NYAMIRAMBO - Thousands of Muslims yesterday thronged Nyamirambo Regional Stadium to celebrate Eid El-Fitr, which is normally marked at the end of the Islamic Holy Month of Ramadan.

The ceremony, which was marked by prayers, was presided over by the head of the Islamic community in the country, Sheikh Abdul Karim Gahutu.

Addressing the gathering, Gahutu centred his message around the significance of Eid, and also took time to call upon the Muslim community to play a leading role in developing the nation and actively support national policies.

"Eid is a day of celebration and fasting is a sign of double happiness. We should do all these in harmony,” said the Mufti, who earlier this year took over from long serving Swalleh Habimana.

Gahutu called for unity and understanding among believers and emphasised the need to live in harmony with non Muslims.

He pointed out that peaceful coexistence is imperative for the rapid development of the country.

 "Without unity and mutual understanding among the people, there would be no meaningful development,” the Mufti said;

"Our dignity is our religion, we have to preserve it; the only way we are going to achieve this is through hard work as we are obliged by the Quran”.

He called on all Muslims and Rwandans to always protect their nation and ensure that the country is at peace at all times.

Ends