The month of “spiritual cleansing” for Muslims, known as Ramadan, is about to begin.

This year, it is scheduled to start in Mecca when the moon rises and is fully visible.

In Kenya, it began this morning, Wednesday, February 19.

On the Swahili coast of Kenya, Ramadan is always a celebration, as well as a month of prayer and “spiritual cleansing.”

Africa has made this sacred holiday a time for socializing, with dinners after sunset in communal homes and banquets of local delicacies often prepared by mothers and grandmothers. In Mombasa throughout the old city, in Lamu in the fort square, in Malindi in Arab neighborhoods such as Barani and Shella. In the capital Nairobi, in the Somali neighborhood of Eastleigh, around the historic Jumaa Mosque in the center and in other prayer centers scattered throughout the city.

Ramadan corresponds to the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, and the timing of this period varies from year to year. During this month, which corresponds to the period when the Quran was revealed as a guide for mankind and clear proof of the right direction and salvation, Muslims are required to fast by abstaining from eating, drinking, smoking, and sexual intercourse during the day and limiting themselves to a small evening meal called iftar after a prayer that breaks the fast until the following morning. Children, the sick, travelers, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and women who are menstruating are exempt from observing Ramadan.

During Ramadan, it is common practice for the faithful to go to the mosque to pray. In addition to the usual five daily prayers, a special prayer called Taraweeh (night prayer) is added during this period.

The end of Ramadan is celebrated on the first day of the month of Shawwal with a three-day festival (Eid al-Fitr) that sees friends and relatives reunite, exchange gifts, and enjoy family lunches.