Ramadan, the most important month of the year in the Muslim calendar, began on May 6, with Muslims fasting every day from dawn to sunset and refraining from consumption of food, drinks, smoking and engaging in sexual intercourse.

Observing Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, a time of self-reflection, reconnecting with their spiritual side and strengthening their connection with God by doing extra prayers and extra charity.

Muslim celebrities in Rwanda shared their Ramadhan experiences and plans for Eid al-Fitr.

Asinah Erra, artiste

Asinah Erra.

I spent the time off social media and media in general making sure I don’t post photos, do interviews or release any song as this was a holy month to consecrate myself before Allah.

My faith in Allah has grown stronger that I do not want this period to end. I look forward to celebrating Eid with friends and family.

Ziggy 55, artiste

Ziggy 55.

It’s a holy month, a time we seek forgiveness from Allah and try to get closer to God as much as possible. Fasting to me has not been a challenge especially when you know what you are doing.

The only problem is that you don’t get enough time to pray as much as you would or read the Quran which is important during Ramadhan. I plan to celebrate Eid with family Insha’Allah. It’s a great time to be in family.

Meddy Saleh, video producer

Meddy Saleh.

The Holy month is always good and a blessing to the Muslim community. It is a time of self-realisation and reflection during Ramadhan and a month of forgiveness as we pray and ask for forgiveness from Allah.

The month for me, combining work and Ramadhan, is always a blessing in the sense that I do not have the pressure to eat but rather just focusing on my work. For many, praying five times a day may seem tiresome during Ramadhan but in my case I feel more energetic than other days.

About Eid, I do not know yet how I will celebrate but always, I spend time with my kids and family.

Lucky Nzeyimana, journalist

Lucky Nzeyimana.

I have been fasting every Ramadhan since I was eight years old cause my entire family we are Muslims. About working, it’s a matter of obeying the Ramadhan order while also doing your work diligently because your job is your source of survival.

This holy month is means praying better and more than other days and repenting your sins while also helping the poor. I normally celebrate Eid with my family, my lovely mother and lovely father as well as my wife and daughter. We celebrate with the poor by sharing our food with them.

Tidjara Kabendera, journalist

Tidjara Kabendera.

My work timetable enables me time to pray and also prepare Iftar for my family so my routine did not change at all. Ramadhan is supposed to improve you spiritually and connect you to Allah, so your job should not be an excuse, it’s all about how you manage your time.

My Eid, as always, will involve going for prayers with my family and other Rwandan Muslims at the stadium, and sharing food with the poor as our religion suggests.

Milly Umuhoza, makeup artist

Milly Umuhoza.

For me it’s going pretty good Alhamdulillah. Ramadhan is my favorite month of the year because being able to work and fast at the same time makes me feel brave and proud of myself. I can’t wait for Eid, I will celebrate it with my family and friends.

Nizzo Kaboss, artiste

Nizzo Kaboss.

Ramadhan to me was the usual. It has been a month of consecrating myself before Allah which means staying away from the media and giving myself a break from music so I can get close to God. I will celebrate Eid with family and friends.

Fassasi Nuur Diplomate, artiste

Fassasi Nuur Diplomate.

Ramadhan was a blessing that came with good health and happiness throughout the month. Unfortunately it’s nearing its end which some may be happy about but I am not because in a way, it has improved my faith. I’m already inviting friends to join my family in celebrating Eid.

Zwena Bachoo, video blogger

Zwena Bachoo.

The month has been a bit crazy because we have to pray at night, wake up at 3am to eat and wake up again at 5am to pray and then come to work so my body has been really tired. it hasn’t really been easy because at the end of the day you don’t get to do as much as you do, we only try our best. Balancing the spiritual moment with work is really hard because since I work from 8am to 5pm, i have to find time to pray and listen to the Quran. Other than that, I have been trying as much as I can in terms of praying and listening to the Quran.

editor@newtimesrwanda.com