By: Natasha Archary
The Muslim community have begun observing their annual fast for the Holy Month of Ramadan. With the first day of the fast beginning on Sunday, 3 April, President Ramaphosa extended his best wishes to those fasting.
“The Holy Month of Ramadan, the observance of the Fast and the social support and charity demonstrated by Muslims during this period is an integral part of our nation’s cultural and religious diversity,” the President shared in a statement.
This year, Ramadan falls within South Africa’s commemoration of Freedom Month, a period during which the country will remember and honour the many individuals, organisations, movements and associations who fought for our freedom.
President Ramaphosa’s extends well wishes to the Muslim Community during Ramadan
During this Month of Ramadan, we will remember Shaykh Abdul Hamiet Gabier, Life President of the Muslim Judicial Council and former Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, who passed away very recently.
Shaykh Gabier’s activism in his immediate community and congregation, his role as a founder of Call of Islam and his contribution to our struggle through the United Democratic Front was invaluable.
He was a successor to a rich succession of Muslims and Muslim leaders who considered resistance to apartheid as a fundamental obligation of faith.
It is my hope that the Holy Month will be a period of peace, of closeness among families and neighbours, a period of sharing, and a period in which all South Africans will adopt and practice the values that underpin the Holy Month of Ramadan.”
Muslim communities will observe their fast from sunrise to sunset for the month, abstaining from all foods and liquids throughout the day. The month is also used to feed the poor and homeless.
Ramadan will be observed from 03 April until 03 May, depending on the sighting of the moon, thereafter ending in a celebration, called Eid.
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