Ahmednasir breaks Twitter 'fast' to differ on Idd holiday date

Senior Counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi has broken his Twitter fast in protest of the declared Idd-ul-Fitr holiday date.

Interior CS Kithure Kindiki on Wednesday declared Friday, April 21, as a public holiday to celebrate the end of Ramadhan.

In a tweet shortly after the announcement, Ahmednasir expressed his dissatisfaction. 

"Plainly stupid. Friday is the 30th day of Ramadan. (Broke my Twitter fast to post this tweet)," he said.

The Holy month of Ramadhan lasts for either 29 or 30 days depending on the sighting of the new moon.

Ahmednassir before the start of the Ramadhan period on March 22, said he was dropping Twitter till Eid day.

"Ramadan Kareem. As usual, I will sign off tonight and sign in on Eid day InshaAllah," he said.

"If I have an urgent message for the nation, I will communicate through (Suna East MP) JunetMohamed or WehliyeMohamed. I hope Hon Raila will not mess with OUR Ramadan!"

Commenting on the same, Defence CS Aden Duale said the fasting will end on Friday, April 21, wishing the Muslim faithful a happy Idd. 

"The Festival of Breaking Fast; Idd-ul-Fitr, is an important religious celebration for Muslims worldwide. It marks the end of the dawn-to-dusk fast during the Holy month of Ramadan," he said.

"As we end the fast on Friday, the 21st, may our temptations, trials and tribulations also come to an end. Happy Idd-ul-Fitr!"

A statement issued on Tuesday by Deputy Chief Kadhi Sukyan Omar said Thursday, April 20, shall be the 29th day of this year's Holy month of Ramadhan which the moon is meant to be sighted.

"On the evening of the 29th day, the sunnah is that the new moon is searched and upon sighting, the Eid is performed on the following day," he said.

Omar urged Kadhis countrywide to assist in searching for the moon as the fasting period comes to an end.

He requested that the Muslim faithful join in on the noble activity in their respective areas of jurisdiction and communicate any news with the office of Deputy Chief Kadhi.

"This will be to receive and announce the verified available news," he said.

Ramadhan is the ninth month in the Muslim calendar and its dates differ with different lunar cycles.

The same is observed in Idd, which is celebrated in the first three days of Shawwal, which is the tenth month in the Muslim (lunar) calendar.

The celebrations include wearing new clothes, feasting, gifting, and donating to the needy.

In the morning, Muslim faithful attend Idd prayers at their mosque. 

Muslim faithful have also given their views on the announcement, here are some tweets: