Muslims seek tighter security for Ramadhan

By GALGALO BOCHA newsdesk@ke.nationmedia.com and ABDULRAHMAN SHERIFF
Posted Tuesday, August 10 2010 at 21:00
In Summary

-Move aimed at ensuring followers take part in night prayers peacefully

A Muslim leader has asked for enough security personnel during this year’s holy month of Ramadhan to allow followers to participate in night prayers peacefully.

Acting chief kadhi Sheikh Sayyid Muhdhar also asked the police to weed out criminals from genuine Muslims. He asked the faithful to cooperate with law enforcers to keep lawbreakers at bay.

In a telephone interview with the Daily Nation on Tuesday, Sheikh Muhdhar appealed to Muslims to attend prayers in time.

“I urge Muslims to have good relations with our security agencies during the month and identify any criminals who purport to be God-fearing followers. Most important, the police should not harass Muslims,” the acting chief kadhi said.

Elsewhere, Kenya National Muslims Advisory Council chairman Sheikh Juma Ngao expressed similar sentiments. He said that some criminals would be posing as Muslims attending night prayers.

“We call upon police officers to be alert and properly distinguish between law breakers and other peace-loving Muslims attending prayers at night. As leaders, we shall also urge the faithful to collaborate with security officers,” he added.

Sheikh Muhdhar said fasting will either begin today or tomorrow. The holy season lasts 29 or 30 days. Muslims are required to start the fast only after seeing the new moon.

At the same time, thousands of Muslims in several coastal towns thronged shops to buy essential commodities ahead of the Ramadhan.