Muslims have been encouraged to unite and remember the less fortunate while shopping for Idd-ul-Fitr amid economic challenges.
Idd-ul-Fitr is a significant day in the Muslim calendar, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadhan and Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration Kipchumba Murkomen has officially declared Monday, March 31, 2025 a public holiday.
Chief Kadhi Sheikh Abdulhalim Athman commended the Muslim community for their dedication to fasting and prayer throughout the holy month and encouraged believers to embrace unity, particularly regarding the long-standing moon sighting debate, which has previously caused divisions.
He further urged Muslims to attend the Idd-ul-fitr prayers in large numbers and to praise God in a loud voice. The Chief Kadhi encouraged Muslims who are financially able to give the obligatory charity known as Zakatul fitr to the less fortunate in the society.
Zakatul fitr is usually the staple food in the country given to the needy. In Kenya, scholars have unanimously agreed that rice is the staple food and two kilograms and 40 grams should be given before the Idd-Ul-Fitr prayers.
Muslims were also encouraged to pray for the nation, for deceased loved ones, and for the Almighty to alleviate the country’s economic conditions.
The Chief Kadhi said that they pray for the prosperity of the broad-based government arrangement as it will foster peace and unity in the country.
Meanwhile, Biashara Street, near the historic Mackinnon market famously known as Markiti is a bustling hub where shoppers are weaving between stores as they rush against time to shop for clothes and household items.
Ali Adan, Chairman of the Marikiti Traders Association, noted that despite the constraints of the economy and the cash crunch for most people, they are trying their best to make ends meet.
“Each year, there is a unique challenge. There was the COVID-19 epoch; now it’s the economy, people don’t have money, but they are trying their best to satisfy their families with the little they have. Business is not as it was before, but we are grateful,” stated Adan.
He confirmed that they have not had any incidents, as security has been heightened adding traders are cooperating with the County Government Enforcement Officers to boost surveillance amid an influx of shoppers.
Abdul Wanje, a Mombasa County Government Enforcement Officer, said they have enhanced security during the holy month as miscreants were taking advantage of the multitude of customers to steal from them.
“We are working in shifts day and night in this area. The traffic flow is also smooth as our Traffic Marshals ensure the safety of pedestrians and motorists,” he said.
Khadija Kioko, a resident of Likoni, decried that they are navigating through tough economic times as the cost of living has soared, affecting their purchasing power. “Those who are well off should remember their neighbors as they celebrate on the big day,” she said.
Abdalla Nassor, a resident of Mshomoroni, stated that despite the economic conditions, they have, by God’s grace, been able to fast during the holy month. He encouraged Kenyans to be patient as the government worked to improve the economy.
Kassim Ali, a hawker at Marikiti, said they are free to work without interference from the County Government Enforcement Officers.
By Sadik Hassan
