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.