Eid’l Fitr as expected holiday on June 26
Malacanang is expected to proclaim June 26 as a public holiday in observance of Eid’l Fitr, the end of the Islamic holy month of fasting.
IMAGE NCMF.GOV.PH
The holiday was recognized as a national public holiday in the Philippines on 2002. And it is being observed on the whole country, especially in Mindanao. In accordance to R.A. 9177 that was signed by the former president and now Pampanga representative, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Eid’l Fitr starts the celebration of Shawwal, it begins with a feast to end the period of fasting. The celebration is considered as a public holiday in many Muslim Countries. Eid’l Fitr is is celebrated under the Islamic calendar “Hjira”, as well as on the lunar calendar. This means that the date in celebrating Eid’l Fitr is not permanent. The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) informs the Office of the President on which date in the Gregorian Calendar it shall fall.
RITUAL. The Muslims pray at the mosque in preparation for the end of Ramadan./IMAGE Romeo Ranoc via REUTERS
For the Muslim Filipinos, Eid’l Fitr is not only celebrated by feasting. For them, it also means that they are forbidden to fast. They also practice the ritual of washing before heading to a community gathering, that is most likely in a Mosque, and offer special prayers to Allah. They are also obliged to give “zakat al-fitr”, a charity in form of food and listen to special sermons on the occasion. After attending the ritual, many families choose to feast with their extended family and friends.
Non- Muslim Filipinos can enjoy the whole day for it is a national public holiday. Malls and public transportation continue to run as usual, except for the Muslim businesses closing or having limited trading hours on that day.
Source: The Sun UK,
Image grabbed from: ncmf.gov.ph, Romeo Ranoc via REUTERS
