President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended best wishes to South Africa’s Muslims as the community begins fasting for the Holy Month of Ramadan.
Ramadan is an annual period during which Muslims around the world undertake prayer, fasting and acts of charity with a special devotional focus.
The month also commemorates the revelation of the first verses of the Qu’ran to the Prophet Mohammed.
Ramaphosa said the nearly 900,000-strong South African Muslim community is an important and integral part of national diversity and national character.
“The positive values that are cherished and practiced by Muslims around our country are an important contribution to the ethical and moral renewal that is underway in our society.
“It is therefore opportune that this holy month unfolds in 2019 at a time when our country is at a decision point and we are on the threshold of new possibilities for growing South Africa together,” the president said.
Ramaphosa added that, at this time, the religious observance of Muslims and this community’s focus on bettering the lives of disadvantaged citizens around the country is a most welcome providence.
NM/jn/APA