Rice Distribution

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Rice Distribution-Basilan Governor Jum J. Akbar

Straight from the Heart

By: Abs Damahan

Media Affairs Assistant

PIO/Basilan

Rice Distribution

The charismatic and soft-spoken Governor ofBasilan Hon. Jum Jainuddin-Akbar distributed sacks of rice to a different Mosques yesterday August 17, 2012, she assisted by her staffs led by Mr. Paruk Majirul, Executive Assistant-III, Board Member Yusoph Alana,District I, Former Mayor Haber Asarul of Sumisip Municipality, and Ustadz Wahid Tajuid from the Basilan Supreme Ulama Council.

This is timely humanitarian and Samaritan work for the Lady Executive at the end of the Ramadhan Fasting giving charity to the poor and the needy, today Saturday will formally the end of the Fasting and by Sunday Muslim Community (Ummah) will celebrating the Eidl Fitr is one of the Muslims festivity allowed for the Muslim World by the religion of Islam and the other one festivity the Eidl Adha during Hajj time.

The Eidl Fitri Celebration-

Eid-al-Fitr (Eid al-Fitr, Eid ul-Fitr, Id-Ul-Fitr, Eid) is the first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal. It marks the end of Ramadan, which is a month of fasting and prayer. Many Muslims attend communal prayers, listen to a khutba (sermon) and give zakat al-fitr (charity in the form of food and money in what required and prescribed by Fikhi) during Eid al-Fitr.

Eid’l Fitr – August 20 2012

Malacanang has declared August 20, which falls on a Monday, a national holiday in connection with Eid’l  Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadhan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) had announced the start of Ramadhan last July 21. President Benigno Aquino III made the announcement through Proclamation 455, which you can read in full here.

The NCMF had previously noted in their website that the end of Ramadhan Fasting and observance of Eid’l Fitr will only be determined after the moon-sighting activity that will be done on the 29^th day of Ramadhan, which will be on August 17, a Friday.

Muslims determine these dates by closely monitoring the different phases of the moon. The NCMF (formerly the Office of Muslim Affairs) has also released the schedule for fasting and praying for Muslims in Metro Manila. It can be accessed in this link.

Eid’l Fitr became a national holiday by virtue of Republic Act 9177, signed by then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in July 2002. The law states that the exact date for this holiday should be determined by the NCMF “in accordance with the Islamic calendar (Hijra) or the lunar calendar, or upon Islamic astronomical calculations, whichever is possible or convenient.”

RA 9177 is one of the references used in crafting Proclamation 295, which listed all national holidays for the entire 2012. The full text of RA 9177 can be read here.

According to rules implemented by the Department of Labor and Employment, employees who report for work during regular holidays like this one will get twice their normal hourly rate (colloquially referred to as “double pay”). Those who choose to stay at home during the holiday are still entitled to get their regular daily pay in full. The rule is the same for regular and contractual employees alike. Read the complete DOLE holiday pay rules in this link. Source: NCMF

The signifance of Eidl Fitr-

Islam has two major holidays, Eid al-Fitr (Post-Fasting Festival) and Eid al-Adha.

The word Eid itself is an Arabic word, whose root connotation is �that which comes back, time after time, and rejoicing.� Its particular usage in Islam, for the two major holidays, is because these two days are meant to be days of rejoicing. [1]

The Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, �They are days of eating, drinking, and remembrance of God.� [Reported by Bukhari in his Sahih, an authoritative collection of the sayings of the Prophet.]

In this same spirit, the Qur�an mentions that, �Jesus, son of Mary, said: �O Allah, Lord of us! Send down for us a table spread with food from heaven, that it may be a feast (eid) for us, for the first of us and for the last of us and a sign from You. Give us sustenance, for You are the Best of Sustainers.�� (Qur�an, 5: 114)

Eid al-Fitr celebrates the completion of the month of Ramadan, in which Muslims fast and increase their spiritual devotions, and is meant to be a recognition the material and spiritual favors of God to His creation.

On this day, Muslims all over the world thank God for the gift of fasting, in which they avoided food, drink and intercourse from dawn to dusk, out of obedience and servitude. The Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, �Whoever fasts the month of Ramadan out of faith, seeking its reward, shall have all their past sins forgiven.� [Also reported by Bukhari in his Sahih, and others]

The many lessons in Ramadan are acted upon on this day of festivity, in order that they not be forgotten:

1. Devoting oneself to God: Muslims start the day by showering after dawn on Eid day, then go to the short Eid prayer and sermon that takes place early in the morning.

2. Recognizing one�s blessings and thanking God for them: Muslims are encouraged to wear their best clothes, give gifts (especially to children) and celebrate with family, friends, and neighbors.

3. Remembering the plight of the poor and giving in charity: On Eid day, it is especially recommended to give in charity, the best time of which is before going to the mosque or prayer hall in the morning.

Here in Jordan, we gather after the Eid prayer with fellow students, greet each other, and then have a short group dhikr (remembrance of God) that is accompanied by spiritual songs. Before people part, they drink coffee and have local biscuits and sweets.

In this and other ways, Muslims seek to join between worldly and spiritual celebration, for it is said, �True rejoicing is not (merely) in wearing new clothes, but in becoming true in one�s devotion to God.�

As a result, it is encouraged for Muslims to fast another six days after Eid during the month of Shawwal, in order to keep alive the lessons learned during the month of Ramadan, and to become of those devoted to God. It is because of this that the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said: �Whoever fasts of Ramadan then fasts six days in the month of Shawwal shall have the reward of having fasted the whole year.� (Sahih Muslim)

The Prophet (Allah bless him & give him peace) said, �For every people there is a feast and this is our feast.� [Reported by Bukhari in his Sahih] Source: Googles

At our Eid Mubarak festival let examine ourselves it need to reform totally be the good Muslims if not best, so that our fasting during the whole month be not useless and in veined. To all Muslim Community (Ummah) be happy together to celebrate the Eidl Fitr-2012…

The IFTAR-Zamboanga City

Straight from the Heart

By: Abs Damahan

IRSMP/GCCPBA-PIO

The recent IFTAR breaking of the Fast Ceremony hosted by the Golden Crescent Consortium of Peace Builders and Affiliates was held Sunday, August 12, 2012 at Multi-Purpose Hall, Kalambuan Housing, Maasin, Zamboanga City. The program of activities started at 4:00 PM.

“Therein descent the Angels and the Ruh (Jibril (Gabriel)) by Allah’s permission will all decrees, All that night, there is Peace (and Goodness from Allah to His believing slaves) until the appearance of dawn” Surah Al-Qadr (The Night of Decree) XCVII, 4-5   

The grand IFTAR (Pagbukah) culminating the tradition and symbolizing the normal practice of the Muslim Community (Ummah) the sacred of the Holy Month of Ramadhan on how to break the Fast at sunset.

Part 1 of the IFTAR

This was formally started by Prayer/ Dua’a for Peace by invited Ustadz/Imam followed of the acknowledgment of guests and institution that are presents and in attendances by the Master of Ceremony Mr. Aldrin Bucoy Abdurahim.

Then, followed by Welcome Remarks by no less than Fr. Angel C. Calvo, CMF, Lead Convener, IRSMP President, Peace advocate Zamaboanga and KK. He emphasized the importance of IFTAR for the Inter-religious Solidarity Movement for Peace for the religious tolerance and understanding here in Zamboanga City and the rest community. He promised to support all the activities of the IRSMP all the ways. He also stressed out the importance of the Inter-religious dialogue between of all religions here in Zamboanga City.

Then also the short remarks from the hosted Community Leader Mrs. Teressa Sotto President Kalambuan Homeowners Association she said, she welcomes us all in their community to culminate and observe the IFTAR ceremony and festivity.

The Sharing of Knowledge on the Month of Ramadhan by Prof. Ali T. Yacub, Al-Hj President Golden Crescent Consortium of Peace Builders and Affiliates. He discussed and well explained the noblest and virtues of the month of Ramadhan and practice of IFTAR (Pagbukah) and the importance and highlight of the Fasting (Puasa, Puase). He extracted some selected Verses (Surah) from the Holy Qur-an  and the Traditions (Ahadith) of the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H). Prof. Yacub, he is well prepared and well researched on the topics he delivered to the attendees at the Grand IFTAR held in Zamboanga Community (Ummah).

Part II of the IFTAR,  IFTAR Time and Ceremony-

The Recital of the Holy Qur-an by Ust. Jamal Muhammad, the guests and members are required to remain seated in silence and solemn dignity. Then, this was translated to English by Prof. Ali T. Yacub, Al-Hj. Muslim Convener, IRSMP/GCCPBA.

Then, followed by another topic, The Significance of IFTAR (Pagbukah) by Prof. Moh. Taha S. Arakama, City OIC Dir. DILG, Vice-President GCCPBA, he elaborated the virtues of IFTAR supported by a selected Verses (Surah) in the Holy Qur-an and some selected Tradition practices (Ahadith) of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) that also well prepared and well researched on his subject matters he delivered on IFTAR Fasting Ceremony. He dwell more the emphasis of solidarity, harmonious relationship and tolerance of among religions of which we belong of the different faiths and belief.

As follows, the Recital of the Dua’a for IFTAR by Sheikh Denil Anawari.

The Declaration of the breaking of the Fast Ceremony and Sharing of the Allah’s bounty led by Prof. Ali T. Yacub, Al-Hj. Muslim Convener, IRSMP, President GCCPBA, and other Muslim leaders of the community based in Zamboanga City.

The Introduction of the Guest Speaker by the Master of Ceremony Mr. Aldrin Bucoy Abdurahim, Executive Coordinator, IRSMP our Guest Speaker at that IFTAR Breaking Fast Ceremony is Atty. Al-Rahimin Theo K. Kenoh Administrator Officer V Schools’ Division of Zamboanga City, DepEd.

Atty Kenoh, he talked and discussed more on the role of Muslim in the community as what Muslims and Islam its means a true and genuine religion of peace.  He also extracted some from the selected Verses (Surah) of the Holy Qur-an and Tradition practices (Ahadith) of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) as the basis of his topic. He critics some of his points to our fellow Muslims in name, but not practice what Muslims Community (Ummah) should oblige for a religious tolerance as Allah commanded in His decrees in all part of the Holy Qur-an and Ahadith practices of the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.), this actually disobeys by the Muslims Ummah at present modern generation. He also talked justices for the Muslims Ummah and other related issues and concern of the Muslims in the community.

Responses:

City Councillor Atty. Mel Sadain, his response more on peace and equality, solidarity, tolerance that bring us together a strong group and community in Zamboanga City a regardless of religious affiliation and practices.  His deem message to avoid to cultural biases every Zamboangenos have an equal opportunity and equal privilege here in Zamboanga City.

Dr. Grace Rebollos former WMSU President and PAZ Vice-President, she touched on the current Hijab issue currently ban by Pilar College banning Muslim scholars to wear Hijab inside the school premises which violated the free of the constitution under our sacred Bill of Rights. Although, there are academic freedom and the policy of school, but it contradict the freedom of religion and belief. Its seem, this is a divisive action done by Catholic run institution under our mutual respect toward understanding the faith and belief of other religions.

In Attendances during the IFTAR:

From the AFP, the peace corps Wesmincom Lt. Col. Randolph Cabangbang and companions,  heads of the Churches from the Ustadzes/Imam,  Priests, Pastors , Ministers, local officials, barangays officials, NGOs, Pos, Community Leaders , Youth Leaders and urban poor leaders.

The Organizing Committee and Secretariat:

The head group Sister Emma Delgado, Executive Director of Peace Advocate Zamboanga and staffs. Food served some home readymade in Muslims tradition formed in (Dulang) a mixed variety (Lokot-lokot and other delicacies) food inside covered by (Tutup) and the rest audiences not served by (Dulang) are serving by Catering foods ordered by the sponsored organizers PAZ. Everyone of us officials of IRSMP-PAZ-GCCPBA , invited guests and members  and visitors are served in frugal manners during the IFTAR formal dinner not too much extravagance with a minimal cost for the sponsors organization.

In the Closing Remarks of the IFTAR:

Programs closed by Ms. Josephine Bello-Sanchez, Member IRSMP, she emphasized the solid unity of the CSOs Zamboanga, the solidarity have started and the continued of the efforts for our harmonious relationship of all officials and members of IRSMP based in Zamboanga City, that’s the end of IFTAR Breaking of the Fast Ceremony.