End of fast: Malawi declares June 26 public holiday for Eid al-Fitr

Malawians will Monday June 26 observe a  public holiday following a declaration by Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development it is a holiday to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr marking the end of the Islamic Holy month of Ramadhan.

Eid or Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, which is a month of fasting that started on May 27 and will finish on Saturday June 2  and the start of the next month, Shawwal.

In a statement seen by Nyasa Times, Secretary for Local Government and Rural Development Ministery, Kiswell Dakamau said Monday will be Eid Al-Fitr public holiday.

“The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Developnent is, therefore, wishing all Muslims in Malawi and in Diaspora, Happy Eid Mubarak, and the general public a restful  public holiday on Monday, 26 June 2017.” Dakamau said in the statement dated 22 June.

Spokesperson for MAM , Sheikh Dinala Chabulika,  said: “Eid is one of the most important holidays in the Islamic calendar.”

He told Nyasa Times that the significance of Eid is purely and profoundly spiritual.

“ It is a day for people to thank Allah for all of the blessings he has given them and the strength he has instilled in them to endure the fast during the holy month of Ramadan,” said Sheik Chabulika.

He said Eid al-Fitr means “festival of breaking the fast”  after the sight of the moon.

Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset and also abstain from smoking and sex during daylight hours throughout Ramadan.

Some scholars believe that the  u-ran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad during the month, making it particularly holy.

During Eid, Muslims will often purchase new clothes for the occasion, and take part in festivals and celebrations.

Many will wake up early to pray at a mosque or outdoor prayer venue.

This year, Eid starts on Sunday June 25 and marks the start of a month of celebration.

The dates can be adjusted slightly nearer the time due to lunar sightings and changes each year.

This is because the Islamic calendar – known as the Umm al-Qura calendar – is based on the moon’s cycle, whereas the Gregorian one is determined by the sun.

As the two don’t align, the Islamic dates move back by 11 days each year.

Nyasa Times wishes the Muslims a blessed Eid.