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Ramadan begins in South Africa

7 June 2016

Muslims in South Africa celebrated the start of Ramadan today, 7 June. On Sunday the Ulama - literally the "learned ones" - and members of the Muslim community gathered on the beach at 3 Anchor Bay in Cape Town to spot the new moon, which would signal the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan.

Unfortunately the moon was not sighted by the Muslim scholars on the night. Special duahs (prayers) were made, followed by a public announcement that the first fast would begin today.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and Muslims all over the world take part in this month-long custom. Muslims abstain from all nourishment – food and beverages – and even cigarettes are taboo during daylight hours. There are two meals – one before sunrise called suhur and one after sunset called iftar. The last day of Ramadan this year will be Tuesday 5 July.

Ramadan Mubarak

A post on the Muslim Judicial Council of South Africa's Facebook page offered respectful wishes to those able to fast: "May Allah shower his mercy and blessings on us during this auspicious month and may He crown our efforts and sacrifices with His happiness and acceptance, amin."

On Monday South African President Jacob Zuma wished the Muslim community a peaceful Ramadan month, according to South Africa Government News Agency. "We wish our Muslim compatriots a blessed and successful Ramadan, as they spend time deepening their spirituality and reflecting on what can make our country a better place," he said.

South Africans also took to Twitter to wish their Muslim compatriots well over the fast:

We wish our Muslim community a blessed and peaceful period of fasting during the month of Ramadaan. #RamadanMubarak pic.twitter.com/osNMoJ6H33

— South African Gov (@GovernmentZA) June 7, 2016

#RamadanMubarak to all Muslims. May this holy month bring reflection, blessing & peace around the world to unify everyone everywhere

— South African Heroes (@SA_Heroes) June 7, 2016

About Ramadan

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims all over the world abstain from all food, drink, and other physical needs during the daylight hours (such as smoking or sex), according to About Religion. "Ramadan is much more than just not eating and drinking; it is a time to purify the soul, refocus attention on God, and practice self-discipline and sacrifice," the site says.

"Fasting during the month of Ramadan is considered one of the five Pillars of Islam - five activities that shape a Muslim's life. Prayer occurs on a daily basis; pilgrimage is done once in a lifetime; charity and professing one's faith are both ongoing. Fasting the month of Ramadan is an annual observance; every year, Muslims take an entire month out of their lives to observe this strict fast and rededicate themselves to worship and faith.

"Muslims are called upon to use this month to re-evaluate their lives in light of Islamic guidance."

SouthAfrica.info reporter