Eid al-Fitr ‘forlorn’ for Muslims of Marawi

The Muslims of the war-torn city of Marawi will have to draw deeply from their faith in finding reasons to celebrate the Eid al-Fitr today, marking the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan.

According to Ambassador Macabangkit B. Lanto, the Eid is supposed to be a joyous occasion for families to get together to renew bonds and share stories about their experiences during Ramadan.

The Eid also presents an opportunity for Muslims all over the world to renew their commitment to the Islamic way of life, said Lanto, who has also served in government as a congressman and undersecretary of justice.

“Unfortunately for Muslims in the Islamic City of Marawi, who are mostly crammed in temporary shelters and evacuation centers, they will be celebrating it in a strange environment with the wounds of the war still fresh,” Lanto said.

“The Eid will bring back forlorn memories of lost loved ones and the destruction of prized possessions. It will be a sad day for the Maranaws of Marawi,” he added. “Just the same, we wish everybody, including our non-Muslim brothers, Eid al-Fitr al Mubarak!”

President Rodrigo Duterte has issued Proclamation No. 514 that declared today’s Eid celebration a regular holiday throughout the country so the Filipinos may have the “opportunity to join their Muslim brothers in peace and harmony in the observance of the Feast of Ramadan.”