Chief Kadhi announces start of Ramadan after moon sighting in Kenya

Chief Kadhi Athman Abdulhalim Hussein of Kenya has officially declared that Ramadan will begin on Tuesday, following the sighting of the crescent moon in several counties.

Flanked by officials of the Kenya Fatwa Council at a gathering in Mombasa on Monday evening, Athman said the crescent was sighted in parts including Mombasa and Lamu, Malindi in Kilifi, Tana River, and Mandera.

"Tomorrow will be the first day of Ramadan," he said.

However, the overwhelming majority of Muslims in Kenya began fasting on Monday, following the sighting of the new moon in several Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.

This discrepancy isn't unusual and echoes similar instances during Eid celebrations, where the chief kadhi's calls for celebrations a day later.

On Sunday, Imam Jamaludin Osman of Jamia Mosque and other Ulamas announced the commencement of Ramadan on Monday, a sentiment that resonated with many Muslims in the North Eastern, coastal counties, and Eastleigh in Nairobi, who began fasting accordingly.

Following his announcement, Athman has been criticised, with some social media users accusing him of misleading the Muslim community in Kenya.

Despite the differing opinions, the impact of the first day of Ramadan was felt across the country.

In Eastleigh, most restaurants remained closed for the better part of Monday, only reopening in the evening to cater to individuals breaking their fasts.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, holds immense significance for Muslims worldwide. During this period, adherents abstain from eating or drinking from dawn until evening, dedicating themselves to prayer, reflection, and acts of charity.

This month serves as a time of spiritual renewal and communal solidarity, uniting believers in the shared experience of devotion and self-discipline.

At the weekend, Athman Hussein called on Muslims to unite and help the needy, especially during Ramadan.

Addressing guests at a mass wedding at the Baraza Park in Kwale County, he described the holy month as the perfect season for Muslims to pray for mercy and shun bad deeds.

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"The long-awaited season is here. Let us unite in doing good and help the needy in society," he said.

Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya urged Muslims to maintain peace to reap the maximum benefits of the month.

Salim also asked the locals to pray for the country, sentiments which were echoed by Matuga MP Kassim Tandaza, who asked the youth to shun politicians using them to cause chaos.