy in the pipeline.

Alieu:You welcome and please get ready for Obama's acceptance speech in Denver. Please try
to part of the 75,000 people expected to attend.

Michelle Obama said �Ten supporters who make a donation in any amount by midnight this
Thursday, July 31st, will be selected to fly to Denver, spend a couple of nights in a hotel,
participate in the convention, and go Backstage with Barack. Each supporter who is
selected will also get to bring a guest along to share the experience.�

Gainako don't miss that offer please!

Copyright, 2006-2008: Gainako On-line Newspaper . Site Maintained by Gamway Computers