Ramadan, the holy month for Muslims around the world, began this Monday, March 11 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. During this period, faithful practitioners observe fasting, abstaining from eating, drinking, and sexual intercourse from sunrise to sunset. This major religious event represents one of the five pillars of Islam.
Imam Dauda Malik, an eminent member of the Congolese Islamic community (COMICO), wanted to convey a message of hope, particularly to the displaced Muslims of the eastern DRC. “God is aware of our trials and they are only temporary. Let’s keep calm, let’s trust in God, because it is in Him alone that all security is found. Peace, unity and security will eventually return to our country,” he told ACTUALITÉ.CD.
In these troubled times, the Muslim community prays fervently during “Khounout”, moments of collective prayer intended to share their concerns and needs with God. While the United Nations estimated the number of displaced people in the DRC at the end of 2023 at nearly 7 million, including 2.5 million only in the province of North Kivu, which is in the grip of multiple armed conflicts, prayer and faith remain points of concern. anchor for many faithful.
This month of Ramadan, beyond spirituality and prayer, is an opportunity for the Muslim community to reaffirm its values of solidarity, compassion and hope for better days for all the inhabitants of the Democratic Republic of Congo. While fasting, praying and meditating, Congolese Muslims remain engaged citizens willing to contribute to building a more peaceful and harmonious future for their country.
The month of Ramadan 2023 is therefore not only part of a spiritual and religious dimension, but also in a perspective of resilience, unity and hope for a better future in the Democratic Republic of Congo.