By Deborah Naa Aku Allotey
Tema, March 31, GNA – Muslim residents in the Tema metropolis, on Monday morning, joined other Muslims in Ghana to celebrate Eid ul-Fitr, gathering and performing the Eid prayers at the Tema sports stadium.
Eid ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting for Muslims. It is a time for celebration, feasting, and gratitude for Allah’s blessings.
According to the Muslims, Eid ul-Fitr is celebrated with prayers, family gatherings, and the exchange of gifts.
Mr. Mumuni Alhasan, a celebrant, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that the crescent moon was critical in relation to Eid ul-Fitr.
“Sighting the crescent moon is critical because it determines whether we are ending the month of Ramadan or continuing,” he explained.
Mr Alhasan emphasised that there would be no celebration of Eid ul-Fitr if the crescent moon was not sighted, adding, however, that if it is not sighted, the end of the fasting is declared on the 30th day of Ramadan by the Chief Imam.
Mrs Latifa Alhasan, another Muslim Eid celebrant, mentioned that it was important to be in a state of purity (wudu) before offering the Eid prayer.
Mrs Alhasan stated that it was essential for Muslims to be on time for the prayer and listen attentively to the khutbah (sermon).
She noted that Eid ul-Fitr was a day of remembrance since it brings all Muslims together to celebrate and remember the dead.
Mr Mohammed Osman said that praying regularly, reading the Quran, reflecting on Allah’s creations, and helping others were great ways to strengthen their faith, adding that the Eid sermon or khutbah was a key part of Eid al-Fitr.
He explained that it serves as a reminder of the lessons learnt during Ramadan and encourages continued good deeds and spiritual growth, adding that it reinforces the message of gratitude, generosity, and community that was central to Eid.
The Eid prayers saw Muslims beautifully clad in their best apparel with matching scarves and veils for the women and hats for the men.
Some traders also took the opportunity to display their wares to attract the Muslims who might need some hats and veils.
GNA
LS/LAA