By Khulile Thwala
Local Islam organisations have begun their drive of donating to the needy and vulnerable ahead of Eid celebrations.
Humanity First Eswatini, is one of those organisations, on Friday, April 21, they distributed 63 food parcels to families. Today marks the end of Ramadan, which is the Arabic name for the ninth month in the Islamic calendar.
Read More: At least 78 killed in a stampede for donations in Yemen
It is considered one of the holiest months for Muslims and is marked by a period of fasting, considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
These are five principles which Muslims believe are compulsory acts ordered by Allah: the other pillars are faith, prayer, charity and making the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca.
Read More: Contingency plan to counter UNHCR budget cuts
Ramadan started on Wednesday, March 22, and will finish on the evening of Friday 21 April. According to Islam.org, Eid takes place at the end of Ramadan.
The name “Eid al-Fitr” translates as “the festival of the breaking of the fast”.
Like the beginning of Ramadan, Eid begins with the first sighting of the new moon. Before Eid prayers, every Muslim is obliged to donate to a charity, called Zakat al-Fitr, to help feed the poor.
