By Azer Parrocha | Philippine News Agency
MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday (Apr. 3) night wished Filipino Muslims here and abroad “Ramadan Mubarak” or a blessed Ramadan, acknowledging the occasion as a reminder of Allah’s mercy and blessings.
In a press statement, he wished that the holy month would be “truly holy” and “meaningful.”
“This most 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,” Duterte said.
He expressed hope that the holy month would bring Muslim Filipinos even closer to Allah.
“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 revelations as well as a deeper connection with Allah,” he added.
He is also hopeful that the occasion would likewise allow the teachings of the Qur’an to take precedence over all their 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,” he said.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar and the holy month of fasting.
READ: President Rodrigo Roa Duterte released a statement on the observance of the Holy Month of Ramadan. He wished the Muslim Filipinos to have a meaningful month and bring them closer to Allah. pic.twitter.com/Xep3MDqSHP
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It begins and ends with the appearance of the crescent moon.
Devout Muslims fast every day from dawn to sunset during the entire Ramadan, which they consider a period of introspection, communal prayer in the mosque, and reading of the Qur’an.
They also give alms to the poor and abstain from vices.
The end of Ramadan, also known as Eid al-Fitr, will be celebrated on the first three days of the Shawwal, or the 10th month of the Islamic calendar. (PNA) – bny
