August 12, 2010 - The first day of fasting during the Holy Month of Ramadan will start today, August 12, after the Darul Ifta headed by Sheikh Omar Pasigan failed to see the moon last August 10. There was cloud in the sky that blocked the naked eye from sighting of the crescent moon.
Mufti Pasigan made the official announcement over Cotabato City’s Radio Station DXMY that fasting will start Thursday, after all groups assigned to sight the moon from all over Mindanao and Sulu reported negative sighting.
He also appealed to storeowners, fish vendors, and vegetable dealers not to raise the prices of their commodities in time for the fasting month.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is the Islamic month of fasting, in which participating Muslims refrain from eating, drinking and sexual activities from dawn until sunset. Fasting is intended to teach Muslims about patience, humility and spirituality and is a time for Muslims to fast for the sake of God and to offer more prayer than usual. During Ramadan, Muslims ask forgiveness for past sins, pray for guidance and help in refraining from everyday evils, and try to purify themselves through self-restraint and good deeds.
The first verse of the Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) during this month of Ramadan.
Allah says in the Qur'an: "O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed to those before you that you may learn self-restraint." (2:183).
Allah also says in another verse of the Qur’an: “Fasting for a fixed number of days; but if any of you is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed number (should be made up) from days later. For those who can do it (with hardship), is a ransom, the feeding of one that is indigent. But he that will give more, of his own free will, it is better for him. And it is better for you that ye fast, if ye only knew.” (2:184)
Fasting is one of five pillars of Islam. The other four are as follows:
·Faith or belief in the Oneness of God and the finality of the prophethood of Muhammad;
·Establishment of the five daily prayers;
·Payment of zakat (poor’s due) to be given to the needy;
·The pilgrimage to Makkah for those who are able.
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