Eid! Yes, the day of Eid is a great day of joy, happiness and in some cases sadness. It is also a day in which food abounds plenty in many a Muslim home.

But alas! It is also evident that on this tremendous day of Eid the culmination of a month long rigorous programme of fasting, experiencing the pangs of hunger and thirst, seeking nearness to the Creator of all beings prevails little concern for the perpetual hungry and starving masses in all parts of the world, particularly Africa where the famine has claimed thousands of lives and is still claiming even on this day of Eid.

To us, therefore, Eid is a day of feasting, whereas in many parts of Africa, even closer to home where Eid remains a day seeking food and water, a day of fasting.

During Ramadhaan, the Africa Muslims Agency distributed over 120 tons of Ifthaar / Suhoor meals to over 76 needy Dawah organisations across Gauteng; KZN; PE and Cape Town. We make Dua that Allah (SWT) accepts this humble effort we executed on behalf of our donors to those in need and poverty stricken and that were fasting during the blessed month of Ramadhaan that just passed.

We therefore urge you to spend this blessed day of Eid ul Fitr amongst those in need! Share the vast spread of your EID UL FITR table comprising of delicious eats; snacks and meals with an orphan or someone or people who fasted and having nothing and no food to enjoy this blessed day of feasting.

Spend some time to reflect on this gross imbalance of life in a world full of food and prosperity on one hand whilst there is gross poverty on the other. What has gone wrong that entire nations die of hunger and starvation while other nations die of over-eating!

Reflect also on the plight of your brethren in Africa and elsewhere in the world afflicted by floods; drought; gross poverty , etc, and holding dear the Quranic injunction of: “Verily, this brotherhood of yours is a single brotherhood…” Think about them on this day of Eid. If nothing else, they at least expect your prayer for the betterment of their sorrowful plight.

May Allah (SWT) accept our prayers and fasting and our Duas and sacrifices executed in the month of Ramadhaan and improve the plight of those that are need.

Mahomed Farid Choonara

NATIONAL DIRECTOR