Jamia Mosque in Nairobi/FILE
NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 19 – Muslims around the world celebrated Eid-Ul-Fitr on Sunday to mark the end of the month of Ramadhan.
The Muslim faithful flocked major mosques to pray and feast to mark the end of Ramadhan and in Nairobi celebrations were held at the Sir Ali Muslim, South C and Pumwani grounds.
Those who spoke to Capital FM News called for unity and generosity as they marked Eid-Ul-Fitr with prayers in various mosques and open grounds all over the country.
“The unity among Muslims is usually seen during such moments when we come together to pray and if there is any misunderstanding amongst us, we are all human we should be able to forgive each other,” said Shabir Muhammud as he left South C Mosque after prayers.
“No one but Allah can unite us, like he has done during the time we were fasting and even as we go forward in the days to come,” another faithful Mohammed Hussein said at the Sir Ali Bin Saleem grounds.
Politician Ishrad Sumra said: “The significance of Ramadhan is to remember the poor and the less fortunate”
“We are thrilled that Muslims across the country are united today for this occasion; the word Islam means peace and, therefore, we should be symbolising peace in whatever we do in our lives,” Sheikh Hammad Kassim said.
Other Kenyan Muslims took their families for a treat at Uhuru Park grounds where some enjoyed boat rides, joy rides and picnics.
President Mwai Kibaki is among leaders who sent goodwill messages to the Muslim faithful as they mark the important day in their calendar.
“It is my joy, on behalf of the Government and on my own behalf, to send this message of goodwill to the Muslim community on the occasion of Eid-Ul-Fitr,” he said.
“The observance of Eid is an expression of joy at having fulfilled Allah’s command of discipline and piety. It is also a day of thanksgiving to Allah for the guidance He bestowed upon mankind through Prophet Mohammed and the Imams,” he added.
Kenya has declared a public holiday on Monday in honour of the event, marked globally.
“As we all celebrate Eid-Ul-Fitr, I urge all Kenyans to remember that Eid-Ul-Fitr is a time for believers to forget all differences and start afresh in the brotherly spirit of Islam. Let us, therefore, make this day a day of forgiveness and reconciliation,” the President emphasised.
“As Muslims assemble to offer Eid prayers, I appeal to them to pray for peace and unity especially at this time when we are approaching the electioneering period,” he noted.
During Ramadan, Muslim’s fast from dawn until sunset, refraining from consuming food, drinking liquids and sexual relations.
According to Islam, the rewards of fasting are many, but in this month they are believed to be multiplied.
Fasting for Muslims during Ramadan typically includes the increased offering of prayers and recitation of the Quran.
“I take this opportunity to congratulate the Muslim brethren for their dedication to fasting and prayer during the foregoing Holy month of Ramadhan,” the Head of State said.
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