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Columbus Mabika-Herald Reporter
The Muslim community in Zimbabwe will celebrate Eid al-Fitr today with the rest of the Islamic world, marking the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan and ushering in the Eid al-Fitr celebrations and breaking the fast.
Zimbabwe Islamic leader and businessman Mr Moulana Mohammed Ismail said Muslims begin the Eid day celebrations performing congregational prayer in a mosque or an open ground and followed by a short sermon.
“On their way to the prayer, which is traditionally held in an open area, Muslims recite takbeerat, praising God by saying Allahu Akbar, meaning God is great,” he said. “It is customary to eat something sweet like dates before the prayer. This reminds a person that he is no longer in the fasting month of Ramadan.
“Muslims usually spend the day visiting relatives and neighbours. They have meals with friends and relatives. The most popular greeting is “Eid Mubarak” (Blessed Eid) or “Eid sa’id” (Happy Eid). Eid greetings also vary depending on the country and language.”
Mr Ismail said Muslims spend the day in celebration and being grateful to Allah for enabling them to fast the month of Ramadan.
“They will be expecting great reward from Allah,” he said.
Ramadan is the lunar month each year when Moslems fast between dawn and dusk, taking no food or liquid if they are fit, so Eid al-Fitr is seen as a major celebration of their devotion during the month and the change to different ways of honouring God.
Online Reporter