The Muslim Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) at the Iligan City Jail-Male Dormitory marked the end of Ramadan with heartfelt celebrations. The day began with the observance of Salat al-Eid, the special morning prayer performed at the conclusion of the holy month. This was followed by a festive lunch featuring fried chicken and beef rendang, graciously donated by well-meaning supporters.
The event was notably joyful, with 98 Muslim PDL—about 15% of the facility’s total population—coming together to commemorate the occasion. Iligan City is situated in Lanao del Norte, adjacent to the predominantly Muslim province of Lanao del Sur. Given the geographic and cultural ties, the presence of a significant Muslim community in the facility is unsurprising.
Reflecting the city jail’s commitment to religious freedom, the administration provides robust support for Muslim PDL to practice their faith. During Ramadan, evening prayers (Salat al-Tarawih) are held at the Multi-Purpose Hall. Even beyond Ramadan, the area is made available for Salat al-Isha (Friday evening prayers) and Salat al-Jumu’ah (Friday noon prayers).
After prayers, Muslim PDL often engage in Shur’a, a practice rooted in Islamic tradition. Shur’a involves consultation or council, allowing individuals to collectively deliberate and discuss matters of shared importance. Within the jail context, this provides Muslim PDL an opportunity for meaningful discussions, fostering a sense of community, unity, and understanding despite their circumstances.
JCINSP Carmelo A Corsame, the city jail warden, expressed his support for religious diversity: “Here at the Iligan City Jail, we recognize the importance of faith to our residents. We provide avenues to freely practice their beliefs, helping them preserve their spiritual well-being and sense of identity.”
During Ramadan, fasting Muslims were also recipients of generous donations, including those from the Philippine Muslim Judges Association, which performed Zakat—a charitable act in Islam—during the early days of Ramadan.
The celebration serves as a testament to the facility’s dedication to inclusivity and the resilience of the Muslim PDL community, proving that even behind walls, faith and tradition remain strong.
