|
Written by Samira Ali Gutoc
|
|
Monday, 24 November 2003 |
Muslims end fasting on Tuesday, November 24, 2003, after the moon-sighting Monday to observe the most important Islamic holiday EIDUL FITR. Faithfuls will flock to public places of prayer such as the Mindanao State University stadium and Golden Mosque in Quiapo.
Early morning prayers will start at 6 a.m and end an hour later. Forgiveness, family and friendship will be the themes of khutba (sermons) in the morning prayers. Hundreds will flock to mosques such as the Golden Mosque in Quiapo and Blue Mosque in Taguig.
Faithfuls, in acts of thanksgiving, will recite Takbeer Mursal or Allahuakbar (God is Great) over and over while sitting on their prayer mats in mosques. Folk Arts theater in Metro Manila will host the biggest congregation of converts and Muslims, led by NGOs, Islamic Information Center, Liwanag Forum, Discover Islam and Balik Islam Unity Congress. Qur'an readings, Azan (call to prayer) contest, parlor games and speeches will follow the morning sermons.
Muslims, especially the salaried ones, will then distribute the required alms, composing 2.5 percent of one's salary to poor Muslims.
Fasting and giving of alms are two of the five pillars in Islam. Every able-bodied Muslim is required to abstain from food, water and sex for half-day in a month during the Islamic month of Ramadhan.
End.
Trackback(0)
 |
TrackBack URI for this entry
Subscribe to this comment's feed