By Brian Jules Campued
The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) has officially declared the beginning of Ramadan on Tuesday, March 12, after the new moon was not sighted on Sunday night.
The Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta’ (BDI) annually conducts moon sighting activities in the country to observe the first glimpse of the crescent moon and decide the start of the holy month, according to a statement from the Bangsamoro Government.
BDI said that Bangsamoro Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulrauf Guialani, along with other ulama and religious sectors, administered the moon sighting in various areas in Cotabato City, Iligan City, Maguindanao del Norte, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. conveyed his solidarity with the Muslim community in the observance of Ramadan.
“It is with no doubt that our Muslim brothers and sisters have made invaluable contributions to our nation’s history and heritage, shaping our beloved motherland into the diverse and united country that it is today,” Marcos said in a message released by Malacañang.
The President also expressed optimism that Ramadan will strengthen kinship, promote forgiveness, and foster a spirit of harmony.
“Together, let us build a future where love and understanding prevail and where the light of hope shines brightly for all,” he added.
The BDI said that in the “month-long sacred time” of Ramadan, Muslims will reflect, pray, and fast as a demonstration of their spiritual discipline and faith.
Meanwhile, Muslim nations have also joined the global observation of the holy month of Ramadan with the king of Saudi Arabia calling for an end to the raging war in Gaza and the establishment of safe humanitarian and relief corridors.
In a message through Saudi Arabia’s SPA news agency, King Salman expressed his “sorrow for the ongoing suffering of our Palestinian brothers facing relentless aggression”.
The war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip has affected the festivities for Ramadan in the region, with some 1.5 million people in southern Gaza suffering from food shortages and displacement. (with story from Agence France-Presse) – avds