Muslims to start observing Ramadhan

ILIGAN CITY — Muslims would watch the skies tonight for the emergence of a new moon which signals the start of the Holy Month of Ramadhan tomorrow.

"Tomorrow (Nov. 4) is the Niata, when we keep vigil at night to watch the new moon appear in the sky to signal the start of Ramadhan. We do not have the instruments or equipment to track the movement of the moon, but based on the Muslim calendar, the new moon is estimated to appear on Nov. 5", said Imam Abdullah Bato, secretary general of the Imam’s League here.

All Muslims, except children, the ill and the elderly, are commanded to fast Nov. 5 up to Dec. 5.

From 4:00 o’clock dawn up to 4:30 p.m. abstinence from food and water or any drink is required. "Evil actions or thoughts are to be avoided; Imam Bato added.

Sex for the married men is permitted only after the daily fasting ends at 4:30 p.m. All are not allowed to the movies. Television is permitted as long as the shows are not violent and sexy, he added.

Adults who do not fast because of sickness are to make up for their failure when they recover their health by tifara or fasting on the equivalent number of days they failed during Ramadhan.

Ramadhan is one of the five pillars of the Muslim faith. The others are prayer, oneness with Allah, Zacat or the giving of alms and pilgrimage to Mecca. — Lino dela Cruz