Madagascar: Muslims observe a Ramadan increasingly considered by society
Since March 11, Muslims around the world have begun the holy month of Ramadan.
In Madagascar too, the community organizes itself every day to pray and break the fast among the faithful.
On this overwhelmingly Christian island, this blessed month of Islam has been lived more freely since 2019. That year, Andry Rajoelina's regime decreed major Muslim religious holidays, public holidays and paid for all workers, including non-Muslims.
Report inside the largest mosque in the capital, in the 67 hectare district.
In the 67 hectare district, in Antananarivo, Muslim faithful prepare to break their fast, Wednesday March 13, 2024. © RFI / Pauline Le Troquier
By: RFI Follow
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With our correspondent in Antananarivo,
Pauline Le Troquier
A late afternoon light covers the white facade of the mosque.
Less than an hour before the fast is broken, large cauldrons are boiling in a makeshift kitchen, set up at the back of the building.
Enough to distribute more than 1,000 meals to the faithful in the neighborhood every evening.
Meat, vegetables, with rice... An entirely Malagasy menu prepared according to Muslim rituals.
In the absence of a halal-certified cattle slaughterhouse in the city, the mosque relies on its own network for the sacrifice of animals.
For Styvana, responsible for the kitchen, this month of fasting has recently taken on a new flavor, because society's outlook has changed.
“
Now,
” she said,
“we are considered.
During the month of Ramadan, we are seen, we are looked at, we are valued.
Before, there wasn't that.
Even in the street, we are more comfortable wearing the veil.
»
The wood fire used to cook the meal releases a thick cloud of smoke, far from disturbing Pierre Todiarivo.
The secretary general of the Association of Malagasy Muslims (FSM), the official structure of Islam on the island, estimates that for several years, the Muslim community – which represents, according to estimates, between 10 and 15% of the population – There is no problem showing up and practicing during Ramadan.
This manager sees it as a symbol of living together.
“
Here at home in Madagascar,”
he explains, “
the central value of living together is fihavanana, a word that cannot be translated into another language.
It is a worldview that all human beings are parents.
This means that we respect each other and that there is mutual tolerance.
So I would say that Malagasy living together and Islam go together, it’s natural.
»
More than a thousand worshipers will fill the aisles of the mosque for Eid el-Fitr, which marks the end of this holy month.
A festival that is even more visible and popular since it has been possible to fully enjoy it.
For the sixth consecutive year, this day is a public holiday in the same way as Christian celebrations.
Also read “Late celibacy” and childless, a marginal choice that is growing in Togo, Burkina and Madagascar
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