Kenya Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr on Friday as Tanzania waits for moon sighting

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NAIROBI, Kenya — Muslims in Kenya mark Eid al-Fitr on Friday after the crescent moon was sighted in several parts of the country, Acting Chief Kadhi Sheikh Sukyan Omar has confirmed.

“Notably, in Kwale County, specifically Ramisi, three people have seen the crescent and took an oath. Consequently, tomorrow, Friday 20th March, will be Eid-ul-Fitr,” Sheikh Sukyan announced around 9:30pm on Thursday.

Tanzania takes a different path

Meanwhile, in Tanzania, Mufti Sheikh Abubakar Zubeir, the country’s Chief Mufti, reported that no crescent moon has been sighted either on the mainland or in Zanzibar.

“Up to now, our monitoring teams across all regions and districts have not received any verified sighting of the moon. We have also coordinated with Kenya, and the crescent was not seen in the shared monitoring zones. Therefore, we officially announce that the moon has not been sighted, and Ramadan will continue until the 30th day. Eid will likely be observed on Saturday, Inshallah,” Sheikh Zubeir said.

The Mufti said they had spoken with Sheikh Sukyan who had confirmed that the moon had not been sighted by 8pm.

However an hour later, it appears the Kenyan counterparts received the news of the crescent but did not inform its neighbours.

Sheikh Zubeir added that Taraweeh prayers continue as usual and prayed for continued blessings and health for all Tanzanians.

From the entire AVDELTA IMPACT MEDIA LIMITED, we wish all Muslims a blessed Eid - Eid-ul-Fitr Mubarak!