President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday called on Muslim Filipinos to let the Holy Month of Ramadan deepen their faith and strengthen solidarity within their communities, as he joined them in marking the start of the sacred observance.
“I join our Muslim brothers and sisters around the world as you enter the Holy Month of Ramadan,” Marcos said in his message made public by the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF).
Ramadan, observed through fasting from dawn to sunset, prayer, reflection, and acts of charity, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
In the Philippines, it is solemnly observed across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and in Muslim communities nationwide.
The NCMF said Ramadan in the Philippines will begin on Thursday, after no crescent moon was sighted on Tuesday night.
In his message, the President underscored the spiritual discipline at the heart of the month-long observance.
“In every hour devoted to prayer and reflection, you open yourselves to the presence of Allah by cultivating discipline, humility, and compassion – drawing closer to the values of mercy, justice, and service that Ramadan calls forth,” he said.
He described Ramadan as sacred ground for renewal, not only personal but communal.
“Upon this dedication, we stand on sacred ground – a place of renewal – where spiritual growth bears fruit not only in our own lives, but also in the lives of those entrusted to our care,” he said.
The President invoked the example of the Prophet Muhammad, whose encounter with the Almighty through the revelations of the Holy Qur’an is central to the meaning of Ramadan.
“Like the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) who encountered the Almighty through the revelations of the Holy Qur’an, may your faith be deepened and your commitment be renewed to live out His teachings,” he said.
He also emphasized sacrifice and self-emptying as pathways to spiritual fulfillment.
“Let every fast be a moment of self-emptying that fills your personal and spiritual hunger,” he said.
He encouraged Muslims to use the sacred month to reinforce unity and shared responsibility.
“During these blessed hours, may you find opportunity to reinvigorate your solidarity and rekindle your shared concern for one another. Continue becoming a vessel of kindness, understanding, and empowerment throughout this sacred month and beyond,” he said.
Marcos assured Muslim Filipinos of his support and goodwill.
“Rest assured that I stand with you in prayer and goodwill for the flourishing of your communities, loved ones, and families,” he said.
Ramadan follows the Islamic lunar calendar and concludes with Eid al-Fitr.
Eid al-Fitr, one of Islam’s two major holidays aside from Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice), is declared a regular holiday under Republic Act 9177. (PNA)
