“As the sun sets on the 29th day of Ramadhan, multitudes of expectant eyes focus on the horizon, eager to sight the new crescent that will usher in Eid-ul-Fitre.” These words began the last of the Daily Nation’s Ramadhan series, “A moment with the Chief Kadhi.” “Eid celebrations vital in uniting Muslims”, 9/30/08, p.2) related that the celebration of Eid is “a sign of gratefulness to the Creator for having enabled Muslims to complete the month of Ramadhan … during which they fasted, prayed, recited the Koran and engaged in other forms of worship.” Unity comes from “Eid celebrations attract(ing) various areas, cultures, races and backgrounds to a stronger sense of cohesiveness … as Eid approaches, joyful expectations increase, houses are cleaned and decorated and new clothes are prepared as it is encouraged for one to wear his best ... also a time to strengthen family relations as it involves visits and sharing of gifts among families and friends … emphasis on the strengthening of social ties within the community … After Eid prayers, it is customary for Muslims to extend goodwill greetings to each other.”
Articles on the second page of yesterday’s and today’s Daily Nation does not express the hoped for unity. “Section of Muslims end Ramadhan fast” (10/1/08) shared that “Some Muslim worshippers gathered for prayers across the nation yesterday (Tuesday), marking the end of the holy month of Ramadhan … after the moon was reportedly sighted in Saudi Arabia, contradicting an announcement by the Chief Kadhi … that Muslims should continue to fast because the moon had not been spotted …The ending of Ramadhan on different days has become the norm in recent years.” “Muslims end fast with unity calls” (10/2/08) begins with “Faithful urged to avoid spreading rumours about moon sighting – Muslims across the country yesterday (Wednesday) marked the end of their month long fast … with messages of unity, peace and reconciliation.” The Chief Kadhi is quoted as saying those who celebrated a day early “did not complete Ramadhan.”
As I read these articles and questions followed, I remembered our Saviour’s words in Matthew 7:3, “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eyes and pay no attention to the plant in your own eyes.” It is easy to look at others and note their wrongs, weaknesses, etc, yet this verse challenged me to question how my relationship with my heavenly Father is expressed in my life. It also led me to pray, using the “faults” I found to guide my prayers for those who follow the ways of Islam. It challenged me to pray that my personal witness will bring unity and not questions to those judging Christianity by my life. As this season of Ramadhan ends, I ask that you join me in praying that those who celebrated this time of worship may have their prayers answered. Pray they will come to know true “unity, peace and reconciliation” and the reality of the “joyful expectations” that can only come from truly knowing and accepting our Saviour. Bert Yates
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“Muslims end fast with unity call” – http://www.nation.co.ke/News/-/1056/476476/-/tkwkni/-/index.html
“Eid ul fitr celebrations” Feature from NTV Kenya on Youtube – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJrS_BPY0bM
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