Eastleigh

First Friday of Ramadan: Eastleigh's streets filled with worshippers

Muslims in Eastleigh congregated in large numbers in major mosques to observe the first Friday of the holy month of Ramadan. (Abdirahman Khalif)

By Abdirahman Khalif | Friday, March 15, 2024

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, holds profound significance as it commemorates the revelation of the first verses of the Holy Quran.

Muslims in Eastleigh, Nairobi, congregated in large numbers in major mosques to observe the first Friday of the holy month of Ramadan.

The bustling streets witnessed a significant influx of worshippers, with most mosques being filled with attendees.

Keep reading

As early as 10 am, businesses began closing their doors as faithful headed to mosques for the Jumu'a prayers, marking the commencement of the first Friday of Ramadan.

By 11 am, many mosques were already brimming with worshippers, eager to partake in this special day's prayers.

However, the sheer volume of attendees posed challenges for some mosques, such as the Eighth Street mosque, where worshippers had to endure the scorching sun to perform their prayers outside due to overcrowding.

Muslims in Eastleigh congregated in large numbers in major mosques to observe the first Friday of the holy month of Ramadan. (Abdirahman Khalif)

Similarly, Masjid Abubakar on Seven Street also faced a surge in worshippers, with latecomers resorting to praying on pavements and streets.

The impact of this religious observance extended beyond the mosques, affecting the surrounding infrastructure. Along Second Avenue, traffic flow was temporarily halted from 1 pm onwards to accommodate Muslims praying on the road.

Vendors selling temporary prayer mats seized the opportunity, capitalizing on the influx of worshippers who had forgotten to bring their own. This surge in demand proved profitable for these vendors.

The sermons delivered during the congregational prayers highlighted the virtues of fasting during Ramadan, emphasizing its spiritual significance.

Muslims in Eastleigh congregated in large numbers in major mosques to observe the first Friday of the holy month of Ramadan. (Abdirahman Khalif)

In Jamia Mosque, Nairobi's largest mosque, Imam Sheikh Jamaludin Osman delivered a poignant sermon, reminding worshippers of the importance of prayer during this auspicious month.

"Reflect on your life on earth, for you will inevitably face death. Remember, Allah's timing is always perfect," Sheikh Jamaludin proclaimed, urging worshippers to contemplate the deeper meaning of their existence.

In Kenya, the majority of Muslims commenced fasting on Monday, in accordance with Islamic tradition, and anticipate celebrating Eid al-Fitr on April 10, marking the end of Ramadan.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, holds profound significance as it commemorates the revelation of the first verses of the Holy Quran.

As Muslims worldwide embark on this month long journey of fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection, muslims like those in Eastleigh exemplify the unity and devotion that Ramadan fosters.