Muslims in Kenya end fast with Eid prayers

Muslim faithfuls converge for the Eid al-Fitr prayers at the Sir Ali Muslim Club ,Ngara,Nairobi on April 21, 2023. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

This was after the new moon marking the end of the month of Ramadhan was sighted in various parts of the country last night including Coast and North Eastern regions. Muslims follow the lunar calendar, not the solar one.

Muslim faithfuls converge for the Eid al-Fitr prayers led by SUPKEM National Chair Alhajj Hassan Ole Naado at the Sir Ali Muslim Club Ngara Nairobi on April 21, 2023. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Local sightings of the moon can differ, which is why there can be discrepancies between the days different countries start and end their fast.

Muslim faithfuls converge for the Eid al-Fitr prayers at the Sir Ali Muslim Club ,Ngara,Nairobi on April 21, 2023. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Eid is celebrated by family and friends getting together and many will also attend special Eid prayers in the morning.

The most common greeting to say to Muslims is Eid Mubarak.

Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, which is determined by the lunar cycle.

Muslim faithfuls during their Eid Prayers at Masjid Al Rahma grounds in Nakuru City. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

Similarly when determining the last day of Ramadan, if the new moon is sighted the holy month is complete and Eid is celebrated the following day.

In Sir Ali Muslim Club in Nairobi, where thousands of Muslims in flowing robes and dresses gathered for prayers, the overriding message was for Muslims to play their part in enhancing peace and socioeconomic development of the country.

Eid prayers at Masjid Ummu Kulthum in Mombasa. [Omondi Onyango,Standard]

Eid prayers at Masjid Ummu Kulthum in Mombasa. [Omondi Onyango,Standard]

Photos by Elvis Ogina, Joseph Kipsang, Omondi Onyango and Kibata Kihu