Mwinyi calls for unity as Eid ul Fitr marks end of Ramadhan

Unguja. Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi said the fasting period was observed in an atmosphere of peace and calm, urging citizens to continue maintaining solidarity and promoting unity for the benefit of the nation.

He also urged them to sustain the good deeds performed during the fasting period because the Holy Quran sets no limit on doing good, a matter that will stimulate community welfare and enhance development.

He made the remarks on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the national Eid Baraza held at the Zanzibar Police Headquarters hall in Ziwani as the culmination of the Holy Month of Ramadhan.

“We observed the fasting period in an atmosphere of peace and calm; indeed, this is a great blessing because, as we all know, there are many Muslims, especially in the Middle East, facing security challenges,” he said.

“We pray to God to grant, protect and preserve the blessing of peace in our country and grant all Muslims worldwide peace and prosperity to bring development for us all,” he added.

He said they have completed the Holy Month of Ramadhan which is a season and a special school to renew their faith and strengthen God-fearing values; throughout the period they performed various acts of worship with expectations of gaining many blessings of glory.

“It is our duty to continue all these practices in our daily lives to achieve success in this world and in the hereafter before the Almighty; let us pray to God to enable us remain in that good conduct,” insisted Dr Mwinyi.

He said during the Ramadhan period there was a practice of reading the Quran, which not only brings blessings but also contributes to instilling children with good upbringing.

To build a good society that fears God, he said people do good deeds and avoids evil actions, adding that they have a duty to continue these practices even after the conclusion of the fasting period because the Quran is a daily guide, including for children.

He said among the good deeds performed was showing compassion and kindness, giving charity to help those with limited means meet their needs.

“These charities have helped them meet their needs, removed anxiety about lacking iftar and assisted them to observe fasting while fostering love among us,” he said.

“Let us continue this good practice of helping and remembering those in need in daily life by giving charity and zakat, which are among the acts we are encouraged to perform due to their benefits in promoting community welfare,” added the President of Zanzibar.

To ensure the holiday is celebrated in peace and happiness, the senior government leader urged authorities responsible for security at venues used for celebrations to ensure they remain safe.

He also urged the police and authorities overseeing road transport to ensure road safety laws are observed so that citizens have the opportunity to celebrate peacefully.

Speaking about Hajj, Dr Mwinyi said they wished good preparations to those expecting to undertake the pilgrimage, while using the opportunity to urge the Waqf and Trust Commission, without naming them, to address the challenges facing pilgrims.

He said the government will continue providing cooperation to institutions dealing with pilgrims so that their number increases, while promising to continue procedures to complete the Hajj fund to provide opportunities for more people to perform the pilgrimage.

Earlier, during the Eid prayer held at Zinjibar Mosque in Mazizini, where President Mwinyi joined other national leaders and worshippers, a Sheikh from the Office of the Mufti of Zanzibar, Khamis Gharib Khamis, said the day symbolises joy through eating good food, dressing well and visiting one another, acts that strengthen love among Muslims.

“True happiness goes hand in hand with good deeds; let us avoid hatred and conflicts and refrain from wrongdoing; let us continue all the things we practised during the fasting period,” said Sheikh Khamis.