ILOILO City – Due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, this year’s Eid al-Fitr which marks the end of the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramadan would be just a simple religious holiday for Muslims here.
The Muslim community will be marking Eid al-Fitr, also called the “Festival of Breaking the Fast”, tomorrow, May 13.
Speaking to Panay News, Saadoden Mayo, imam of Iloilo Pioneer Masjid – a mosque in Barangay Magdalo, La Paz district – said they won’t be holding gatherings in accordance with the ban being imposed by the local government.
“Pandemic na ngayon. Hindi kami pwede magtipon-tipon ng marami para maisagawa namin ‘yong (health) protocols,” Mayo said.
Instead, Mayo is encouraging his fellow Muslims to offer prayers to Allah, particularly for the safety of all amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Sa bahay na lang sila magsalo-salong kaunti kasama ang kanilang pamilya at kung may kakayahan sila, magbigay sila ng tulong sa kasamahan namin,” Mayo added.
If not with the pandemic, Mayo said, they would have gathered at the Iloilo Pioneer Masjid, ate together, and extended alms to the poor.
“Ang mga kapatid namin na may kakayahan or may pera, sila ang nag–i-invite sa mga kapatiran na Muslim para makapunta sa kanilang bahay,” he added.
Mayo said there were about 200 members under the Iloilo Pioneer Masjid.
On Monday, President Rodrigo Duterte declared May 13 a regular holiday in observance of the Eid.
“The entire Filipino nation should have the full opportunity to join their Muslim brothers and sisters in peace and harmony in observance and celebration of Eid al Fitr, subject to community quarantine, social distancing, and other public health measures,” Duterte said.
Islam’s holy month of Ramadan started on April 13.
During Ramadan, Muslims fast and abstain from drinking, smoking and having sex from dawn to dusk.
They only break the fast with an early meal known as Suhur, and an evening meal called Iftar.
The length of the holy month for the Muslims varies between 29 and 30 days, depending on the sighting of the Shawwal Moon, which leads to the much-awaited Islamic festival of Eid al Fitr.
MUSLIM BUSSINESES ALSO HIT BY PANDEMIC
On the other hand, Mayo said the pandemic affected Muslim businesses. Customers have become very few.
Mayo said he also has a business at the La Paz public market for about 10 years now.
“Matumal talaga. Una, ang mga tawo kaunti lamang na pumunta sa mga lugar ng bilihan katulad ng market at saka siguro ngayon naubosan sila ng pera,” Mayo said.
Mayo is grateful, though, even for his small income.
According to Ramla Hajimanan, 60, of Barangay Divinigracia, La Paz, her accessory business has also been hit hard.
“Mahina gid katama ang income bangod sang pandemic,” Hajimanan told Panay News.
Before COVID-19 pandemic, she made around P3,000 daily. Now, it’s down down P1,000 – just enough for the needs of her family, said Hajimanan./PN
