WHILE many have endured the toll of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Bacolod City, our Muslim brothers and sisters, and their children have redoubled their sacrifices because they have not only undergone the restrictions caused by ECQ due to the coronavirus disease but likewise, the limitations prescribed by their annual observance of the Ramadan.
Ramadan started last April 24 and will end on the 23rd of May.
Eating, drinking, and sexual activities are not allowed between dawn (fajr), and sunset (maghrib). Fasting is considered an act of deeply personal worship in which Muslims seek a raised level of closeness to God. (Wikipedia)
Sister Hamidah of the DAR-AL-DHIKR Islamic Center in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City said that all these trials have their own purpose which tell everyone that we don’t own our lives.
“Life is very important above all else. A lot of people are scared to die especially with Covid-19. We all need to continue praying that all these ordeals will soon end. But Allah will never leave us,” she said.
They encouraged their denomination to follow the ECQ and observe the Ramadan.
They practiced fasting during the prescribed period in Ramadan.
Sister Hamidah, wife of Imam Omar Betita, their leader went around to distribute food to their members on May 11, in a time where they were allowed to eat.
“We gave out food to feed our fasting Muslim brothers and sisters who cannot go out. At least we can share the blessings with them. Other people also shared their blessings to us and we likewise shared it with our members,” she said.
With the Covid-19, they halted holding service in their center since the ECQ was implemented and is still in effect until now. We encouraged them to do their prayers in their homes until such time that we are all safe to see each other again at our center, she said.
On the Eid al-Fitr or the “Festival of Breaking the Fast” which will fall on May 23 to 24, they will not observe it in a mass gathering which they usually do every year in front of the Bacolod City Government Center.
“We need to observe the safety of everyone. We will continue to pray to Allah that we can all overcome this Covid-19. Whatever sin that we have committed, we should reform. All these trials were sent by Allah for us to go back to Him,” she said.