By Azer Parrocha/Philippine News Agency
MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday enjoined Muslim Filipinos to serve selflessly as the Islamic world celebrates Eid al-Fitr marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
In his message, Duterte sent his warmest greetings to all Muslim Filipinos in the country and abroad, wishing them an “inspiring and meaningful” Eid al-Fitr.
Duterte described Eid al-Fitr as an occasion that “binds the Muslim community together.”
He said the occasion also allows them to “demonstrate the virtues of Islamic faith” in accordance with the teachings of Allah through the Koran.
The President expressed hope that all Muslim Filipinos use the occasion as a time to increase their faith.
“May all Muslim Filipinos observe this day as a time for reflection, enlightenment and renewal of commitment to a much stronger devotion to the Almighty,” Duterte said.
“Take this as an opportunity to deepen your role as instruments of love, sacrifice, respect, and selfless service and may each of you remain our government’s partner in promoting peace and understanding among Filipinos from all walks of life,” he added.
Duterte has declared June 5 a regular holiday to give the entire Filipino nation “full opportunity” to join the Muslim community in observance of Eid al-Fitr.
Eid al-Fitr, which means “feast of breaking the fast”, is one of two official Muslim holidays, aside from Eid’l Adha or the “feast of sacrifice”.
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