The Mufti of Rwanda, Sheikh Musa Sindayigaya told the Rwandan Muslim Community that doing good and living right does not end in Ramadan, rather, these values should be upheld throughout the year. Sindayigaya was addressing the Muslim community as they celebrated Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, with a national prayer session at Kigali Pele Stadium on Sunday, March 30. ALSO READ: Rwanda observes Eid al-Fitr amid reflection on Genocide against Tutsi “The end of the month of Ramadan should not be an end of good deeds because it would mean nothing obeying Allah for one month and live in rebellion for the rest of 11 months,” Sindayigaya said. He noted that Muslims should observe living righteously beyond the Ramadan period and continue exercising the lessons learnt and support one another throughout the rest of the year. “Unity and collaboration within the Ramadan period saw the new leadership transform the way Zakat al-Fitrah (mandatory charitable donations) is done by collecting and distributing the donations through various forms and across the country,” he said, explaining that 60 percent of Rwf12 million was collected within Kigali city. Sindayigaya’s message also called upon the Muslims and Rwandans in general to prepare and align with the upcoming 31st commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi while supporting the wellbeing of survivors. His message also highlighted that the people should love their country and actively contribute to its progress and development. “It is forbidden for any Muslim to conspire against their country or participate in any kind of activity that destabilizes it. The country means you, your beloved ones, and your things,” he noted. During the prayer session, it was noted that the Rwanda Muslim Community achieved a lot within 10 months since the change of its leadership, including the launch of a five-year plan that contains solutions to different issues within the community and ways to leverage available opportunities. More than 180 students received scholarship to pursue secondary and tertiary education in both local and foreign schools. 178 out of 329 mosques that had been closed due to not meeting requirements got the required supported to make rectifications. It was highlighted that more than Rwf12 million Zakat al-Fitrah offerings made by Muslims during Ramadan was allocated to support fellow Muslims in need of support in healthcare, education, building homes, and capital for businesses, among others. Muslims who celebrated Eid at Kigali Pele Stadium reflected on the meaning of the end of the holy month and sent good wishes to their fellow Muslims. Abdallah Gasore said: “Eid Mubarak to all Muslims in Rwanda. As Muslims, we are committed to lending a helping hand and showing good neighborliness. We are also committed to the country’s development in all aspect and stand with it in trying times.” Ibrahim Bizimana said: Eid Mubarak to all our brothers and sisters in Rwanda! May Allah accept your duas, reward your acts of worship and kindness, and bless you abundantly. Remember to share with the needy and spread joy. Last year, Eid al-Fitr was observed during the commemoration period of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, and the muslims were urged to uphold the culture of supporting the needy.
