Muslim faithful in prayer at the Masjid Ummu Kuthum during the first Friday of the Holy Month of Ramadhan on March 7, 2025.
Decades ago, Ramadhan nights in Mombasa County were quieter.
After Taraweeh prayers in the evening, families would return home to share stories, discuss Islamic teachings, or simply rest while waiting for suhoor, a meal before starting the day's fast, as other faithful spent their time at the mosques.
Muslim scholar Sheikh Mohamed Khalifa, 67, reflects on how social habits during Ramadhan have evolved as new generations of faithful bring fresh experiences while keeping the faith.
“In the past, after breaking the fast, people would sit outside their homes or remain at mosques waiting for Taraweeh prayers and suhoor. But now, as women are busy during the day at home, they venture out at night to shop and conduct business, saving up to buy Eid gifts for their children,” he explains.
Residents enjoy street foods along Makadara Road in Mombasa County on March 20, 2024.
Even though he admits that several shops still used to operate at night during Ramadhan in the past, with time, this has become a tradition embraced by more traders.
Humble origins
In Mombasa, the Makadara Grounds has become one of the central points in the city where traders and shoppers converge during Ramadhan nights.
From its humble origins with just a few open shops, the place has transformed into a dynamic marketplace where the spirit of Ramadhan is revealed through togetherness.
Mr Mohamed Ali, who runs a business that was among the first to embrace the idea of trading during the night, said they aimed to offer a sweet treat for parents and families to enjoy after a long day of fasting and prayers, providing a refreshing break from the norm.
Muslim faithful praying at Masjid Ummu Kuthum on the first Friday of the holy month of Ramadhan on March 7, 2025.
“We wanted parents to have an opportunity to treat themselves and even appreciate their children for their devotion during Ramadhan. That’s why we started ‘Crave’. We later started seeing other businesses venturing in and more shops opening at night, slowly the city became lively,” he explains about their waffles and cakes outlet.
Hundreds of young entrepreneurs and families operate stalls and offer a wide range of dishes from traditional Swahili and international cuisines at Makadara.
Nowadays businesses are thriving at night during Ramadhan, with many youth-led ventures showcasing innovative products and services.
Togetherness
Ms Salma Mohamed, a vendor who specialises in a unique UK-inspired potato dish says the opportunity has given her morale to continue with the business even after the Holy Month.
“People have really embraced this concept. I plan to continue my business even after Ramadhan because I have been doing this Ramadhan after Ramadhan,” she says.
Ms Saida Muhidin, the owner of Mombasa Candy Shop says that even though the current environment has changed as compared to the past, the spirit of Ramadhan is alive.
Muslim Jamia Mosque in Lodwar, Turkana during Idd prayers to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadhan.
According to her, the initiative of night activities offers a unique chance for togetherness among people.
“People get to meet, interact, and enjoy a diverse range of dishes, truly bringing the spirit of Ramadhan to life,” she notes.
The lights and decorations on some of the streets within the city also add life to the season.
The youth also showcase their talents during Ramadhan, especially through digital platforms.
Mr Bujra Mohamed, a TikTok content creator and actor, is among the artistes who use their talents to spread Ramadhan themes.
Many artistes including actors, singers and poets focus on reciting the Quran live online after breaking the fast.
However, Sheikh Khalifa urged the youths to focus more on prayer, evaluate their behaviour and set realistic goals during Ramadhan.
"You will witness many young people in mosques during Ramadhan, but when it comes to an end, the population tends to decrease. That's why after every prayer we give sermons to caution them and emphasise the importance of holding on to religion," he says.
