COTABATO CITY – The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao is preparing for the holy month of Ramadan which is expected to begin on March 1 following a moon-sighting at the end of this month.
On Feb. 28, Bangsamoro Mufti Sheikh Abdulrauf Guialani will lead the official moon-sighting to determine the start of Ramadan, a sacred month of fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection observed by Muslims worldwide.
If the moon will be sighted on Feb. 28, Ramadan will commence on March 1. However, if it will not be visible on the official moon-sighting event, Ramadan will start on March 2.
STUDENTS pass by the BARMM compound in Cotabato City. (Keith Bacongco)
This Islamic tradition marks the beginning of a month-long commitment to self-discipline, worship, and charitable act, the Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta said in a statement.
During Ramadan, Muslims are required to observe fasting, which is one of the five pillars of Islam. During this period, adults abstain from drinking water, eating, and other physical needs from dawn to sunset.
“It is a time for increased devotion, with prayers, Qur’an recitation, and acts of kindness taking center stage,” it added.
Meanwhile, as part of the preparations for the month-long observance, the Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta over the weekend initiated E’marul Masji, a day to clean and maintain the masajid (place of worship).
The initiative conducted in several masjids here was part of the preparations for the upcoming Ramadan.
The annual Ramadan fair kicked off on Monday, Feb. 24, at the BARMM compound here. The fair features traditional cuisines and handmade and other local products.