Ramadhan is a familiar observance in the Muslim community. It's one of their ways to exhibit their faith in Allah.

During the month-long observance, one of the traditions is to practice a strict fast for a period of almost 12 hours daily, from sunrise to sunset. For Muslims, this is to strengthen self-restraint and to develop piety. Similar to Catholics' Lenten Season, Ramadhan is a time for fasting, praying, and spreading kindness towards the poor and less fortunate.

This holiday is determined by the use of the lunar-based Islamic calendar through the sighting of the crescent moon in the Islamic month of Shawwal. This year, Eid'l Fitr is expected to fall on April 22. If Catholics have Christmas Festivities, Muslims practice similar celebrations during Eid el-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadhan.

This is among the most important and sacred haolidays for Muslims. It is one of the two Eids, Eid el-Fitr and Eid el-Adha, which was celebrated on March 10 this year. It commemorates the culmination of the Hajj to Mecca, the 5th Pillar of Islam as well as the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son to God.

Recently, President Ferdinand R. Marcos declared April 21 as a regular holiday for the observance of Eid'l Fitr to bring the religious and cultural significance of the holiday to national consciousness. It is also a way to allow our Muslim brothers and sisters to practice their faith in peace. (MVMV, PIA-CPSD)

Photo from Philippine News Agency