As the crescent moon stays hidden from sight, the Filipino Muslim community prepares for a season of solemnity and spirituality.
The Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta’ has recently declared that Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, will officially begin on March 12, 2024.
This announcement sets the stage for a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection, deeply rooted in Islamic faith and tradition.
The Significance of Moon Sighting
In accordance with the Qur’an’s Surah Al-Baqarah Chapter Two Verse 185, the sighting of the new moon marks the commencement of Ramadan. This practice unites Muslims worldwide in the observance of a month-long fast, a period aimed at spiritual discipline and closer proximity to Allah.
The Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta’, responsible for moon sighting in the Philippines, undertook this pivotal task on March 1, across various locations in Mindanao, signifying the collaborative effort of the Muslim community to determine the start of this sacred month.
Fasting and Reflection
Ramadan is not merely a time for abstaining from food and drink from dawn till dusk. It is, more importantly, a period for deep spiritual reflection, increased devotion, and worship. Fasting during Ramadan is considered one of the five pillars of Islam, emphasizing its importance in the Islamic faith.
Guided by the teachings of the Qur’an and the Hadith, the Filipino Muslim community engages in this practice to cultivate patience, humility, and a sense of unity.
Community and Faith
The communal aspect of Ramadan is palpable throughout the Philippines. Pre-dawn meals (suhoor) and nightly feasts (iftar) become times of communal bonding and rekindling of family ties. Mosques become centers of increased activity, with special taraweeh prayers extending into the night.
The Filipino Muslim community, diverse in its practices and cultures, comes together in a remarkable display of faith and solidarity.
Preparing for the Sacred Month
As the start of Ramadan approaches, Filipino Muslims engage in various preparations. Homes are cleaned and decorated, special meals are planned, and intentions are set for a month dedicated to worship and self-discipline.
Additionally, the Bangsamoro Mufti, alongside the Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta’ and religious leaders, play a crucial role in guiding the community through this period. Their announcements and teachings help ensure that the observance of Ramadan remains faithful to Islamic principles and traditions.
Embracing Ramadan in the Philippines
The announcement of Ramadan by the Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta’ serves as a call to faith for the Filipino Muslim community. It is a time for reflection, prayer, and fasting, but also for joy, community, and renewal.
As Filipino Muslims across the nation welcome this holy month, the spirit of Ramadan promises to enrich and inspire, fostering a sense of unity and devotion that transcends the challenges of the modern world.
Moreover, in embracing “Ramadan in the Philippines,” the community reaffirms its commitment to the values of the Islamic faith, joining Muslims worldwide in a journey of spiritual discipline and growth.
Furthermore, the month ahead offers a precious opportunity for reflection, self-improvement, and increased piety, illuminating the path towards a deeper understanding of faith and humanity.
Sources: THX News & Philippine News Agency.
