Uphold good character, officers in discipline forces adviced

Exhibiting good character, maintaining discipline, and exercising self-control were the central messages that emerged during the Islamic symposium for discipline officers serving in various national security agencies.

Men and women entrusted with safeguarding the nation were reminded to align their work with the Islamic principles of integrity, justice, and compassion, as these foster inner discipline and promote cooperation with their colleagues.

The Imam of Jamia Mosque, Sheikh Jamaludin, emphasized the importance of discipline and exercising self-control in their day-to-day activities, noting that it serves as both a spiritual shield and a professional as

The Imam of Landhies mosque Sheikh Ahmad Uthman speaks at the event

set. He reminded officers that discipline in Islam goes beyond physical training and urged them to balance their spiritual lives with operational duties. “True discipline begins with controlling yourself (nafs), especially during Ramadhan,” he said during the event held on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at Adams Masjid, Nairobi.

The Imam further emphasized the importance of strengthening spiritual discipline among officers during the holy month of Ramadhan, describing it as a period that cultivates patience, humility, and self-discipline — virtues that reflect the core values of service men and women in uniform.

Speaking at the event, Sheikh Saad Ahmed highlighted the importance of good character, stating that it is crucial for officers entrusted with authority to consistently exhibit Islamic values in their work. He urged them to maintain integrity, discipline, and compassion, emphasizing that these qualities enhance personal conduct, build mutual respect, and foster cooperation among officers in the disciplined forces. “There is no discipline like good character. If you have discipline in your character, everything else becomes easy,” he said.

His message resonated strongly with the audience, many of whom serve in high-pressure environments where restraint and professionalism are critical.

On his part, Sheikh Akram Maalim centered his address on mercy and repentance, reminding officers never to despair over their past mistakes. “Whatever sin you have committed, whatever mistakes you have made, return to Allah, seek His mercy, and you will find Him Most Forgiving, Most Merciful,” he said, emphasizing that Allah can transform bad deeds into good ones through sincere repentance.

A section of participants at the Islamic symposium for discipline officers

In his advice, Sheikh Said Bafana reminded the officers that being granted another Ramadhan is a sign of Allah’s love and urged them to maintain discipline, prayer, and avoidance of sin even after the fasting month concludes.

The symposium marked the second gathering of its kind, following a similar forum held in March last year. Organized by Risala, a Nairobi based da’wah organization, the initiative is part of ongoing efforts to nurture spiritual growth among Muslim officers while reinforcing integrity, teamwork, and dedication to service.

The one-day forum, brought together more than 800 officers from various disciplined forces, including the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), National Police Service, Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Kenya Prisons Service, Kenya Wildlife Service, Kenya Forest Service, and the National Youth Service.