MARAWI, Philippines – On the eve of Ramadan, Meranao families gathered for pegang, a tradition steeped in faith, unity, and the shared warmth of a meal.
Derived from the Meranao words “paganay” (first) and “pagana” (ceremonial feast), it marks important and sacred occasions.
In predominantly Muslim Marawi, a city with a population of about 200,000, food sustains as well as strengthens kinship and community bonds.
Pegang, also called pagang, refers specifically to the family gathering and meal preparations on the first day of Ramadan, marking the beginning of the month-long spiritual commitment. It is not just about cooking but about shared experience, strengthening family unity and devotion.
Much like noche buena during Christmas, which brings families together for a special feast, pegang is an important occasion, setting the tone for the month of fasting and reflection.
Then there is the iftar, the meal that breaks the daily fast during the Ramadan, which takes place daily throughout the month.
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Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is a time of fasting, prayer, and reflection for millions of Muslims worldwide. Its start is determined by the crescent moon’s sighting, an event closely monitored by the Bangsamoro regional government, which deployed moon sighting teams across Manila, Misamis Oriental, and General Santos City.
When the moon was not sighted on Friday, February 28, Bangsamoro Mufti Abdulrauf Guialani announced that Ramadan would begin on Sunday, March 2.
This year, the observance will run until March 31, concluding with Eid al-Fitr, the congregational prayer marking the end of month of fasting.
Preparations
Before the Ramadan started, Meranaos crowded markets, stocking up on groceries and traditional delicacies. Many Meranaos returned home to mark the occasion with their families.
Many cleaned their homes, rearranged their spaces, or bought new clothes, gestures of renewal that aligned with their spiritual preparations.
For Muslims, the first day of Ramadan is sacred – a time to pray, reflect, and prepare.
Muslims around the world follow a strict daily routine during the month of fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection.
Before dawn, families wake for a pre-fast meal that helps sustain them through the day.
After the first prayer of the day, the fast begins. From sunrise to sunset, Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, and other physical needs, focusing instead on self-discipline, patience, and faith.
Throughout the day, Muslims perform daily prayers and read the Quran. Many also give to charity as generosity is encouraged during Ramadan.
At sunset, the fast is broken with dates and water. A full meal follows.
Many attend special prayers at mosques where long passages of the Quran are recited. Families spend more time together, sharing meals and prayers, while communities hold public iftars and other religious gatherings.
The daily fasting routine continues throughout the month.
Aside from ensuring their tables are filled, Muslims believe in purifying their hearts and intentions, a practice in Islam known as niyyah, or “action of the heart.”
Ayyanisah Macalandong, an Economics student at the Mindanao State University-Marawi, explained the significance of pegang for her family.
“Groceries, maghahanda po kami ng maraming pagkain for Iftar. Baka sakali na makita namin yung moon, na naka ready na po ang pagkain para 3 am,” she said before the first day of this year’s Ramadan was set.
(We prepare groceries and cook plenty of food for Iftar. Just in case the moon is sighted, the food will be ready by 3 am.)
She traveled back to her home town in Lanao del Sur to spend the first day of Ramadan with her family but planned to return to Marawi City shortly after.
“The first day of Ramadan is important to us. It’s a special time for our family,” Macalandong said.
A city in prayer
Mosques across Marawi will be filled with thousands of worshippers on Sunday, gathering for taraweeh and tahajjud prayers, seeking blessings, and reaffirming their faith.
For Marawi, still scarred by the siege eight years ago, the holy month of Ramadan carries deeper meaning. The 2017 conflict between government forces and the extremist Maute group left lasting wounds, yet the city’s resilience endures.
Many Meranaos see Ramadan as a time when faith and unity overshadow hardship, a month of sacrifice meant to reaffirm their faith and come together during the period of renewal in both spirit and tradition. – Rappler.com