Muslim-Filipinos in Canada celebrate Eid’l Fitr 2023

Muslim-Filipinos in Canada celebrate Eid’l Fitr 2023

The Decorating Team who prepared the venue one day ahead of the event.

By Riza Khamal and Trisha Sales

The Muslim-Filipino Association of Canada in collaboration with Unypad-Canada led the Muslim-Filipinos in Greater Toronto Area and nearby cities in celebrating Eid’l Fitr on April 23, 2023 at the Toronto Region Islamic Centre also known as Taric Mosque in North York, Ontario.

Hundreds of Muslim-Filipino community members and guests joined in this joyous event after 29 days of fasting during the month of Ramadan, the 9th month of the Islamic calendar.

Muslims around the world are obliged to fast every Ramadan as part of their faith. In fact, it is one of the five pillars of Islam, along with the proclamation of shahada – testifying that there’s no God but Allah and Prophet Muhammad is His messenger – praying five times a day, performing Hajj in Makkah and sadaqa or giving charity.

Sheikh Imran Ally, Imam of the Taric Mosque

The celebration includes congregational prayers, Quran recitation, community potluck, games and prizes for children, gift giving between friends and families.

Many families and individuals are reconnecting with their identity as Muslim-Filipinos.

The Imam of Taric Mosque, Sheikh Imran Ally inspired the audience with his spiritual talk; Qari Samir El-Belazi awed the community with his Quran recitation and Sheikh Mowaffak touched the hearts of everyone with his supplications while Consul Rodney Jonas L. Sumague of the Philippine Consulate of Toronto brought the presence of home to the Muslim-Filipino community.

Consul Sumague extended his greetings to the Muslim-Filipino community, whose Eid tradition and culture he is familiar with after serving Filipinos in Saudi Arabia.

Consul Rodney Jonas L. Sumague, Philippine Consulate, Toronto.

In his speech, Consul Sumague read Pres. BongBong Marcos’s Eid greetings to the Muslims of the Philippines.

“As you culminate the Holy month of Ramadan by celebrating the festival of breaking the fast, may you sustain the values, teachings and practice that you wholeheartedly discern to embrace throughout this time that form the foundations of your characters as you continue to fulfill righteous deeds and virtuous life. In the spirit of solidarity, the entire Filipino people also joins the Muslim community in the observance of this solemn and festive occasion, for we recognize the Islamic faith and embrace it as part of our own collective consciousness with our many faiths informing all our actions in bridging all our differences. As diverse set of peoples we can transcend any challenge and still remain united under the banners of camaraderie, respect and love. May the Almighty grant all of our fervent wishes and prayers. Eid Mubarak.”

Consul Sumague also expressed his support to the Muslim-Filipino community.

“I would like to express our support to the Muslim-Filipino-Canadian community in Toronto and other parts of Canada and we look forward to working closer with you, in the interest of our country and the Muslim-Filipino-Canadian community,” says Consul Sumague.

He adds, “The Philippine Consulate is here to support all of your programs and projects, especially for the mutual benefit of the Filipinos here, not only here in Canada but also in the Philippines.”

Jonathan Macala, president, Muslim-Filipino Association of Canada and UNYPAD-Canada

Meanwhile Jonathan Macala, the president of both MFAC and UNYPAD-Canada expressed his gratitude towards the community in his opening message at the ceremony.

“I have nothing much to say, but I would like to thank all of you for supporting this event. This won’t be successful without you,” Macala said.

MFAC aims to create a supportive community for families, youth, women, and children through building and facilitating various programs and services that will promote growth and empowerment for future generations.

UNYPAD-Canada (United Youth for Peace and Development Canada) is a non-profit that started in the Philippines. Its goal is to mobilize economic prosperity and sustainable development with the involvement of young Bangsamoro leaders who hope to create awareness of cultural history within the Filipino and Canadian society.

The attendees of Eid’l Fitr celebration during a supplication moment.

Muslim-Filipino women
and children posing for camera