By Christiaan P. Cajocson
See full album: Eid’l Fitr

To mark the ending of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, Filipino Muslims gathered in faith and unity in Quirino Grandstand to commemorate the Eid’l Fitr, earlier at 7AM.

Eid’l Fitr is a sacred occasion for the Muslim community to celebrate the 29-30 days of dawn-to-sunset fasting during the month of Ramadan.

Bashier Sacaguing, one of the Filipino Muslims who joined and participated in organizing the celebration, shared his insights and knowledge regarding the Eid’l Fitr. “Sine-celebrate natin ito kasi isa ito sa mga petsa na kung saan sa loob ng isang buwan ay nagkaroon ng fasting. Sa loob ng isang buwan, natuto tayong magpakahirap, natuto tayong maging mapagbigay, natuto tayong magkaroon ng malasakit sa mga kapwa natin – ‘yung pagmamahal (We celebrate it because we accomplished a month of fasting during Ramadan. During that month, we learned how to sacrifice, we learned how to be generous, and we learned how to show our love to others),” he said.

“Ito’y mahalaga kasi sinabi ng Propeta Muhammad Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam ng huling sugo ng Diyos na kung saan mayroong dalawang fiesta o selebrasyon, ito na ‘yung Eid’l Fitr at Eid’l Adha (It is important because according to the last messenger of God Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, there are only two feasts or celebrations – it is the Eid’l Fitr and Eid’l Adha),” Sacaguing added.

On the other hand, Philippine National Police (PNP) Acting District Director Joel Napoleon Coronel said that they coordinated with the Muslims to provide security and assistance. “Matagal na itong ugnayan with our Muslim brothers and sisters and alam naman natin na tuwing katapusan po ng Ramadan, mag-se-celebrate sila. Gusto po naming maging mapayapa at maayos (We already coordinated with our Muslim brother and sisters, and we all know that whenever Ramadan will end, they will have their celebration. We want to make it safe and organized),” he said.

Coronel also pointed out that PNP gave its full support to all Filipino Muslims during the celebration. “Tayo po ay nagbigay ng area, perimeter and security protection sa mga dadalo po at sa mga nais pong sumaksi o manuod ng celebration nila. Pangalawa, traffic coordination and management para hindi magkagulo ang daloy ng trapiko. (We provided area, perimeter and security protection to all attendees and those who would like to witness their celebration. Second, [we provided] traffic coordination and management to avoid disturbing the flow of traffic),” he stated.