Over 800 Muslims in Bohol celebrate Eid’l Fitr

Bohol map. INQUIRER FILES

TAGBILARAN CITY – More than 800 members of the Muslim community in Bohol celebrated Eid’l Fitr at the President Carlos P. Garcia Sports Complex in this city on Wednesday, April 10.

Wearing their best robes and dresses, Muslim men and women living in Tagbilaran City, Panglao, Dauis and Tubigon gathered at the sports complex to celebrate the end of the month of Ramadan, the Islamic month of sacrifice.

Diki, a resident of Lindaville Subdivision in Barangay Tiptip in Tagbilaran, was early at the venue.

He said Eid’l Fitr, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, is one of the most important occasions in Islam.

“At least one of the important commands of Allah to fast in Ramadan has been completed,” he told INQUIRER.

The celebration started through a traditional Salat al-Eid or special prayers recited during the Eid holidays at 7 a.m.

Since Eid Al-Fitr is a day of joy and thanksgiving, Imam called upon Muslims to keep the lessons of the Ramadan close to heart by performing one’s duty and making sacrifices for a noble objective

After the Salat al-Eid, meal packs were served to the attendees.

Celebrations were also held in Batuan, Jagna and Catigbian towns.

The Bohol Police Provincial Office deployed cops at the sports complex to secure the area to ensure a peaceful gathering.

The Salaam Police, a peace and anti-crime, anti-terror advocacy group, assisted law enforcers.

Gov. Aris Aumentado extended “salam” (peace) to the Muslim communities in Bohol and around the world in his message.

“Eid Mubarak! To all our Muslim brothers and sisters around the world, may this celebration of Eid’l Fitr bring you happiness, peace and unity. May Allah’s blessings, guidance and prayers be upon you and your family,” he said in a Facebook post.

Tagbilaran City Jane Yap greeted Muslims on Eid’l Fitr, encouraging the public to remember to keep those who are less fortunate in thoughts and prayers, and to be generous and compassionate.

“To all my Muslim brothers and sisters, may this Eid al-Fitr be a moment of happiness, peace, and prosperity. May the blessings of Allah fill your life with joy and open all the doors of success now and always,” she said in a Facebook post.

There are 15 Muslim communities in Bohol.

READ: Muslims celebrate Eid’l Fitr with family reunions, treats and prayers

At least 2,000 families spread out in Tagbilaran City, with the biggest population at over 1,000 families in four settlements in the Muslim Village, the Islamic Muslim Community, the Darussalam Muslim Community and the Unitop Muslim Community.

There are 500 families in the Jagna Muslim Community with Maranaos and Tausugs.

In Ubay town, there are some 300 Muslim families. The presence of Muslim communities of small families are in Batuan, Catigbian, Talibon, Tubigon, Trinidad, Inabanga, Getafe, Clarin and Baclayon.