Ramadan On Philippines - July 2012

Ramadan 2012on the Philippines will start on Friday or Saturday, depending on the moon sighting...

July 2012 Ramadan - Philippines

Philippine Ramadan, July 2012

Observance of Ramadan in the Philippines starts tomorrow, July 20, 2012, Friday, that is, if the moon will be sighted tonight, Thursday.

However, if the moon cannot be sighted on Friday night due to cloud covers or to other reasons then the holy month - a month long day-time fasting will officially start on Saturday - Uztads Esmael Ibrahim, the chairman if Ulama Council of the Philippines said.

“If the moon is seen tonight, fasting starts Friday, if not, then it will be on Saturday,” - the chairman said.

During Ramadan, fasting is one of the five pillars of Islamic faith, as listed below.
1.) Fasting
2.) Belief in Allah
3.) Giving of zakat (alms) to the poor
4.) Praying five times a day while facing Mecca in Saudi Arabia
5.) Going to Mecca at least once in a lifetime - for financially capable

According to Ustadz Jaafar Ali, head of the local Darul Iftah (House of Opinions) - fasting is thought by Prophet Mohammad in remembrance for his followers the need for self-restraint to achieve harmony and self peace.

“Self restraint would lead to spiritual perfection,” said Ibrahim.

Religious leaders in different parts of Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will all together observe the skies on the night of July 19 to see if the new moon will appear.