Muslims in Kenya end fast with Eid prayers
National
By
Standard Team
| Apr 21, 2023
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Photos by Elvis Ogina, Joseph Kipsang, Omondi Onyango and Kibata Kihu