Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Muslims end fasting, celebrate Eid ul-Fitr in Philippines








Muslims in the southern Philippine province of Sulu pray outside a jampacked mosque in Maimbung town on Tuesday, August 30, 2011 that signals the end of the holy month of Ramadan. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)


SULU, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Aug. 30, 2011) – Muslims in the southern Philippine province of Sulu ended the fasting month of Ramadan on Tuesday with prayers and festival that marked the celebration of the Eid ul-Fitr.

Locals celebrated the occasion with thanksgiving after the conclusion of the thirty days of dawn-to-sunset fasting during the Ramadan. Sulu Governor Sakur Tan and his family led residents on Maimbung town in the breaking of fast with prayers on a small mosque.

“We always give thanks to God for all the blessings we received and prayers to thank God for all great things that he gave us all. This celebration of Eid ul-Fitr is a strong commitment of us all to God,” Tan said.

His family prepared food for over 2,000 people on a village in Maimbung town where they celebrated the Eid ul-Fitr. Tan called on his people to always put God above all and continue to pray for peace and prosperity in Sulu, one of five provinces under the Muslim autonomous region.

Later in the day, the governor and his son, Mayor Samier Tan, sponsored a boat racing and swimming competition out in the open sea, with prices for winners that included a motorboat and consolation money which ranged from P5,000 to P10,000.

An amateur singing contest and traditional dance competition were also held in the town and attended by some 3,000 locals. A colorful fireworks capped the celebration of the Eid ul-Fitr.

Tan pledged to bring development and free education to the town.

President Aquino has appointed Tan as member of a screening committee along with peace advocate Yasmin Lao that will help the government choose the acting governor in the Muslim autonomous region who will serve until elections are held in 2013. (Mindanao Examiner)

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