Muslims prepare for Eid'l Fitr

THE Muslim community in Davao City is now preparing for the Eid'l Fitr or Hariraya, the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan, on September 10.

The Aquino administration has issued Proclamation 26, declaring September 10 as a regular holiday throughout the country, in observance of Eid'l Fitr, a day of celebration for Muslims.

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"To promote cultural understanding and integration, the entire Filipino nation should have the full opportunity to join their Muslim brothers and sisters in the observance and celebration of Eid'l Fitr," the proclamation stated.

In Davao City, the Muslim community is gearing up for their most-awaited holy moment of the year.

Nor Asiah M. Adilao, a teacher and a community worker of Mini-forest Muslim Community, said several community programs and activities are lined up as they are about to end the holy month of fasting.

These include the gathering of Muslim women, seminars and lecture of the significance of Eid'l Fitr in their Muslim faith and several others.

She said fasting does not immediately make one a good Muslim.

"The foundation of faith must be so deep that it connects the person to Allah, his/her creator," Adilao said.

"Fasting is not merely abstaining from eating or drinking, it is a commitment to the will of Allah. Fasting is also abstinence from bad deeds, anger and it teaches the Muslim the virtue of patience and self-acceptance," she added.

Adilao also said the Muslim community is elated over the "undying support" of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte.

Eid'l Fitr or Eid is a festival when Muslims end their month-long fasting.

In the Philippines, the Eid'l Fitr holiday is legalized by virtue of Republic Act 9177 signed on November 13, 2002. (Jereco O. Paloma)