What is Eidul Fitr in the Philippines All About?
For a country with a population of around 108 million, 90 per cent of which are Christians, Eidul Fitr in the Philippines is certainly unbelievable. Despite differences, Filipinos have the penchant for mutual respect on somebody else’s political ideology, dialect and even religion.
As such, Christians and Muslims, alike are often sharing religious holy days and public holidays, and that includes Eidul Fitr.
Interestingly, Eidul Fitr means “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” marking the end of the fasting month, aptly referred to in Islamic Holy Quran as Ramadan. This day would also be the first time that Muslims take their first breakfast after a month-long of fasting.
Families get to gather to dine all together and give gifts among themselves.
Muslims, Moro as referred to in history books, in the Philippines are celebrating Eidul Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, Islamic faith’s holy month embarking on heavy sacrifices which include daily fasting from food, water and other stuff like vices, hobbies and even sex.
For the Muslims in the Philippines, Eidul Fitr is Islamic God Allah’s reward for those who believe and fasted during the holy month of Ramadan. Filipino Muslims thank Allah for the chance and the strength to be good disciples, at least for the duration of Ramadan.
Eidul Fitr in the Philippines does not have a definite calendar day to mark. Muslims celebrate the holy feast day depending on when the new moon shows up in the skies.
The festive mood is more like a Christmas where everyone joins merry-making and celebration.
Things You Can Do During Eidul Fitr in the Philippines
As dictated by Muslim tradition, families enjoy, dine and feast over sweet food for breakfast before going to their worship place known as the mosque, where they say the morning prayers and hear a sermon from their high priest called Imam.
After some time in the mosque, Muslims and Christians usually merge to celebrate all together, in the same manner, they do during Christmas.
Donning their best dress, Muslims and Christians share whatever is on the dining table, exchange pleasantries, and at times gift-giving.
Similarly, this day is also highlighted by festive greeting exchanges. Muslims and Christians greet each other “Eid Mubarak,” which means have a blessed Eid — or “Selamat Hari Raya,” which means Happy Celebration Day.
For the Muslims, they start the day by thoroughly taking bath, wear their best clothes and spray some perfume if only to make sure they are clean and presentable. Only then could they be able to eat dates and head to the mosque where they should Zakat Al-Fitr before saying a prayer.
How Eidul Fitr in the Philippines is Celebrated
The Philippines celebrate Eidul Fitr in quite a grand style. With the Philippine government fully recognizing the contributions of the Muslim people in the country, past and present Presidents usually make a live national address on television for a message greeting and joining the Muslim people in celebration and observance of the festive holy day.
Venues and Special Events for Celebrating the Eidul Fitr in the Philippines
With a supportive government, Muslims are given a special place, big enough to accommodate thousands in attendance.
With function halls in the community where they live not enough to accommodate thousands, the government has always been able to lend government facilities for the gathering.
Quirino Grandstand
Located in the City of Manila in the National Capital Region, Quirino Grandstand caters to events requiring space to accommodate at least 30,000 people. Muslim families usually gather here after Eidul Fitr mosque visit. Quirino Grandstand is the traditional venue of oath-taking for several Presidents, which include the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos, Fidel V. Ramos, Joseph Estrada, Benigno Aquino III and incumbent President Rodrigo Duterte.
Rizal Memorial Stadium
Situated at the border of Manila and Pasay Cities in Metro Manila, Rizal Memorial Stadium is a perennial venue for local and international sporting competitions, including the SEA Games. It has both a covered stadium with a seating capacity of 12,000 and an open field which could accommodate no less than 30,000 people.
Golden Mosque
Two prominent worship places of Muslims in Metro Manila are located in Quiapo Manila. It is Golden Mosque forms part of the Islamic Center, a densely Muslim populated community in the heart of the city. Taguig City in southern Metro Manila also hosts another big mosque. It is located inside Maharlika Village which covers around 500 hectares.
The Eid Prayer
In view of tight business conditions, the home has become the most logical alternative for Muslims who have been grounded and compelled to stay at home. The home was where many of them offered Eid prayers, which is an essential part of what is supposedly a festive celebration.
Eid Prayer is a must for the Muslims. Regardless of whether or not the occasion is festive or otherwise, Eid prayer won’t be missed especially under conditions requiring the public to stay at home where there are fewer distractions.
A Muslim head of the family may also take the role and lead Eid prayer among family members, at home. Except for the sermon {since there won’t be any}, Eid prayer would be much like those being done in the mosque.
Eid prayers should commence 15 minutes after sunrise until 11:45 in the morning or 15 minutes shy before noontime.
Most importantly, Eidul Fitr in the Philippines never misses sharing blessings to the less fortunate people who don’t have so much as they do.