Large turnout in mosques as Muslims in Eastleigh mark first Friday of Ramadan
The Friday sermons in most mosques focused on the significance of fasting during Ramadan and its spiritual benefits.
Muslims in Eastleigh gathered in large numbers at major mosques to observe the first Friday of the holy month of Ramadan. The congregational prayers saw hundreds of worshippers filling mosques such as Masjid Sahaba, Masjid Abubakar and Masjid Sunnah.
By 11 am, the mosques were full, forcing many to pray on the streets and pavements despite the scorching sun.
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Vendors selling temporary prayer mats took advantage of the situation, providing mats to worshippers who had forgotten to bring their own.
Many shops had already closed by that time as business owners and workers made their way to mosques for prayers.
The Friday sermons in most mosques focused on the significance of fasting during Ramadan and its spiritual benefits.
Worshippers were reminded that fasting was not just about abstaining from food and drink but also about avoiding all forms of wrongdoing.
The sermons emphasised that fasting should be accompanied by moral discipline, including refraining from gossip, dishonesty and unlawful acts.
At Jamia Mosque, the largest mosque in Nairobi, Imam Sheikh Jamaludin delivered the sermon.
He urged Muslims to use the fasting period as an opportunity to pray and seek guidance from Allah.
The youthful sheikh emphasised that prayer was essential for all believers, as every person faces challenges that only their creator can help them overcome.
"It is good for someone to use this opportunity to pray to Allah because all of us have something making us uncomfortable," he said.
The imam gave examples of prophets who endured hardships but remained steadfast in their faith by continually seeking divine assistance.
He encouraged the congregation to follow this example and increase their devotion during Ramadan.
Muslims in Kenya began fasting on March 1, and Friday marked the seventh day of fasting.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is regarded as one of the holiest months for Muslims. It is believed to be the period when the Holy Qur'an was revealed as guidance for humanity.
During this month, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. They are required to abstain from eating, drinking, and other physical needs during daylight hours. The act of fasting is considered a form of worship that strengthens one's connection with God. It also serves as a reminder of the struggles faced by those who are less fortunate.
The fast is broken at sunset with a meal known as iftar, which is often shared with family and friends.
Many Muslims also spend extended hours in prayer during Ramadan.
In addition to the five daily prayers observed throughout the year, they participate in a special night prayer known as Tarawih. These prayers are performed at the mosque and are an important part of Ramadan traditions
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