It was a colourful sight to behold yesterday at Independence Square as Muslims from across the nation, particularly from the capital, thronged the venue to join the Eid al-Fitr celebrations.

Marking the end of the month of Ramadan, they gathered in unity, clad in colourful and elegant traditional attire, including jilabiyas and matching outfits worn by families.

Eid-ul-Fitr marks the conclusion of Ramadan, a sacred period during which Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, engage in prayer, and extend charity to the less privileged.

The day is traditionally characterised by communal prayers, official receptions, and private gatherings where families and friends exchange greetings and gifts.

Speaking at the ceremony, President John Dramani Mahama told them to sustain the values imbibed during Ramadan, citing the need for them to uphold unity, modesty and compassion even after the fasting had ended.

On the other hand, the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, expressed concern over rising indiscipline among the youth, cautioning that it poses a serious threat to the country’s future leadership.

He also drew attention to the growing menace of drug abuse, especially within sections of the Muslim community, describing the situation as both painful and urgent, and calling for collective action to address it.

Also, in a pre-Eid-ul-Fitr guidance message to the Muslim community on Thursday, March 19, the Imam noted that the conclusion of the Holy Month of Ramadan should serve as more than just a period of celebration.

He urged Muslims to ensure their festivities remain "within the bounds of decency, modesty, and legality".

The Grand Imam explained that the true essence of fasting, as outlined in the Quran, is for believers to attain a state of piety, that is, to become spiritually pure and devoted to God, and once this is attained, it is expected to be evident in one's daily conduct and behaviour adding that "mould us as people whose behaviours conform to the norms of society and the laws of the state".

The high-profile event attracted a host of dignitaries, including Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, Deputy Minority Chief Whip Jerry Ahmed Shaib, Supreme Court Justice Amadu Tanko, and ACP flagbearer Hassan Ayariga, among others.