How date of Eid'l Fitr is determined

The Eid'l Fitr or the end of the month of Ramadan will be celebrated on Saturday, April 22.

One of the most important occasions in Islam and known as the festival of the breaking of the fast, Eid’l Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Eid'l Fitr comes after fulfilling the teachings of Allah.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. earlier declared April 21, 2023 as a regular holiday in observance of the Eid'l Fitr or the Feast of Ramadhan.

However, Grand Mufti of the Bangsamoro Abuhuraira Udasan said that the celebration of Eid'l Fitr will be on Saturday, April 22, after the traditional moon-sighting activity was performed.

The declaration of Eid’l Fitr is based on the period local authorities saw the new moon.

“The role of the moon if it is seen on the 29th of the month of Ramadan and then the next day will be the Eid’l Fitr. There is a specific time of moon sighting, if after that time the moon is not sighted you will complete the 30 days of fasting," Ali Alawi, president and founder of the Mahad Metro Manila Al Islami Inc., said on Oscar Oida’s “24 Oras” report on Friday.

"Clear and simple our Olama and the BARMM grand mufti declared that the moon was not seen anywhere in the Philippines at the designated specific time period therefore we have to complete the 30 days,” he added.

Several Muslims celebrated the Eid’l Fitr on Friday morning.

“Iniintay ko po ang desisyon sa buong mundo na nagtingin ng buwan nang 11:30 napagsaksihan pong Saudi Arabia, Qatar at Abu Dabi at Egypt. Marami pong bansang muslimna sila po ay nag witness na nakita nila ang buwan kaya nagdeclare din po ako sa aking sarili at sa mga sumasama sa akin na ako ay mag Eid’l Fitr ng Friday,” Padel Hassam said.

“Hindi po masama ang pagdeclare ng Sabado hindi masama ang pagdeclare ng Friday depende po sa paniniwala ng isat isa  dahil po ang tinitignan ng panginoon sa atin kung ano po ang nasa puso po natin yung taus pusong pananamplataya po,” he said.

At least 8,000 Muslims are expected to troop to the Golden Mosque in Quiapo, Manila on Saturday.

Some stalls are also being prepared at the Luneta Park for the Halal Bazaar as part of the Eid’l Fitr celebration.—Richa Noriega/LDF, GMA Integrated News