Families celebrating Eid al-Fitr in Egypt.
Image: AFP
As the holy month of Ramadan comes to a close, religious leaders in Cape Town have called on Muslims to embrace Eid with both gratitude and deep reflection, highlighting the weight of ongoing global conflicts and the persistent challenges facing local communities.
This follows the non-sighting of the crescent moon on Thursday evening, confirming that Ramadan concluded after a full 30 days, with communities across the city gathering to mark Eid al-Fitr this weekend.
In a message that struck a balance between celebration and concern, the Cape Town Ulama Board said this year’s Eid is being observed under sombre circumstances, as suffering continues to unfold in various parts of the world.
Secretary of the Board, Shaykh Sayed Ridhwaan, drew attention to the situation at Masjid al-Aqsa, where access to the sacred site was restricted during Ramadan, as well as the ongoing plight of people in Palestine and Iran.
“We witness the relentless trials in Palestine, where the steadfastness of the people remains a beacon of light for the oppressed everywhere,” he said, adding that communities in conflict zones continue to endure immense hardship, displacement and loss.
Ridhwaan also brought the focus closer to home, warning that the impact of violence and social decay in parts of Cape Town mirrors the instability seen abroad.
“For us in Cape Town, these global struggles are mirrored in the ‘war zones’ of our own doorsteps,” he said, referencing ongoing gang violence and drug abuse on the Cape Flats. “Our mothers are burying their children, and our youth are being stolen by despair and addiction.”
He urged residents to draw inspiration from the resilience of those living under extreme conditions and to take collective responsibility for rebuilding safer, more united communities.
Meanwhile, the Muslim Judicial Council South Africa (MJCSA) also issued a message of encouragement and unity, with Sheikh Riad Fitaar emphasising the spiritual significance of Eid.
“On the Mubarak occasion of Eid al-Fitr, the Muslim Judicial Council extends its heartfelt greetings to the Muslim Ummah of Cape Town, South Africa, and the global Ummah. We thank Allah for granting us Ramadan and enabling us to fast, to make salah, to give sadaqat and to draw closer to Him,” he said.
Fitaar reminded worshippers of the deeper meaning of fasting, noting that “the fasting person has two joys, one at the time of breaking the fast and one when we meet Allah,” as narrated in Bukhari and Muslim.
He encouraged Muslims to carry forward the lessons of Ramadan by strengthening family ties, showing kindness to neighbours, supporting those in need and fostering unity within diverse communities.
“The believers in their mutual love and mercy are like one body,” he said, adding that even in celebration, the struggles of those in Palestine and other parts of the world should not be forgotten.
Both religious bodies stressed that Eid is not only a time of festivity, but also an opportunity for renewal, a moment to recommit to compassion, justice and social responsibility.
tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za
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