| Written by Philip James Tremedal,
on 12-10-2007 13:12
|
Views : 461  |
Favoured : 18 |
Published in : The News, Events |
Tags : Eid Al-Fitr, dacula, co, sinunday, kumalarang, shawwal, islam, ramadan, ummah, adhan, iqamah, imam |
As commitment and respect to the Muslim community of Pagadian and Zamboanga Del Sur both the local government and its Tri-People celebrates with them the Eid Al-Fitr.
The City Government with leadership of Mayor Samuel S. Co, together with the City Tourism Council and the Council of Elders of the Muslim Community in Pagadian, and other towns of Zamboanga del Sur will celebrate on October 14 at Plaza Luz to showcase the feast of Eid Al-Fitr. Reaching for Genuine Freedom Thru Fasting: A Blessing for the Universe
The activities opened with a colorful parade followed by a culminating program. Datu Onan Dacula, Chairman of the Provincial Council of Elders and political leaders of both the city and province gave their message of understanding, commitment and respect to the Moro people. After the program, a Quran Reading Contest followed and a cultural presentation by the Teatro Sinuday of Kumalarang was witnessed by both muslims and christians who gathered for the celebration at the city Plaza Luz. The new moon has been sighted at about 5:34 p.m. yesterday in Mindanao that signaled the official end of the fasting month of Ramadan. Some 1.5 billion Muslims all over the world celebrated the coming of Eid Al-Fitr today. Sheikh Omar Pasigan, chairman of Darul Ifta, made the official announcement last night at around 8:00 pm after receiving from one of those commissioned to watch the new moon yesterday in various parts of Mindanao. Other groups were also assigned in Manila to watch the moon at the Manila Bay.
Fourth Pillar of Islam The Eid Al-Fitr falls on the first day of Shawwal, which Muslims call as “the day of the prize and compassion." It marks the completion of fasting the blessed month of Ramadan, which is the fourth pillar of Islam.
Eid Al-Fitr is named after breaking the fast, being the first day in Shawwal after Muslims finished their month-long fast of Ramadan. Muslims spend the three days of this feast in continuous joy, delight, and most importantly communicating with one another. They wake up to perform the congregational `Eid Prayer, gathering the rich and poor, the young and old, in a state of unity and harmony.
According to the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) everyone is urged to attend `Eid Prayer—men, women, and children. During `Eid, Muslims express their gratitude to Allah for enabling them to observe the major acts of worship preceding each `Eid. They also visibly show joy and congratulate each other. Therefore, `Eid is a day of joy, thanksgiving to Allah, brotherhood, and unity.Eid Prayer
The time for `Eid Prayer is when the sun has risen about three meters (10 feet) above the horizon. `Eid Prayers cannot be held after midday. It is better to hold the prayers in the open if there is no rain or bad weather. The Prophet never performed `Eid Prayers in the mosque except once due to rain. There is neither Adhan (call to prayer) nor Iqamah (second call to prayer) for these prayers, which consist of two rak`ahs with twelve takbirs (Allahu Akbar); seven in the first rak`ah and five in the second. After performing prayer, the imam delivers a khutbah (sermon, speech) just like Friday khutbah.
In Muslim countries, it is customary in `Eid to eat dates or kahk (Arabic for "cookies") and then visit families, relatives, and friends. During these visits, people exchange greetings that differ from one country to another.
Eid An Essential Part of the Islamic Identity
Eid is an essential part of the Islamic identity and culture that dictates all the practices of celebrations — the dresses you wear, the songs you sing and listen to, and what you say to one another.
It is also considered a good Islamic practice to exchange gifts. The Prophet said, “Exchange gifts in order to foster love.” (Al-Bukhari in his book Al-Adab Al-Mufrad). The true spirit of `Eid is reflected in generosity to the poor and the needy. It is recommended to make lot of istighfar (asking Allah for forgiveness) and pray that Allah accept our fast, pilgrimage, prayers, and devotion, and grant the Ummah (Muslim nation) glory and success (with gratitude from Luwaran.com) Last update : 17-01-2008 20:18
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