South Sudanese Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr

South Sudanese Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr
Wed Aug 31, 2011 12:33AM GMT

Hibatallah Morgan, Press TV, Juba
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The Muslim community of the new born nation of south Sudan celebrated the first Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. And yet despite the fact that it was the first time for Muslims, which according to the latest census make up thirty percent of the population of south Sudan, to celebrate Eid in the new country, many of them seem to feel that they were lucky to have been given to chance to do so at all.

And for the first time, south Sudanese Muslims celebrated the day with mixed feelings instead of the usual atmosphere of happiness, after becoming a minority group when south Sudan seceded from the Islamic north nearly two month ago. But even after becoming a minority, Muslims in the new country seem to view their status as dignified and respected, and that for a secular country, south Sudan, does not seem to have any religious discrimination and treated them all equally.

But even with fair and equal treatment and recognitions, the Muslims community here could not deny that they had challenges to face and still have to prove that they can play a great role in this new nation.

Recognition, which the government of south Sudan has promised to show them, but so far has failed to implement by not representing them (better to say Muslims) in many government establishments and institutions.

Despite this being the first Eid for the Muslims in south Sudan, many of them seem to be looking at what lies ahead of hindrances and challenges…. and can only hope that what the future brings, does not deprive them of their religion, or shake their faith.

http://www.presstv.ir/detail/196641.html

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