Ramadhan 2006 - 1427 Hirah

Muslims all over the world, particularly Metro Cebu Muslim Communities, are fasting in this blessed holy month of Ramadhan. The fasting on this Holy month started upon the sighting of the New Moon on Shaban 29th SHAABAN 1427 Hijrah Calendar, corresponded to September 22, 2006 - the ninth month of the Islamic year, Hijrah Calendar. In connection with this, the Cebu Green Mosque and the Metro Cebu Muslim Organization have continued its task and spiritual free services for the observation of the new moon and the educational campaign for the observation of this matchless institution RAMADHAN. The information center is situated at Cebu Green Mosque, Sikatuna Street, Zapatera, Day-as, Cebu City with tel. no. 253-9253, for further information on the starting of the observance/breaking of the Holy month of RAMADHAN. The Green Mosque Moonwatch committee will listen to neighboring Asian Muslim countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam and other Middle East Arab muslim countries provided the declaration of appearance of the New Moon should not be on the observation of the abstinence period.

The Cebu Muslim Communities and the Muslims all over the world will observe fasting of RAMADHAN based on the (HADITH) traditions of the prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) said: "Fast when you have seen or witnessed the appearance of the new moon and break your fast upon the appearance of the next new moon, but if the new moon covers unto you due to bad weather make (SHAABAN) thirty days (30 x days). This means if the new moon did not appear on September 22, 2006, Friday, corresponding to the 29th Shaaban sunset, then the first day of observance of RAMADHAN 2006 would be on Sunday, September 24. But if the new moon appeared on September 22 after the sunset, therefore the first day of RAMADHAN would be on Saturday, September 23, 2006.

SAWM - Fasting is the fourth (4th pilar) of Islam, ALLAH (S.W.T.) Subhanahuwataala said in the Holy Qur-an: "O ye believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint." (SURAH ALBAKARAHAYAT 183). The CEBU GREEN MOSQUE, Imam, President Ustadz/HARON MAGADAPA, religious affairs chairman of Metro Cebu Muslim Organizations Peace and Order Council advice all Muslim halal entries not to serve Muslims on the days of RAMADHAN and exempt persons such as the aged, pregnant women, women on her menstruation period, children who have not reaches the age of puberty, etc. or not to eat and drink publicly on the days of RAMADHAN.

FASTING (SAWM) is an Arabic term means total abstinence from eating, drinking, smoking, sexual intercourse, from dawn until sunset.

Fasting in Islam means that a Muslim abstains from the things of material nature, food drink, smoking, etc. in order to have spiritual joys and moral nourishment. The Muslim empties his stomach of all material things, for a duration of thirty days and filling his soul with peace and blessings, filling his heart with love and sympathy; to fill his soul with piety and faith; to fill his mind with wisdom and resolutions. FASTING on its proper way and manner will enable a man to exercise full command over his passions, discipline his desire and resist all evil temptations, he will be in the position to restore his dignity and integrity, to regain freedom from the captivity of evil. Thus, established inner peace will be the source of permanent peace, a peace unto God and consequently he will be at peace with his brothers and to all his neighbors in the community.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Muslims in Metro Cebu are invited to observe fasting with their brothers on this blessed RAMADHAN month, to join observe supererogatory prayer known as TARAWI (nightly prayers) every 7:30 p.m. for respective MASAJID-mosque in Metro Cebu; to exchange social visits and intensify humanitarian services; to increase study and recitation of the Holy Qur-an. Exert the utmost in patience and humility; to be extraordinary cautious in using senses, the mind and especially the tongue; to abstain from careless and gossipy chats and avoid ill feeling not to retaliate whenever his right is oppressed; instead, will say ANASAIMUN-I'm fasting. Refreshing drinks and foods will be served after supererogatory prayer known as TARAWI PRAYERS.