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Kenyan Muslims advised to follow Chief Kadhi's Eid announcement amid conflicting statements

Muslims in Eastleigh to mark Eid-ul Fitr at Eastleigh High School on April 10, 2024. (Photo: Ahmed Shafat/EV)

By Farhiya Hussein | Wednesday, June 12, 2024

Kenya Muslims National Advisory Council National Chairman Juma Ngao emphasised the dilemma facing ordinary Muslims, torn between the rulings of the Kenya Fatwa Council and the Chief Kadhi.

The Kenya Muslims National Advisory Council (KEMNAC) has issued a recommendation urging Muslims to adhere to the announcement made by the Chief Kadhi, in a time of uncertainty surrounding Eid celebrations in Kenya.

This advice comes as a response to a division within the coastal region, where the Kenya Fatwa Council has indicated that Eid-ul-Adha will not fall on Sunday but on Monday.

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KEMNAC National Chairman Juma Ngao emphasised the dilemma facing ordinary Muslims, torn between the rulings of the Kenya Fatwa Council and the Chief Kadhi.

"Here we have two conflicting statements. One from the Kenya Fatwa Council stating that the Day of Arafa (an Islamic holiday that falls on the ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah of the lunar Islamic Calendar. It is the second day of the Hajj pilgrimage and is followed by the holiday of Eid-ul-Adha) will be on Sunday and Eid will fall on Monday, and another statement from the Chief Kadhi indicating that since the pilgrims are in Mecca, Day of Arafa will be on Saturday and Eid-ul-Adha on Sunday," he said.

“Each side cites evidence from the Quran and the Prophet's teachings. Now the common Muslim is confused, unsure whether to follow Chief Kadhi's directive or the newly formed Kenya Fatwa Council led by Mufti Al Habib Ahmad Mwenye Baba."

Giving precedence

KEMNAC argues that the Chief Kadhi's office, established in Kenya since 1858 and recognised by the Constitution of Kenya, holds the authority to announce the commencement of Ramadan and Eid.

"We urge Muslims across Kenya to maintain the tradition of giving precedence to the Chief Kadhi's office, which is the constitutional authority," stated Ngao.

Last week, Chief Kadhi of Kenya Abdulhalim Hussein announced the adoption of the sighting for Mecca.

"We adopt the sighting of Mecca for Eid ul Adh'ha. The High Court, K.S.A has confirmed sighting of Dhul Hajj 1445H crescent today 6.6.2024. Tomorrow Friday 7.6.2024 shall be the 1st day of Dhul Hajj 1445H. Arafa shall be on Saturday 15.6.2024 and Eid ul Adh'ha on Sun 16.6.24," he said.

However, the Kenya Fatwa Council argues that Eid should be determined based on moon sightings within the country of residence, asserting that Kenya should not necessarily follow Saudi Arabia's method.

The division within the Muslim community has left many uncertain about which directive to follow, highlighting the need for clarity and unity during religious observances.

With Eid fast approaching, the decision holds significance for Muslims across the nation, as they seek guidance on how to observe this important religious occasion.