Muslims gather for sighting of the moon
MUSLIMS will celebrate Eid-ul-fitr today, marking the close of the monthlong fast of Ramadaan.
Keeping with tradition, thousands of Muslims gathered at Three Anchor Bay on Sunday evening for the sighting of the new moon by the Crescent Observer Society, also known as maankykers (moon watchers), signalling the end of Ramadaan and the start of Eid-ul-fitr celebrations. Premier Alan Winde and mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis were in attendance.
Cape Town Ulama Board secretary-general Sheikh Sayed Ridhwaan Mohamed said an estimated 4 000 people gathered across the Sea Point Promenade for the auspicious occasion.
“The atmosphere was amazing, lots of love and happiness. Families were sharing their meals and connecting with others. At the time of salaah, people are accommodating others on their prayer mats. Indeed, this year’s sighting showed brotherhood and unity, not forgetting the show of support towards Palestine with various groups raising Palestine flags across the area.”
The new crescent moon marks the start of the new month, according to the Islamic calendar, and thus the end of Ramadaan. Mohamed encouraged those celebrating the day of Eid to spend it with family, rekindling the bond between the household while jointly engaging in acts of worship.
Hill-Lewis said: “Cape Town is blessed with multi-cultural diversity, underpinned by a spirit of openness, sharing and tolerance.”
Ramadaan is characterised by increased charity. Masjidul Quds, in Gatesville, said it had an unprecedented level of goodwill from its 6 000-strong congregation, with the SA National Zakah Fund collecting in excess of R1.5 million for communities in need. Mosque spokesperson Sataar Parker said this was the highest amount ever collected at the mosque.
Muslim Judicial Council president Sheikh Irafaan Abrahams said: “Today is the day of unity when we make the orphans feel we are all their parents, the widows and widowers feel that we are all their brothers and sisters, and the poor and needy feel that we care and share.”