Several Yaounde neighbourhoods were alive with feasting after prayers on July 28.
Ramadan feast marks the end of a month of fasting and prayer. In Yaounde, Muslims attended communal prayers, listened to the “khutba” (sermon) and gave charity in the form of food known as “Zakat”.
In the Briqueterie neighbourhood yesterday, July 28, one could see Muslims rejoicing after prayers singing and dancing with praises to Allah for having seen them through the month-long fasting.
Most of them woke up early and put on their clothes specially made for the feast. In one corner, beggars were equally seen by the roadside waiting for some goodwill gesture from the rich.
One faithful who lives in the neighbourhood, Amadou Tidjani said the feast of Ramadan is a time for giving and sharing especially to the poor.
He said so after giving some money to a beggar sitting by the roadside. Even a mad man who came around the area was not sent away but he was rather given something to eat by the Muslim brothers. “It is a day we remember everybody. That is what the Holy Koran prescribes,” said one young Muslim.
The Ramadan Feast in Cameroon is usually a time for families to get together and join in activities such as sharing special meals. People pay visits to friends, relatives and loved ones and it is time for sharing.
Mohamadou Aliou, a Yaounde inhabitant said he lives in the Mimboman neighbourhood but he went to the Briqueterie neighbourhood to spend the feast with his parents who still live there.
“Every year, I spend the feast with my family because this is where I was born and grew up,” he said.
Cheikh Adamou Ngamne, Secretary General of the Council of Muslim Dignitaries of Cameroon said on the feast of Ramadan Muslims visit each other mutually and welcome people from other religions.
Zakiatou A. said she had prepared for the feast two weeks ago because she knew she would be having many visitors. “I intend to continue with the celebrations even after the day itself,” she said smiling.
