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Muslims'
Affairs in `Eid
`Eid
in South Africa
By
Khadija Mohamed,
IOL Cape Town correspondent
THE
last ten days of the month of Ramadan, is heralded with much excitement
for much of its Islamic significance of the 27th Night- the Night of
Qadr.
These
auspicious nights have their own cultural manifestations amongst the
South African Muslims.
Whilst
all sit in `Ibadah (worship), it is an idiosyncrasy the Cape Town
Muslims get together with their families, make Dhikr (remembrance of
Allah) and they light candles as symbolic of the Nur (light) of
Lailatul- Qadr.
`Eid
is celebrated with great joy, but more importantly, the poor and
disadvantaged are not marginalized.
Zakat-ul-Fitr
is generously donated to these people through the many organizations
that administer these funds.
In
different parts of the country the celebrations are varied and in
accordance with cultural practices.
Upon
sighting of the moon instead of Taraweeh prayers everybody recites the
Taqbir continuously. In Durban KwaZulu – Natal, the men visit the
graves of their beloved deceased families. In Cape Town and
Johannesburg, this takes place on `Eid day.
`Eid
is usually celebrated on the first of Shawwal and fasting on this day is
forbidden.
Everybody
goes for `Eid Namaz, after the ritual bath and the donning of new
clothes. Amongst the children there is great excitement as they eagerly
await their gifts. If they have fasted for the first time for the entire
month, their efforts are acknowledged with extraordinary attention and
gifts. The significance here is merely to motivate the young minds.
The
`Eid Khutbah is broadcast live to enable the women to hear it. In Cape
Town, there are a few `Eid prayer venues that have facilities for women.
Families
in Johannesburg and Durban get together for a breakfast of roast chicken
and lamb, biryani, sweet meats, `Eid milk and many other delicacies. The
focal point is the food which is abundant.
The
Capetonians on the other hand have a breakfast with tea and freshly
baked jam and coconut tarts. Their lunch, comprising of biryani or
chicken curry and rice, roast lamb potatoes and sweet yellow rice, taken
before or after Zuhr Prayer.
Platters
of eats are distributed to neighbors and friends, particularly other
religious groups, who eagerly await the Muslim fare.
It
is a common practice to visit the bereaved families who have lost loved
– to offer them solace and support.
Tea
is usually taken after `Asr Prayer followed by a barbecue for the
evening meal.
It
is a universal trend that `Eid is celebrated as a festival of love and
togetherness. The children will stay up for as long as their eyes can
remain open and like the full moon they will often drop off at the
supper table with sticky fingers and mouth, but with a very satisfied
smile on their face. For `Eid is really for the children.
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