Ahlul Bayt News Agency ; NAIROBI, Africa -- Kenyans on Saturday joined the world in celebrating Idd-UL-Fitr, an important day in the Islamic calendar as it marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
And as the adults in Kenya make preparations for this big day, the children have been having a fun day playing and enjoying goodies that come along with such an important day.
Consequently, the capital city of Nairobi as a beehive of activities as parents made last minute rushes to buy foodstuff and clothing for their children and families.
"I have come to buy shoes and clothing for my two sons and daughter, if I go home without these items, my children will be so unhappy, since others in the neighborhood have new clothes and shoes," Muhammad Adan, a city resident in Nairobi’s South C estate told Xinhua.
Besides purchasing the items, Adan has to visited the famous goat-market in South C to buy a few kilos for the fete.
Speaking to mark the end of the fasting period at the seaside city of Mombasa at Mombasa municipal stadium, on Friday retired chief sheikh Hammad Kassim asked the faithful to support the implementation process of the new constitution which was promulgated by Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki last month.
He further asked them to maintain high integrity, saying the end of the fasting period is not a ticket to committing sin, as well as asking them to pray for the less privileged in society not only in Kenya but also in other parts of the world such as Pakistan which has been ravaged by floods since July this year.
Chief Kadhi Sheikh Ahmed Mohdhar was present but did not lead the prayers.
In their goodwill messages to the Muslim brothers and sisters, leaders led by President Kibaki noted that Idd-Ul-Fitr is an important day and congratulated local Muslims for their dedication to fasting and prayers during the foregoing holy month.
He also commended the Muslim community for taking practical steps to support those in the society facing various challenges including poverty, hunger and disease.
Noting that Kenyans are celebrating the fete at a historic time when the country is in the process of implementing the new laws adopted last month at a referendum, he appealed to the Muslim community to pray for the successful implementation of the document.
On his part Prime Minister Raila Odinga noted that the Muslims have double reason to celebrate as the newly enacted constitution has "reaffirmed a commitment by our nation and our people to protect the right of every faith including Islam to exist and to exercise its obligations without inhibitions."
Jamila Abdallah, also a Nairobi resident noted that she would prepare a special meal of Pilau (spiced rice) and many other specialties just to celebrate with family and neighbors. Besides she plans to take her children to the Nairobi national park for a retreat.
Uhuru Park which is situated within the city center was also filled to capacity as children enjoyed boat-rides while others had their faces painted as part of the celebrations.
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