Polokwane Muslims say “Eid Mubarak” after break of fast

Muslims in the city celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr yesterday (Wednesday) marking the end of Ramadan and its customary period of fasting. While the exact day differs from location to location, depending on the sighting of the new moon, this year Ramadan started on 7 June and ended on Tuesday evening.

For the past 30 days male Muslims attended a sermon at the mosque every evening to recite sections of the Quran. “We recite the sections from the Quran from memory because we believe that even if you could destroy the Quran, you will never be able to destroy the word of God that is in our memory,” Polokwane Observer was told.

Yesterday male Muslims gathered at various venues such as the Nirvana Cricket Stadium and the mosque in General Joubert Street to attend morning prayers and wish one another “Eid Mubarak”, that is actually the same as saying “Happy New Year” or “Happy Christmas”. Eid Mubarak is a congratulatory greeting, and on Eid-ul-Fitr usually the first words to say when greeting another Muslim.

After the prayers, families and friends got together for a day of feasting, traditional food and drinks and declaring their homes open to all who wish to visit and share in the celebrations. Visitors were sent off with hampers of delicacies prepared by Muslim women days in advance. Men, women and children wore their best attire on this joyous day.

According to Solly Hassen, prominent Nirvana resident, the men also visit the cemetery to pay respects to those that have passed away. Later in the day, families that have lost beloved ones, were also visited and supported. “The significance of Ramadan is sacrifice,” Hassen said.

Story and photos: BARRY VILJOEN >>barryv.observer@gmail.com

Featured photo: Khalid Ismail, Sabeer Kalla, Solly Gani, Khalil Ismail, Solly Hassen and his grandson Ziyaad Hamada Ismail outside the mosque after attending the morning prayers.