MANILA: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr (pic) urged Filipino Muslims in the country and abroad to deepen compassion, discipline, and solidarity as they observe the holy month of Ramadan, which will begin on Thursday (Feb 19).
“Continue becoming a vessel of kindness, understanding, and empowerment throughout this sacred month and beyond,” Marcos said in his message posted by the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos on its Facebook page on Tuesday night.
According to the President, Ramadan is a time of prayer and reflection that draws believers closer to the values of mercy, justice, and service.
“In every hour devoted to prayer and reflection, you open yourselves to the presence of Allah by cultivating discipline, humility, and compassion,” Marcos said.
He also noted the importance of caring for the vulnerable, saying the sacrifices and reflections during the holy month should strengthen the faithful to embody compassion, especially for “the least among our brethren.”
The President encouraged Muslims to view fasting as an opportunity for spiritual renewal and self-discipline, and to use the blessed period to reinvigorate solidarity and shared concern within their communities.
NCMF chair Secretary Sabuddin Abdurahim also extended his greetings to all Muslim Filipinos and to all Muslim brothers and sisters living and working across the country.
“This sacred time reminds us that faith is strengthened through patience, compassion, and sincere devotion. As the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, ‘Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking reward, all his past sins will be forgiven’ (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim),” he said.
“May this divine promise inspire us to renew our hearts, uplift one another, and walk together in mercy, unity, and peace,” Abdurahim added.
The NCMF in a separate statement confirmed Ramadan will commence on Feb. 19, after no crescent moon was sighted on Tuesday night.
“[B]ased on the results of the moon sighting activities conducted by the NCMF, in coordination with the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Darul Ifta and various Ulama groups, as well as the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), the Moon (hilal) was not sighted,” the commission said.
During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims all over the world practice a ritual of daily fasting from dawn to sunset, as well as a time for increased worship, religious reflection and charity.
Ramadan is followed by the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Fitr (Feast of Breaking of the Fast).
Marcos is set to issue a proclamation to declare Eid al-Fitr a regular holiday nationwide under Republic Act No. 9177. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
