MANILA — Muslim Filipinos continued to pray for peace in the country, particularly in Mindanao, as they marked the end of the month-long Ramadan on Friday.
According to Hajji Muhammad Ersad Malli, administrator of the Golden Mosque and Cultural Center in Quiapo, Manila, Muslim Filipinos prayed for lasting peace in the country, especially in war-torn Marawi City, and the swift approval of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).
“Of course, we pray every day for peace to reign in Mindanao, particularly in Marawi City, which became the battleground in the conflict between government forces and the Maute group for five months last year,” he said in an interview before the Eid al Fitr celebration at the Golden Mosque in Quiapo, Manila on Friday morning.
Malli noted that they also prayed for the passage of the BBL, which seeks to bring peace in the Muslim region in the country.
“We are praying and hoping that the BBL will become a law. We, who are in Luzon, are also affected by conflicts in the south. God willing, BBL will push through, according to them the bill is now in the bicameral and we hope it would be signed before the State of the Nation Address of President Rodrigo Duterte,” he added.
Thousands of Muslims attended the Eid prayers at the mosque to celebrate Eid al Fitr, which is the first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal.
It also marks the end of Ramadan, which is a month of fasting and prayer.
Malli explained that after the activity at the mosque, which lasted for less than an hour, they will return to their houses or visit their families and ask for forgiveness.
“After saying our prayers, we will visit our families and ask forgiveness. Food will be provided to celebrate the occasion,” he said.
Rebuilding efforts
Meanwhile, the official of the Golden Mosque acknowledged the efforts of the Duterte administration in rebuilding Marawi City.
“The President is trying his best, together with his Cabinet, to rebuild Marawi again or even better than what Marawi was before,” he said.
Malli also appealed to his fellow Muslims to be more patient, particularly on the action of the government to make the country better and progressive.
“Our appeal to our fellow Muslim Filipinos is for them to practice more patience. We need to sacrifice a little. Our President is doing everything to make our lives better,” he said.
“To Muslim leaders, revolutionary leaders, politicians, and religious leaders, I think it’s high time for us to be united. Let’s support our President, his programs, the passage of BBL for Mindanao to have an everlasting peace. He needs to unite (us). We should support one another, love and respect each other,” Malli said.
The one-month Ramadan began last May 14 and ended on Friday, June 15. (Ferdinand Patinio/PNA)
