By Mariela Angella Oladive
The Muslim community in Iloilo gathered in prayer and unity on Monday, March 31, to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
According to Sultan Ibrahim Bansara Al Hadj, president of the Ilonggo United Muslim Community, Muslim faithful from various mosques in Pavia, Molo, and La Paz held simultaneous prayer gatherings, followed by a gift-giving activity that highlighted the generosity and solidarity of the occasion.
While the national government initially declared April 1 as the holiday for Eid al-Fitr, Sheikh Jalis Sultan Dicampong, a member of the Muslim community in Pavia, Iloilo, clarified that their celebration took place on March 31 in accordance with the Hijri lunar calendar.
Dicampong explained that the date of Eid al-Fitr is determined by the sighting of the new moon, which signals the start of a new Islamic month and the conclusion of Ramadan.
“The celebration typically includes a prayer and sermon at sunrise, around 6:30 to 7 a.m., lasting approximately 20 minutes,” he said in an interview with GMA Super Radyo Iloilo.
“The sermon reflects on the spiritual achievements of Ramadan and serves as a reminder that self-discipline and personal growth should continue beyond the holy month,” he added.
Also known as the “festival of the breaking of the fast,” Eid al-Fitr is one of the two major Islamic holidays, alongside Eid al-Adha.
It is a day of gratitude, reflection, and communal unity, where Muslims gather for special prayers in mosques or open spaces.
In the Philippines, Eid al-Fitr is a national holiday, allowing Muslim Filipinos to observe this important occasion with their families and communities.
