Muslims mark Idd with calls for peace, end to extra-judicial killings

 

Muslim faithful across the country joined their brothers and sisters from other parts of the world in marking Idd ul Fitr, a celebration that comes at the end of Ramadhan.

The faithful, mostly clad in Islamic robes and dresses, kicked off their day with special communal prayers in open fields and mosques before retreating to join family and friends to share meals.

However, the official Idd Ul Fitr public holiday gazetted for all Kenyans will be today.

Hugs and smiles were aplenty as Muslims exchanged the goodwill season’s wishes of Eid Mubarak (or Blessed Idd) after completing 30 days of fasting, prayers and meditation that was meant to take them closer to God.

Shopping malls and supermarkets in Nairobi, Mombasa, Garissa, Kisumu and other major towns were abuzz with activity as faithful made last-minute shopping for clothes and foods, while amusement parks were packed as parents took out their children for a dose of fun.

“I have come with my family to Nairobi National Park to relax and enjoy ourselves after successfully completing the fasting of Ramadhan. We pray to God to give us health and well being in the days ahead,” said Zamzam Yusuf, a Nairobi resident.

At Sir Ali Muslim Club in Nairobi, prayers were dominated by calls for Muslims in the country to uphold peace and coexistence with Kenyans of other faiths and participate actively in the socio-economic development of the country.

Moral virtues

The Imam of Nairobi’s Jamia Mosque Sheikh Muhammad Swalihu, led the prayers and called on the faithful not to abandon moral virtues learnt during the month of Ramadhan, including self-discipline, selflessness and sharing with the needy.

“We pray for continued peace and stability as the country moves towards another general election. But true peace can only be achieved by eliminating all forms of injustices and corruption among leaders and ordinary Kenyans,” he said.

Leader of Majority Aden Duale criticised recent public spats between Muslim leaders, including Chief Kadhi Sheikh Ahmad Muhdar and Chairman of Shura Council Abdullahi Abdi, over the declaration of Thursday as a public holiday.

He said the move heightened divisions among the community.

“Let us respect each other and resolve our differences of opinion in a more mature and structured manner rather than engaging in public war of words,” he said.

Duale called on the Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet to move quickly and resolve the problem of extra-judicial killings that have outraged Kenyans in the recent past, saying failure to do so would further dent the working relationship between the public and the police.

Amani Coalition leader Musalia Mudavadi wished all Muslims a blessed Eid, and asked Kenyans to re-dedicate themselves to the of ideals of social responsibility.

Stop killings

In Mombasa, thousands of Muslims gathered at various squares, mosques and streets to mark Idd ul Fitr.

The largest gathering was at Ronald Ngala Primary School where Mombasa governor Hassan Ali Joho, Senator Hassan Omar and Suleiman Shahbal gathered for Idd prayers.

Mombasa County Commissioner Mohamed Maalim also called for residents’ cooperation so as to enhance security in the coastal city ahead of the peak tourism season.

At the same time thousands of Muslims jammed various grounds in Isiolo to mark the Idd-ul-Fitr prayers.

Prayers were held at Isiolo Stadium, Al-Habib School compound at Olla Bulle and Al-Haramain Centre at Kambi Garba Estate among other areas.

At Isiolo Stadium, the administrator of Al-Falah Islamic Centre Sheikh Ahmed Set called on the faithful to embrace unity among themselves and with other Kenyans.

“We call on the Muslims to continue with good moral values and constant prayers even after the month of Ramadhan,” said Set.

In Kakamega, Council of Imam and Preachers of Kenya Chairman Sheikh Abdallah Ateka asked police to stop extra-judicial killings.

“Every Kenyan has a right to live and there is no justification whatsoever for anyone to lose his or her life through assassination. We plead with the inspector general of police Joseph Boinnet to help bring to book all perpetrators of the recent killings,” he said at Kakamega Jamia Mosque.

In Garissa, Muslim leaders accused the Law Society of Kenya of double standards when addressing extra-judicial killings in the country.

The clergy, who were speaking during the Idd celebrations at General Mohamud grounds, said the LSK’s recent protests following the killing of a lawyer, his client and a driver indicate that the society values the lives of some Kenyans more than others.