Celebrating Eid under lockdown
Prayer, charity and reading the Quaran were at the forefront of their priorities during this time
EID celebrations will commence today, but with a twist, as scores of Muslims around the country celebrate the end of their holiest month behind closed doors. Muslims observed the 30-day Ramadan period under lockdown, which saw followers fast during daylight hours. ALSO READ: Thousands applying for space at KZN universities despite lockdown uncertainty Prayer, charity and reading the Quaran were at the forefront of their priorities during this time. Although Eid celebrations were initially set to take place on Sunday, Jamiatul Ulama South Africa announced that due to no confirmed reports of moon sightings in the country, Eid will commence today (Monday). In light of this, The Muslim Judicial Council urged the Muslim community to adhere to social distancing and to use technology to communicate with family. Empangeni resident, Rahim Khan, said that Eid under lockdown will make for a different celebration this year. ‘We are used to waking up early, going to the mosque in the morning, and greeting our family and friends. We also use this time to visit the graveyards of loved ones who are no longer with us.’ Khan said that trading the signature Eid celebrations was a small sacrifice to make in ensuring the health and safety of people during this time. ‘This year we will pray at home with immediate family and with our extended relatives over Zoom and WhatsApp. ‘Most of our family celebrations will be over video call. ‘But the way we need to see it is that this is a small sacrifice to make. God will accept our prayer wherever we are.’ HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For news straight to your phone invite us: WhatsApp – 072 069 4169 Instagram – zululand_observer
