Muslims in Kenya end fast with Eid prayers

Muslim faithfuls take a selfie during Eid al-Fitr prayers at the Sir Ali Muslim Club ,Ngara,Nairobi on April 21, 2023. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Majority of the Muslims in Kenya are celebrating Eid al Fitr today, marking the official end of the fasting month of Ramadhan.

Thousands of Muslims gathered in various open fields across the country in the morning hours to conduct special prayers to kick off the celebrations.

Muslim faithfuls converge for the Eid al-Fitr prayers at the Sir Ali Muslim Club ,Ngara,Nairobi on April 21, 2023. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

This was after the new moon marking the end of the month of Ramadhan was sighted in various parts of the country last night including Coast and North Eastern regions. Muslims follow the lunar calendar, not the solar one.

Eid is not on a fixed date, but is dependent on the sighting of a new moon - marking the end of Ramadan and the start of the Islamic month Shawwal.

Muslim faithfuls converge for the Eid al-Fitr prayers led by SUPKEM National Chair Alhajj Hassan Ole Naado at the Sir Ali Muslim Club Ngara Nairobi on April 21, 2023. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Local sightings of the moon can differ, which is why there can be discrepancies between the days different countries start and end their fast.

Sightings have now been made in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, where Islam's holiest mosque is.

Eid is celebrated by family and friends getting together and many will also attend special Eid prayers in the morning.

Muslim faithfuls converge for the Eid al-Fitr prayers at DEB Primary School in Nyeri. [Kibata Kihu, Standard]

It is traditional for people to wear new clothes, in particular children, and for loved ones and neighbours to visit each other to exchange good wishes.

The most common greeting to say to Muslims is Eid Mubarak.

Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, which is determined by the lunar cycle.

When it starts is based on the sighting of the new moon, which marks the beginning of the month.

If the new moon (hilal) is spotted, fasting begins the following day.

Muslim faithfuls during their Eid Prayers at Masjid Al Rahma grounds in Nakuru City. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

Similarly when determining the last day of Ramadan, if the new moon is sighted the holy month is complete and Eid is celebrated the following day.

In Sir Ali Muslim Club in Nairobi, where thousands of Muslims in flowing robes and dresses gathered for prayers, the overriding message was for Muslims to play their part in enhancing peace and socioeconomic development of the country.