Kenya’s Muslim Community Gears Up for Ramadan Celebration
On the eve of the last Friday preceding the commencement of Ramadan, Kenya’s Muslim community converged at the local market or convened for prayers at the principal mosque in Nairobi, the capital city.
Expressing his anticipation for Ramadan, Hassan Aden Mohamed, a shopkeeper in Nairobi, remarked, “I welcome Ramadan, Inshallah Khair (Good, as God wills it). Allah has enabled us, praise be to God. We are happy as Muslims Inshallah. We pray to Allah to enable us to reach the next Ramadan, everything is okay, praise be to God.”
As indicated by the 2019 census in Kenya, the nation predominantly follows Christianity, with Islam constituting the second-largest faith at 11% of the population. The roots of Kenya’s Muslim population trace back to Arab merchants who arrived on the Swahili Coast around the eighth century.
In the lead-up to the sacred month, Mohamed Sheikh Isaac, the Director of Daawa at Jamia Mosque, issued a call to the community to extend support to one another in times of need and to reach out to those who are less privileged in society. He emphasized the global commitment of Muslims to engage in night prayers, observe fasting during daylight hours, contribute Sadaka (offerings), and fulfill Zakat (charity) to the best of their abilities. This, he noted, is part of a collective effort to address economic and social challenges that affect individuals in various ways.
The commencement date for Ramadan in Kenya is contingent upon the sighting of the moon, and it is anticipated to begin either on Monday, March 11, or Tuesday, March 12.
In essence, the pre-Ramadan gathering in Nairobi reflected the unity and joy within Kenya’s Muslim community as they eagerly awaited the arrival of the sacred month. Mohamed Sheikh Isaac’s appeal resonated with the universal spirit of Ramadan, emphasizing the values of compassion, charity, and communal support that define this period of spiritual reflection and self-discipline for Muslims worldwide. The potential commencement dates underscore the anticipation and uncertainty that often accompanies the sighting of the crescent moon, adding an element of excitement to the approaching holy month.
