-This is expected to commence on Tuesday or Wednesday depending on the sighting of the Moon;
-Muslims should forgive one another directly and not through ‘Tik Tok’ and make strong bonds with their families, relatives-says Supkem’s Khitamy;
MAARUFU MOHAMED-GOLFNEWSLINKS;
Kenya Muslim Golfers will join the rest of their colleagues across the World in being off the Golf course for 30 days following the fasting of the Holy month of Ramadhan expected to commence from Tuesday,12th,March or Wednesday 12th,March depending on the sighting of the new moon.
A Muslim Golfer based at the Nyali Golf and Country Club in Mombasa County who did not want to be named said yesterday that this is a Holy month and as Muslims they will have to take break from the golf course for 30 days to observe fasting.
“ In fact we are many here at the Club but we shall have to be off to allow us more time for prayers and fully dedicate ourselves to God as required by any Muslim during tis Holly month, “said the Muslim.
This month of Ramadhan which is the ninth month of the Islamic Lunar calendar and the most sacred month in Islamic faith, will see Muslims all over the world fasting for 30 days and praying the whole day before breaking their fast at sundown alongside family and friends.
The office of the Chief Khadi of Kenya is mandated by Law to officially announce to Muslims the start of fasting the 30 days of the Holy month of Ramadhan after sighting of the new crescent moon.
Kenya’s Chief Khadi Athman Abdulhalim Hussein said yesterday that his offices Countrywide will be on standby from Monday, march, 11th evening awaiting any call from any Muslim who may sight the new moon before the official announcement is communicated and that whoever sights the new moon will have to take an oath witnessed by more than two Muslims before the official announcement is made public.
Hussein explained that the fasting festival usually begins with the sighting of the crescent moon, which usually appears one night after a new moon and that the exercise is expected to begin on the evening of Monday 11th, March.
He said Ramadhan is one of the five pillars of Islam along with faith, prayer, charity, and the pilgrimage to the Holly City of Mecca and that Ramadhan commemorates the Quran first being revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), a sacred moment honored with abstinence between sunrise and sunset.
In a wide interview with the Supreme Council of Kenya (SUPKEM) Coast Chairman Sheikh Mohdhar Khitamy explained that Muslims around the globe will begin observing the holy month of Ramadan which is a period of deep spiritual reflection and fasting that takes place every year.
He explained that Chapter 2, Verse 185 of the Quran explains the purpose of the ritual that says that the month of Ramadan is that in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance, and the criterion of right and wrong.
“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 Khitamy.
He pointed out that Ramadhan is also the fifth Pillar of Islam with others being Faith (Shahadah), Prayer (Salah), Charitable giving (Zakah), and the Pilgrimage to Makkah (Hajj).
Khitamy further explained that during the Holy month, Muslims should build stronger relationships with God (Allah) through fasting, selfless actions and praying that it is a respected tradition and religious ceremony that cleanses the mind and draws one nearer to God.
He said Muslims should forgive one another directly and not through ‘Tik Tok’ and make strong bonds with their families, relatives and friends since Ramadan is a school for learning, educating, 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, “said Khitamy.
He 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.
Khitamy said while fasting Muslims should unite, assist the less fortunate, pray for continued peace in the country and requested Muslims to support suffering and desperate Kenyans undergoing poverty.
“Muslims fast in order to feel the pain of hunger that will enable us understand poverty and assist the less fortunate. Muslims should also 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. In fact fasting is intended to help teach Muslims self-discipline, self-restraint, 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.
He appealed to the National and County Governments to provide adequate Security to Muslims expected to be praying most of the night and also ensure that water and Electricity supply is sufficient.
“Water, Security and Electricity are vital to Muslims at this time. The Government should ensure safety of Muslims offering prayers (Taraweigh) during night hours and water running through out, “said Khitamy.
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 and 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 the 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.
Mombasa’s Abdel Nasser Street ,traditionally will see booming business again for Hawkers, selling Coconuts, Madafus, Dates, Coffee, Cold juices and Snacks to fasting Muslims , breaking(Iftar) their fast.
Ramadhan’s origins can be traced back to the period when Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) 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.
NOTE;
WANT YOUR GOLF, BUSINESS, ENVIRONMENT, OPINIONS OR SPONSORED RELATED CONTENTS PUBLISHED ON THIS SITE?
KINDLY SHARE TO;
golfnewslinks@gmail.com/mmaarufu@gmail.com.
Phone/What’s up…+254726614604/+254722415598.
