Kenya Muslims Ease Hunger in Ramadan

Friday, July 3, 2015

advertisements

NAIROBI – Addressing the increasing economic challenges in the society, Kenya's largest mosque has opened its door to people wishing to help their needy Muslim brothers and sisters by offering free Ramadan iftar and clothing.

"I must help my Muslim brothers and sisters, or that child who doesn't have any means of getting food during Ramadan," 41-year-old entrepreneur Swaleh Mwangeka told Anadolu Agency on Wednesday, July 1.

"I must show generosity as God has shown to me."

Mwangeka was speaking while uploading his pick-up truck with cooking oil, flour and other foodstuffs intended for distribution to the poor.

The food items were being sent to Jamia Masjid, Kenya's largest mosque, located in the capital Nairobi's central business district.

It is also a vital location for Muslims from all over East Africa, as it frequently hosts major Islamic events.

"This is how I show gratitude for the blessings I have received. I don't want to imagine less fortunate Muslims going without iftar [evening fast-breaking meal] or sahur [pre-fasting meal] this month, when Muslims abstain from food and drink during daylight hours," Mwangeka said.

"I save up every year just for this. We're welcoming the holy month by feeding and clothing the less fortunate during this time of intense prayer and fasting," he added.

Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar.

In Ramadan, adult Muslims, save the sick and those traveling, abstain from food, drink, smoking and sex between dawn and sunset.

Muslims dedicate their time during the holy month to be closer to Allah through prayers, self-restraint and good deeds.

Fewer Restrictions

Marking the holy month, Kenya Muslim leaders thanked President Uhuru Kenyatta for ordering security authorities to lift curfews to allow Muslims to observe Ramadan.

"The Muslim community is grateful that the government has decided to remove the curfews, as they would have disrupted our Ramadan schedule," Sheikh Hamisi Mungai, chairman of Kenya's Council of Imams and Muslim Preachers said.

Jamia mosque, an important center for Muslims in Nairobi, draws thousands of worshippers from across Kenya to observe Taraweeh and night prayer.

"We will pray, fast and recite the holy Quran throughout the month, as we seek forgiveness and guidance from God," said Sheikh Mohdar Khitamy, chairman of Kenya's Supreme Council of Muslims in Mombasa.

He expressed thanks to the government for lifting curfews in Muslim areas "to allow us to conduct our religious activities."

He went on to urge police to provide security for Muslims during Ramadan, asking them "not to arrest those participating in night time prayers."

Receiving food and clothes, Halima Mohamed said she will now focus on prayer without having to worry about finding food and shelter.

"I have no job or means of getting food," the mother-of-two said.

"It took me two hours to walk from the Kibera slums to the mosque today, but - thanks to my Muslim brothers and sisters - I now have something to eat."

Muslims in Kenya are 20 to 30 percent of the 43 million population, with the religion having arrived in East Africa more than a thousand years ago thanks to Muslim traders from Oman.

Home
Email

Hiiraan Online