The Eid al-Fitr celebration which marks the end of the holy month of fasting, known as Ramadan, has put residents of Abuja in high spirits as everybody.

Muslims are seen in their numbers trooping in and out of their mosques to observe the Eid prayer which marks the end of their fasting and Christians are seen making the most of the holiday by spending time with their loved ones.

It can be recalled that the holy month of fasting began on Monday, March 11 and ended on Tuesday, April 9, 2023. The month of fasting is believed to be the time when the first verses of the holy book, Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad more than 1,400 years ago.

It entails Muslims abstaining from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual relations during daylight hours to achieve greater “taqwa”, or consciousness of God.

In separate interviews with Kristina Reports, Muslims resident in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja confirmed that the purpose of the fast has been fulfilled for them as they feel closer to Allah and his words after Ramadan.

One of them, Hassan Ali, a trader, explained that he has been fasting for more than fifteen years, however, he has not felt this close as he feels to Allah in this particular year and as such, this year’s fasting has been a resounding success.

“Every year since I was 14 years old, I have fasted so if you do the math I have been fasting for about eighteen years. All the fasting has been good but I feel very different after this year’s fasting, so I believe that this year is going to be a good one for me and my family.”

Throughout Abuja, malls and restaurants have adorned their spaces, igniting the festive spirit and ambiance. Muslims can be seen today in different restaurants, fast food joints and parks, malls, etc. in their best outfits, enjoying the holidays with friends and family.

Christians also were not left out of the celebration because, according to Tayo Olawale, “the meat sellers today are very nice and generous. I just bought 2k meat and the man put so much ‘jara’ for me. This Salah is a good one.”

Isaiah Daniel, another Christian expressed disappointment at the fact that there has been no ram killed in his neighborhood but confirmed that he will be visiting his Muslim friends in their homes and joining them in the celebration.

“…there is no ram and that makes me sad. But not to worry, I will still visit my friends and eat enough to make up for the lack of meat.”

9-5 workers are not left out in the excitement of the celebration as they have been on holiday since yesterday, Tuesday April 9 and will be till tomorrow Thursday, April 11 2023.

Janet Uche profusely thanks the Muslim folk for the holiday which according to her was very much needed.

“It has been a very stressful past few weeks at my job and so I am very happy to have this week of rest all thanks to our Muslim brothers and sisters and I am sure that I speak for the majority if not all 9-5 workers that please there should be more of these kinds of holidays.”

It’s a complete holiday atmosphere here in Abuja, evident in the laughter, abundance of food, and the precious moments shared with family and loved ones.

Regardless of religious affiliations, everyone appears to be thoroughly enjoying themselves.