The President wishes South African Muslims a blessed Ramadan
President Ramaphosa wishes the Muslim community well for the month of Ramadan and he hopes his message will bring unity and tolerance.
President Cyril Ramaphosa wishes the Muslim community well over the Ramadan season.
The President said: “Ramadan is a special period of spiritual devotion, physical sacrifice and charitable outreach for Muslims. But it is also an expression of faith that is embraced with tolerance and Ubuntu by all communities of faith.”
RAMAPHOSA REFLECTS ON RAMADAN AND FREEDOM
“In our 30th year of freedom, the advent of Ramadan gives us an appreciation of the freedom of religion, belief and opinion enshrined in our Constitution and the richness of our nation’s diversity.
“Ramadan also connects the local Muslim community more closely with their brethren around the world at this time. We remember that for millions of people, Ramadan is being observed under conditions of conflict, war, displacement and oppression. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the peoples of Palestine, Yemen, Sudan, the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Western Sahara, Mali and others – for whom this holy month is a time of great hardship and suffering. “
“May the message of Ramadan, of peace, tolerance and unity serve as an impetus for us as the international fellowship of nations to do all within our means to protect the most vulnerable, and put an end to conflicts and wars everywhere,” said Ramaphosa.
RAMADAN EXPLAINED
Ramadan commemorates fasting from food and drinks during daylight as a way for the Muslim community to draw themselves closer to God through the process of self-control, gratitude and even compassion for others less fortunate.
In 2024 Ramadan commenced on 10 March and runs until 10 April.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the lunar Islamic calendar, the month cycles through the seasons.
According to the PBS News Hour Muslim communities may start Ramadan on different days due to declarations by multiple Islamic authorities around the globe on whether the crescent has been sighted or different methodologies used to determine the start of the month.
Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, along with the profession of faith, prayer, almsgiving, and pilgrimage.
Ramaphosa urged nations to use Ramadan’s message of peace, tolerance, and unity as motivation to protect the vulnerable and stop conflicts and wars worldwide.