By Raymart Escopel
IF Roman Catholics have the Holy Week as one of its important religious observances, our Muslim brothers and sisters have the Ramadan.
Regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam, the annual rite is observed for 29-30 days based on the visual sightings of the crescent moon.
Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, devotion and worship and Muslims are expected to exert more effort in following the teachings of Islam.
The month of Ramadan is also considered as a time for fasting for Muslims which started on June 28 and will last until July 27.
Adult Muslims are obliged to do the act of fasting except for those suffering from illness, diabetic, travelling, pregnant and are breastfeeding, and those who have menstrual bleeding.
Aside from fasting, other religious practices during the Ramadan include Suhoor (pre-fast meal taken each day before dawn), Iftar (fast-breaking meal at sunset), charity, nightly prayers, and recitation of Qurâan.
The Ramadan is also associated with the Muslimsâ holy night of the year called Laylat al-Qadr which translates to âthe night of powerâ or the ânight of decree.â It is on this night that Muslims believe the first revelation of the Qurâan was sent down to Muhammad.
The month-long observation ends with Eid al-Fitr or Feast of Breaking the Fast and starts the beginning of the next lunar month called Shawwal.
Eid al-Fitr is considered a holiday in the Philippines as a way of showing the Muslim community that we are one with their celebration./PN
