Muslims pray for unity, peace as Ramadan ends

Photo by Hotaru Niitsu/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines – Thousands of Filipino Muslims converged at the Manila Golden Mosque and Cultural Center Friday to celebrate Eid’l Fitr or Feast of Ramadan.

Manila Golden Mosque administrator Akmad Gegiling, in an interview with Radyo Inquirer 990AM,  said they marked the last day of Ramadan with prayers from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m.

Gegiling said that during Eid’l Fitr, Muslims thank and praise Allah for the blessings bestowed upon their families and for the success of the Holy Month of Ramadan.

He also said they prayed for national unity and peace in Mindanao, especially after the spate of bombings in Cagayan de Oro, Cotobato City and North Cotabato that left at least 14 people dead.

After fulfilling activities at the mosque, participants will return to their daily routines and break the month-long fast.

During the month-long Ramadan, Muslims fast during the day and eat at night. Only those who are sick, travelling and menstruating women are exempted from the fast.

Muslims pray five times a day in the mosque during this time.