(Seychelles News Agency) - Muslims in Seychelles joined the global Islamic community in Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations Friday to mark the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.

For the fifth consecutive year, various Islamic groups in the archipelago of 95,000 people came together at ‘Stad Popiler’ in the capital, Victoria.

Imam Ahsan Haleem, a Maldivian, said that people should hold on to their faith although there are wrongdoers claiming to be Muslims.

“A true follower believes in love, peace, and harmony and atrocious acts should not define the Muslim community in Seychelles and those around the world,” said Haleem.  

Eid-ul-Fitr is the first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal. It marks the end of Ramadan, which is a month of fasting and prayer. Many Muslims attend communal prayers, listen to a sermon and give charity in the form of food.

Haleem said that this is a moment for the family to come together to reflect after 30 days of sacrifices, adding that “Allah should always be present in our everyday life and we should keep on doing good deeds.”

Imam Ahsan Haleem said that people should hold on to their faith although there are wrongdoers claiming to be Muslims. (Louis Toussaint) Photo License: CC-BY

Eid-ul-Fitr is not a public holiday in Seychelles, but the law stipulates that it is at the discretion of the employers to allow Muslim workers a day off.

SNA spoke to some people who were attending the ceremony.

Husna Henry said Friday was a day of celebration, but “it is a time of the year for Muslim to ask for continuous guidance from Allah and to think about others who are less fortunate in the world.”

A married Muslim couple, Ahmed and Magalie Essack, agreed that it is a day to renew “our faith to Allah, abstaining desires, and to seek for guidance to build on our faith and to safeguard our marriage.”

Shahin Khan said that it is his first time celebrating this day in Seychelles and the atmosphere is different, much more a family affair.