NEWS
20March
Bangsamoro Darul Ifta sets Eid’l Fitr on March 21, urges observance of Sunnah practices
- Mar 20, 2026
- Gandhi Kinjiyo
- HITS: 191
In a statement issued after the observation, Guialani said that no verified sightings of the Shawwal crescent were reported from designated areas across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), including in Maguindanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.
“By the authority vested in me as Bangsamoro Mufti, I hereby announce that the crescent moon was not sighted,” Guialani declared.
With this development, the Darul Ifta declared that the month of Ramadhan will complete 30 days – with Friday, March 20, as the final day of fasting – and Eid’l Fitr will be observed on Saturday, March 21.
The announcement follows official moon-sighting activities led by the BDI across multiple observation points in the region to determine the start of Shawwal, in accordance with Islamic tradition. The BDI coordinates closely with other Islamic authorities in the Philippines to ensure consistency in religious observances.
In a separate advisory posted on its Facebook page, the Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta’ also reminded the public to observe the Sunnah practices of Eid’l Fitr, emphasizing the importance of making the occasion meaningful through acts of worship, gratitude, and unity.
Recommended practices include performing ghusl (ritual bath) before proceeding to the prayer ground, wearing one’s best clothes, and eating before attending the Eid prayer. The advisory also highlighted the recitation of takbir on the day of Eid, going early to the prayer area, and walking to the venue if possible.
Muslims are likewise encouraged to listen to the Eid sermon, take different routes going to and returning from the prayer area, and exchange greetings with others. The religious authority further reminded the public to express joy and happiness during Eid, in accordance with Islamic teachings, while maintaining a spirit of unity and gratitude after the month-long observance of fasting.
Islamic teachings emphasize the importance of moon-sighting in determining the beginning and end of Ramadhan, as the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle – approximately 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. In a hadith narrated by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): “Fast when you see it (the new moon) and break your fast when you see it; but if it is obscured, then complete thirty days.” This guidance serves as the basis for the practice among Muslim communities worldwide.
Fasting during Ramadhan, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, is observed by Muslims worldwide as an act of worship, self-discipline, and spiritual reflection. From dawn to sunset, Muslims abstain from food, drink, smoking, and marital intimacy to attain piety (taqwa), strengthen their faith, and cultivate compassion for those less fortunate.
Muslims in the Bangsamoro region and other parts of the Philippines will continue fasting on Friday, March 20, completing the holy month before marking Eid’l Fitr the following day.
The BDI is the recognized religious authority in BARMM tasked with issuing rulings on Islamic matters, including the official declaration of Islamic holidays based on moon-sighting. Its advisories guide Muslim communities in ensuring that practices and celebrations are in accordance with Islamic teachings.
Time in Cotabato
Most Read
