Muslims in Northern Mindanao and nearby provinces will join the Islamic community worldwide on a 30-day fast to observe Ramadan, during which they will offer special prayers to those embroiled in conflicts.

Ustadz Abubassam Egol said Muslim communities worldwide will include in their prayers that innocent civilians in Palestine will be spared, as well as other Muslim communities experiencing various conflicts.

“We will pray for them that they will be free from these adversities,” he said in an interview on Monday.

Egol resides in this city but is currently based in Saudi Arabia as a Sharia (body of religious law that forms a part of the Islamic tradition based on scriptures of Islam) scholar at Qassim University.

Ramadan is a yearly religious obligation among able Muslims to fast for 30 days as part of the five pillars of Islam.

In the Philippines, the first day of Ramadan will start on Tuesday following the moon sighting and declaration of the Grand Mufti of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

In a statement, Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Ziaur-Rahman Adiong said Ramadan reminds Muslims to reflect on faith, cultivate patience, and embrace compassion in all aspects of our lives.

“We invite our fellow Muslims to deepen our connection with Allah Almighty through prayer and self-reflection. It’s a time for seeking forgiveness and guidance, and for immersing ourselves in the teachings of the Quran,” he said.

Several Muslim organizations have also organized donation drives as philanthropic acts are observed during the holy month.

Marawi City-based Sponsor An Orphan Project Inc. is calling for food donations to provide iftar (post-fasting meals) for less-privileged children and families in Lanao del Sur. (PNA)