Special Eid as sister comes from NZ to surprise family

It is a very special Eid for Ashiyana Siddiqa as her sister who lives in New Zealand surprised her last night.

29-year-old Siddiqa, who lives in Koronivia, Nausori says she was not very keen on celebrating this year after her sister migrated in June last year.

Siddiqa is blessed to be celebrating Eid with her whole family and close friends.

She further says she did not know the importance of Eid; why they had to do fasting when she was a child but as she grew older, she realized how Ramadhan changed her and her perception of life.

She says she sees life differently now as it has taught her how to be a good person, to discipline herself, and to appreciate what they have.

She wishes everyone to have a wonderful time and not to forget to pray for the people in Palestine, who have suffered so much.

Davuilevu Housing resident, Shiraz Ali says visitors have been coming home from this morning and he plans to visit his families later in the evening.

He says he understands that times may be hard for some people but he is urging them to start saving.

Meanwhile, Fiji Muslim League President Haji Basheer Ahmed says Eid is the most widely celebrated festival in Islam and it falls on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar and it marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadhan. He says fasting is a means of learning self-control, purifying our behaviour, and doing virtuous deeds.

Ahmed says the other important objective of fasting is to experience hunger and develop compassion for the less fortunate and learn to be thankful and appreciative for all God's bounties.

He says during Ramadhan, people often prepare special celebratory dishes that are shared with friends, neighbours, and even strangers, regardless of their religious and cultural background.

The President says this act of giving and sharing food is not only a way to break the fast but also a way to express gratitude, compassion and friendship.

Ahmed says in Islam, taking care of all the communities and neighbours is an important virtue.

He says Muslims are encouraged to cooperate for the well-being of all Eid-ul-Fitr is a unique festival and its significance is purely spiritual.

He says it is the day when the Muslims thank God for having given them the will, strength and endurance to observe fast and obey his commandment during the holy month of Ramadhan.

Ahmed says the day of Eid-ul-Fitr is when Allah is awarding them for their achievements and it is a day of thanksgiving and remembrance.

He says when the believers assemble in the congregation of the Day, they all wholeheartedly pray for forgiveness and strength in faith and Allah has assured those approach Him with sincerity of His mercy and forgiveness.