Eidul Fitr Holiday in the Philippines

The Day

Eidul Fitr, also known as Eid al-Fitr or the "Festival of Breaking the Fast," is a significant religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide to mark the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. In the Philippines, where Islam is the second-largest religion, this day is a national holiday, reflecting the country's respect for its Muslim citizens and their faith.

History

Eidul Fitr was established by the Prophet Muhammad and has been celebrated by Muslims for over 14 centuries. The Philippines officially recognized Eidul Fitr as a public holiday with Republic Act No. 9177, which was signed into law on November 13, 2002. The declaration was part of the government's effort to foster peace and understanding between Muslims and Christians in the country.

Traditions

On this day, Filipino Muslims engage in traditional practices such as:

• Performing Eid prayers (Salat al-Eid) in mosques or open fields.
• Giving Zakat al-Fitr, which is charity given to the poor at the end of Ramadan.
• Enjoying festive meals and sweets with family and friends after a month of fasting.

People dress in their best clothes and often begin with an early morning cleansing known as "ghusl," followed by a small breakfast before heading to prayer—a contrast to Ramadan's dawn-to-dusk fasting.

What People Do

During Eidul Fitr in the Philippines:

• Family gatherings are common as people visit relatives throughout the day to celebrate together.
• Children often receive gifts or money from elders.
• Cultural festivals featuring music and dance may be held in some communities.

The atmosphere is generally one of joy and gratitude for having completed a month of fasting and spiritual reflection. Despite being predominantly Christian, many non-Muslim Filipinos are aware of Eidul Fitr celebrations due to its national holiday status, leading to broader cultural understanding.