CALOOCAN CITY, May 25 (PIA) -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), led by Chief of Staff General Felimon T. Santos Jr. on Saturday, urged Filipinos to "draw" inspiration from the "sacrifices" made by the nation amid the COVID-19 pandemic, as part of its message to celebrate Eid Al-Fitr as it joins Filipino Muslims here and abroad in the observance and celebration of a meaningful and inspiring end to the holy month of Ramadan.
"The AFP hopes that our people take this as an opportunity to draw from our sacrifices the motivation and determination to triumph over the challenges that we are facing today as a nation," the AFP said.
'It is our hope that, despite the strict social distancing measures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, our Muslim brothers and sisters are able to celebrate this important occasion with their families, friends, and in the safe and warm confines of their community," it said.
Eid al-Fitr is normally celebrated communally with prayers and gatherings. However, this isn't possible this year due to strict community quarantine rules that ban gatherings outside the home.
The AFP also urged to use this holy day to pray for the safety of communities, frontline workers, and for a swift end to the pandemic.
"May this also fortify the foundations of our faith and the importance of mutual respect and cooperation in this critical time," it said.
"Rest assured that the AFP will remain vigilant to maintain the peace in every community to give our Muslim brothers and sisters the opportunity for a meaningful and peaceful observation of Eid Al-Fitr," it added.
Eid Al-Fitr, also called the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", is a religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide that marks the end of the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramadan. This religious Eid is the only day in the month of Shawwal during which Muslims are not permitted to fast.
The festival marks the end of Ramadan, which began on April 23 this year, an annual period when Muslims fast to help deepen spiritual devotion and commemorate the work of the prophet Mohammed.
Eid-Al-Fitr falls on either Saturday, May 23 or Sunday, May 24 this year, depending on when the full moon is sighted.
The exact dates change each year, as the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle. (PIA NCR)
Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)
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