Muslims hold prayers for Eid

Published on August 19, 2012 by News24   ·   No Comments

Muslims have gathered across Durban to celebrate the end of the month long fast of Ramadan and to welcome in Eid Ul-Fitr. Special prayers signalling the end of the fast have been held at various venues. Founder of the Institute for Learning and Motivation Fatima Asmal-Motala hosted the morning prayer at the Essenwood Road Park in Durban.

 

The service included 200 under privileged children from across KwaZulu-Natal. Asmal-Motala says the idea began in 2007 and that the number continues to grow.

“The understanding behind it was that the Prophet Mahomed, peace be upon him, had said that none of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself. So myself and my colleagues looked at the way in which a typical Muslim family celebrates Eid. You have new clothes. You have lots. And we thought lets afford an opportunity for the poorer members of the Muslim community to celebrate Eid in this way.”

 

Over 65 000 less fortunate people in the Western Cape will be able to enjoy a warm meal courtesy of Nakhlistan. The community based non-governmental organisation has raised funds from local businesses, sponsors, donors and community members in order to help the poor and needy.

 

This is part of the celebration of the new moon by the Muslim community after the end of the fasting Holy month of Ramadan.

 

Nakhlistan PRO, Fatima Alie says: “When people during the year apply to Nakhlistan, for food on the day of Eidul Fitr, Nakhlistan sends a representative to the area to verify  whether its needed in that area then Nakhlistan invite that person  to fill out a requisition form,  with the persons name, ID  number and car registration number, when the food is cooked they come to fetch their pot  and they are responsible to ensure that  the empty  pot comes back to Nakhlistan.”