Muslims ask Christians to join in Hajj celebrations

Busia

Chief Kadhi Hammad Kassim has invited Christians to join Muslims in the Idd-ul Hajj celebration.

He said the celebrations was one of the most important religious events in the Muslim calendar.

"In this particular celebrations, I wish to invite Christians to join and celebrate with us. The most important thing is to visit the sick and the less privileged," he said.

He added: "The celebrations will ensure we enjoy and give hope to everybody in the community."

Supkem Coast chairman Mohdhar Khitamy (right) addresses a press conference in Mombasa, on Thursday. The council led some Muslims to oppose celebration of Idd-ul-Hajj on Friday. Photo: Omondi Onyango/Standard

Meanwhile, Supkem said no Kenyan Hajj pilgrim has contracted swine flu (H1N1 influenza virus).

In a statement, Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (Supkem) assured families of those who were on pilgrim were safe.

Secretary general Adan Wachu said through the Kenyan ambassador in Saudi Arabia and the Kenyan Hajj mission officials they were monitoring reported cases of swine flu.

Kassim, who spoke to The Standard on telephone, said together with Saudi Government they had put all measures in place to curb further infections.

Separately, some Muslims led by the Supkem at the Coast remained defiant over the date of the event.

The group opposed earlier declaration by Sheikh Kassim the celebrations be marked on Friday.

Declaration opposed

Speaking during a press conference at on Thursday, Supkem, Kenya Assembly of Ulamaa and Imams and Sunni Muslim Anjuma officials said they would celebrate tomorrow.

Supkem Coast chairman Mohdhar Khitamy said the 10th day of Dhul Hijja when Idd ul Hajj should be observed will be on Saturday.

"This has been the tradition over the years and we cannot turn to when Idd ul Hajj is marked in Saudi Arabia," said Sheikh Khitamy.

He claimed Kenya has always celebrated Idd ul Hajj with countries like India, Tanzania and Afghanistan.

Kauli secretary general Sheikh Khamis Badru said the chief Kadhi did not consult before he declared today Idd ul Adha day.

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