As a show of solidarity and respect for the Muslim community in the city, Mayor Celso Lobregat yesterday afternoon joined the Muslims in the pagbukah or breaking of the fast in observance of the month of Ramadan.

The Pagbukah (If’tar in Arabic) was the 7th for the city government and was initiated by Mayor Lobregat when he first assumed office in 2004. It is a demonstration of the present administration’s sincere appreciation to the Muslim community.

In his message, the mayor stressed that Islam, like all other faiths, is respected and practiced in Zamboanga in complete freedom as guaranteed under the constitution.

He likewise cited the need for all sectors to stress on the things that bind Muslims and Christians together and not on the inequalities.

The mayor vowed to continue the tradition of hosting the Pagbukah during Ramadan every year of his term as the city’s chief executive.

Last week, Mayor Lobregat also had the opportunity of sharing an If’tar meal through an invitation from the Turkish community managing the Filipino Turkish Tolerance School where he stressed that his presence in the occasion displays the aspiration that “as Christians we are also here to celebrate the unity and harmony of the Christians and Muslims in the city”.

For five years now, Mayor Lobregat was privileged to share an If’tar meal with the Filipino-Turkish community.  “We are all here to become better Christians, better Muslims and better Catholics. We are here together as one”, the mayor said in his message.

Based on Islamic teachings, Ramadan, the 9th month of the Islamic calendar is the holiest month of the Muslim year. It was in this month that God first revealed the Qur’an to Prophet Mohammad through Angel Gabriel. During this month, the Muslims observe the obligatory fast and take it as a time of intensive worship and reflection, of charity and self-control and doing good deeds.

Some 200 people from the Muslim community composed of Ulamas, barangay leaders, city officials, police and military officers and representatives from the academe and non-government organizations (NGOs) honored the mayor’s invitation and gave the chief executive the opportunity to address and greet the Muslim constituents in this blessed month of Ramadan.

The Christian community also joined in the same activity held at the Amil’s Tower in Pilar Street yesterday. (Sheila Covarrubias)