Muslims set for holy month of Ramadhan

Suleiman Mbatiah | NATION. Muslim faithful buy Kanzus and prayer mats at Eastleigh First Avenue in Nairobi, August 8, 2010 ahead of the this year's Ramadhan period.

President Kibaki has sent a message of greetings and goodwill to the Muslim community in Kenya as they start observing the Holy month of Ramadhan.

The President urged Kenyan Muslims to offer special prayers for unity in the country particularly now that the referendum is over and the country prepares to embark on the implementation of the new constitution.

 “In this month of spiritual purification and regeneration, I call upon all Muslims to pray that our country may be a prosperous land of peace and happiness for all,” President Kibaki said.

Muslim faithful in Kenya are expected to begin fasting on Thursday.

The Ramadhan fast was expected to begin on Wednesday but was called off as the sighting of the new moon, which is to kick off the religious occasion, did not materialise.

Acting Chief Kadhi Sheikh Ahmed Sheriff Hussein on Tuesday evening said even though the new moon had not been seen in Kenya and other neighbouring countries, fasting should start on Thursday in accordance with the teaching and guidance contained in the Holy Quran and the teachings of Prophet Mohammed.

“I wish to make official statement to my Kenyans Muslims brothers and sisters that fasting will commence on Thursday since moon had not been sighted on Tuesday. This communication is in reference to the teaching of Holy Quran and sayings of Prophet,” he said.

He made the announcement at Wakfu commission offices in Mombasa accompanied by dozens of Muslims clerics who form the moon sighting committee.

The Kadhi also made several phone contacts with  Dar Es Salaam Region Chief Kadhi, Sheikh Hamid Jongo and Zanzibar Mufti, Sheikh Hajj Khamis who also confirmed that the moon had not been  sighted anywhere in their countries.

Flanked by Mombasa Kadhi Sheikh Twalib Bwana Mohammed, retired Kadhi Sheikh Ali Mwizangu, the acting Chief Kadhi urged Muslims to exercise tolerance and sacrifice the holiest month in deep prayers to seek repentance from Allah for any past and current sins.

“They should also extend kindness and hospitality especially to the less fortunate in the society by providing them with Iftar.Saum (Ramadhan) is a month to harvest Allah’ rewarding and let us exploit it effectively,”   he added.

Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) Coast branch chairman Sheikh Muhdhar Khitamy, Moon sighting committee top official Sheikh Hajj Rafik Osman and Masjid Konzi Imam, Sheikh Sheriff Hussein were also present.

Fasting is intended to guide Muslims about patience, humility and spirituality and to sacrifice for the sake of God and to offer more prayers.

During Ramadhan, Muslims ask forgiveness for sins, pray for guidance and help in refraining from everyday evils, and try to purify themselves through self-restraint and good deeds.

Meanwhile, Coast Provincial Police Officer Leo Nyongesa said security will be stepped up during the holy month of Ramadhan due to religious activities in nights of the ninth month of Islamic calendar.

Mr Nyongesa said police stations and post commanders have already been given proper security instructions and directed to caution officers to nights patrol against harassing innocent faithful.

“There should not be any fear as we have put in place measures to guard faithful against any form of insecurity as they attend their night prayers,” he added.

Earlier, the acting Chief Kadhi led host of Muslims leaders asking for deployment of enough security personnel.

While at the same time asking followers to cooperate with law enforcing agencies in combating crime incidence, Sheikh Hussein also challenged the police to weed out genuine Muslims from criminals masquerading as followers.