Ramadan, the holy month of Muslims, which is a major part of Islamic faith, officially starts today, as declared by local clerics.
The observance of Muslims of their holy month called as Ramadan starts today, May 17 after local clerics declared it.
In Islamic faith, it is the time when Muslims fast from dawn until dusk for one lunar cycle. It is part of their religious obligation and reparation of their sins.
It is supposed to be begin yesterday but they did not see the crescent moon the night before.
The announcement of the start of Ramadan today came from the Darul Iftah (House of Opinions) of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
Aside from fasting, there are other four pillars of Islamic faith for their holy month, based on the article published in The Philippine Star.
These are: belief in Allah, praying five times daily, giving of zakat (alms) to the poor and performing the hajj (pilgrimage) to Makkah, Saudi Arabia at least once in a lifetime for those who can afford the cost of travel.
In line with this observance, President Rodrigo Duterte urged Muslims to take part in building the nation and extend help to those less fortunate.
He also said that it is time for the Muslims to reflect on Koran, their holy scripture and relates it to their way of living.
“I ask that you foster a sense of solidarity among all Filipinos by manifesting faith through action. Let us join hands in the shared task of nation-building as we make the Philippines a more inclusive, peaceful and united country in the years to come,” the President said.
the Chief Executive also said that Islamic faithfuls should make sacrifices in creating meaningful and lasting strides in the communities, based on the source.
“Through fasting and prayer, this significant event reveals to them the will of Allah and reaffirms their resolve to achieve spiritual cleansing and growth,” Duterte added.