By Azer Parrocha | Philippine News Agency
MANILA — Regardless of religion, President Rodrigo R. Duterte enjoined all Filipinos to uplift each other’s lives as he joined Muslim Filipinos in their observance of the fasting month of Ramadan, which began on the evening of May 5.
“This administration strives to unite all Filipinos, regardless of religion, cultural tradition, and political belief,” Duterte said in his Ramadan message on Monday.
“Together, let us create the change that we have been aspiring for — the social and moral transformation that is real and meaningful and the lasting progress that will uplift the lives of our kababayans,” he added.
Duterte expressed hope that the occasion would “remind everyone of the values of sacrifice, patience, humility, and obedience to the teachings of the Holy Quran.”
At the same time, Duterte said the fasting month should also be an opportunity to ask God’s forgiveness for sins and to be thankful for all the blessings received in the past year.
The President also urged Filipinos to offer prayers for peace, solidarity, and understanding among people and all of humanity.
Duterte, meanwhile, sent his warmest greetings to Muslim Filipinos here in the Philippines and across the globe in observing the Holy Month of Ramadan.
“I join the Muslim Filipino community here in the Philippines and across the globe in celebrating their faith in Allah,” Duterte said.
“I wish you an inspiring and blessed Ramadhan,” Duterte said.
Ramadan is the most important month of the year in the Muslim calendar.
During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from eating and drinking during daylight hours in a fast called sawm, which is one of the five pillars of Islam.
According to Islamic tradition, it was on the 27th day of Ramadan that the Prophet Muhammad received the first revelations of the Quran as he meditated in a cavern outside Mecca.
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