President William Ruto on Monday sent his message of goodwill to the Muslim faithful in Kenya who are beginning the holy month of Ramadhan.
The President, through a statement on X, shared a message of peace to Kenyans urging them to support Muslims as they begin their fasting.
"I send to all Kenyans warm greetings and a message of peace, Assalamu Alaikum, as we join together in goodwill to show support for our Muslim brothers and sisters, who begin observing the blessed month of Ramadhan," President Ruto wrote.
"During the holy month, Muslims devote themselves to selfless sacrifice, charity, piety and discipline as expressions of their faith. They thus invite all of us, as a nation united in submission to the Almighty God of All Creation, to appreciate the vital role of faith in positively enhancing various aspects of our lives."
The president went further to acknowledge the contribution of religious institutions in advancing the growth of the nation, citing sectors such as education and healthcare.
He explained the need for peaceful coexistence amongst religious institutions highlighting that they have always worked to complement government efforts to enhance peaceful coexistence, inter-faith dialogue and unity within and between communities.
"The Muslim community in Kenya remains consistent in its positive contribution to the unity, stability and development of Kenya, and Ramadhan offers us the opportunity to witness and appreciate the essential functions of prayer and giving, which benefit our families, communities and the nation," President Ruto wrote.
He concluded the message by assuring that his government was standing with Muslims across Kenya as they fast to mark the month of Ramadhan.
"I join all Kenyans, from all walks of life, throughout the nation, in expressing solidarity with Muslims, particularly as they endeavour to attain piety and righteousness by fasting, prayer and other worthy acts during the holy month of Ramadhan. May your sacrifices please God, and may you and your families be blessed abundantly," he concluded.
Ramadhan is the holiest month of the Islamic religion.
During this season, Muslims remember the revelation of the Quran. They fast from food and drinks from 6 am to 6 pm (the sunlit hours).
Ramadhan, which means “scorching heat” in Arabic, is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar in which Muslims fast for 30 days.
It is a month set aside for spiritual growth and Muslims spend more time performing special prayers and reading the Quran.
It is also a period of drawing closer to Allah through devotion and helps in understanding the suffering of the less fortunate.
The holy month of Ramadan is intended to teach Muslims the virtues of patience, humility, and submissiveness to Allah.