PNoy declares September 10, end of Eid’l Fitr, as non-working holiday

Tacloban City (September 3) — President Benigno Aquino III has declared September 10, the end of Eid’l Fitr or the Feast of Ramadan as non-working holiday.

The President has issued Proclamation No. 26 dated September 2, declaring Friday, September 10, 2010 as a regular holiday throughout the country in observance of Eid’l Fitr, presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said.

In issuing Proclamation No. 26, President Aquino said that Republic Act No. 9177 declared Eid’l Fitr or the Feast of Ramadan, as a regular holiday throughout the country.

Eid’l Fitr is celebrated by the Muslim World for three (3) days after the end of the month of fasting. The main date for the celebration of Eid’l Fitr for the year 2010 has been determined to fall on Friday, September 10, 2010.

In order to bring the religious and cultural significance of the Eid’l Fitr to the fore of national consciousness, President Aquino deemed it necessary to declare September 10, 2010 as regular holiday throughout the country.

The celebration of Eid’l Fitr in Islam carries a “distinctive meaning and spirit as compared to other cultures.” According to Islamic website www.islamonline.net, Muslims normally start each day of the three-day festival by “taking a bath and wearing their best clothes.”

While Muslim families unite in simple gatherings, it is a prayer that brings them together “to remember Allah’s bounties and celebrate His Glory and Greatness.”

The about seven million Filipino Muslims take the occasion as an opportunity to do charity and good deeds. The feast is not an occasion to take a vacation from Islamic responsibilities and commitments or to waste time and money in extravagance.

It is a chance to multiply good deeds by bringing happiness and pleasure to the hearts of other Muslims by helping and supporting the poor and needy, and by getting involved in pastimes that emphasize the strong and serious Islamic character.

Before the day of Eid, during the last few days of Ramadan, each Muslim family gives a determined amount as a donation to the poor. This donation is of actual food to ensure that the needy can have a holiday meal and participate in the celebration. This donation is known as Sadaqah al-Fitr (charity of fast-breaking).

Eid’l Fitr falls on the first day of Shawwal, the month that follows Ramadan in the Islamic calendar. It is a time to give to those in need, and celebrate with family and friends the completion of a month of blessings and joy. (PIA