As Muslim faithfuls across the world gear up to mark the end of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting, rare footage of how Ghanaian Muslim brothers and sisters celebrated the day in 1975 has emerged.
Ramadan is a period for persons who practice Islam fast from dawn to sunset for 30 days.
As part of three-day festivities following the fast, Eid ul-Fitr sees Muslims bathe, put on new clothes and take part in communal post-dawn prayers.
The celebration also involves the wearing of traditional attires, preparation of meals along with gifts or money given to children and the less privileged.
Unfortunately, this year, Muslim faithfuls in Ghana will hold a virtual celebration prayer following the COVID-19 preventive restrictions on social gathering, which will be led by the Eminent National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr. Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu supported by the Muslim leaders at the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation house on Sunday, May 24, 2020.
But in 1975, Ghanaian Muslim faithfuls in the footage sighted by GhanaWeb are captured joining the rest of the Muslim world to observe the Eid-ul-Fitr prayers and festivities at the Independence Square in Accra.
During the Gold Coast era till present, the nation has also been graced with visits from heavyweight boxer Mohammed Ali, Human Rights activist, Maleek El Shabazz also known as Malcom X, Dr Hila Liman as former president of Ghana, current Vice President Dr Bawumia, former Vice president Aliu Mahama and many more Muslim faithful have touched, worked and served on the Ghanaian soil.
The footage was posted on Twitter on May 24, 2020 by @GhanaianMuseum with the caption; “Footage of Ghanaian Muslims as they joined the rest of the Muslim world in 1975 to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr - prayers and festivities marking the end of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting at Independence Square in Accra. Happy #EidMubark to you all”
See the full video below;
