Mwinyi: Respect holy month of Ramadan

ZANZIBAR: PRESIDENT Hussein Mwinyi has called on non-fasting Muslims and other residents here to respect the holy month by refraining from eating or drinking in public during daylight.

Muslims in Tanzania and around the world yesterday started observing the holy month of Ramadan.

The start of Ramadan is considered the holiest month on the Islamic calendar traditionally depends on the sighting of the crescent moon.

Muslim communities may start Ramadan on different days due to declarations by multiple Islamic authorities around the globe on whether the crescent has been sighted.

In his message to Tanzanians in Zanzibar Dr Mwinyi urged respect for the sanctity of the holy month, and pushed for increased love, collaboration and performing more good deeds such as charity and support to the needy.

Eating, smoking, and drinking in public places, streets, or workplaces are discouraged. Visitors and tourists have also been respecting the month by avoiding eating in public.

Dr Mwinyi said in his statement that people should live peacefully and that the security and defence forces should guarantee security during and after the holy month of Ramadan.

He reminded traders and other members of the business community to sell their commodities, particularly the essential products at affordable prices to lower the cost of living for all people.

Meanwhile leaders of Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) led by the party National Vice Chairman -Mainland Abdulrahaman Kinana and Secretary General, Dr Emanuel have visited President Mwinyi at the State House to console him following the death of his father the late Ali Hassan Mwinyi.