Sulu to observe Ramadan under strict public safety, health protocols

Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan during a meeting with Islamic religious leaders and stakeholders on following public health protocols during the observance of the holy month of Ramadan from April 2-May 2. (Image: Provincial Govt.) 

SULU – Governor Sakur Tan has met with Islamic religious leaders here and discussed the public health protocols during the month-long observance of the holy month of Ramadan where Muslims pray and fast from before sunrise until sundown. 

During the meeting, Tan outlined the need for the public to strictly adhere to the health protocols by observing physical distance, wearing face masks and frequently washing hands with soap and water to prevent the resurgence or spread of the deadly Covid-19 respiratory disease. 

Although the province has zero Covid-19 cases, the entire Sulu remains under a moderate community quarantine status. “Although we have zero Covid-19 cases to date, the threat of infection is still very much present. Only 27 percent of the population are vaccinated, we need at least vaccinate 70 percent of our population to achieve herd immunity,” Tan told religious leaders and other stakeholders. 

Islamic religious leaders agreed with Tan during the conference attended by Ustadz Sharif Jul Asiri Abirin, Mufti of Sulu, Ustadz Abdul Muhaimin Abubakar; Sulu Ulama Council for Peace and Development representative Fraser Kalayakan; members of the Sabiel Al Motahdeen, among others. 

Fasting during the month of Ramadan, which ends on May 2, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Muslims believe that Ramadan is the month in which the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad more than 1,400 years ago. 

At the end of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr. In Arabic, it means “festival of breaking the fast.” (Mindanao Examiner)