While some Muslim countries celebrate the end of
Ramadan this Sunday 30th March, 2025, Comoros islands and other countries have to wait until Monday 31st to celebrate
Eid al-Fitr. This holiday corresponds to the first Shawal 1446 of the Islamic moon-sighting calendar. According to grand Cadi Said Othman, the expected naked eye moon-sight was confirmed by the cadi of the sister island of Mayotte. Therefore, Eid is declared by the Comorian authorities on news outlets and in mosques and the fun can begin. For those who have been observing Ramadan, the first thing to do was to give zakat al-Fitr to poor Muslims in the community before going to the mosque for the morning Eid prayer.
Zakat definition
Zakat is the third pillar of Islam. It goes far beyond the celebration of the end of Ramadan. The Arabic noun zakat means “religious tax” which is a charitable contribution for the poor that the wealthy Muslims are required to pay annually. It is also known as zakat al-mal or sadaqat. According to Islamic scholars, zakat al-Fitr is different from sadaqat. It has to be distributed just before the two or three- day festival of Eid al-Fitr or as soon as the new moon was observed. For example, the husband has to pay for him, his wife and children - including the baby born between the new moon, and before the morning Eid al-Fitr prayer-. He can also pay for his parents who cannot afford. Zakat al-Fitr is only distributed to Muslims.
How to give Zakat al-Fitr
Zakat al-Fitr is traditionally given in terms of food, especially the staple food of the country or locality where the Ramadan fasters live. It can also be paid cash according to imam Hanbal followers. Concerning this year, it is the equivalent of €9 or $10 for those who live in Europe or North America or 3,000 KMF for those who live in Comoros. Anyone who can afford but does not pay it, his Ramadan is not valid. Zakat al-Fitr is a way for the fasters to purify their Ramadan.
Ask Allah forgiveness
Elhadj Hassan was the preacher of the Eid prayer at the Friday mosque of Itsandra Mdjini. His speech was focused on pardon and forgiveness. He exhorted the believers to ask Allah for forgiveness, as well as forgive others who may have wrong them. “This holiday is the best opportunity for anyone who may have behaved badly to beg pardon to their brothers and sisters in Islam. Whoever is willing to make the first step is the best and wins Allah mercy and salvation, “he said.
National and international issues
Hassan told the audience to not forget the Palestinian people and other Muslim communities from around the world who did not have the opportunity to celebrate the Eid al-Fitr in peace, joy and prosperity. Like an activist, Hassan suggested the Comorian government to refuse that France establishes a military base in the Comorian island of Mayotte. In his traditional television address from the mosque of the city of Mitsudje,
Azali Assoumani, the president of the Union of Comoros said that it is the time to take stock of the country’s 50 years of independence. Knowing what was wrong and fix it is the best way to move forward for the next fifty years, he said.
After the Eid prayer in the morning, people - especially the young ones - start visiting families, enjoying traditional doughnuts and desserts, collecting candies, and even celebrating at carnivals in the villages and cities of the country from sunrise till sunset.
Chami Mouzawar
Contributing writer
