Muslims in South Africa will start fasting from Friday. Photo: iStock
As South African Muslims enter the month of Ramadan, President Cyril Ramaphosa including other political parties have conveyed their blessings and well wishes to the Muslim community during the month of sacrifice.
The United Ulama Council of South Africa (UUCSA) or Council Muslim Theologians announced that following no sighting of the moon on Wednesday, the blessed month of Ramadan will officially begin on Thursday.
This means, Muslims will start fasting from Friday.
Ramaphosa wished the Muslim community in South Africa well during the holy month.
“We wish South Africa’s Muslim communities a Ramadan Kareem as they commemorate this holy month. May the Ramadan values of acts of charity and community extend to all communities in South Africa.”
The African National Congress (ANC) also wishes the South African Islamic community well during the holy month of Ramadan.
“Ramadan is a period devoted to dawn-to-dusk fasting, prayers and good deeds. The practices of Ramadan are meant to purify oneself from thoughts and deeds which are counter to Islam. By removing material desires, one is able to focus fully on devotion and service to God.
“To the Muslim community, Ramadan is the time of reflection and worship in reminiscence of the severe
suffering of others and being charitable through fasting and prayers. Moreover, for Muslims, fasting is
meant to learn self-control, showing devotion to teach empathy with the poor. We call on the Muslim
community to pray for humanity all over the world, and especially for South Africa,” the governing party said.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) also conveyed their well wishes saying essential services should not impact the Muslim community during Ramadan.
“As we enter the holy month of Ramadan, we would like to take a moment to wish all Muslims a blessed and peaceful month. Ramadan is a time for reflection, devotion, and giving back to our communities.
“We are also aware of the ongoing power and water outages that are affecting many communities across Gauteng. We understand that this can add to the challenges of observing Ramadan, and we are committed to doing everything we can to ensure that these essential services impacted by Rand Water and Eskom be mitigated as quickly as possible,” the party said.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has conveyed “its warmest wishes to our Muslim brothers and sisters, locally and abroad for a blessed and peaceful month”.
“We appeal to Muslims to continue to show solidarity with the poor, marginalised working class who are finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet.
“May the Muslims community continue to inspire us with the generous spirit of sharing and togetherness as we all prioritise with kindness the vulnerable, the poor and the marginalised among us,” the red berets said.
The Good Party has conveyed their well wishes on Muslims who will be fasting during Ramadan.
“We wish the Muslim sisters and brothers of our South African family a blessed Ramadan. May your duas come true, and the holy month bring you eternal joy.”
The South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) wished the Muslim community of South Africa a blessed Ramadan.
“On behalf of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies, I would like to wish the Muslim community Ramadan Mubarak, a holy and blessed Ramadan.
“May this special time be filled with joy and connection to loved ones and communities, may faith and harmony be strengthened and may the light of the crescent moon illuminate the world with peace,” said Professor Karen Milner.
There have also been well wishes for Muslims across globe from former ANC member Carl Niehaus, who now heads up the African Radical Economic Transformation Alliance (ARETA).
“As we welcome the start of the Holy Month of Ramadan, the month of sacrifice, love, compassion and generosity, we wish all our Muslim brothers, sisters and comrades in South Africa and across the world – a Ramadan Mubarak and Ramadan Kareem.
A plethora of messages also poured in from tech companies, sports teams and stars, Formula One racing teams, other ambassadors and even the Royal Family.
“Wishing you a blessed #Ramadan, from all of us at AMF1”
“Ramadan Mubarak to all those observing! May your days be filled with the joy of community.”
“Ramadan Mubarak to all Muslim!”
“Ramadan Mubarak my friends, God willing this month is a fruitful one for all. For everyone I have upset/hurt or spoken I’ll of please forgive me.”
“Wishing all Muslims in the UK, the Commonwealth and around the world a blessed and peaceful Ramadan.”
ALSO READ: Ramadan: Muslims in SA to begin fasting on Friday
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