A section of Muslim faithful celebrated Eid-Ul-Fitr on Thursday defying Chief Kadhi’s directive to mark the day on Friday.
Chief Kadhi Ahmed Muhdhar on Wednesday said the moon had not been sighted in any East African country, therefore they will have to fast for 30 days.
The celebration marks the end of the thirty-day fasting period, in which, Muslims are devoted to prayer and acts of mercy.
In a gazette notice last week, the government declared Friday, May 14 a public holiday to allow Muslims to celebrate Eid-Ul-Fitr.
Sheikh Abou Hamza of Masjid Sparki led the Eid prayers at Tononoka grounds.
Hamza asked Muslims to pray for the country and that God protects them from the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We thank Allah (God) for allowing us to celebrate this day. I urge all Muslims to pray that God protects us from this pandemic that has disrupted our economy,” Sheikh Hamza said.
However, the national treasure for the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya Sheikh Hassan Omar faulted Chief Kadhi for dividing Muslims in the country.
He said the Muslim community needs to commemorate the day of Eid-Ul-Fitr together.
Sheikh Hassan blamed Chief Kadhi for disapproving reports that the moon had been sighted by a section of the Muslim faithful.
There are reports that the moon was sighted in parts of Tana River and Kwale county.
“We are very disappointed with Chief Kadhi for continuing to divide us. All Muslims were supposed to mark Eid celebrations on Thursday, but unfortunately, some will have to mark the day on Friday,” Sheikh Hassan said.
He said there was a need for Muslim leaders to sit down and look into the matter to avoid further confusion in the future.
The faithful were also urged to continue with prayers and good deeds even as the holy month of Ramadan comes to an end.
Some Muslim faithful hadalso marked the Eid celebrations on Thursday at the Mvita grounds.
Chief Kadhi will on Friday lead Eid celebrations at the Ronald Ngala Primary School grounds in Mombasa.
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
