Unity call from the Chief Kadhi as Ramadhan begins

The acting Chief Kadhi, Sheikh Sukyan Hassan Omar, has urged Muslims to uphold the spirit of unity during the month of Ramadhan.

In his remarks on Tuesday, February 17, during the National Moonsighting Exercise, he said community cohesion was paramount, stressing that the beginning and end of the month of Ramadhan should be a period to cultivate unity within the community.

While acknowledging prevailing differences on the matter of sighting the crescent, which determines the start of the month of Ramadhan, he said this should not be used as a means to sow division and discord among Muslims.

“Discussions over moon sighting have, over time, generated differing opinions within the ummah, both locally and globally,” he said.

“I respectfully urge all members of the community to approach this matter with understanding, restraint and mutual respect, always bearing in mind that unity, brotherhood and social harmony remain paramount,” Sheikh Sukyan during a session attended by various Kadhis, religious and community leaders at the Kadhi Courts, Upper Hill, Nairobi.

As he wished the Muslim fraternity Ramadhan Mubarak, he called for commitment to worship, compassion and service to humanity. “Let us extend kindness to neighbours, uphold peace within our community and remember the country, especially at this time of heightened national discourse,” he said.

During the exercise, the Chief Kadh announced that the crescent was not observed locally, stating that officially, Ramadhan will begin on Thursday, February 19, 2026, after the completion of the 30 days of the month of Shaaban, the eighth month in the Islamic calendar.

Speaking at Jamia Mosque Nairobi, the Imam Sheikh Jamaludin Osman announced that the crescent had been sighted in several countries, marking the start of the month of Ramadhan. “On behalf of the Majlis Ulamaa (Council of Muslim Scholars) and the Committee of Jamia Mosque, I am happy to announce that we have received credible reports of moon sighting in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, among other countries. On the basis of Allah’s statement in the Qur’an, ‘So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it,’ Wednesday, February 18, will mark the first day of Ramadhan 1447 AH,” he said as he wished the Muslim fraternity Ramadhan Mubarak.

“Let us increase our acts of worship, including giving a helping hand to the less fortunate in society,” he added.