Eastleigh

Ramadan 2024: Eastleigh Muslims set to begin fast tomorrow

Sheikh Mohamed Abdi Umal announces the Ramadan start date at the Abubakar Mosque in Eastleigh, Nairobi, on March 10, 2024. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)

By Abdirahman Khalif | Sunday, March 10, 2024

This follows the sighting of the new moon in several Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.

Residents of Eastleigh are gearing up to observe the holy month of Ramadan, with fasting expected to commence on Monday.

This follows the sighting of the new moon in several Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.

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Major mosques in Eastleigh started hosting taraweh prayers (special non-obligatory long prayers done during Ramadan) on Sunday night, in preparation for the fasting period.

Speaking after the prayers, Sheikh Jamaludin Osman, imam of Jamia Mosque in Nairobi, expressed confidence that fasting would begin on Monday.

"The moon has been sighted in several countries so tomorrow will mark the beginning of Ramadan," he said.

Sheikh Mohamed Abdi Umal, the imam of Abubakar Mosque and one of the most respected and followed imams in Eastleigh, also confirmed the commencement of Ramadan on Monday.

"Many Islamic countries have confirmed the sighting of the moon and tomorrow, Monday, is the first day of Ramadan," he said while preaching at the mosque.

Masjid Abubakar in Eastleigh, Nairobi, where taraweh prayers took place on March 10, 2024, ahead of the offial start of the holy month of Ramadan. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)

However, there remains some confusion within the Muslim community in Kenya regarding the official start date of Ramadan.

Chief Kadhi Athman Abdulhalim Hussein announced that the moon sighting will take place on Monday, indicating a potential delay in the start of Ramadan for some Muslims in the country.

If the moon is not sighted on Monday, fasting will begin on Wednesday for those following his guidance. Consequently, the Muslim community in Kenya may find itself divided on the celebration date of Eid-al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan.

This is not uncommon in Kenya, where differing interpretations of moon sightings often lead to varied Ramadan start dates. Those who adhere to the guidance of the chief Kadhi typically commence fasting a day later than others, reflecting the diversity within the Muslim community.

Meanwhile, Muslims in the North Eastern counties are also expected to begin fasting on Monday, aligning with the broader consensus among Middle Eastern countries.

As the community prepares for this period of spiritual reflection and devotion, mosques across the region are bracing for increased attendance and engagement in religious activities.

Ramadan holds significant cultural and religious importance for Muslims worldwide, serving as a time of fasting, prayer, and introspection. It is a month characterised by acts of charity, compassion, and the strengthening of faith.

As families come together to observe this sacred period, there is a sense of unity and solidarity within the Muslim community, despite the differences in observance practices.

In Eastleigh and beyond, preparations for Ramadan are in full swing, with individuals eagerly anticipating the opportunity for spiritual growth and renewal.

As the month unfolds, Muslims will embark on a journey of self-discipline and devotion, seeking to draw closer to Allah and uphold the values of compassion and empathy.