Cape Town – Muslims across South Africa are celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr on Monday, March 31, 2025, following the sighting of the new moon in Musina and other parts of the country. The announcement was made to worshippers in Cape Town, marking the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection.
On this joyous occasion, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V, led a congregation of Ahmadis in Islamabad, Tilford, UK, at approximately 11 am local time. The gathering came together to offer Eid-ul-Fitr prayers and listen to the Eid sermon delivered by their beloved Imam. Hazrat Amirul Momineen recited tashahud, ta'awwuz, and Surah al-Fatihah, and emphasized the importance of sustaining the virtuous practices observed during Ramadan.
During his sermon, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa remarked, "Ramadan concluded yesterday, and today, by the grace of Allah the Almighty, we are celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr – a day of joy. This joy stems from the good deeds we performed during Ramadan and the commitments we made and renewed to continue on the path of righteousness." He explained that Eid is not merely a day of celebration but also a day for reaffirming one’s pledge to uphold and sustain virtuous practices.
Moreover, he urged the congregation to reflect on the lessons learned during Ramadan, stating, "True Eid lies in continuing good deeds and sustaining Ramadan’s virtues." He further explained that a true believer is one who remains steadfast in righteousness, emphasizing the need to make a commitment to serve humanity, which is an essential aspect of worship.
As South Africans come together to celebrate Eid, the message of unity and social responsibility resonates deeply within the community. Muhammad Ahsan Soofie, a graduate of the Hafez Academy and a second-year medical student, highlighted in his message from the Habibia Soofie Masjid that Eid is a time for giving and for remembering those who are struggling, such as the unemployed and marginalized. He stated, "Eid is an opportunity to reaffirm this commitment and to reflect on how we can serve as agents of positive change in our neighborhoods and beyond."
The celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr serves as a reminder of the resilience exhibited by South Africans in the face of ongoing challenges, including economic inequalities, unemployment, and service delivery issues. The spirit of Ramadan, characterized by patience, generosity, and humility, extends beyond the month of fasting into everyday life, encouraging acts of kindness and solidarity.
Soofie noted, "During Ramadan, we witnessed countless acts of kindness and solidarity. The great Sufi poet, Shaykh Jalal ad-Din Rumi, once said: 'Where there is ruin, there is hope for treasure.'" This sentiment reflects the enduring hope that characterizes the South African spirit, even amidst adversity.
At the Habibia Soofie Masjid, the legacy of Hazrath Soofie Saheb, who established places of worship and educational institutions for people of all faiths, continues to inspire community outreach and charitable initiatives. Soofie emphasized, "Islam teaches us that faith is not confined to personal worship; it is a guiding force that inspires us to contribute to the well-being of society."
In his sermon, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa also stressed the importance of maintaining relationships and fulfilling obligations toward others, stating, "Our joy will only be genuine if we remain steadfast in this commitment. Our true Eid will be when we sustain these virtues, continuously progressing forward in righteousness." He called on the congregation to uphold the rights of creation and to engage in acts of service, reflecting the true essence of Eid.
As the day unfolded, Ahmadis around the world faced various challenges, particularly in places like Pakistan, where some were denied the right to offer Eid prayers freely. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa prayed for those who suffer persecution, saying, "May Allah grant them the opportunity to experience true Eid, allowing them both to develop a closer relationship with Him and to celebrate outwardly in peace."
The message of Eid is one of hope and renewal, reminding believers that true joy comes from a deep connection with Allah and a commitment to righteousness. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa illustrated this by recalling the joy experienced by a person who finds their lost camel, likening it to the joy Allah feels when His servants return to Him in repentance.
He concluded his sermon by leading the congregation in silent prayer and extending warm wishes of ‘Eid Mubarak’ to Ahmadis across the globe. As Muslims around the world gather to celebrate, the underlying message remains clear: the lessons of Ramadan should not only be remembered but actively practiced in everyday life.
In this spirit, as families come together to mark this blessed occasion, they are encouraged to carry the hope instilled during Ramadan into their communities, fostering a sense of unity and compassion. Eid-ul-Fitr is not just a celebration but a reminder of the responsibilities that come with faith, urging believers to continue their journey of righteousness beyond the confines of the holy month.
