Moonsighting for Eid’l Fitr in Jolo, Sulu




On the 29th day of the Ramadan 2013 (August 7, Wednesday), at the port of Jolo, we mingled with the locals to wait if the new born moon will be sighted which will signify the end of the holy fasting of Ramadan and celebration of the holiest holiday of Eid’l Fitr on the following day (Feast of Breaking the Fast). This is called the moonsighting, it is a conclusion to end the Ramadan in the 29th day or in the 30th day, which is depend in the appearance of the new born moon. 

My Muslim friend from Saudi Arabia even said that moonsighting can be started as early as in the 25th day.



It's all depends on the sighting of the moon, but conflicting official declarations in some parts of the Islamic world varied. On that night (the 29th day), the Dharul Ifta (House of Opinion) in Saudi Arabia declared the celebration of Eid’l Fitr for they have witnessed the appearance of the new moon, it is followed by the Maranao Muslims in Marawi City and Lanao del Sur here in our country and some other Muslim countries around the world.

However, in Jolo, Sulu, we failed to witness the moon and even the so called mufti (Islamic scholars) didn’t see the appearance due to the obstruction of clouds. Moon should be seen by bare eyes and unaided.

It is one’s discretion to adhere the Dharul Ifta, making some of the locals of Jolo celebrated the Eid’l Filtr on Thursday and some followed the end of Ramadan in the 30th day and celebrated it on Friday. 


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