As the sun slowly disappears behind the hills of Kigali, the courtyard of Masjid An-Nusra in Kamuhoza of Kimisagara Sector, fills with the quiet anticipation that marks the end of a long day of fasting during Ramadan.
Inside the mosque compound, women and youth volunteers move quickly between large cooking pots and rows of trays, preparing the evening meal that will soon bring together hundreds of people. The atmosphere is warm and communal as everyone plays a role in making the shared Iftar possible.
Soon, the call to prayer signals that it is time to break the fast.
Water, bananas and warm porridge are served first, followed by generous plates of pilau—spiced rice prepared by community members. The meals have been provided with the support of the Abdallah Kiromba Foundation in partnership with the Zakat Foundation of America, allowing Muslims from the surrounding community to gather and share the moment together.
On Friday, March 6, 2026, more than 400 people—including men, women and children—gathered at Masjid Musa to break their fast.
For Haji Sudi Kyimana, an ICT teacher and a senior member at the mosque, Ramadan is far more than abstaining from food and drink.
“Ramadan is God’s commandment, and every Muslim fasts for 29 or 30 days each year to show obedience and respect to Allah,” he explains. “It is a time to grow spiritually and to reflect on how we live our lives.”
Haji Sudi Kyimana
Haji Sudi says that during Ramadan, he and his family increase their prayers, avoid any sinful actions and focus on helping others in need.
“This period reminds us to guide people spiritually and to live according to God’s teachings,” he says.
He adds that the support from the Zakat Foundation of America and the Abdallah Kiromba Foundation has helped strengthen the sense of community at the mosque.
“Every year they support our mosque so that Muslims can come together and share Iftar,” he says. “We are very grateful for such generosity.”
Beyond the evening meals, the two foundations have also supported vulnerable families in the area by distributing food packages, providing gifts to children and helping orphans with school fees.
Volunteers—especially women who spend hours cooking and youth who help serve the food—are central to making the gathering successful.
“Everyone is invited,” Haji Sudi says. “We appreciate all those who join us and everyone who contributes to making this possible.”
With Eid approaching, the mosque community hopes to organize other large Iftar gatherings in the coming days.
For Aisha Uwimana from Isimbi Village in Kamuhoza, Ramadan represents both devotion and compassion. “Ramadan is a time to fear and respect God and to help others in need,” she says.
Uwimana began fasting when she was around ten years old. At first, it was difficult to complete the full fast.
Aisha Uwimana
“As a child I could fast one day and miss another,” she recalls with a smile.
Today, she appreciates Ramadan as a period that brings families closer together.
“This is a special time for me and my family,” she says. “During Ramadan we always share meals together, unlike other times when everyone may come home at different hours.”
She believes that helping one another is at the heart of Islamic teachings.
“Sometimes today may be my turn to have something, and tomorrow it may be someone else’s turn,” she explains. “We live in a world where anything can happen, so it is important to share what we have.”
As plates of food are passed around and conversations fill the mosque courtyard, the gathering reflects the deeper meaning of Ramadan—faith, generosity and unity.
Haji Sudi hopes that the spirit of the holy month extends beyond the mosque.
“My message during this Ramadan is that people should use their energy to do good and give to others,” he says. “Let us continue to grow closer to Allah.”
He also calls on people to remember those facing hardships around the world.
“We pray for those experiencing wars and suffering so that peace may return,” he says. “And we pray that those who support us, like the Zakat Foundation and the Abdallah Kiromba Foundation, continue their work and expand their help to others.”
As the evening prayers begin and the courtyard slowly quiets, the shared meal at Masjid An-Nusra stands as a reminder that Ramadan is not only about fasting—but about coming together as a community.
