Muslims urged to promote a positive narrative of Islam as they celebrate Eid ul Fitr

Muslims across the country today joined others in the world in marking Eid ul Fitr, a celebration that comes at the end of the fasting month of Ramadhan

Faithful, mostly clad in traditional 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 enjoy their favourite meals, drinks and company. 

However, the official Eid Ul Fitr public holiday gazetted for all Kenyans will be Thursday 7/7/2016.

This year’s Eid was different, since it was not marked by divisions seen in previous years when faithful celebrated it on different days based on conflicting interpretations of the Islamic lunar calendar.

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 socioeconomic development of the country.

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

He called on Muslims to promote cooperation with Kenyans of other faiths instead of emphasizing differences, as done by violent groups, thereby leading to unnecessary tension and conflict

“We pray for continued peace and stability as the country moves towards another general elections. But true peace can only be achieved by eliminating all forms of injustices and corruption among leaders and ordinary Kenyans. Peace cannot be achieved by mere slogans,” he said.

“Let us not make Eid ul Fitr an affair for Muslims only. Let us include the rest of Kenyans, regardless of religion or tribe, in the festivities by inviting them into our homes and sharing with them what we are enjoying,” he said.

Majority leader 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 rather than engaging in public war of words,” he said.

He called on Muslims to promote a positive narrative of Islam by upholding peace and unity and shunning those who promote violence against innocent civilians in the name of religion.

“We must play an active role in confronting those who want to misuse our religion to harm others thereby soiling our name. That is our responsibility,” he said.

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