Eid’l Fitr or the Feast of Ramadan

Photo  : Al Jazeera

In observance of Eid’l Fitr or the Feast of Ramadan, Malacanang on Monday declared July 6, Wednesday,  a nonworking holiday.

Eid’l Fitr, which is celebrated for three days, marks the end of the holy month of fasting for Muslims.

Republic Act No. 9177, signed into law in November 2002 during the Arroyo presidency, declares the first day of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar, a national holiday for the observance of Eidul Fitr.

However, this day is dependent on the Islamic calendar.

Ramadan takes place between June 06 and July 06, 2016. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which is spent by Muslims fasting from dawn to sunset, and with extra prayers. While fasting Muslims refrain from consuming food, drinking liquids, smoking, and engaging in sexual relations. As the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, Ramadan begins when the first crescent of a new moon is sighted. The religious feast is celebrated during the entire month. (This text has been taken from www.cute-calendar.com)

Also known as “Eid-al-Fitr”, “Wakas ng Ramadan” and “Pagtatapos ng Pag-aayuno”, it is a national public holiday for all in the Philippines.

Originated by the Islamic Prophet Muhammad, Eidul Fitr is a cause for celebration and thanks giving to Allah. Eidul Fitr has been proclaimed a national holiday in the Philippines since 2002, and was the first predominantly Christian country to do so. This proclamation was made to foster peace and goodwill between major religions in the Philippines.

According to RA 9177, "the approximate date of these Islamic holidays may be determined in accordance with the Islamic calendar (Hijra) or the lunar calendar, or upon Islamic astronomical calculations, whichever is possible or convenient."