Islam and Celebrations in Zanzibar.

The Islamic religion has a long history in Zanzibar. Interestingly Islamic archaeological findings date back to the 10^th century with a mosque called Ras Mkumbuu, as well as Kufic inscriptions found in a mosque in Kizimkazi from 1106. There are furthermore accounts that the religion came from Arab traders, also from Zanidites from Ethiopia and Somalia and via Persia. Either way the Islamic religion has found strong ground in Zanzibar, where around 98% of the citizens claim to be Muslim.

Ramadan as you can imagine is an important time in Zanzibar where most of the people are fasting during the daylight hours. Ramadan begins on the 9^th month of the Islamic calendar. In 2022 it began on the sundown of the2nd of April and ends on the sundown of the 1^st May. Ramadan is celebrated as it was the first month where the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Mohammed. The purpose of Ramadan is to feel closer to God and to show gratitude, and to focus on restraint and the religion.

Eid ul Fitr is the end of Ramadan and is a celebration that lasts 2 days in Zanzibar. An obligatory charity of giving money to the poor before prayer and it is forbidden to fast on the Eid ul Fitr. Normally houses are decorated and women where their best dresses or go shopping for handbags, necklaces and other new cloths.  

Eid al Adha calls in on July 10, 2022. It is the ‘Feast of Sacrifice’. It is the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail as ordered by the Prophet Allah. This celebration also begins after the completion of the annual Hajj. It has no direct connection to the celebration but does always begin a day after. Traditionally this lasts for 2 to 4 days and is spent with family, friends and loved ones giving gifts and wearing your best attire.