Photos: Religious leaders call for unity as Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Adha

In a bid to quell ongoing divisions within the Muslim community over the celebration of Eid-ul-Adha, the country's top religious leaders have called for unity.

The call came as some Muslims observed the prayers on Sunday, while others planned to conduct them on Monday.

The Chief Kadhi of Kenya, Abdulhalim Hussein, addressed the media at the historic Tononoka grounds on Sunday after the Eid-ul-Adha prayers.

Chief Kadhi of Kenya Abdulhalim Hussein Athman (in black) leading the Eid-ul-Adha prayers at the historical Tononoka grounds in Mombasa on June 16, 2024. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

He emphasised the importance of unity among Muslims, regardless of the differing dates for the celebration.

"Muslims should be united regardless of their decision on which day to pray," said Chief Kadhi Hussein. "Our faith calls for solidarity and understanding. Differences in the sighting of the moon should not divide us but rather be a testament to our diversity within unity."

Eastleigh residents converge at the Eastleigh High School grounds for Eid-ul-Adha prayers on June 16, 2024. (Photo: Hafsa Hassan)

Supporting his sentiments, Kenya Muslims National Advisory Council (KEMNAC) National Chairman Sheikh Juma Ngao highlighted the constitutional role of the Chief Kadhi's office in Kenya, stressing that it holds the authority on matters such as moon sighting and the timing of religious celebrations.

Muslims hold Eid-ul-Adha prayers at Business Bay Square Mall in Eastleigh, Nairobi County on June 16, 2024. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)

"The recognised office under the constitution of Kenya is the Chief Kadhi's, and all decisions pertaining to moon sightings and Eid celebrations lie with this office," stated Sheikh Ngao.

Muslims hold Eid-ul-Adha prayers at Business Bay Square Mall in Eastleigh, Nairobi County on June 16, 2024. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)

"It is biased for people to ignore his decisions. We must respect the established structures that guide our religious practices."

Muslims in Garissa converge at Rtd General Mohamud EID Ground to mark Eid-ul-Adha on June 16, 2024. (Photo: Issa Hussein)

Sheikh Abu Qatada echoed these calls for unity, underscoring Islam's core principles of peace and unity.

"Islam is a religion of unity and peace, and that should be reflected in our actions," noted Sheikh Abu. "Celebrating Eid on different days should not lead to discord. We must demonstrate our faith through cohesive and harmonious practices."

Muslim faithfuls in Isiolo hold Eid-ul-Adha prayers at Isiolo Islamic Institute Mosque. pic.twitter.com/L21jDvy7Rd

— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) June 16, 2024

Moon sighting

The differing dates for Eid-ul-Adha celebrations stem from variations in moon sighting, which is a traditional method for determining the Islamic calendar.

These discrepancies are not uncommon and have, in the past, led to similar divisions within the global Muslim community.

Muslims faithful hold Eid-ul-Adha prayers at Kisimachande grounds in Ramisi ward Msambweni sub-county Kwale, County on June 16, 2024. (Photo: Mishi Gongo)

However, the leaders' unified message aims to mitigate the potential for conflict and emphasize the broader values of togetherness and mutual respect.

The Chief Kadhi's call for unity was well-received by many attendees, who appreciated the emphasis on cohesion and understanding.

"Muslims should be united regardless of their decision on which day to pray. Our faith calls for solidarity and understanding. Differences in the sighting of the moon should not divide us but rather be a testament to our diversity within unity,” said Abdi Ali.

Muslims in Garissa converge at Rtd General Mohamud EID Ground to mark Eid-Ul-Adha. pic.twitter.com/a0iCDfCUtn

— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) June 16, 2024

Ahmed Khalif noted that Eid is a day that people should be happy and united stating that Muslims should help each other as the Islamic teachings state and not show disunity.

At the Kikowani market, Muslims showed up in large numbers to buy goats and sheep despite the high prices. The goats were being sold for between Sh9,000 to Sh15,000.

At the Kikowani market, Muslims showed up in large numbers to buy goats and sheep despite the high prices. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

Eid-ul-Adha is the festival of sacrifice where Muslims are urged to at least sacrifice a goat, sheep, cow or animal.

“Business was slow the past two days, but today we thank God customers showed up in large numbers and we are not doing that bad. We were worried that we would get a loss,” said Juma Chidzombo.

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