By Pemphero Malimba, Llywellenie Mpasa, Gift Sitima & Patience Lunda:
Muslims across Malawi Thursday marked the end of the holy month of Ramadan with Eid al-Fitr celebrations.
Weighing in on the occasion, President Lazarus Chakwera issued a statement in which he urged the Muslim community in the country to embrace unity, compassion and generosity as they celebrate Eid Al-Fitr.
Chakwera said the celebrations should promote peace, blessings and happiness in Muslims’ homes and hearts.
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“May the end of the holy month of Ramadan bring peace, blessings and happiness to your homes and hearts. Let us cherish the spirit of unity, compassion and generosity fostered during the sacred time,” the President said.
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And, in a separate statement, former State president Peter Mutharika said there is a need for all Malawians to use the period in remembering those that were affected by Cyclone Freddy.
“I appeal to all Malawians to hold dear in our hearts fellow Malawians who were displaced by Cyclone Freddy and those who do not have enough to eat and feed their families; those who suffer from pain of poverty, hunger and diseases,” Mutharika said.
He also urged Malawians to pray for the country ahead of the September 16 2025 tripartite elections.
“Let us remember that we are one people and continue to encourage one another to contribute to peace and unity amongst us,” he said.
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In Lilongwe, Muslims converged at Lilongwe Muslim Sports Club, where they conducted prayers and celebrated the day.
One of the sheikhs at Lilongwe Sunni Foundation, Osman Sainet, said Muslims should be holding charity work as one way of helping the poor.
“Muslims should continue doing what they were doing during the fasting period. For instance, they should continue doing charity work to other people, including those of other religions,” Sainet said.
In Blantyre, some of the Muslim faithful, government officials and community leaders thronged Mpingwe Sports Club in Limbe, where they offered prayers and gave each other best wishes of the occasion.
One of the politicians and Muslims, Uladi Mussa, emphasised the importance of unity in the country.
“This occasion serves as a reminder of the values of compassion, generosity and solidarity. It is a time for us to come together, regardless of our backgrounds, to celebrate our shared humanity,” Mussa said.
Chairperson for Limbe Muslim Jamat, Farouki Nathanie, said coexistence is key to national development.
At Kamuzu Upper Stadium, also in Blantyre, former United Democratic Front president Atupele Muluzi urged Muslims across the country to continue praying for the country.
“We, as a country, are facing a lot of challenges. Many of our brothers and sisters don’t have anything to eat. Therefore, let’s pray for our country and share the little that we have as we celebrate Eid,” he said.
His sentiments were echoed by Muslim Association of Malawi (Mam) spokesperson Sheikh Dinala Chabulika, who said Muslims should continue doing good things and reaching out to the needy.
“Today, as the Holy month of Ramadhan comes to an end, we must keep the lessons we have learned. During the Ramadan period, apart from fasting from dawn to sunset every day, charity work, dedicated prayer, unity and co-existence were other significant obligations. Yes, the month has gone but we need to continue what Ramadhan taught us,” Chabulika said.
Before the Eid Prayers, Sheikh Imran Kaisi gave a sermon in which he asked Muslims to reflect on what they have gained in the month of Ramadan, which was also the theme of the prayers— which were organised by Nikah and Other Islamic Functions Association.
In Mzuzu, Mam Northern Region Secretary Sheikh Hamis Lack urged Muslims to continue observing Islamic doctrines that were instilled in them during the month of Ramadan.
“We are asking Muslims to continue being united, the way unity prevailed during the time of Ramadan. We also have to work together to foster development,” he said.
Muslims started observing Ramadan on March 12 2024.
