[ad_1]
As President of the African Union and President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa has wished Muslims on the continent to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan.
He said it would not be the same as in previous years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The crescent moon has risen over our continent, Africa. And the holy month of Ramadan has begun. On behalf of the African Union, I wish our Muslim brothers and sisters the best during this holy month.”
“In Bamako, in Mogadishu, in Ndjamena, in Dar es Salaam, in Cairo and in Cape Town, this month, Muslims will fast from sunrise to sunset and participate in acts of devotion and charity,” said Ramaphosa.
“Unfortunately, Ramadan this year will not be like it was last year. We are in the shadow of a global public health emergency. The coronavirus pandemic has left no part of the world intact.”
The continent has 27,385 cases of Covid-19, with 1,297 deaths and 8,172 recoveries.
Ramaphosa said that “several countries have imposed measures to contain the spread of the virus.”
He added that this meant “that many of the Ramadan traditions such as praying at the mosque, making the Umrah pilgrimage and visiting family and friends are not carried out.”
READ: Ramadaan at the time of the coronavirus is unprecedented, says MJC
Ramaphosa said that at a time when millions faced hunger, misery and misery, the acts of charity performed during Ramadan were needed more than ever.
“Ramadan’s spirit of giving and charity will continue to be needed for a long time. As Africans, we will emerge from this difficulty with a new awareness.
“We will understand, and perhaps never before, our great duty to help and support those less fortunate than ourselves will be reinforced.
“As the Holy Quran says, if someone saves a life, it is as if they have saved all of humanity,” he added.
– Compiled by Vanessa Banton
[ad_2]
