Heavy rains disrupt Idd-ul-Fitr prayers in Mombasa

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Muslims say their Idd-ul-Fitr morning prayers to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadhan at the Ziwani grounds, Mombasa on August 19, 2012. Photo/GIDEON MAUNDU  NATION MEDIA GROUP

By GALGALO BOCHA gbocha@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted  Sunday, August 19  2012 at  15:18

IN SUMMARY

• Heavy rains delay Idd-ul-Fitr prayers in Mombasa town
• Power blackouts hit many parts of Kisauni Constituency affecting preparations for the event

Heavy rains delayed Idd-ul-Fitr prayers in Mombasa town, as hundreds of Muslims thronged open grounds and mosques to mark the end of Ramadhan.

The faithful who converged on Ziwani Primary School, Tononoka and Mvita grounds had to remain standing on soaked pitches for hours until Imams called for the special prayers.

Mats spread a day before the planned prayers were soaked in rain water and organisers dried them to create space for the standing crowds.

The prayers began after the downpour subsided and many dispersed even before Imams started delivering sermons.

The rains resumed after a two-hour break, shattering other social activities that accompany the occasion.

A part from the heavy rains, power blackouts hit many parts of Kisauni Constituency affecting preparations for the event.

Kenya Power Coast Communication Manager Bomba Mahanga did not explain the cause of the power outage that lasted more than seven hours in Kisauni, Mlaleo, Barshab, Mwandoni, and surrounding areas.

“We are trying to fix the problem,” he said.

At Ziwani Primary School, Muslim leaders urged peace and stability a head of the General Election.

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Chief Kadhi Sheikh Ahmed Muhdhar, his predecessor, Sheikh Hammad Kassim and Supreme Council of Kenya Muslim (Supkem) chairman Abdulghaful El-Busaidy called on Kenyans to work together despite their religious differences.

“Let us celebrate Idd-ul-Fitr with happiness and we should maintain peace,” Sheikh Muhdhar said.

Prof El-Busaidy challenged Muslims to be symbols of peace and urged them to cultivate a good working relationship with other faiths.

“The word Islam means peace and, therefore, we should be symbolising peace in whatever we do in our lives. The country is headed towards a General Election and we have a responsibility to pray for peace and stability,” Prof El-Busaidy said.

He also asked Muslims to seek forgiveness among themselves, saying disunity had brought disintegration within the community, whose foundation is build on brotherhood and sisterhood.

Sheikh Kassim urged Muslims to remember their brothers and sisters in conflict-hit countries of Syria, Sudan and Somalia, among others.

“We are thrilled that Muslims across the country are united today (Sunday) for this occasion. We have been dreaming and praying hard for many days for Allah to grant this opportunity and indeed he has answered our prayers,” Sheikh Kassim said.

Sheriff Nassir Foundation chairman Abdulswamad Nassir asked Muslims to remain steadfast in teachings of Islam.

“We have to follow the teaching of our beloved Prophet Mohammed (May Peace Be upon Him) and the Quran,” he said.