By Ahmed Salat Ali
Residents of Wajir County on Friday joined millions of Muslims across the world in celebrating Eid al‑Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan with congregational prayers, acts of charity and renewed calls for unity within the community.
Hundreds of worshippers — including men, women, children and the elderly — gathered early in the morning at major prayer grounds across Wajir Town, among them the ICF Grounds, Orahey Grounds and Wajir Township, to perform the special Eid prayers that signal the beginning of Shawwal after a month of fasting and spiritual reflection.
Dressed in colourful attire, families filled the open grounds with a festive atmosphere as they prayed together and exchanged warm greetings. After the prayers, many embraced, took photographs and shared joyful moments to mark the occasion.
“Eid is a day of gratitude and unity. After a month of fasting, prayer and reflection, Muslims are reminded to continue practising compassion and helping those in need,” one of the clerics told the congregation.
Religious scholars also reminded worshippers of the importance of giving Zakat al‑Fitr, a charitable offering made before the Eid prayer to support vulnerable and less fortunate members of society.
During their sermons, several clerics addressed pressing social concerns affecting the county, including rising cases of drug abuse, human trafficking and moral decline among the youth. Some warned young people against misusing social media platforms such as TikTok to spread harmful or immoral content.
“We must guide our youth to use social media responsibly and protect the moral fabric of our community,” one scholar said.
Sheikh Abdiwahab also emphasized the need for unity and moral uprightness within society, urging families and community leaders to work together to instill strong values among young people.
Religious leaders further appealed to both county and national government authorities to intensify efforts to address the persistent drought that continues to threaten livelihoods across Wajir County.
Sheikh Hassan, who also addressed the gathering, called on parents to strengthen the religious upbringing of their children. He cautioned against neglecting Islamic education and expressed concern that some parents were enrolling their children in schools administered by churches without ensuring they also receive strong grounding in Islamic teachings.
“We must stand up for our young generation and instill religious values that will guide them throughout their lives,” Sheikh Hassan said.
Former Majority Leader Gabane Joins Eid Prayers
Former Wajir County Assembly Majority Leader and two-term Sarman Ward MCA Mohamud Gabane joined thousands of Muslim faithful at the Orahey Grounds for the Eid-ul-Fitr prayers.
Speaking after the prayers at Orahey ground, Gabane conveyed his Eid Mubarak wishes to Muslims in Wajir and across the world, urging believers to maintain the spiritual discipline and devotion cultivated during Ramadan.
“Ramadan teaches patience, sacrifice and devotion to God. We must carry these lessons forward and continue living by them even after the fasting period has ended,” Gabane said.
He also encouraged Muslims to continue supporting vulnerable members of society, noting that charity and compassion remain central pillars of Islamic teachings.
At the same time, the former Majority Leader appealed to parents and guardians to prioritise the moral upbringing of their children, warning that rising cases of moral decadence driven by global influences pose a threat to the preservation of Islamic values.
“Families and community leaders must strengthen religious guidance so that the younger generation grows up grounded in faith and good character,” he added.
As the prayers concluded, a celebratory mood spread across Wajir Town. Streets and neighbourhoods filled with smiling residents greeting one another with the words “Eid Mubarak,” while children proudly displayed their new clothes and families gathered for photographs to commemorate the special day.
Across the county, the atmosphere was one of joy, gratitude and renewed hope as the Muslim community welcomed the month of Shawwal with faith, generosity and celebration.
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