President Duterte joins Muslims in Ramadan observance
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Sunday joined Muslims in the observance of the holy month of Ramadan, hoping for it to bring spiritual renewal and enlightenment for the benefit of the Muslim population and the nation as a whole amid the present challenges.
“This sacred month is not only a period for Muslims to concentrate on prayer and making amends but also a time for them to experience and enjoy Allah’s mercy,” President Duterte in a message released by the Palace.
“Similar to how the period of fasting ends with feasting, it is my hope that all your efforts for discipline and reflection will be rewarded with revelation as well as a deeper connection with Allah.”
“May this occasion likewise allow the teachings of the Qur’an to take precedence over all your decisions – even the smallest ones. Let the enlightenment that comes with your contemplation lead you to live with integrity for yourselves and for the nation, especially now when it is needed most.”
The Bangsamoro government announced that the observance of Ramadan in the country will begin on Sunday, April 3.
For Muslims, Ramadan is the annual month-long commemoration of the first revelation to Prophet Muhammad of the first verses of the Qur’an, Islam’s holy book.
It is one of the Muslims’ foundations inscribed in the Qur’an.
Muslims practice fasting during the day for this period to bring the faithful closer to God and to remind them of the suffering of the less fortunate. PND
