Kenya: Section of Muslims End Ramadhan Fast
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The Nation (Nairobi)
30 September 2008
Posted to the web 1 October 2008
Nairobi
Some Muslim worshippers gathered for prayers across the country on Tuesday, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadhan.
In Mombasa, they met at Tononoka football grounds after the moon was reportedly sighted in Saudi Arabia, contradicting an announcement by the Chief Kadhi Hammad Kassim at 8.30pm on Monday that Muslims should continue to fast because the moon had not been sighted.
The Chief Kadhi is expected to lead the rest of the Muslims in Idd-ul-Fitr prayers at the Mombasa Municipal Stadium from 7am on Wednesday.
The ending of Ramadhan on two different days has become the norm in recent years.
"The majority of Muslims who decided not to celebrate Idd-ul-Fitr yesterday have proved that they want unity within the community," Sheikh Kassim said.
He sent a special Idd message to all Muslims wishing them happiness at the end of the 30 days of fasting.
Chairman of Ulamaa of Ahlul Sunna and Imams of Mosques, Sheikh Haji Musa Sodha yesterday praised the Chief Kadhi for making an early announcement that worshippers must continue fasting.
Sighted the moon
"Sheikh Kassim took the right decision because there are Muslims who do not mind misleading the faithful that they have sighted the moon so that Kenyans can observe the end of Ramadhan on the same day with Saudi Arabia," he said.
Sheikh Kassim asked Islamic religious leaders to put their political differences aside and attend the Idd Baraza at Treasury Square in Mombasa this morning.
The Nation established that other Idd prayers in Mombasa were held at Bakarani Mosque in Kisauni and Likoni's Dar ul Ulum Mosque.
Mr Ismail Mohamed, a Likoni resident, said very few Muslims attended prayers at Dar ul Ulum and expressed hope that hundreds of faithful would attend prayers on Wednesday at Caltex open ground.
President Kibaki sent a message of goodwill to Muslims. He said that Idd Ul Fitr is a great day in the Islamic calendar, which all other Kenyans observe as a national holiday in solidarity with their Muslim brothers and sisters.
In Garissa, hundreds of Muslims ended the Ramadhan by donating to the less fortunate. Donations from individuals in the US were channelled through two non-governmental organisations.
Officials from the Ministry of Health's Aids Population and Health Integrated Assistance Programme joined hands with USAid to provide medical supplies for newborn babies in four hospitals.
Hygiene kits
In addition, powdered milk, blankets and hygiene kits were handed to the Kenya Red Cross Society for distribution to people undergoing home-based care.
In Kisumu, hundreds of the worshippers gathered at the Highway grounds.
At the Jamia Mosque in Kisumu, the Imam Sheikh Shabban Wegulo said the faithful broke the fast after the sighting of the moon was reported.
"Once the moon is spotted, then the faithful are free to come together and pray and offer gifts to the less fortunate," Sheikh Wegulo said.
He, however, said that a section of Muslims were still fasting. In Migori Town, Muslims began Idd celebrations ahead of their colleagues from other parts of the country.
They held prayers at the Muslim primary grounds before going back to their houses to feast. The faithful also prayed for peace and stability in the country.
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Reports by Abdulrahman Sheriff, Dan Obiero, Ellisha Otieno, KNA and PPS
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