Marilyn Cahatol

'It’s all about sacrifice': Filipino Muslims celebrate Eid'l Fitr in Manila

Article (news)

Eon Sanchez

ABS-CBN News

<div style="text-align:center"><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Freel%2F1298364795678434%2F&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=560&amp;t=0" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br/></div><p>MANILA — Thousands of Muslims and families gathered at the Golden Mosque early Saturday morning, March 21, to offer congregational prayers in observance of Eid&#x27;l Fitr, also known as the Feast of Breaking the Fast.</p><p>The celebration marks the end of the month-long fasting period of Ramadan and is observed through prayers, acts of charity, and communal meals. It remains one of the most significant occasions in the Islamic faith.</p><p>The day’s events began the previous evening, around 7 p.m., with the Takbir—the repeated recitation in praise of Allah—as families prepared to welcome Eid.</p><p>Before the morning prayer, some worshippers performed the Zakat al-Fitr, a form of obligatory charity for the less fortunate, symbolizing purification after a month of fasting.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/3/19/moon-not-sighted-filipino-muslims-to-mark-eid-l-fitr-2026-on-march-21-2048">Moon not sighted! Muslim Filipinos to mark Eid&#x27;l Fitr 2026 on March 21</a></div><p>The Salat al-Eid or Eid prayer was followed by the Khutbah, a 30-minute sermon emphasizing the continuation of compassion, kindness, and unity even after Ramadan, and reminding the faithful of the rewards promised by Allah for their devotion.</p><p>Among the attendees was the Palon family from Maguindanao del Norte, who have been based in Manila since 2002.</p><p>Sahod Abiden shared that Eid is a particularly meaningful time for them, as it allows the family to reconnect with fellow Muslim communities in the city and relive traditions from their home province.</p><p>“If may option lang na, the whole year, magra-Ramadan kami,” he said.</p><p>“It’s very important to us. Above all kasi, it’s all about sacrifice. So kahit mahirap, as a Muslim, kinakaya namin yung mga ganung bagay. It’s very fulfilling to us.”</p><p>He added that their prayers included blessings not only for their family but for the entire Muslim community, and even for the situation in the Middle East, where US and Israeli attacks on Iran have sparked regional conflict.</p><p>“Of course yung more blessings, not just with us, but the whole community, the whole Muslim community. Then right now, yung nangyayari sa Middle East. Kasama siya sa prayer. But this time, mas naging stronger yung prayer namin,” he said.</p><p>After the prayers, families exchanged greetings of “Eid Mubarak” and proceeded to enjoy meals together, continuing the celebration with food and fellowship.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>&#x27;SACRIFICE AND SOLIDARITY&#x27;</strong></div><p>Meanwhile, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasized the importance of enduring virtues as he joined Filipino Muslims in observing Eid’l-Fitr.</p><p>In a formal message, Marcos Jr. called the occasion a reminder that “deepest joys are often those earned through sacrifice, and that discipline in faith strengthens not only the individual, but the entire community.”</p><p>“The virtues nurtured during this sacred month—compassion, humility, patience, and charity—must not end with the breaking of the fast. They must strengthen families, restore hope in communities, and remind us that a nation is built not only through laws and institutions, but through people who choose kindness, responsibility, and solidarity with one another,” the president said.</p><p>Vice President Sara Duterte also extended her greetings, calling on Filipino Muslims in the country and abroad to celebrate the occasion with reflection on prayer, sacrifice, and charity.</p><p>“May the spirit of Eid bring you comfort and remind you that your contributions to your families and our country are deeply valued,” she said.</p><p>“May your homes be filled with peace, and may your hearts be filled with the light of Allah’s blessings,” Duterte added.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/3/20/sara-duterte-shares-fervent-prayer-for-peace-across-the-world-in-eid-l-fitr-message-1055">Sara Duterte shares ‘fervent prayer for peace across the world’ in Eid’l Fitr message</a></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2fzlh2EhjVs?si=rS80CIl75RsMV1o5" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

<p>Thousands of Muslims and families gathered at the Golden Mosque early Saturday morning, March 21, to offer congregational prayers in observance of Eid al-Fitr, also known as the Feast of Breaking the Fast.</p>

Thousands of Muslims and families gathered at the Golden Mosque early Saturday morning, March 21, to offer congregational prayers in observance of Eid al-Fitr, also known as the Feast of Breaking the Fast.