Some Muslims in Kenya mark Idd despite Chief Kadhi advice

Muslims gather for Idd prayers on June 4, 2019 at Tononoka Grounds in Mombasa, southeastern Kenya. A section of Muslim faithful have defied Kenya's Chief Kadhi Ahmed Muhdhar’s advice to mark Idd-ul-Fitr on June 5, 2019. 

In Summary

• Sheikh Muhdhar had on Monday evening announced that Muslims in Kenya will mark the Idd prayers on Wednesday.
• In Mombasa, hundreds thronged Tononoka, Serani and other grounds for the prayers.
• Idd-ul-Fitr follows the end of the holy month of Ramadhan in which Muslims fast and pray.  

By MOHAMED AHMED
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A section of Muslims in Kenya marked Idd-ul-Fitr on Tuesday, despite Chief Kadhi Ahmed Muhdhar’s advice to mark Idd-ul-Fitr on Wednesday.

Hundreds of Muslims flocked to various mosques and grounds for prayers to mark the celebrations.

Muslims in Uganda also marked Idd on Tuesday following an announcement on the sighting of the moon on Monday evening.

Kenya's Sheikh Muhdhar had on Monday evening announced that Muslims will mark the Idd prayers on Wednesday.

Sheikh Muhdhar made the announcement in Mombasa after a crescent moon failed to be sighted in the country. The moon signifies the end of Ramadhan.

Muslims gather for Idd prayers at Highway Primary School in Kisumu, in western Kenya, on June 4, 2019. PHOTO | ONDARI OGEGA | NATION MEDIA GROUP

MOON SIGHTING

"We have not received any reports of the moon being sighted in the country and for that reason we are going to complete the 30 days of fasting," said Sheikh Muhdhar.

But a section of Muslims on Tuesday went to mosques and various grounds to mark the celebrations after it was reported that the moon had been sighted in parts of northeastern Kenya.

Muslims converge for Idd-ul-Fitr prayers at Jamia Mosque grounds in Mandera Town, in northern Kenya, on June 4, 2019. PHOTO | MANASE OTSIALO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

PUBLIC HOLIDAY

The Kenyan government on Monday evening declared Wednesday a public holiday to accord Muslims an opportunity to mark the Idd-ul-Fitr celebrations.

The declaration is contained in a gazette notice issued by Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.

Idd-ul-Fitr follows the end of the holy month of Ramadhan in which Muslims fast and pray.

Ramadhan usually lasts between 29 and 30 days, depending on the sighting of the moon. When the moon is sighted, Idd-ul-Fitr falls on the following day. If it is not sighted, Idd-ul-Fitr is marked after the 30 days of fasting.

On Idd, Muslims are forbidden from fasting and should start the day by eating dates or snacks before leaving their homes to take part in Idd prayers in open grounds and mosques.

Idd is an Arabic word that means feast or festival.

Additional reporting by The EastAfrican.