-It will commence after sighting the moon expected this week;
-This will also see many Muslim Golfers take a break from the course for 30 days;
GOLFNEWSLINKS;
The Muslim community in Kenya will be joining the rest of their colleagues worldwide in commencing the Holy month of Ramadhan this week.
The fasting of the 30 days will also see many Muslim Golfers taking a break from playing Golf as they devote most of their in day and night prayers.
Sheikh Mohamed Khalifa of the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK) said yesterday that Muslims in the Country will start fasting after the sighting of the new crescent moon where the Office of the Chief Khadi of Kenya is mandated by Law to officially announce to the Muslims.
“Ramadhan is the holiest month in Islamic calendar where Muslims are commanded to fast 30 days from sunrise to sunset and is an annual event that usually starts immediately after the eighth month of Shaaban.The other months are Muharram, Safar, Rabil ul Awal, Rabil-Thaani, Jamadul awal, Jamadul thani, Rajab, Shaawal, dhul Q’ada, and Dhul hija.”Said Khalifa.
He said Ramadhan is also the fifth Pillar of Islam with others that includes Faith (Shahadah), Prayer (Salah), Charitable giving (Zakah), and the Pilgrimage to Makkah (Hajj).
Khalifa further explained that during the Holy month, Muslims build stronger relationships with God (Allah) through fasting, selfless actions, and praying and that it is a respected tradition and religious ceremony that cleanses the mind and draws one nearer to God.
“Ramadan is a school for learning, education, repentance, returning to God (Allah) and a station for acquiring greater acts of obedience and voluntary acts of worship. Let us receive it with repentance, seek forgiveness, May we be among those who are saved from Hell, those who are accepted and those who enjoy the best ranks in Paradise, “noted Khalifa.
He explained that Ramadhan is the month in which God revealed the Holy Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) (in the year 610 C.E.) through the angel Jibril (Gabriel).
The Sheikh also advised that Muslims should also display a high sense of discipline, humbleness, and fully dedicate themselves to God during and after the holy month of fasting.
He urged both the National and County Government to provide adequate Security to Muslims expected to be praying most of the night and also ensure that water supply is sufficient.
“Water and Security are vital to Muslims at this time. The Government should ensure safety of Muslims offering prayers (Taraweigh) during night hours, “said Khalifa.
It’s also great joy to Muslims in the Country after Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndungu recently announced that the faithful’s will be exempted from paying taxes for Dates import during the Ramadhan period.
Ndungu said the government had approved the duty-free importation of Dates for use by Muslims which apply to dates imported and cleared at the port of Mombasa between March 13 and April 30.
“Dates for Ramadan have traditionally played a significant role in the Muslim community and have also become a staple food for them. They are not only delectable, juicy treats with spiritual meaning, but they are also an excellent source of nutrients, antioxidants, and health advantages. Dates for Ramadhan are a great food to eat while fasting from dawn until dusk in order to replenish our energy and provide the body with the fuel it requires. For his we hank the Government, “said Khitamy.
The Sheikh also pointed out that their offices Countrywide will be on standby awaiting a call from any Muslim who may sight the new moon before the official announcement is communicated and that whoever sight the new moon will will have to take an oath witnessed by more than two Muslims before the official announcement is made public, “said Khitamy.
Khitamy said while fasting Muslims should unite, assist the less fortunate and pray for continued peace to prevail in the country and requested Muslims to support Kenyans still undergoing famine.
“Muslims should use the holy month in offering more prayers and urged businessmen to reduce costs on food items. We fast in order to feel the pain of hunger that will enable us understand poverty and assist the less fortunate, “said Khitamy.
He further explained that this is the Holy month in which Muslims should dedicate more of their time in reading and understanding the holly book of Quran more than anything else and should offer more prayers and develop qualities of endurance and self-restraint by controlling their anger, fiery and malicious tongue.
“Fasting is intended to help teach Muslims self-discipline, self-restraint and generosity and the practice is one of the most sacred Islamic observances,” said Khitamy.
Khitamy said that during the month all the physically mature and healthy Muslims are obliged to abstain from all foods and drinks and also required to abstain from gum chewing, use of any kind of tobacco , and desist from being involved in any kind of sexual contact between dawn and sunset.
During Ramadhan most families at the Coastal towns and areas dominated by Muslims traditionally invite friends and relatives to share and live simply as one family.
At the Coast celebrations known as “Mfungo” to welcome the holy month usually begins before the eve of the fast.
It often starts off in the evening with families converging at various picnic sites to enjoy best Swahili foods, music and family fun.
Most easting spots owned by Muslims at Coast usually close for repair during Ramadhan and non-Muslims used to Swahili foods like Pilau ,Biriani and ‘Samaki wa Ku paka’ will have to miss their favorites at least for the whole month.
Hawkers in Mombasa has already taken strategic positions to cash in from fasting Muslims who usually break their fast with snacks including Coconut “Madafu” juice and dates before going home for a big feast.
Ramadhan’s origins can be traced back to the period when Prophet Mohammed (P.B.U.H) received the revelation of the Holy Quran for the first time in the year 610 C.E through Angel Gabriel. Since then, Ramadan has been celebrated by fasting believers where Muslims restrain from eating, drinking, and engaging in any sinful actions from the break of dawn until the setting of the sun
Ramadhan ends with grand celebrations of “Eid Ul Fitri” prayers in open grounds throughout the Country where Muslims especially in their new religious attires (Kanzus) and Buibuis converge to offer their thankful prayers.
ENDS;