KAMPALA – The Kabaka of Buganda – His Majesty, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II has congratulated Muslims in the country upon the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan – leading to celebrations to mark Eid Al Fitr on Thursday.
The date of Eid-Al-Fitr in Uganda, is traditionally determined by the sighting of the Shawwal moon in Saudi Arabia – consequently leading to Muslim worldwide celebrations to mark the end of the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting during Ramadan.
In his message to Muslims, the Kabaka praised believers for extending prayers to leaders at various level throughout the holy month.
“We know very well that during this period you prayed for us as well as the leaders to treat their subjects well,” read the message.
The Kabaka implored believers to continue praying for their leaders as well as the country at large so as society could overcome challenges such as diseases; detention without trial, poverty as well as selfishness and greed.
“This (prayer) is very important because it reminds us of the issue of equality before Allah. It’s a period of meditating in faith as well as our lives,” noted the Kabaka’s message.
Several other religious, political as well as elders echoed the Kabaka’s message – highlighting the importance by believers to carry-on with good deeds as exhibited during the fasting – sawm period.
Muslims celebrate Eid Al-Fitr with prayers called ‘Salat Al Eid,’ which has no audible call – adhan – to Eid prayers. Muslims will gather in mosques or open spaces and offer two units – Rakat – of prayer. The prayers are followed by a sermon, in which the imam asks for forgiveness, mercy, and peace for every human being across the world.
Other key elements of the Eid celebrations are giving money to the poor – ‘Zakat al-Fitr,’ which amount one gives, depends on the possessions someone has, sending Eid greetings and feasting with families.
