TECH4GOOD
For many Filipinos, Eid’l Fitr is just one of the national non-working holidays they enjoy. For Muslims worldwide, this holiday marks the joyous culmination of a month-long fasting and is celebrated with gratitude, fulfillment, and community. The way it is celebrated differs only according to the traditions of the place.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a time when Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, known as Sawm, one of the Five Pillars of Islam. This act of fasting is not merely a dawn till dusk abstention from food, drink, and other worldly pleasures but a profound spiritual exercise that cultivates empathy, self-discipline, and gratitude. This act of self-discipline is intended to purify the soul, strengthen faith, and develop empathy for those less fortunate.
This sacred observance of Ramadhan powerfully reminds all faithful of their collective identity as Muslims and their shared responsibility to uphold the principles of faith and compassion. During the whole month of fasting, they are reminded of the blessings they enjoy and the importance of sharing their abundance with those less fortunate. Every Muslim strives to alleviate suffering through charity and community service and promote social justice.
Eid’l Fitr marks the end of the fasting month and is a time for thanksgiving, celebration, and renewal. It is a day of prayer, feasting, and family gatherings. Muslims attend special Eid prayers at mosques, offering thanks to Allah (SWT) for His blessings and seeking His forgiveness. After the prayers, families gather for festive meals, exchange gifts, and visit with friends and relatives. It is a time to strengthen bonds of kinship and foster a sense of community.
In the Philippines, Eid’l Fitr is a vibrant celebration of faith and culture. The Muslim community, particularly in Mindanao and other parts of the archipelago, prepares for Eid with great enthusiasm. Mosques are adorned with colorful decorations, and the streets are filled with festive music. On the morning of Eid, Muslims gather in large congregations for the special Eid Prayer, which is performed in open spaces or large mosques. Many Muslims wear new or best clothes on Eid, symbolizing renewal and celebration. After the Eid prayer, families gather for a grand feast, sharing delicious dishes and exchanging gifts.
The spirit of Eid’l Fitr is not confined to mosques and homes. It extends to the broader community, where Muslims engage in acts of charity and outreach. Many organizations and individuals distribute food and clothing to those in need, helping those less fortunate.
In Muslim Mindanao, including some parts of Palawan, traditional foods served during Eid’l Fitr celebrations reflect the rich cultural heritage of Filipino Muslims. In the Tausug region, they have TiyulaItum, a black soup made with beef or goat marinated in ginger, turmeric, shallots, and charred coconut meat, giving it a distinctive ebony color and rich flavor. Satti is the Tausog version of satay, featuring either barbecued beef or chicken and enjoyed with rice wrapped in palm leaves. They also have the Kulma, beef cooked in a peanut-based broth somewhat similar to the Tagalog kare-kare.
In the Maranao and Maguindanao regions where this author comes from, we have the usual Piaparan a Manok, chicken cooked in a coconut milk-based broth with turmeric and palapa (a paste of spring onions, ginger, and chilies). This dish is topped with grated coconut sautéed with spices, making it very aromatic and flavorful. Another typical festival dish is the Pastil which consists of rice wrapped in banana leaves and topped with sautéed shredded meat (usually beef, goat, chicken, or fish). It is often served with cucumber and fried eggs.
For dessert, it is common to see traditional sweets like Tiateg served in Lanao. In the Maguindanao regions like Cotabato, they call it Tinagtag or Lokot Lokot in other parts of Mindanao. It is made from rice flour and sugar and then fried into crispy waffles. We also have another popular dessert called Dodol, which is made from dark rice flour and sugar. These indigenous dishes, which are not usually found in other parts of the country, not only showcase the culinary diversity of Filipino Muslims but also highlight the importance of food in bringing families and communities together during Eid’l Fitr celebrations.
Eid’l Fitr is an integral part of the Islamic calendar, offering Muslims a chance to deepen their faith, strengthen their bonds with family and community, and express gratitude for the blessings in their lives. Muslims worldwide are reminded of the importance of compassion, generosity, and unity as they celebrate this sacred occasion. Whether in the quiet moments of prayer or the joyful gatherings of Eid, Muslims worldwide come together to honor its significance, fostering a sense of global community and shared purpose.
In the words of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), "When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of heaven are opened, and the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained." Muslims must embrace the spiritual renewal and communal joy that this occasion brings.
Assalamualaikum.
(The author is an executive member of the National Innovation Council, lead convener of the Alliance for Technology Innovators for the Nation (ATIN), vice president of the Analytics and AI Association of the Philippines, and vice president of UP System Information Technology Foundation. Email: t4g.tmb@gmail.com)