Thousands of Muslims across South Africa have marked the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid al-Fitr festival in a sombre atmosphere, as the United States and Israel pursue a war on Muslim majority Iran, and Israeli strikes continue in Lebanon and Gaza.
Many worshippers said they had not expected the conflict in Iran to unfold during Ramadan , the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, traditionally associated with peace and reflection.
Despite the mood, large gatherings took place across the country on Saturday as Muslims celebrated Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan. South Africa’s President, Cyril Ramaphosa, issued a message marking the occasion, acknowledging both the significance of the holy month and the wider global context.
“For most Muslims, this is a time of faith, family, festivity, and bringing joy to less fortunate members of our communities. Sadly, this is not the case for all Muslims around the world as some are engulfed in devastating conflict and unending wars.”
Mostafa Alizaden, originally from the Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas and currently studying theology in Johannesburg, said this year’s observances had felt markedly different.
“The month of Ramadan is very important to every Muslim because it’s the period of fasting and reading the Qur'an. I never expected that this year would be a different one because Ramadan is a month of observing peace. Fighting is forbidden during the holy month of Ramadan, but the USA and Israel took the opportunity to invade Iran and cause havoc.”
“The invasion of my country is meant to destroy our spirits and centuries of civilization. They want to bring Iran to ruins. But they will not achieve their colonial mission because Iranians will continue defending their country and praying to Allah for guidance and everlasting peace.” 'Illegal invasion' South Africa is home to nearly two million Muslims, about 2.5% of its population of 65 million. As a secular state, the country guarantees freedom of worship, with around 1,000 mosques and between 400 and 500 Islamic schools nationwide.
Al Jama-ah, the only political party representing Muslim interests in parliament, holds two seats following the 2024 elections.
Its spokesperson, Asghar Khan, said the party had focused on humanitarian efforts during Ramadan, distributing food parcels to both Muslim and non-Muslim communities in need.
“The party hosts various Mass Iftars (breaking of fast dinner) targeting poor communities. These mass Iftars not only provide meals to fasting Muslim families but to everyone in need. Furthermore, food hampers are distributed to identified needy families. Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. Muslims are guided by the Qur'an.”
He also commented on the conflicts in Iran and Palestine.
“Al Jama-ah is against any illegal invasion of countries. The US and Israel are waging a war on Iran to steal its resources. The US and the Israeli Zionist regime have killed the Supreme leader of Iran, bombed a primary girls' school, killing 168 girls and 14 teachers. Iran was still in talks to prevent war when the treacherous US carried out their barbaric bombing of children and the Supreme leader. Iran has a right to defend itself.
"It is unfortunate that the war is taking place during Ramadan. The genocide of Palestinians has been carried out throughout the year since 1948,” adding that Palestine cannot be wiped off the map because it's a country inhabited by Muslims, Jews, and Christians who have historically been living together in harmony."