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Excitement is building among Muslims in Uganda and around the world as they prepare to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, which marks the joyous end of the holy month of Ramadan.

This year, Eid falls on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, as confirmed by local moon sighting committees. In Uganda, Eid el Fitr will be observed as a Public Holiday pursuant to the Public Holidays Act, 1965.

Muslims have spent Ramadan fasting from dawn to dusk, focusing on prayer, reflection, and charity.

Eid al-Fitr is a time for celebration and community. Festivities begin with special prayers held shortly after sunrise, followed by joyous greetings and exchanges of well wishes. Many families will enjoy traditional meals featuring sweet dishes and delicacies.

Sheikh Juma Bakhit Cucu, the Secretary for Education at the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) said Eid al-Fitr for them means grand breakfast.

“Because every evening we break the fast on a small scale but tomorrow we are breaking at a very grand level. Tomorrow the Muslims will relax the tension they had while they fasted, and they will also have prayers.

According to Sheikh Cucu, it’s a time when Muslims are going to feel that they are refreshed and feel like their sins are forgiven and they will spend time sharing love joyfully.

“People will share their love with neighbours. It is the time of praising and we will set for prayers till evening. And Muslims will also be visiting people they have had problems with. It’s not a time to do disco dancing and sins but to do good things,” he said.

On his part, Dr Muhammad Kiggundu Musoke, the Director, Communication, Research and International Relations, Office of the Supreme Mufti, congratulated all the Muslims of Uganda upon completing the holy month of Ramadan.

“I want to appeal to you to keep on doing good as you have been doing in the holy month. But don’t leave the children to hang around without attending to them. Don’t forget to discipline the children. Do not leave the children unattended, bring them and mentor the youth,” he said.

“Also don’t forget to pray for the peace of the country. Peace is very important for the country.”

Salim Uhuru, the Kampala central mayor urged Muslims to continue behaving the same way they have been behaving during the fasting period.

“First of all, I congratulate them. They should continue being exemplary, loving, and obedient to God. Eid is a time to give thanks to Allah for the strength and blessings received during Ramadan. We look forward to celebrating with family and friends, sharing meals, and exchanging gifts,” he said.

Background

Ramadhan, or Ramathan) is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting (sawm), prayer (salah), reflection, and community.

A commemoration of Muhammad's first revelation, the annual observance of Ramadan is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam and lasts twenty-nine to thirty days, from one sighting of the crescent moon to the next.