Hundreds of Muslims across Kenya went ahead to celebrate Idd-ul-Fitr on Friday, despite the Chief Kadhi's directive to mark it on Saturday.
Chief Kadhi Ahmed Muhdhar had given a public announcement via media outlets that the holiday would be marked on Saturday as the moon had not yet been sighted.
Idd-ul-Fitr is an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims marking the end of Ramadhan- the Islamic holy month of fasting.
It is celebrated after the sighting of new moon.
Despite the advice by Chief Kadhi, multitudes of Muslims in the country today gathered in mosques and public grounds for prayers to break the fast.
Sheikh Abu Hamza and Sheikh Abu Qatadah led throngs of faithfuls in prayers at Mombasa's Tononoka Grounds.
Speaking to The Nation, Sheikh Abu Qatadah said that Muslims in the country had decided to join other faithfuls worldwide in celebrating the day on Friday as there is only one moon and it had been sighted in other countries.
A section of Muslim leaders the country however criticized their counterparts for defying the Chief Kadhi's directive.
Among those who did not partake in the celebrations are Kenya Assembly of Ulammah Secretary-General Sheikh Badru Khamis and Supreme Council of Kenya Muslim Chairman Muhdhar Khitamy who faulted those who broke the fast.
While some are set to celebrate the day on Saturday, Friday was the big day for Kenyans in most parts if the country.
Here is a clip by Citizen TV on the celebrations:
[video:]
