Every year, our Muslim brothers and sisters observe a month-long religious holiday called Ramadan --- a time of spiritual renewal. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims observe a strict fast and participate in pious activities such as charitable giving and peacemaking. Muslims in the Philippines observed their Ramadan fasting on 17 May 2018 to 17 June 2018.

The Islamic faithful all over the world mark the end of Ramadan with a joyous three-day celebration called EID'L FITR, the Festival of Fast-Breaking. On the day of Eid, Muslims gather early morning in outdoor locations or mosques to perform the Eid prayer, which consists of a sermon followed by a short congregational prayer. A sumptuous meal, family greetings and other joyous activities follow the congregational prayer.

EID'L FITR is a time to give charity to those in need and celebrate with family and friends at the completion of a month of blessings and joy. During the last few days of Ramadan, each Muslim family gives a determined amount as a donation to the poor. Known as sadaqah al-fitr (charity of fast-breaking), the donation is usually of food to ensure that the needy can have a holiday meal and participate in the Eid'I Fitr celebration.

On the occasion of this year's celebration of Eid'I Fitr, the SANDUGO Movement of Moro and Indigenous Peoples for Self-Determination and the Moro-Christian People's Alliance (MCPA), an interfaith network of Moro and Christian organizations and individuals for just peace and right to self-determination, in cooperation with SANDIWA Network of Moro and IP advocates, will sponsored Sadaqah to express and show interfaith solidarity with our Muslim brothers and sisters in the Philippines in their Eid'I Fitr festivity.

"Balik Marawi NOW!" National Campaign To date, 88,000 individuals or 12,000 families who are residents of the 24 barangays of Marawi City, which are now called "ground zero", are still displaced. They are not allowed by the military and local government officials to return and rebuild their lives, destroyed houses and livelihood for "security" reasons and other stringent requirements, foremost is the land title document of their claimed place of residence.

Further, the government’s plan to build a new 10-hectare, regiment size military camp inside the "ground zero" threatens permanent displacement of affected residents.

The "BALIK MARAWI NOW!" National Campaign aims to actively support, amplify in the national level and sustain the Maranaw bakwits' three legitimate and just demands:

1. to be allowed to return to their place of residence inside Marawi City NOW - to rebuild their ruined lives, destroyed homes and livelihood and for their children to continue their disrupted education;
2. for the national government to provide financial assistance for rebuilding their homes and livelihood;
3. Marawi Rehabilitation that is people-centered, culture and faith-sensitive, inclusive accountable and peace-enabling.

Interfaith Solidarity Gathering

Finally, the Eid'I Fitr Solidarity Affair is also an interfaith solidarity gathering of allies, friends and network organizations and individuals to celebrate the 2nd founding anniversary of SANDUGO Movement of Moro and Indigenous Peoples for Self-Determination and the 19111 anniversary of MCPA, an interfaith network of Moros and Christians for peace and right to self-determination. This joyous occasion will be celebrated in a cultural and food festival.