“Let Eid be a continuation,” emphasized Dr. Abdulhamit Durakoglu, Senior Lecturer of UP IIS, as he addressed around 1,000 Muslim worshippers at Ang Bahay ng Alumni, University of the Philippines Diliman, on March 21, 2026. He further advised the faithful that Ramadhan should not mark the end of “what we have done,” such as increased devotion, charity, and forgiveness, but rather serve as a call to sustain these acts consistently beyond the Holy Month.
Prof. Julkipli M. Wadi, Dean of UP IIS, led the takbir mursal at the first saf (line) of the congregation as the attendees sat before him, absorbed in reflection and du’a. Worshippers from different parts of Metro Manila filled the hall, united in solemn anticipation. As the atmosphere of devotion settled, the program transitioned into the khutbah (sermon) delivered by Dr. Abdulhamit Durakoglu.
In his khutbah, Dr. Durakoglu emphasized that Ramadhan provides “a unique environment” where bonds within families and communities are strengthened, acts of worship and charity are multiplied, and spiritual reflection is deepened. In this sense, Ramadhan becomes a period of renewal for Muslims worldwide—reinforcing the pursuit of good just as the struggle against evil is intensified.
His khutbah also moved beyond individual struggles to be better Muslims, as he brought attention to those “under the shadow of suffering” in different parts of the world, who in that same time, were celebrating their Eid al-Fitr under oppression, conflict, and injustice. He referenced the hadith that describes the believers as one body, and that if there is one part of the body in pain, then the entire body is also affected. “We should work hard for the needs of others,” he further stated.
Towards the end, he returned to the basic purpose of fasting in the month of Ramadhan, that is, to attain taqwa, or the fear and consciousness of Allah (SWT). This constant awareness and practice of the Islamic faith elevates a Muslim, and in turn, results in his or her attainment of qalb saleem, or the sound and pure heart. This cultivated heart, he underlined, is a Muslim’s ticket to enter jannah (paradise) in the afterlife.
Lastly, he called upon the faithful to persist in doing good both for oneself and others even after Ramadhan, but with a special emphasis on the latter, as he mentioned the sunnah of fasting for 6 days in the month of Shawwal and on the days of Monday and Thursday. Indeed, according to Prophet Muhammad (SAW), “The best of deeds are small ones, repeated often.” He ended the khutbah with the following du’a:
“Ya Rab, we tasted the sweetness of your nearness in Ramadan. Let us not become blind again. Let us not become distant again. We have cried, we have prayed, we have hoped. Let us not fall back into the prison of our lower self. Let this Eid be a mark on our lives—that we left Ramadan changed.”
The worshippers thereafter shook hands, greeted and embraced each other, and walked towards a corner of traditional snacks and refreshments. A photo wall outside was also prepared by the UP IIS staff for families and friends in attendance together. For a short period of time, Ang Bahay ng Alumni imbibed the spirit of Eid and set the pace for the rest of the festive and celebratory day for Muslims in Metro Manila, including non-Muslims in company and solidarity with their Muslim friends and relatives.
The Eid al-Fitr congregational prayer is an annual initiative of UP IIS under its extension programs, reflecting the University’s enduring commitment to service and community engagement for diverse sectors in Philippine society.
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Article by: Shariful Hashim Mansul | Photos by: Marlon Pervera
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