Sylvia K
The Muslim community in Fort Portal has joined millions around the world in observing the holy month of Ramadan, following the official sighting of the crescent moon both in the Middle East and locally.
Speaking to a Jubilee Radio reporter during an exclusive interview at Fort Portal’s main mosque, Burahya County Sheikh Tibenda Swaibu Adyeri encouraged Muslims to embrace forgiveness and repentance throughout the 30 days of fasting.
Sheikh Swaibu noted that Ramadan comes just after the elections, a period when many people may have exchanged harsh words, faced financial challenges such as paying school fees, or encountered other difficulties. He emphasized that forgiveness and repentance are the best ways to draw closer to Allah.
During the interview, Sheikh Swaibu outlined the three key pillars of Ramadan for those fasting: charity by helping the needy, prayer, and self-restraint through abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and sexual relations from dawn until sunset.
He also explained that some groups are exempt from fasting but can still support the needy if able. These include patients, expectant mothers, breastfeeding mothers, children, and the elderly.
Authorities in Saudi Arabia confirmed the sighting of the Ramadan 1447 crescent through national moon-sighting committees, officially marking the start of Islam’s holiest month for millions worldwide yesterday