Zoundweogo: The Muslim community of Manga celebrated Eid al-Fitr on Friday, marking the end of Ramadan. During the celebration, Imam Baguian Aboubacar explained the symbolism of the three decades.According to Burkina Information Agency, the Muslim community of Manga, like other Muslim communities in Burkina Faso, celebrated Eid al-Fitr, the festival marking the end of Ramadan, on Friday, March 20, 2026. The main prayer took place on the esplanade of the Place de la Nation in Manga and was led by Imam Aboubacar Baguian.Muslim men and women prayed for social stability, cohesion, and mutual support in Burkina Faso. Two rak'ahs, each carrying a message of piety and a call for positive understanding of others, were performed. In his sermon, the imam suggested that "prayer purifies the soul and intention of the believer," before adding that "the month of Ramadan is divided into three decades." Each of these decades holds profound spiritual significance.The first ten days, from the first to the tenth, co rrespond to the "period of mercy" or divine clemency. During this phase, which encompasses the first ten days of the crescent moon's ascent, "believers are asked to meditate in order to cultivate wisdom, patience, and prayer, and to increase their acts of charity in the hope of divine goodness and protection."The second decade is that of "forgiveness or repentance," spanning from the tenth to the twentieth day of Lent. "The emphasis is on repentance with contrition, imploring God's mercy" for our sins and transgressions against the Creator and His creation. It is an act of purification for the believer.Finally, he said, the last ten days are of "deliverance" or salvation of the soul. "It is during this period that one must seek Laylatul-Qadr, [the Night of Destiny, Ed.]" Every believer must redouble their efforts by reciting the Quran and praying during "Tahajjud," or the night prayer.After his khutbah, sermon, the imam expressed his wish for a society of peace, cohesion and sharing of cardinal va lues.