With a dark, wet and gloomy day on Friday, Capetonians are hoping they will wake up to a spot of sunshine and clear skies on Saturday, as the Muslim community celebrates Eid ul-Fitr. This year Eid day also coincides with Mandela Day, in which South Africans will spend 67 minutes of their time to do their share of good deeds in honour of Nelson Mandela.  On Friday, VOC News chatted to some people to find out what Eid means to them.

“Eid is about uniting together as a community for a common cause. We are celebrating the accomplishment of completing the holy month of Ramadan and giving Zakat al fitr to the poor. We will probably visit my mommy and have lunch there,” says Sherazaan Samsodien.

“Eid is all about family. The kids love it because they get money from the family we do visit,” says Thaakirah Salie.

“I have a son now so he will be celebrating Eid with me and my family…I am so excited. This little man is so cute he will get tons of money,” says Abdullah Stafford.

With Muslims still in the spirit of giving, many people are choosing to continue their Ramadan humanitarian efforts on Eid day.

“We are planning to make change and distribute it amongst the homeless people in the Gardens,” says Ashraf Isaacs.

“I’m donating all my old Eid clothes of previous years to an orphanage,” says Shanaaz Salie.

“I have invited some orphaned children over for lunch. I will also be taking them out for a fun filled day on Sunday,” said Razeena Mayman.

Youth are usually most excited for Eid, as they see it as a chance to dress up and catch up with friends.

“We will probably go to the Waterfront or Cavendish the evening to meet up with friends but spend the day visiting family and eating with them,” says Rafeeqah Abarder.
“I remember when I got money. Now I’m in high school and I don’t get money, but fasting is a reward in itself,” Kauthar Barnes.

“My parents are old now so I try to make Eid a time I spend with them and visit my friends at night,” says Faragh-naas Salie.

Even non-Muslims weighed into the significance of Eid day.

“I have never celebrated Eid but this year my friend invited me to Eid lunch and I am scared about what her family will say or do. Will be interesting to see how they celebrate the day and what their practices are,” says Jason Adams.

“My sister converted to Islam and she celebrates Eid with her husband and his family. My daughter and I will probably join,” says Nicolette Hammon.

“We are participating in a march to display our grief against the violence committed against abused women. My view of Eid is that it awards vulnerable minority groups with donations and gives them hope even if they have none,” added Isabel Ritchie. VOC (Nailah Cornelissen)