By ALI MACABALANG
COTABATO CITY – Ramadan fasting will start today, according to the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos and the Dar’ul Iftah (Islamic advisory council) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
NCMF Secretary Saidamen Pangarungan and BARMM Grand Mufti Mohammad Abu Huraira Udasan said in separate announcements that their moon-sighting efforts last Wednesday night yielded negative result.
Since no crescent moon appeared Wednesday night, Ramadan month and fasting commences today, the two officials said.
Ramadan is the ninth and most sacred month of the Islamic calendar. It is a time for spiritual reflection and fasting worldwide. Ramadan fasting is mandatory to all able-bodied Muslims as one of the five pillars of Islam.
Some people are exempt from fasting – the sick, the elderly, pre-adolescent children, as well as pregnant and nursing women.
Those who are at risk groups for COVID-19, or who are working long hours, are advised to be sensible with regards to fasting this year.
The NCMF, in consultation with the national councils of ulama (Islamic experts) and imams, and the BARMM’s Dar’ul Iftah have suspended all congregational prayers, including taraweeh, the nightly prayer in mosques during Ramadan, due to required social distancing.
Taraweeh prayers can be performed at home by families, the two entities said.
Meanwhile, President Duterte has called for peace and solidarity “regardless of faith or creed” in the face of adversity and challenges as Ramadan starts today.
In his message, the President said he joins the Muslim brothers and sisters as they embark on a spiritual journey of reflection and contemplation.
“Let this occasion give us peace amidst the adversity and challenges we face each day,” he said.
“As you embody the religious insights and epiphanies you have gleaned from this undertaking, may you be moved to advance our collective resolve to eschew misguided ideologies so that we may achieve a truly progressive and inclusive society,” he added.
The President also expressed hope the Muslim community will inspired by Allah’s teachings to continue to lead a “life of purity and clarity.”
“I likewise hope that your devotion and sacrifices will reaffirm your commitment to foster unity and solidarity among your fellowmen regardless of faith or creed,” he added. (with a report from Genalyn Kabiling)