By Jim Lloyd Dongiapon
The Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta’ is set to conduct moon-sighting activities in areas inside and outside the Bangsamoro region in preparation for the holy month of Ramadan.
Based on the announcement made by the Darul-Ifta’ on March 9, the moon-sighting will be done in the following areas:
- Barangay Polloc, Parang, Maguindanao del Norte;
- Tantawan Park, Pedro Colina Hill, Cotabato City;
- Timako Hills, Barangay Kalanganan II, Cotabato City;
- Barangay Tapian, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte;
- Iligan Bay, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte;
- Sunkist Seaside, Barangay Pahut, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi;
- Pantalan, Jolo, Sulu; and,
- Isabela City, Basilan
After the moon-sighting activities, the Deputy Mufti, Abdulrauf Guialani, will officially announce the results.
If the crescent moon (Al-Hilal) is seen tonight, Ramadan will begin tomorrow, March 22, or Thursday, March 23.
Ramadan is observed by Muslims around the world by fasting (sawm), praying, reflecting, and participating in community activities.
Muslims commemorate the first revelation of the Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad, which took place in AD 610 when the angel Jibreel (Gabriel) came to the prophet of Islam and gave him the first verses.
Ramadan concludes with Eid al-Fitr, a festival commemorating the end of the month-long fast.
Another moon-sighting activity will be done next month to determine the date of Eid al-Fitr.
It is expected to fall on April 21 or 22 this year and will be declared a regular non-working holiday in the Philippines.