The day of Eid-ul-Fitr culminates the end of the Islamic month of Ramadan. Photo: iStock
South Africans will be celebrating the day of Eid-ul-Fitr in South Africa on Saturday 22 April 2023.
The United Ulama Council of South Africa (UUCSA) confirmed that the moon signalling the end of the blessed month of Ramadan was sighted in South Africa.
The announcement was made by UUCSA secretary general Moulana Ebrahim on Friday
“There were widespread sightings of the moon in Mpumalanga, Witbank and other parts of the country in KwaZulu-Natal. People were coming out of the mosque and sighted moon and we received a lot of calls.
The day of Eid-ul-Fitr culminates the end of the Islamic month of Ramadan.
Muslims also have to dispense of Sadaqatul fitr, a compulsory charity which becomes payable on or before the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.
Fitr means to break fast or to refrain from fasting.
Hence the Eid after the fasts of Ramadhân is called Eid-ul-Fitr, as it is the day of rejoicing after the completion of fasting.
On this occasion of happiness, as a sign of gratitude, one has to give a specific amount in aims, which is called Sad’qatui-Fitr.
The true object in giving Sadqatul-fitr on this happy occasion is also to assist the poor and needy so that they may rejoice with the more fortunate.
The day of Eid usually starts with the early morning prayer known as Fajr.
Muslims then proceed to the Eidgah, or Eid prayer, where hundreds of Muslims in various areas across the country gather to offer the two-part prayer.
While it’s not custom, many Muslims also visit the cemetery to pay their respects to their loved ones who have passed on.
The rest of the day of Eid is spent visiting family, friends and being in the company of loved ones.
Muslims are also not allowed to fast on the day of Eid.
ALSO READ: Recipe of the day: Eid milk
Meanwhile, Minister of Public Enterprises Pravin Gordhan has told the Muslim community of South Africa that there will be no reprieve from load shedding on the day of Eid-ul-Fitr as the electricity grid is severely constrained.
This comes after a number of organisations including the Muslim Judicial Council (MJC) of South Africa wrote to Gordhan requesting that the deliberate power cuts be suspended on the day of celebration.
Load shedding severely affected Muslim during the holy month with people having to get up earlier to have their predawn meals before the fast begins and also to prepare their food well in advance to break their fast at sunset.
ALSO READ: Load shedding: No reprieve for Muslims during Eid-ul-Fitr
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