Understanding Eid Al – Fitr

June 10, 2019 Community Billboard

The key to unity is embracing the differences of one another. Embracing the differences starts with understanding and knowing one’s culture and religion.
As Kofi Annan once said “People of different religions and cultures live side by side in almost every part of the world, and most of us have overlapping identities which unite us with very different groups.
We can love what we are, without hating what – and who we are not. We can thrive in our tradition, even as we learn from others, and come to respect their teachings”.
Ustadz Samem P. Monib of Discover Islam Baguio believes that understanding and respecting the beliefs of others is the key to Peace and Order.
He added that many people know the Eid al-Fitr by its name but not the essence of it for the Muslim Community.
According to him, we can only understand the meaning of Eid al-Fitr if we know its connection to the month of Ramadan.
The Month of Ramadan is the 9th and most favorable month on the Islamic Calendar more popularly known as the Lunar Calendar.
“Ito ang buwan na kung saan unang ibinaba ang kaunaunahang rebelasyon o kabanata sa banal na Quran na ibinaba kay propeta Mohammed, sumakanya nawa ang kapayapaan, sa buwan na ito, inubliga ang pag-aayuno bago magdapit-araw o magbukang liwayway hanggang sa paglubog nito,” Monib said.
He also said that it is a month full of blessings and a time where the gates of paradise are opened and the gates of hell are closed.
“Ito rin ang buwan na sinusuko at ginagapos ang ilan sa mga kampon ni Satanas at sila’y kinakadena at itinatanikala upang mabawasan ang kanilang pag-uudyok sa mga anak ni Adan,” he added.
Monib also said that the month of Ramadan is not about not eating and drinking as perceived by others but it stops a Muslim from doing something bad that can ruin his fasting.
He added that on the said month, Allah urges and encourages Muslims to do good deeds, for the prize of it is endless.
He added that despite the thirst and hunger they experience in a month, they feel joy and happiness.
“Sapagkat ang buwan na ito ay hindi buwan ng pagpapahirap, o pagpapagutom o pagpapauhaw, bagkus ito ay buwan ng kasiyahan para sa mga taong naghahangad ng kapatawaran, buwan ng kaligayahan para sa mga taong naghahangad ng gantimpala, buwan ng kaluguran para sa mga taong naghahangad ng kaligtasan, buwan ng kagalakan para sa mga taong nais makapasok sa paraiso,” he said.
Monib also said that Eid al-Fitr is the feast at the end of Ramadan when all Muslims are done fasting. Though it is the start of the end of the occasion, the true essence of the Feast of Ramadan is living with the lesson learnt by a Muslim in a month-long of fasting.
It is a symbol of unity among all Muslims around the world for it only has one goal: to praise and worship the creator and to follow the paths of Prophet Mohammed.
He added that despite the sadness we see on their faces for the month of Ramadan that taught many of life’s lessons that passed, happiness comes on Eid al-Fitr.

Samantha Carrera, UC Intern/ABN