Muslims around the world will scan the skies this week for the birth of the new moon, heralding the end of the Holy Month of Ramadaan.
The birth of the new moon is on Tuesday, 11 May at 9pm, and Eid is expected to be on Thursday or Friday this week; depending on the sighting of the moon on Wednesday evening. In light of the upcoming Eid celebrations, The Ridge Centre Management team and Oasis Crescent Property Fund Managers recently invited important members of the public to view the beautiful and inspiring display at the mall. Faaria Papiah, marketing manager of The Ridge at Shallcross said the idea behind the Eid display was to commemorate the end of Ramadaan which has been observed by Muslims throughout the world “by creating a presence and acknowledgement of Eid in-centre, and to make our tenants and our shoppers feel calm and at peace”. The Eid decor displayed detailed elements such as the white and gold mosque, the moon and star signifying the symbol of Islam and the breathtaking water feature which symbolised purity and peace. According to Papiah, the design was inspired by the Soofie Saheb Masjid in Riverside, Durban, together with drawing inspiration from the history of mosques and Islam in South Africa. “The Ridge Shopping Centre has always been a diverse and multicultural mall and has recognised and celebrated all religions through various religious calendar events in the community.”
Important members of the public who were invited included Ward 71 Councillor, Previn Vedan, Chatsworth SAPS station commander, Brigadier James, Emam of the Habibiya Masjid Moulana Nassir Khan, ANC member Falakhe Mhlongo and Makhokonke Mhlongo from the eThekwini Municipality together with the centre management team including Faaria Papiah, Acting Centre Manager Muhammed Javed Khan and Operations Assistant Faizel Mohamed. Papiah said the shoppers also gathered at the display in awe as they stood and listened to the soothing noise of the water feature. “Zakat (charity) being an important act in Ramadaan and one of the five pillars in Islam, Oasis Crescent Property Fund Managers who are also the owners and managers of The Ridge gives back to the community and have partnered with the Habibiya Masjid in Shallcross to provide food to the people living in the Bottlebrush informal settlement through monthly feeding schemes.”
Among those in awe were Arena Park sisters, nine-year-old Fathima Zarah Mahomed and three-year-old Nazaria Mahomed, who were all smiles after being described as the epitome of faith and dedication for diligently keeping their daily fast for the entire month of Ramadaan. Fathima, who is a learner at Rose Heights Primary School, said her faith and devotion never wavered and that she was confident at being able to complete the entire month of fasting. Nazaria said she was excited for all the goodies and gifts on Eid. The siblings were applauded by their parents Sultan and Shamshaad, for sticking to their fast. Their grandparents, Naznin and Farhad, were exceptionally proud of their granddaughters and wish them a lifetime of blessings for the future. “My babies were so disciplined to keep their fast and especially the little one who refused to break her fast early, like how children her age usually do. May the almighty reward them and bless them immensely.” Chatsworth Tabloid management, staff, The Ridge at Shallcross and the Mahomed sisters would like to wish the Muslim community Eid Mubarak. May the Almighty open doors of happiness and prosperity for you and your family.
