BY JESSIE P. MONGCAL, MDN News Bureau
BASILAN – A top official of the Philippine National Police here said the Muslim faithfuls have successfully observed Ramadan, this year.
The muslims are commemorating the annual celebration of the holy month of Ramadan from March 10, 2024 up to April 10, 2024, it was learned.
Basilan Provincial PNP Director PCol Carlos T. Madronio said this year the holy month of Ramadan was peacefully observed by the believers of Islam. “Yes, this year, we are glad the holy month of Ramadan was very successful.”
Madronio said they have prepared for this Muslim observance of fasting for the Muslims in the province who are faithfully following the teachings of Allah.
“As everybody observed Basilan as of now is very peaceful. Last February, unfortunately we have seven shooting incidents, and now March 1st to date we already have five shooting incidents. But generally, this will not affect much the peace and order situation of Basilan.
Magronio lamented, however, that after the celebration of Ramadan, crime incidents are expected to go high again because of the presence of lawless elements in the province.”
The police director has denied speculations that shooting in Basilan is politically motivated. “Hindi naman pwedeng sabihin natin na ito ay politically mativated na kaagad dahil politiko ang involved ng crime.”
LENTEN SEASON
“Sa ating mga kapatid na Christians nais naming ipaalala na meron na po tayong contingency plan and police units are being dispatched to different locations. At hindi po tayo pwedeng magpaputok ng baril dahil may baril tayo.” Sa mga kapatid nating mga Christians, magnilay nilay po tayo at i-focus ang sarili sa pag obserba natin sa mga mahal na araw.”
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed as a guide for humanity with clear proofs of guidance and the standard ˹to distinguish between right and wrong˺. So whoever is present this month, let them fast. But whoever is ill or on a journey, then ˹let them fast˺ an equal number of days ˹after Ramaḍân˺. Allah intends ease for you, not hardship, so that you may complete the prescribed period and proclaim the greatness of Allah for guiding you, and perhaps you will be grateful.
Ramadan is intended to be a time of spiritual reflection, self-improvement, and increased worship for Muslims. The fast (sawm) begins at dawn and ends at sunset. In addition to abstaining from eating and drinking during this time, Muslims abstain from sexual relations[3] and sinful speech and behaviour. Fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities and to cleanse the soul by freeing it from harmful impurities. Empathy for those who are less fortunate, combined with generosity, is summed up in the concept of zakat.
This year, Ramadan is expected to begin in the evening on Sunday, March 10, 2024 and end on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. The Islamic Calendar follows a lunar cycle, and while these are the calculated expected dates of Ramadan, they can differ from place to place based on moon-sightings or lack thereof.
