Abuja – Muslims in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have began preparations for celebration of Eid-al-Fitr to mark the end of the Ramadan.

Correspondents who went around town to get a feel of their preparations, feelings, and expectations for the Sallah.

Commercial activities are in top gear in many markets in the metropolis, with people buying and selling essential items, especially food and drinks, in bulk in preparation for the Sallah.

Kabir Kato, a cobbler, said he was grateful to God for giving him the enablement to participate in the fasting, while praying for God’s blessing that comes with its observance.

“In these last few days of Ramadan, the excitement of the Sallah celebration is palpable; I am happy to be alive until its end.
“A lot of blessings come with the observation of Ramadan, I thank God for keeping me and my family alive to participate this year and pray we receive the blessings,’’ Kato said.

Abdul Kato, said he expects to receive lots of gifts from elders and philanthropists, who usually gave gifts during this period known also as “Goron Sallah’’ in Nigeria.

Mr Mohammed Suleiman, an Engineer said he was thankful to God for keeping him all through the season.

“I am grateful to God for keeping me alive to witness this year’s Ramadan.

“I am, however, unhappy because of the activities of Boko Haram terrorists in the North eastern part of the country.

“As the Ramadan winds down and Nigerians begin to prepare to celebrate sallah, we must remind ourselves of the ultimate sacrifices others have been forced to make with their lives in this country.

“So, I urge all Nigerians to pray to the Almighty Allah to give the country peace, unity and stability as we continue to celebrate.

“We need to intensify prayers for peace and stability in the country, because nothing can be achieved without peace,’’ Suleiman said.

Hajiya Amina Katagun, a civil servant, said she was also happy to witness the end of Ramadan, but lamented the high cost of food stuff and other goods in the market.

She said that the high cost of goods would limit the fun and merriment for her and many other families that were struggling to live daily.

“Alhamdulillah, fasting is about to be over; all praises is due to Allah.

“My issue now is the price of things in the market; so many families cannot afford to buy the few things they need for the sallah due to the cost of foodstuff and other goods.

“Though it is the `small’ sallah, you still need to cook to give out to your neighbours whether they are Muslims or not, and the less privileged,’’ she stressed.
NAN reports that owners of some of the fun centres visited are optimistic of patronage during the celebration, with many already putting things in shape in great expectation.

According to Wikipedia, Eid-al-Fitr is a festival of breaking of the fast. It is an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide.

It marks the end of Ramadan the Islamic holy month of fasting.

The religious Eid-al-Fitr is a single day during which Muslims are not permitted to fast, the holiday celebrates the conclusion of the 29 or 30 days of dawn-to-sunset fasting during the entire month of Ramadan.

The day of the Eid-al-Fitr, therefore, falls on the first day of the month of Shawwal.

The date for the start of any lunar Hijri month varies based on the observation of the new moon by local Islamic authorities.

The exact day of celebration, therefore, varies by locality; however, in most countries, it is generally celebrated on the same day as Saudi Arabia.