MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--This year’s Eid’l Fitr has brought elation to a lot of pious Islam worshipers who took time to render their prayers to Allah at the city’s world-class Grand Mosque, formally known as the Jameo Jameo Mindanao Al-Islamic Islamic Center. 

The Eid’l Fitr, or feast of the breaking of the fast, was celebrated in the Philippines, April 22, following the moon-sighting and official announcement of the Bangsamoro Darul Ifta.’

Abdulbayan Shevardnadze Abdullah, a resident of this city, showed his happiness after being able to pray at the Grand Mosque during the aforementioned festivity. 

He was to witness the number of Muslims coming to the same area and how the security forces ensured peace and order.

"Maganda talaga. Alhamdulillah, maraming tao. Talagang overwhelmed ako sa dami ng mga tao at security na dumating," said Abdullah.

(It was really nice. Alhamdulillah, there were a lot of people. I was really overwhelmed that there were a lot of people and security that arrived)

Fatma Zohra Hadjiabdul Malic, who came from the municipality of Marantao in Lanao del Sur province, shared that it was touching to step foot at the Grand Mosque alongside many Maranaos.

"Heartwarming siya [na makapag-Eid dito sa Grand Mosque]. Ang sarap sa feeling na ang dami ng mga Maranao na nagpunta dito sa ground zero," she said.

(It was heartwarming [to have Eid here at the Grand Mosque]. It is nice to feel that there were a lot of Maranaos who went here on ground zero)

Malic shared that she has been sincerely asking for good health, the realization of her wishes, and forgiveness of her sins.

Saadiyah Manalundong, also a resident of the city, was delighted to be able to pray for Eid this year at the Grand Mosque.

"Masaya ako [na makapagsimba sa Grand Mosque] kasi maraming mga tao. Dito na kasi ako nagsisimba kahit pa man hindi pa ito nasira," she said.

(I was happy that I was able to pray at the Grand Mosque because there were a lot of people. I have really been praying here even since this was destroyed)

According to the Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office, more than 20,000 Muslims have gathered at the Grand Mosque to perform their Eid’l Fitr prayers. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)