President joins Muslims in Ramadan observance

A boy looks at Muslims as they pray in Sulu province in southern Philippines. (Image: Al Jacinto)

COTABATO CITY – President Rodrigo Duterte has joined Muslims in the observance of the holy month of Ramadan, hoping for it to bring spiritual renewal and enlightenment for the benefit of all and the nation as a whole amid the present challenges.

“This sacred month is not only a period for Muslim to concentrate on prayer and making amends, but also a time for them to experience and enjoy Allah’s mercy. 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 deeper connection with Allah,” Duterte said.

“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,” he added.

The Muslim autonomous region, comprising of the province of Sulu, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao, is observing Ramadan under strict public safety and health protocol due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

In Sulu, Governor Sakur Tan met with Islamic religious leaders and discussed health protocols during the month-long observance of Ramadan where Muslims pray and fast from before sunrise until sundown. 

During the meeting, Tan outlined the need for the public to strictly adhere to the health protocols by observing physical distance, wearing face masks and frequently washing hands with soap and water to prevent the resurgence or spread of the deadly respiratory disease. Although the province has zero Covid-19 cases, the entire Sulu remains under a moderate community quarantine status.

Islamic religious leaders agreed with Tan during the conference attended by Ustadz Sharif Jul Asiri Abirin, Mufti of Sulu, Ustadz Abdul Muhaimin Abubakar; Sulu Ulama Council for Peace and Development representative Fraser Kalayakan; members of the Sabiel Al Motahdeen, among others. 

Fasting during the month of Ramadan, which ends on May 2, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Muslims believe that Ramadan is the month in which the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad more than 1,400 years ago. 

At the end of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr. In Arabic, it means “festival of breaking the fast.” (Mark Navales)