Pray for the nation, President Ruto urges Muslims as Ramadan begins

President William Ruto/PCS

President William Ruto has extended his wishes to Muslims as the holy month of Ramadan begins, calling for prayers for the nation and emphasising unity, faith and compassion.

In a message marking the start of the sacred period, the President said Ramadan carries values that reach beyond individual worship.

“As the month of Ramadan begins, I extend my warmest wishes to our muslims brothers and sisters in Kenya and around the world,” Ruto said.

“Ramadan embodies faith, sacrifice and compassion, values that strengthen not only individual characters but also the bonds that unite humanity.”

The President appealed directly to the faithful, urging them to keep the country in their prayers.

“In this spirit, I humbly ask that you remember our nation in your prayers, as we move forward, together with mutual respect, with solidarity and a shared commitment to the common good.”

He added: “As we continue our journey towards a peaceful and prosperous Kenya. May this blessed month bring spiritual growth and abundant blessings to every muslim family in Kenya. Ramathan Kareem.”

Ramadan is one of the most significant periods in the Islamic calendar. It is marked by fasting from dawn to dusk, increased charity and heightened devotion among the faithful.

It is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The month cycles through the seasons. The start traditionally depends on the sighting of the crescent moon.

The actual start date may vary among countries and Muslim communities. This is often due to declarations by different Islamic authorities or the use of varying methodologies to determine the beginning of the month.

Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Muslims regard it as an act of worship aimed at attaining piety and demonstrating submission to God.

In a rare alignment this year, Ramadan and the Christian season of Lent began on the same day. The overlap has drawn attention to how different religious calendars track time and shift each year.

The government also moved ahead of the holy month to ease the cost burden on the faithful. On January 28, the State facilitated the duty-free importation of dates.

The initiative is expected to support families observing the fast and reinforce the spirit of charity and compassion associated with Ramadan.

The Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims welcomed the move. In a statement, Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims national chairman Hassan Ole Naado underscored the importance of gratitude in Islam.

“He who does not thank people, does not thank Allah,” he said.

He noted that acknowledging goodwill and positive action remains central to faith and communal harmony as Muslims observe the sacred month.