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Thousands of mosques flocked to mosques for `Eid prayers. (IOL picture)
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BLANTYRE — Celebrating the three-day `Eid Al-Fitr, which marks the end fasting month of Ramadan, Muslims in the Southern African republic of Malawi did not forget those who are less fortunate, cheering the sick, orphans and other needy persons.
"The charity activities are a major part in the Islamic faith especially during the festive season," Sheikh Dinala Chabulika, National Coordinator of the Islamic Information Bureau, told IslamOnline.net.
"Non-Muslims are really amazed to see people portrayed as mercenaries in the press being so wonderful. That’s the first step towards knowing Islam and that’s why we encourage it," he added.
Muslim Students Association at the Islamic Zakaat Fund (IZF) Business College took time to cheer the sick at the Mangochi District Hospital.
"This is another way of celebrating `Eid for us," Daudi Masapi, the leader of delegation, told IOL.
"We believe that cheering the sick and making them happy can be a magic prescription for their ailments," he added.
Blantyre Muslim Women Organization also treated prisoners at the Chichiri Prison to an `Eid festivity endowed with special food-stuffs.
"As a matter of fact, we have realized that some of the best Muslims are formed in prisons," said Asiyatu Lipenga.
"They are sent there to be reformed so if we turn a blind eye on them we would be doing injustice to them. They need our love and support," she added.
`Eid Al-Fitr, a festival that comes at the end of Ramadan, started in Malawi on October 24.
`Eid Al-Fitr and `Eid Al-Adha, the two most important Islamic celebrations, are regarded as national holidays in Malawi, where Islam is the second largest religion after Christianity.
Official figures suggest that Muslims make 12 percent of the 12 million people, but the umbrella Muslim Association of Malawi say Muslims constitute more than 36 %.
Jovial
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| Eid parties brought Turks and Malawians together in a demonstration of unity and brotherhood. (IOL picture) |
Business was brought to almost a standstill in Malawi during `Eid, with most shops closed in the major cities.
Most wholesale and retail businesses that are always a bee hive of activity are operated by Muslims of either British or Asian descent.
Mosques were, meanwhile, filled to the brim, with Muslims praying for peace.
"This grants the occasion the importance it deserves. It's not like any other day, and we appreciate that this is being felt as we are making an effort to inform people on the beauty of Islam," said Sheikh Chabulika.
Thousands of Muslims were seen in jovial mood across the streets of the major cities, attending `Eid prayers.
Some communities had to perform prayers in the open-air to accommodate the large congregations.
"We've always encouraged a spirit of brotherhood that’s why we tell people from small local mosques to come together as a single community so that they celebrate in a grand style," said a visibly overjoyed Sheikh Chabulika, while his mobile phone kept on receiving SMSs from well-wishers.
Partying
In some remote areas, families brought food to mosques or other designated places so that they eat together in what is locally known as "chidyerano" or communal meals.
"This makes us have more fun," says Ishmael Abdullah of Blantyre, the commercial capital of Malawi.
Many others decided to throw a party.
"I am just fascinated how Islam preaches unity and brotherhood," Sraj Suleman, a Blantyre-based Muslim, told IOL.
"I've enjoyed eating and partying with Muslim family friends. The most wonderful thing is that they're Turkish and I'm Malawian, but there was nothing that separated us."
Suleman says this enables people of varied backgrounds to come together, thereby sharing some cultural aspects that may help develop local Muslims.
Dr. Bakili Muluzi, the former president of Malawi, who is also a Muslim, called on Muslims to co-exist with people of other faiths so that they maintain the good image of Islam.
"It's incumbent upon us as Muslims to guide those who do not know our religion by maintaining the virtues and spirit of unity that we ably demonstrated during the just-ended holy month of Ramadan," reads an `Eid Al-Fitr from the former leader made available to IOL.
MP Yunus Mussa also commended the Muslims for living well with their Christian neighbors, which he said has helped to dispel the misconception that Islam condemns the existence of people of other faiths.
"In the just-ended month we're told to respond to those who provoke us: "I'm fasting", why then should we not carry forward this noble trait. Avoiding those who provoke us could be a major prescription for peace."
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