There was an air of contentment at Three Anchor Bay on Thursday evening as word spread of the failure to sight the crescent moon, ensuring that the Muslim community would be afforded one last day to savour in the holy month of Ramadan. The much anticipated announcement came shortly after sundown via the Crescent Observers Society (COS), who had sought to consult fellow ‘maankykers’ further north. An inability to clearly see the moon with the naked eye anywhere in the country means that South Africans will now celebrate Eid ul-Fitr on Saturday.

“We have confirmed with everyone from across South Africa for a consensus on this particular decision, and throughout the country the moon has not been sighted. That implies that Eid ul-Fitr will be on Saturday the 18th July,” was the declaration of Sheikh Siraj Hendricks, Head Arbitrator (Hakim) of the COS.

In the same breath, Hendricks sought to recognise the support shown by the community, who came out in their droves for what has become an iconic tradition on the local calendar.

“I am impressed by the numbers of people that have come out here tonight to sight the moon. That of course is the main objective, and the support from the community is just immense,” he said.

Speaking after the announcement, Muslim Judicial Council (MJC) deputy president, Sheikh Riad Fataar sought to recognise the increased spirituality and sense of generosity shown by the Muslim community during the holy month.

“One feels proud as the clergy (ulema) when we see out organisations that have gone out and fed the poor, seen to the needy, seen to those in dire need of food parcels and money. Algamdullilah, the Muslim community has gone out and made no distinction on whether the person in front of them is Muslim or not, because the important part was to see that the person had something to eat,” he said.

Fataar furthered his point by highlighting that the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) had been at his most generous during the auspicious month of Ramadan.

With little over 24 hours for the community to make the most of the holy month, Fataar said that all Muslims need ask themselves what they would be leaving behind from the past 29 days. If they felt their efforts were not yet sufficient, then it was advisable they make best use of the next 24 hours.

Eid ul-Fitr will be celebrated across the country on Saturday the 18th July. VOC (Mubeen Banderker)