Ustadz Abdulkahar Musa, spokesperson of Bangsamoro Darul Ifta (BDI), shared in a phone patch interview the significance of the holy month of Ramadan for Muslims. According to Musa, the goal is to deepen the relationship with God through prayer, spending extra time reading the Holy Quran, and helping the poor. (Photo: PIA Cotabato City)
COTABATO CITY (PIA) -- Ramadan, the ninth month in the Hijri calendar, or Islamic calendar, is one of the most sacred observances for Muslims around the world.
It is time to reflect, pray, and fast as a means of spiritual development and to strengthen faith.
“Ang pag-aayuno sa buwan ng Ramadan ay nagmula sa kautusan mismo kay Allah (SWT). Nakasaad at binanggit din ito sa banal na Quran,” said Bangsamoro Darul Ifta (BDI) spokesperson Ustadz Abdulkahar Musa.
[Fasting in the month of Ramadan comes from the commandment of Allah (SWT) himself. It is also stated and mentioned in the holy Quran.]
Ramadan starts and ends with the sighting of the crescent moon. On Tuesday, March 12, the Bangsamoro Darul Ifta announced the beginning of Ramadan in the country.
During this holy month, Muslims observe a strict fast from dawn to sunset. They abstain from eating and drinking during daylight and from anything deemed impure for mind and body.
Musa also shared that fasting is a private act of bringing about nearness to God, a form of spiritual discipline, and a means to empathize with those less fortunate.
“Ang taong nagpa-fasting ay nararamdaman niya ang pakiramdam ng mga taong mahihirap, walang makain, at walang wala. Ang pagpa-fasting tuwing Ramadan ay itinuturo rin dito ang tunay na pagtutulungan at pagmamahalan,” he pointed out.
[The person who is fasting feels a certain connection toward needy people, who have nothing to eat, and those who really feel empty and broke. Fasting during Ramadan also teaches true compassion and love.]
Muslims from Boheh Basag Mosque and Masjid Taqwa in Tubig Mampallam in the municipality of Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, broke their fast, eating their iftar meals distributed by the BARMM government during the holy month of Ramadan in April 2023. The distribution of free iftar was made possible through the BARMM's Project TABANG (Tulong Alay sa Bangsamorong Nangangailangan) under the Office of Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim. (File photo courtesy of BARMM's Project Tabang)
Aside from eating and drinking, Muslims also refrain from sleeping next to their spouse and gossiping or speaking ill of others.
“Itong period na ito ay bawal kumain at uminom, at ipinagbabawal ang pagsasabi ng masama. Hindi manunuod at makikinig ng masama lahat ng yun ay ire-refrain upang mapangalagaan niya ang katiwasayan ng kanyang pag-aayuno,” Musa reiterated.
[During this period, it is forbidden to eat and drink and also to say bad things, including watching and listening to bad things. They should avoid all those so that they can preserve the smooth flow and integrity of their fasting.]
During Ramadan, many Muslims go to the mosque and spend several hours reflecting, repenting, and sincerely praying for forgiveness from Allah (SWT).
Musa also shared some of the benefits of fasting, emphasizing the significance of obeying God and seeking his forgiveness. He also attributed the holy month of Ramadan as an effective avenue for learning and rediscovering oneself, developing or enhancing self-discipline, and becoming stronger both morally and spiritually.
Muslim males in BARMM participated in a night prayer called "Tarawih," which is considered "Sunnah" (a recommended act) and performed in congregation only during the blessed month of Ramadan. "Tarawih" prayer, a virtuous deed by any Muslim follower, comprises the recitation of a long section from the Holy Quran and making optional du'as (a private request or prayer). During Ramadan, Muslims around the world who are fasting also spend a lot of time praying at the mosque or even at home, where they can reflect, meditate, and ask God's forgiveness for the sins they have committed. (Photo courtesy of the Bangsamoro Information Office)
For Moning Abo, a resident of Cotabato City, Ramadan is a month of physical and spiritual cleansing and focusing on good deeds.
“Part of our routine during Ramadan is praying five times a day and reading the holy Quran and the Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (SAW),” Abo shared.
He explained that it is incumbent upon all Muslims to follow the five pillars of Islam, which are fundamentally considered obligatory acts. These are, in chronological order: Shahada (declaration of faith), Salah (prayer), Zakat (almsgiving), Sawm (fasting), and Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca).
At the end of the month of Ramadan is the advent of Eid al-Fitr, which celebrates the breaking of the fast, a national holiday in the Philippines, in recognition of its importance to the Muslims and to also join and be united with them in their celebration.
In this event, Muslim families from all walks of life gather together for festive meals in thanksgiving. They also give food to their brethren, especially those who have nothing to buy for the celebration. (LTB - PIA Cotabato City)
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*SWT (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala), an Arabic word that means "All glory belongs to Him, the Most Exalted and the Most High," is an "honorific phrase" used by Muslims to express their deep devotion and utmost reverence when speaking about Allah.
*SAW (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) is an Arabic word that means "May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him," or simply put, PBUH serves as a salutation to the Prophet Muhammad by Muslims, signifying their profound love and respect.
