NCMF tells Muslims to hold Eid'l Fitr prayers at home during quarantine

Filipino Muslims are "earnestly enjoined" to hold Eid'l Fitr prayers at home in observance of the government's quarantine rules amid the COVID-19 crisis, the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) said.

In an advisory, NCMF Secretary Saidamen Pangarungan said those praying Eid at home may tune into IBC TV 13 or 15, which will air an Eid prayer and Khutba to be officiated by Dr. Julkipli Wadi at the University of the Philippines' Institute of Islamic Studies on May 24 at 7 to 8 a.m.

"Let us celebrate Eid'l Fitr with supplications to Almighty Allah under the spirit of unity and solidarity with the Filipino people and the Muslim world in the fight against COVID-19, and obey our government authorities who are committed to the safety and wellbeing of our people in general," Pangarungan said.

The advisory cited guidelines from the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) that prescribe restrictions on mass gatherings, including religious activities.

Most of the country is under a general community quarantine, while Metro Manila, Laguna, and Cebu City, which are still considered "high risk" in the spread of COVID-19, will be under a modified enhanced community quarantine until the end of May.

President Rodrigo Duterte has declared May 25, Monday as a regular holiday in observance of Eid’l Fitr or the Feast of Ramadan, which is celebrated by the Muslim world for three days after the end of the month of fasting.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año has reminded the public that any form of mass gathering is prohibited during the holiday. He said his department will release guidelines to ensure compliance with minimum health standards. --Nicole-Anne C. Lagrimas/KBK, GMA News