Pinoy Muslims mark Eid'l Fitr, end of Ramadan

Filipino Muslims gathered early on Wednesday in mosques and their communities to mark Eid'l Fitr, the end of Ramadan.

At the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park in Manila, thousands of Muslims arrived early for the morning prayers that started at 4:20 a.m., according to a report by James Agustin on GMA News' Unang Balita.

Thousands of Filipino Muslims gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, Manila on Wednesday, June 5, 2019, for the Salat al-fajr or morning prayer during Eid'l Fitr, the joyous celebration observed by Muslims worldwide at the end of Ramadan. Danny Pata

Eid'l Fitr is one of the most important occasions in the Islamic calendar, marking the end of the month-long fasting or Ramadan. It is normally celebrated for three days.

This year's Ramadan started on May 6. The Ramadan is considered as one of the pillars of Islam.

Men and women gathered separately at the Quirino Grandstand, carrying with them sadjadan or prayer mats. The men sat near the stage while the women were in the middle of the field across the grandstand.

Nasa 10,000 Muslim ang inaasahang makikisa sa pagdiriwang ng Eid’l Fitr sa Quirino Grandstand sa Maynila ngayong umaga. Buong detalye sa @UnangHirit! @gmanews @dzbb pic.twitter.com/9quGu6rRQb

— James Agustin (@_jamesJA) June 4, 2019

According to Datu Suhaili Abangon, organizer of the Eid'l Fitr celebration at the Quirino Grandstand, 10,000 Muslims were expected to join the day's prayers.

"Ang panalangin ko po 'yung sana po ay magkaisa po tayo dahil kung ano ang naituro ng Ramadan, kasi tapos na 'yung Ramadan, kung maisagawa mo 'yung buhay sa buong mundo ay ikabubuti mo dahil andu'n 'yung tunay na paniniwala," he said.

The Eid'l Fitr prayer started at 7 a.m.

Eid’l Fitr prayer ng mga Kapusong Muslim sa Quirino Grandstand, Maynila, nagsimula na. | @_jamesJA pic.twitter.com/LuML30KYNJ

— GMA News (@gmanews) June 4, 2019

Families and friends will then share a meal after the Eid'l Fitr prayer.

A program has been scheduled at 8 a.m.

Devout Muslims expressed thanksgiving for the end of Ramadan.

"Pinagpapasalamat po namin is 'yung dumating po 'yung Ramadan na kompleto po 'yung pamilya namin," said Baila Umal, one of those who attended the event at Quirino Grandstand on Wednesday.

"Pinagpapasalamat na nakaraos kami sa isang buwan ng Ramadan," another Filipina Muslim, Raihana Dimaek, said.

Meanwhile, at the Golden Mosque in Quiapo, Muslims also arrived before dawn for the day's activities.

Some of them cooked food at the administration office in preparation for the meal after the Eid'l Fitr prayer.

In Kidapawan City, Cotabato meanwhile, Muslims gathered at the grounds of the Kidapawan City Pilot Elementary School for early morning prayers.

Muslim children join their parents during the congregational prayer at the school grounds of the Kidapawan City Pilot Elementary School in Kidapawan City, Cotabato on Wednesday, June 5, 2019 in observance of Eid'l Fitr, the festive and prayerful culmination of the month-long fasting and prayers or Ramadan. WILLIAMOR A. MAGBANUA

Meanwhile, Muslim families in other provinces also joined together in prayer to mark Eid'l Fitr. —KG, GMA News