By Taonga Sabola, Ousman Kaliati, Yohane Symon & Gift Sitima:
President Lazarus Chakwera Monday joined Muslims across the country in celebrating Eid ul-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and Muslims believe the first verses of the Quran – Islam’s holy book – were revealed to Prophet Muhammad during this time.
Speaking at Mchoka Primary School Ground in Salima, Chakwera hailed the peace and unity prevailing in the country.
He criticised those purportedly attempting to sow confusion in the country by using religion, political rallies, accidents and hunger to create division.
“Some are desperately trying to cause confusion and anger by exploiting their greed in hoarding various relief items that the government is distributing, rather than being fair.
“Others are showing their greed by unreasonably hiking prices, causing anger and prompting people to hold demonstrations,” Chakwera said.
While wishing Muslims a happy Eid ul-Fitr, the President urged citizens to recognise the importance of safeguarding the developments being made in the country, “as future generations will have nothing if they are destroyed”.
The President called for unity and peace among all Malawians, regardless of their religion – whether Muslim, Christian or of any other faith – or their tribal affiliations.
Mufti Shamuna Sosola praised Chakwera for what he called his commitment to promoting peace in the nation, saying that the President does not shy away from engaging with people of different tribes and religions.
“He also involves everyone in matters related to religion,” Sosola said.
Chakwera also donated food packages to Muslims gathered at Mchoka Primary School Ground for the Eid ul-Fitr celebrations.
Malawi Congress Party National Executive Committee Member Uladi Mussa also praised Chakwera for his participation in the Eid celebrations.
Mussa told the gathering that Chakwera “is the best leader for Malawi, as demonstrated by his kind heart”.
Political leaders from across the country joined the celebrations which were held at several venues, with some analysts expressing cautious optimism that this might mark a step towards unity among politicians.
In Mangochi, UTM leader Dalitso Kabambe attended the celebrations at St Augustine 2 Primary School Ground, where he was the guest of honour.
Vice President Michael Usi attended celebrations at Kasolo Primary School Ground, Traditional Authority Chimwala, also in the same district.
Kabambe described Islam as an important part of Malawi’s development, acknowledging the role Muslims play in improving the lives of Malawians.
He added that despite the involvement of religious groups in assisting the government with the welfare of the people, many Malawians continue to struggle due to poor government policy implementation.
On his part, Usi underscored the importance of unity and education among Muslims. He urged them to prioritise learning, as well as fostering peace and development in their communities.
He also addressed misconceptions about Muslims and education, saying many Muslims in Malawi are highly educated and play vital roles in national development.
“It is a misconception to say that Muslims do not pursue higher education. In fact, we have many highly educated Muslims among us,” he said.
In the afternoon, former president Peter Mutharika, who is also president of the opposition Democratic Progressive Party, attended celebrations in Balaka, where he interacted with Muslims and other community members.
Meanwhile, the Grand Mufti of Malawi, Sheikh Muhammad Uthman, urged Muslims to remain united and avoid causing confusion.
Sheikh Uthman made these remarks at Kamuzu Upper Stadium in Blantyre during the Eid ul-Fitr prayers.
Speaking after a sermon by Sheikh Taufik Kazembe, the Grand Mufti also reiterated the importance of Muslims following the morals and values of Islam.
“There are some people who want to create confusion within Islam. I heard that some celebrated Eid yesterday (Sunday), which is against the teachings of Islam, as it teaches respect for leaders.
“Let us all unite and respect our leaders because others cannot celebrate Eid today and others tomorrow when we are in the same country,” he said.
Muslim Association of Malawi spokesperson Sheikh Dinala Chabulika urged Muslims to continue doing good deeds.
“Today, as the holy month of Ramadan comes to an end, we have learned a lot. During Ramadan, apart from fasting from dawn to sunset every day, charity work, dedicated prayer, unity and co-existence were also significant obligations that every Muslim has learned,” Chabulika said.
Eid ul-Fitr marks the conclusion of 30 days of fasting during Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam.
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