President Duterte declares June 5 as a regular holiday nationwide under the proclamation 729 in observance of Eid al Fitr.
Let’s take a look at what it means and who celebrates it.
What is Eid al Fitr?
Eid al Fitr is one of the two most important celebrations in Islam. It falls on the first day of Shawwal, the 10th month in the Islamic calendar following the month of Ramadan.
Eid dates are dependent on the sighting of the moon. Different countries may differ on the exact dates of Eid.
Why celebrate Eid?
It is ‘the festival of the breaking of the fast’, and is a celebration which traditionally takes place over a three-day period. It means fasting period is concluded.
During this time, it is not allowed for Muslims to fast.
Ramadan
It is the 9th month in the Islamic calendar where Muslims are obliged to fast from sunrise until sunset. This month is when the Quran (the holy book of Muslims) was revealed to the prophet Mohammad. In the Quran, fasting is obligatory to all Muslims.
‘The month of Ramadan is that in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So, whoever sights the new moon of the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and wants for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that to which He has guided you, and perhaps you will be grateful.’
– Quran 2:185
Fasting
It is one of the five pillars of Islam. Muslims abstain from food, drink, and sexual relation during this time.
It helps Muslims gain sympathy for those experiencing hunger. It is also a way of spiritual growth and self-purification.
Even though the Philippines is not an Islamic country, they respect Muslims and their beliefs.
See the lists of holidays for 2019 here.