A Guide to Ramadan in the Philippines: Fasting, Food, and Faith
Explore how Filipino Muslims observe Ramadan with faith, culture, and community, from fasting routines to festive iftar traditions.
When the thin crescent moon appears each year, Muslims across the Philippines join the global ummah in welcoming Ramadan — a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection. For Filipino Muslims, Ramadan is deeply religious and strongly cultural: it’s a time to reconnect with faith, to strengthen community ties, and to celebrate identity in a country where Catholic traditions are more visible.
Why Ramadan matters
Ramadan marks the month when the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in 610 CE. Fasting from dawn to sunset is the core practice: no food, drink, or intimate relations during daylight hours. But the fast is more than physical restraint. It’s meant to purify the heart and mind, grow self-discipline, build empathy for the poor, and deepen one’s relationship with Allah through extra prayer, Quran recitation, and charity.
Across the archipelago — from Manila’s busy streets to villages and cities in Mindanao — Ramadan reshapes daily life. People speed up their spiritual routines, families plan iftars together, and communities organize charity drives and communal prayers.
A quick history: how Islam took root in the Philippines
Islam reached the Philippines between the late 13th and early 14th centuries, arriving with traders and missionaries from the Middle East and the Malay world. Key Islamic states — the Sultanate of Sulu (established around 1405) and the Sultanate of Maguindanao (around 1515) — helped establish Islam’s cultural and political presence in the south. Despite centuries of colonisation and later pressures, Filipino Muslims (often called Moros) preserved their traditions and religious life. Today they number roughly 6–7 million, or about 6% of the national population, and continue to observe Ramadan with devotion.
Key moments during Ramadan
-
Start of Ramadan: determined by sighting the new crescent moon.
-
Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Power): believed to fall on one of the odd nights in the last ten days; many Filipinos spend these nights in extra prayer and reflection.
-
Last ten days: a sacred period when many perform iʿtikāf (spiritual retreat) in mosques.
-
Eid al-Fitr: marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated with special prayers, family feasts, and community gatherings.
Filipino iftar traditions — local flavor at sunset
Breaking the fast in the Philippines keeps the traditional date first, but local food culture shapes the rest. “Pag-iiftar” (communal breaking of the fast) often features a mix of Middle Eastern and Filipino dishes. In Muslim-majority areas and larger cities you’ll find vibrant Ramadahan food bazaars after sunset, selling treats like dodol (sweet sticky rice cake), lininggil (cassava cake), and lokot-lokot (rolled rice cake). In Manila and other urban centres, halal restaurants and food stalls extend their hours to serve those coming from work or prayers.
Ramadan recognition and growing inclusion
The Philippines has made important moves toward recognizing Ramadan nationally. Republic Act No. 10817 (2015) declared Eid al-Fitr a national holiday, acknowledging its significance. Beyond that, interfaith iftars are more common, government agencies sometimes adjust working hours for Muslim employees during fasting, and schools provide accommodations for Muslim students. Media coverage and public awareness campaigns also help non-Muslim Filipinos understand Ramadan better, promoting social harmony.
The city challenge: fasting in Manila
Ramadan in Manila can be a test of patience. The fast is harder in fast-paced urban life where mosques are fewer and workplaces don’t always have prayer spaces. Still, the Muslim community adapts: universities and offices create prayer rooms, halal food options expand, and informal support networks form. Community iftars in places like Quiapo and Greenhills become important anchors — not just for food, but for spiritual and social support.
Charity and community action during Ramadan
Charity intensifies during Ramadan. Mosques and the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos coordinate Zakat collection and distribution. Grassroots initiatives such as “Iftar sa Kalsada” provide meals to the homeless, while groups like One Ummah Foundation support orphanages and struggling families with food and financial aid. Student associations organise “share-an-iftar” events on campus, and the centuries-old Filipino practice of kanduli (community feasting) takes on renewed relevance. These efforts turn the principle of Zakat (obligatory charity) and Sadaqah (voluntary charity) into tangible help for people in need.
Looking ahead: Ramadan and Filipino society
Ramadan in the Philippines is growing in visibility and acceptance. Workplaces are more mindful, schools are more accommodating, and interfaith dialogue around the month is increasing. This wider recognition not only supports religious practice but also strengthens national unity by highlighting shared values: compassion, generosity, and reflection.
For Filipino Muslims, Ramadan remains a powerful blend of faith and culture. It’s a month when spiritual routines are intensified, communities come together, and generosity multiplies. As the moon guides the start and end of the fast, the spirit of Ramadan lights up lives across the Philippines — reminding everyone, Muslim or not, of values that cross religious lines: kindness, humility, and care for others.
Follow local mosque pages or trusted community groups for Ramadan timetables, charity drives, and iftar events in your area.
This article was previously published on UAE Moments. To see the original article, click here