Philippine Muslims observe their holiest month despite the uncertainty in their homeland. As of this writing, several barangays in Maguindanao, the seat of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, are confronted with clan feuds and rebel-military rivalries.
Ramadhan is the ninth month in the Islamic Lunar year and is the month when the Holy Q’uran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad and therefore it is considered to be a period of spiritual glory. During this month, Muslims strive to be pure inside and out - in thoughts, words and in deeds - by fasting and doing good deeds.
In the Philippines and even in other countries like Malaysia and Indonesia, Ramadhan is a time for merry-making and gift-giving. The Saudi government has distributed some 5 containers of dates for the break of fast. Just like in the Christmas season of the Christians, there are a lot of activities being conducted during the celebration. There are contests and festivities during the night (such that daytime is the time for fasting) which includes fireworks display and foodfests led by the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in Cotabato City. Even the US and UK Embassies are reaching out for iftar (break of fast) celebrations to be in solidarity. |
