Liberian Muslims are joining other Muslims the world over to celebrate the Eid Al-Fitr on Friday, April 21, 2023, marking the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan and the beginning of the new month.
On Thursday, March 23, 2023, Muslims in Liberia began a month-long journey of fasting and praying, in observance of the Ramadan. According to Islamic doctrine, fasting the month of Ramadan is the fourth pillar of the religion, and is compulsory on every mature, healthy and capable individual.
Chapter 2 verse 185 of the Quran says, “The month of Ramadan is that in which was revealed the Quran; a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance, and the criterion (of right and wrong). And whosoever of you is present, let him fast the month, and whosoever of you is sick or on a journey, a number of other days. Allah desires for you ease; He desires not hardship for you; and that you should complete the period, and that you should magnify Allah for having guided you, and that perhaps you may be thankful.”
Meanwhile, on Thursday, April 20, 2023 Saudi Arabia, United States of America, Canada and many other countries announced the sighting of the moon for Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar, which indicates the end of the Ramadan, and subsequently announced Friday, April 21, 2023 as the day for the celebration of the Eid Al-Fitr.
Accordingly, the National Imam Council of Liberia and other Islamic groupings in Liberia also announced Friday as the day set for the celebration of the eid.
A statement issued by the Chief Imam of Liberia, Sheikh Ali Krayee, says, “In the name of Allah, the gracious, the merciful. With the sighting of the crescent of Shawwal in Saudi Arabia and other parts of the world the National Imam Council of Liberia is pleased to announce that Friday, April 21 is Eid al Fitr.
“The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Ali Krayee, will deliver the Eid Khutbah tomorrow at the Central Mosque on Benson Street and will preach on the theme, ‘You Cannot Escape the Hell You Help Create’.
“May Allah accept our worship in Ramadan, answer our du’aa and bless us with success in Dunya and Akhira. Eid Mubarak!”
Meanwhile, the President of the Republic, H.E. Dr. George Manneh Weah, has granted Muslims in the country working in the public service a day off from work as to enable them fully climax their month-long fast and prayer.
The Liberian Leader extolled Muslims in Liberia and other parts of the world for successfully completing the observance of the Holy Month.
In an end-of-Ramadan Message issued Thursday, April 20, 2023, President Weah acknowledged Liberian Muslims’ faithfulness and devotion to the Islamic Faith, demonstrated by their joining of others globally to fast and pray for themselves, their families and their country, Liberia.
He said it was his prayer that the Almighty Allah would give Muslims the full blessings of Ramadan and answer all the good supplications they have made for Liberia and its citizens.
The Liberian Leader has, however, called on all Muslims to continuously pray for peaceful, transparent and credible Presidential and Legislative elections in October this year.
“Let peace reign supreme during these elections, and let the will of the Liberian people be accepted by all,” the President emphasized.
He called on Muslims nationwide to remain as law-abiding and peaceful as they have demonstrated in the past.
The President expressed gladness that, as a believer in religious tolerance and a leader of all Liberians, he could provide financial and nutritional support to all Muslims in the fifteen counties of Liberia, irrespective of religious beliefs or political orientation.
“You will all recall that, since I became President of Liberia, I have consistently reached out to you, my Muslim brothers and sisters,” the President said in his Special Message. “This is my way of identifying with you and to express my deep appreciation for your many supplications offered for our Nation.”