MBABANE - Businesses operated by members of the Islamic Faith will be closed for approximately 45 minutes from today until March 29 in honour of Ramadan.
Ramadan is a month-long fasting period observed by Muslims, beginning at dawn and ending at sunset. The fasting, which is determined by the lunar phase, commences today in Eswatini.
Worth noting is that most businesses such as building hardwares, supermarkets, grocery shops, clothing shops and accessories shops are operated by members of the Islamic Faith around towns and semi-urban areas.
This means that customers and clients are advised to plan their shopping trips accordingly to avoid any inconveniences. In an interview yesterday, Sayed Matsebula from the Ezulwini Islamic Faith stated that initially, shops would close for a 15-minute prayer and then resume business afterwards.
However, he added that business owners might close earlier than the scheduled 15 minutes to ensure they arrive at the mosque on time. He also mentioned that the resumption of business could be slightly delayed, as businesspeople would need to travel from the mosque back to their shops after the special prayer.
Matsebula noted that traffic may cause further delays. As a result, he estimated that most businesses might experience a delay of around 45 minutes.
According to Matsebula, Ramadan is one of the five Pillars of Islam, reflecting its significance within the faith. During this month, every Muslim must fast from dawn until sunset. He explained that Muslims observe this period to commemorate the revelation of the Holy Quran, the holiest book in Islam and to draw closer to Allah.
Beyond this, Matsebula stated that Ramadan serves as a time for self-reflection, cultivating self-control, thankfulness, gratitude and compassion for those less fortunate.
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There will be huge activities at the mosques around the world as members of the Islamic Faith begin fasting in honour of Ramadan from today. The fasting will last until March 29. (Pic: Sibusiso Shange)