The month-long fast observed by Muslims the world over during the holy month of Ramadan will come to an end early next week. Although the curfew is relaxed in 23 districts, the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs and the Wakfs Board has instructed all the Muslim organisations and mosques to ensure that Eid-ul-Fitr or the Ramadan festival is observed according to the health guidelines that are issued. Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs and Wakfs Board Director A.B.M. Ashraff said that several requests were made by the Muslim community in various parts of Sri Lanka to permit the usage of the mosque loudspeaker systems to recite Duas, Salawaath, and Bayans by Imaams. “We had a meeting with Ulamas of the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulamas (ACJU), the Sharia Council, and the Supreme Council of Thareekas recently and decided that no special permission should be granted other than for Azan and public announcements and/or guidelines in relation to Covid-19, as and when required by the authorities. Furthermore, in order to calmly and peacefully complete Ramadan, we request the Muslim community to engage in religious and spiritual activities at home till Eid,” Ashraff said. He also noted that the directives of the Wakfs Board issued on 15 March and 20 April remain to be in force, unchanged, till further notice, reiterating that Zakath and Sadaqa should be collected by the mosque before the 25th or 26th day of the Ramadan fast and make them reach the poor households before the 27th day. If it is done accordingly, it will not only help prevent the deadliest virus, but also will be an honour for the month of Ramadan. The Ministry of Health and the Government recommends that people leave their homes for necessities and follow the health guidelines which were issued earlier. One should wear a face mask and maintain social distancing when in public spaces. “We must remember that this year we are celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr in a very difficult environment and we must act in accordance with the guidelines prescribed for the health of the country and the people of this country. To achieve this, only the residents of the house should get together,” ACJU President Ash-Sheikh Mufti M.I.M. Rizwe noted. The following directives have been issued as a joint appeal by all the Muslim organisations and associations of Sri Lanka:

• Avoid Eid celebrations in public and avoid gatherings
• Avoid travelling in groups for Eid shopping. Instead, opt for online purchasing and home delivery, which is more convenient and also safe in the current situation
• Celebrate Eid amongst your family and loved ones, in the safe and immediate confines of your home.
• Stay indoors, stay safe, and celebrate the true spirit of Ramadan, while being a responsible citizen
• Do not shake hands or embrace your fellow citizens on Eid-ul-Fitr day or other days.