Kidega Livingstone
President Salva Kiir Mayardit has called for compassion and charity towards those struggling with the ailing economy across the country in his Eid al-Fitr message to the nation.
Kiir congratulated the Muslim community, both in South Sudan and those in the diaspora, on the end of Ramadan.
“On behalf of the government and my family, I extend warmest wishes to our Muslim brothers and sisters for Eid al-Fitr,” Kiir said in a message seen by the No. 1 Citizen Daily Newspaper on Tuesday.
“As you celebrate with loved ones,” he continued, “remember to show compassion and charity to the less fortunate among us.”
President Kiir wished the Muslim community a peaceful, joyous, and blessed Eid al-Fitr.
Last week, the government announced a three-day public holiday for Eid al-Fitr. This applies to all civil service institutions, commissions, diplomatic missions, UN agencies, and NGOs and the general public.
Eid al-Fitr, also known as the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” marks the end of Ramadan. It’s the earlier of Islam’s two major holidays.
The date of Eid al-Fitr varies each year based on the Islamic lunar calendar. It begins on the first day of the month of Shawwal, which is determined by the sighting of the new moon.
This holiday is also known as the “Lesser Eid” in Arabic and has various names in different languages and countries.