Muslim faithful have been asked to dedicate the Eid celebrations towards praying for the nation as it grapples with the Covid-19 pandemic.
Traditionally, the Eid-Ul-Fitr celebrations are marked with mass prayers in mosques, communal feasts and visits to friends and families as Muslims observe the end of their holy month of Ramadhan.
The Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims deputy secretary-general Mohammed Washala Abdi said prayer will play a key role in the fight against coronavirus.
"The country is facing very tough times. Let us all pray for better days ahead even as we have our low-key celebrations," Washala said.
He asked Muslims to pray at home and avoid inviting people to their homes as that would contravene the government's directives on Covid-19.
"We emphasise that we don't host visitors at homes to avoid overcrowding. We urge and ask all Muslims to continue observing the Ministry of Health prevention protocols at all times and places to stop the spread of the virus," he added.
In his Eid Mubarak message to Muslims on Sunday, Washala said this year's Eid will be marked with fewer activities and, therefore, faithful should use the abnormal situation to donate food to the less fortunate.
"We will observe our celebration quietly in our homes and perform the Sunna Eid prayers from our homes. Though we appeal to those Muslims who are able to share with the less fortunate in society like orphans, widows, the disabled, the sick and the poor to do so. I also remind my brethren to pay the obligatory zakat (alms)," Washala noted.
Kaloleni MCA Omar Ahmed asked the Muslim faithful to use the day to pray for peace and harmony in the country.
"Kenyans should stay united at this time and help the government in the fight against Covid-19," Omar said.
Further, he urged Kenyans to join hands in the fight against coronavirus by observing all guidelines.
Edited by R.Wamochie
