Ramadan, the Muslim holy month, officially ended Monday evening, Muslim leaders said.

Office of Muslim Affairs (OMA) Director Atty. Guialil Kanda said the new moon has been seen Monday evening, and according to Islamic tradition this marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

With this, the The Eid'l Fitr, also known as Hariraya Puasa, which marks the end of the holy month, will be observed by Muslims on Tuesday.

However, despite this declaration by Muslim leaders, the non-working holiday set by Malacañang on October 1 will still be observed.

In General Santos, a Musalla - a prayer session that is held outside a mosque - will be held at the campus of the Mindanao State University on Monday as part of the observance of Eid.

After the Musalla, a feast will be held to indicate that the fasting period has ended.

Cotabato residents await Eid

In Cotabato City many are preparing for celebrations in thanksgiving to Allah.

"Hindi naman kailangang engrande... [Muslims celebrate] up to their means only. It is a day to be together,"  Institute of Bangsamoro Studies Prof. Abhoud Syed Lingga said.

Local government officials for their part are preparing for congregated prayers to welcome the Eid'l Fitr.

But if the people of Cotabato City are celebrating, evacuees at the Dapyawan Elementary School are saddened and scared that renewed fighting between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front will mar the Eid'l Fitr.

For evacuees, nothing could be more painful than observing the whole month of Ramadan in temporary shelters amid conflict and war.

Sulu preparations

In Sulu, Vice Governor Lady Ann Sahidulla has already prepared four goats for the traditional slaughter.

She also re-decorated their house and even cleaned the antique jars including some other old decorations.

Sahidulla said Eid’l Fitr is a time when Muslims rejoice after the month long fasting and reflection.

But for the less fortunate Muslims, the Eid is not about festivities and huge celebrations.

The Hassan family in Zamboanga city will celebrate Eid'l Fitr with a simple meal of pansit and juice.

"Di naman importante ang magarbong handaan. Ang mahalaga yung pagbabago sa puso't kaluluwa," Fatima Hassan said.

But Deputy Mufti for Salamat Islamic Institute, Sheikh Abdulwakil Tanjilil, said Hariraya Puasa is also a time for sharing, and a time of unity between the rich and the poor. With reports from Dexter Ganibe, Halima Satol, and RJ Rosalado, ABS-CBN Regional Network Group