Muslims throughout the country celebrate Eid ul Fitr or the Festival of Charity on Tuesday.
The day is often spent with family and friends where the aroma of sumptuous meals permeates the air. However, not all homes are flowing with abundant festivity.
Economic pressures and the spirit of giving in parts of South Africa
Due to the economic pressures post-pandemic and most recently with the KwaZulu-Natal floods, many families are juggling tight budgets.
This is where Zakat-ul-fitr or the charity of Eid comes in.
Local aid organisation Islamic Relief Chief Executive, Yusuf Mohamed, explains the benefit of giving during this period.
“Charity is not specified for during Ramadaan. Charity is a virtue of great significance in Islam and it’s considered to be an indication of one’s faith. Charity is really one of the most virtuous acts because when you give charity there’s a few things, firstly, you are establishing a connection with your fellow man so the day of Eid specifically, I think the charity of Eid there is a specific that one needs to give, its called Zakaat ul fitar, which is considered to be a charity that one gives to the poor so that they can also enjoy the day of Eid,” says Mohamed.
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