Muslims start Ramadan with fasting, predawn prayer

Fasting and predawn prayers marked the start of the holy month of Ramadan for Filipino Muslims Wednesday.

In Manila's Quiapo district, radio dzBB's Carlo Mateo reported Muslims started their fast at 4 a.m. and went to the Golden Mosque to pray.

Some of those who went to the mosque came from as far north as San Fernando in La Union province in Northern Luzon, the report said.

The Golden Mosque was repainted and fitted with ceiling fans and other equipment.

Ramadan officially began Wednesday and is expected to end on September 9.

All throughout the Ramadan, participating Muslims offer more prayers than usual and abstain from eating, drinking and sexual activities from sunrise to sunset.

Meanwhile, President Benigno Simeon Aquino III called on Filipino Muslims to offer sacrifice for meaningful change as they started observing the holy month of Ramadan.

In his message, President Aquino said Ramadan is a time of both sacrifice and purification where one forgoes worldly pleasures to cleanse the body and spirit.

“The Filipino nation shares deeply in this Ramadan spirit. As we collectively acknowledge our failure in the stewardship of our people and resources, we must undergo difficult sacrifices. As we heal the wounds of our nation, in justice, each and every one needs to accept his or her shortcomings and resolve to take the straight path," he said.

“For the sacrifices that bring a community closer to one another and to the Almighty bring the promise of grace and abundance," he added.

He said it is this sacrifice along with the promise of change that gives Filipinos hope.

"We know that in the new straight path, the Almighty will generously reward us with His bountiful blessings and grace," he said.

For her part, presidential peace process adviser Teresita Deles urged Filipino Muslims to keep the spirit of Ramadan burning as they "reflect, restore and recommit" to bring about a nation "free from everything that obstructs peace."

“It is an opportunity to reflect on how we have lived as we pray for the guidance of the Almighty. This entails learning to humble oneself, looking inwardly and examining things that keep one from treading the peaceful path," she said.

Aquino and Deles' messages were posted on the website of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process. — LBG, GMANews.TV