Monday, June 06, 2016
Muslim faithful buy dates along the Kenyatta Avenue in Mombasa on June 5, 2016 as they prepare to observe the one month Ramadhan fasting period. Chief Kadhi Ahmed Muhdhar said fasting would officially start on Tuesday even though some faithful had started fasting on Monday. PHOTO | KEVIN ODIT | NATION MEDIA GROUP
By MOHAMED AHMED
Chief Kadhi Ahmed Muhdhar has called for peaceful co-existence among Kenyans as Muslims start observing the holy month of Ramadhan in which they are expected to fast.
A section of Muslims started observing Ramadhan Monday, despite an announcement by Sheikh Muhdhar that it should start on Tuesday.
Sheikh Muhdhar announced Sunday evening that Muslims in Kenya would officially start observing Ramadhan Tuesday after faithful failed to sight the moon which signifies the start of the holy month.
“We are going to start fasting on Tuesday, this is because we have not seen the moon and we have not received any news from our clerics in other regions.
“That is, we will complete this month, Shaaban (the eighth month of the Islamic calendar) and start fasting on Tuesday,” said Sheikh Muhdhar.
He was speaking at around 8pm Monday at the Wakf Commission offices in Makadara, Mombasa.
HOLIEST MONTH
Ramadhan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is considered to be one of the holiest months of the year.
Some faithful from South Coast and Islamic countries Sunday evening said they had sighted the moon.
The holy season begins with the sighting of the crescent moon on the evening following the new moon and lasts 29 or 30 days, depending on the lunar cycle.
According to the Koran, Muslims are required to start the fast only after seeing the new moon.
In his message to fellow Muslims as they start the holy month, Sheikh Muhdhar urged the faithful to be united and preach peace among Kenyans.
“We are calling upon fellow Muslims in the country to preach peace during this holy month.
“Cohesion amongst all Kenyans is important in the development of our country. Let us utilise this month to gain rewards from God,” he said.
He also urged security personnel to ensure there is enough safety for Muslim faithful who will be attending late-night prayers.