Prayers and celebrations as Muslims mark Idd

By Ally JamahIt was a day of prayers, smiles, and merry-making for Muslims as they celebrated Idd-ul-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadhan.Muslims gathered in various fields and mosques in Nairobi, Mombasa, and other towns for special prayers at 9am yesterday, to thank God for successfully completing the month-long fasting.Faithful pray at Membon in Mombasa, on Friday. [PHOTO: OMONDI ONYANGO/STANDARD]There was an air of merry and excitement as Muslims, clad in colourful robes, exchanged greetings and hugs, while saluting each other with ‘Eid Mubarak’ (Have a blessed Eid!)"I am happy today since this is a big day for me. I will be joining my friends and family for lunch and dinner and have a good time," said Kish Mohammed. He spoke after prayers at Sir Ali Muslim Club in Nairobi.Muslims marked the day with special dishes prepared in many homes, the most popular being pilau, biriani, meat and non-alcoholic drinks.Traders did booming business as the faithful shopped for food, drinks, clothes and other gifts.Muslims countrywide celebrated the day together in a rare show of unity, marking a break from the past when different sections of the community celebrated on different days.Earlier in the week, Acting Chief Kadhi Ahmad Muhdhar had indicated the big day could be marked today, but after the new moon was sighted on Thursday evening, he changed the day to yesterday.The Government officially gazetted today as a public holiday."As a Muslim leader, I am very pleased that the faithful prayed together in unity and goodwill. We thank God for that and pray for the wellbeing of the country," Muhdhar told The Standard On Saturday from Mombasa.He advised the faithful not to celebrate in ways that go against the principles of Islam — like drinking alcohol, chewing miraa, goint to nightclubs and engaging in casual sex.Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims Secretary General Adan Wachu congratulated Muslims for successfully completing Ramadhan in peace. He asked the Government to return the 10 Kenyans renditioned to Uganda to face charges in their home country.&#12288;&#12288;

Prayers and celebrations as Muslims mark Idd

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