Muslims across the globe will be fasting and praying for Allah’s mercy and forgiveness as they mark the beginning of the Holy month(Ramadan).
Depending on the sighting of the moon, Ramadan begins on Tuesday or Wednesday this week.
Ramadan is the ninth month of prayers during which Muslims traditionally converge in large numbers at mosques especially taraweeh (special night prayers).
It is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar and it is time when Muslims around the globe focus on prayer, fasting, giving charity and religious devotion.
From dawn to dusk, Muslims will forgo food, water and sexual relations during the annual festive season. Fasting is compulsory upon every Muslim male or female but exemptions include children under the age of puberty, insane people, men and women who are too old to undertake the obligation of fast.
Others include sick people whose health is likely to be severely affected by the observance of fast, pregnant women and women breast-feeding their children and women in the period of menstruation.
Chief Kadhi Sheikh Ahmed Muhdhar urged Muslims to strictly observe the Covid-19 protocols as outlined by the Ministry of Health, while extending his best wishes to Muslims.
Sheikh Muhdhar urged Muslims to abide by the set health regulations such as personal hygiene, hand washing, wearing of facemasks and social distancing to curb further spread of the virus.
“It is imperative for Muslims to accept the current situation and adapt to the changing realities occasioned by the covid-19 pandemic,” said the Chief Kadhi.
He said besides the health protocols, Muslim faithful also must conduct their night prayers outside the curfew hours.
“All mosques must ensure that taraweh (night) prayers do not go beyond curfew hours. And for those counties under lockdown should conduct their prayers at home,” added Sheikh Muhdhar.
He called on the Muslim community to use the holy month to pray for the country and continue showing resilience in the face of the global health emergency.
Several mosques in Mombasa County have put in place the required Covid-19 measures to prevent spread of the deadly disease.
“We will make sure all health protocols outlined by the Government are fully adhered to,” said Sheikh Othman Naaman of Masjid Luta.
Coast Regional Commissioner (RC) John Elungata sent his best wishes to all Muslims in the region and assured them of adequate security during the entire fasting period.
