RUHANGO/GICUMBI/HUYE -Various congratulatory messages touching on the end of the Islamic fasting month known as Ramadhan were received by Muslim faithful in the country.

The messages were conveyed during the celebration of Idd El-Fitr that mark the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadhan.

In Ruhango, Muslims have been hailed for their role in fostering peace and harmony. Sheikh Suleiman Mugabo, the area Imam made the remarks in his message marking the celebrations.

He noted that Ruhango had remarkably participated in the recently concluded presidential election, which is a sign of patriotism.

"Muslims should continue with the good conduct exhibited during Ramadhan in the quest for nation building and inter-religious cooperation and dialogue,” he said.

The celebrations coincided with Ruhango’s market day, and most Muslims could be seen smartly dressed, rushing about to do their shopping. Market prices for food remained stable, except for clothing.

"We are excited about the successfully-completed month of Ramadan and ready for celebrations,” said Hajjat Farida Mukamana, who went on a shopping spree ahead of the celebrations.

On Friday, Muslims in Gicumbi were implored to promote unity, love and hard work in order to accelerate development. The call was made by Imam Swaibu Mvuyekure, at Gacurabwenge Primary School located within Byumba Sector. Muslims drawn from Byumba, Yaramba and Kisaro Mosques gathered at the school for the Idd prayers.

"This day is meant for showing concern to the poor while demonstrating love amongst each other. We should also use this day to cement unity by working hard to eradicate poverty and accelerate economic development,” said Mvuyekure. Similar functions to mark the day took place in Rukomo and Gatuna mosques of Gicumbi District.

In Huye Muslims helped patients in various hospitals in Huye during the fasting period which ended Friday. Sheikh Isa Habakubaho, the Imam of the University mosque in Butare town, disclosed this during Idd-el-fitr celebrations yesterday.

At the entrance of the Huye football stadium, the venue of the celebrations, many Muslims who came for the early morning prayers could still be seen reaching out for their wallets to raise funds meant for the needy.

"First, the offertory is used to help the needy to guard against begging on the day of Idd el Fitr. It is also meant to cleanse the giver after the month-long fasting exercise, a period where one could have erred in one way or the other,” Habakubaho added.

"Fasting is a period of renewed relationships, a period during which Muslims work on building better relationships with neighbours and self; a time to get closer to Allah,” Habakubaho noted.

Mohammed Mugisha, one of the Muslims who attended Idd prayers at the stadium said that the day is a celebration of a month-long period of sacrifice and fulfilment of one of the commandments of Allah.

"We have denied ourselves some pleasures like eating, for many hours of the day, so as to get closer to God. Today is a day of celebration, and sharing with the rest of the community to mark the end of this sacred period,” said Mugisha.

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