Monday, June 06, 2016
Chief Khadhi, Sheikh Sharif Al Muhdhar
By Maarufu Mohamed
The holy month of Ramadhan begins today. According to the Islamic calendar, the 30 days of the eighth Islamic month of Shaaban ended yesterday, June 5, to pave way for Ramadhan. But Muslims will have to wait for a nod from the Chief Khadhi, Sheikh Sharif Al Muhdhar, who is the only authority officially mandated to announce the start and end of fasting.
He said Muslims should wait for an official announcement from his office after the sighting of the new crescent moon. He explained that fasting might start on Monday if the moon was sighted, but that this was subject to an official announcement.
"Whoever will claim to have sighted the new moon anywhere in the county, will be required to take an oath witnessed by more than two Imams before the message is passed to us," Mr Muhdhar said. He said his office on Saturday set up a moon sighting committee at 'Waqf' offices in Mombasa, to await calls from Muslims who would have sighted the crescent moon.
Muhdhar urged Muslims to unite, assist the less fortune and offer peace prayers for the country during Ramadhan.
Mombasa County Commissioner Maalim Mohamed assured Muslims of adequate security. Night prayers "In fact, security officers should escort you home after night prayers at the Mosques because that is exactly our duty," said Mr Mohamed. Governor Hassan Joho said although the county was faced with a great challenge of supplying enough water to residents, the water department would ensure every household gets enough water.
Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya's Organising Secretary Sheikh Mohamed Khalifa thanked President Uhuru Kenyatta for waiving taxes on the importation of 'dates', saying this would enable Muslims to get them cheaply.
He said Muslims should display a high sense of discipline and humbleness and fully dedicate themselves to God during and after the holy month. Mr Khalifa said God commanded Muslims to fast for 30 days from sunrise to sunset during the holy month, which is an annual event.
Ramadhan is the holiest of the four Islamic holy months, and the ninth month of the Islamic Lunar calendar. "God began revealing the Holy Qur'an to Prophet Muhammad during the month of Ramadan (in the year 610 AD) through angel Jibril (Gabriel)," said Khalifa. Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims Sheikh Muhdhar Khitamy said during the holy month all physically mature and healthy Muslims are obliged to abstain from food, drink, gum chewing, tobacco use and sex between dawn and sunset.
He explained that fasting, which is intended to teach Muslims self-discipline, self-restraint and generosity, is one of the most sacred Islamic observances.
Muhdhar said Muslims should take advantage of the month by offering more prayers, and developing one's qualities of endurance and self-restraint.