Filipino Muslims want Monday declared holiday for Eid al-Fitr

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (UPDATED) – After the Darul Ifta declared that the observance of Eid al-Fitr will be on Monday, July 28, and not Tuesday, July 29, as originally declared by the government, the National Ulama Conference of the Philippines urges President Benigno Aquino III to declare Monday a non-working holiday.

“We respectfully request President Benigno Aquino to reconsider declaring [Monday] as an official Muslim non-working holiday. God bless him and our country as he prepares for his SONA tomorrow,” Alih Aiyub, NUCP secretary general, said.

The observance of Eid al-Fitr will coincide with Aquino’s State of the Nation Address, where he will present before Congress the condition of the country and the plans of the government for the coming year.

And as Muslims in the country end their fasting, the NUCP asks the public to pray with them to end the tensions and skirmishes in the country and in the parts of the world.

“Wishing and praying that our prayers, fasting, and sacrifices be accepted by the Almighty God, and may God intervene send his angel of peace to touch the hearts and minds of people who are in conflict at war here and abroad. May the spirit of Ramadhan enlighten them to realize that peace is the only way to resolve differences,” Aiyub said.

Aiyub said that aside from peace in the Bangsamoro, Muslims in the country are also praying for peace in Gaza, Israel, Iraq and Syria.

“We pray for peace in the Bangsamoro, in Gaza and Israel, in Iraq, in Syria, and elsewhere. Let us repel evil with what is good, and may God guide and help us as always,” he said.

The Muslim community in Basilan also started their Monday with prayers in celebration of Eid, and included the people of Gaza in their prayers.

Meanwhile, the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) urged to the public to observe Eid al-Fitr with “happy thoughts and without burden or grudges” in their hearts.

The BTC shared that the Bangsamoro people are hoping that this would bring in peace in the troubled region most especially through the enactment of the Bangsamoro Basic Law that would create a new political entity.

“Lastly, may this new year bring real peace through the passage of our BBL and fruition of the Bangsamoro,” the BTC said. – With a report from Richard Falcatan/Rappler.com