Filipino-Muslims looking forward to family reunions during Eid’ul Fitr holidays

In this file photo Filipino Muslims take their breakfast after the morning prayer at Quirino Grandstand ground to mark Eid’ul Fitr. INQUIRER PHOTO

TRAVEL for Eid’ul Fitr  holidays started this week with Filipino Muslim faithfuls even advancing to go home for the three-day holiday which will begin on Friday (July 17).

Extended families and their clans converge in this most-awaited event, the only Islamic holiday in the Muslim calendar aside from Eid’ul Adha.

Eid’ul Fitr is celebrated in the Philippines with family get-togethers unlike other Muslim countries which have national events. Swimming pools in  Iligan City, for instance, are usually  filled to the rafters every Eid season.

The family of  Dimple Madale-unte has a tradition in which relatives go home and pray together in the Mindanao State University grandstand during Eid. After the prayer, they pose for family pictures and have a picnic. The holiday is also an opportunity to visit relatives in the nearby towns.

In this file photo Filipino Muslims celebrate after the morning prayer at the Luneta grounds to celebrate Eid’ul Fitr. INQUIRER PHOTO

Madale-unte said she and her sisters also decide on a color motif for their prayer attire.

Jaliah Sybil Mulay said every Eid she  was “looking forward to pray with my aunt and her family in Masjid Nabawi. I am also excited to wear my new abaya.”

Leah Tarhata Mehila of ARMM’s Regional Economic Zone Authority said “In shaa Allah (God willing), I will be home for the Eid to join my jewels, take our kutba at MSU grandstand and have a lunch out at the MSU golf course with my sister, nephews and housemates.”