By Argyll Geducos
President Duterte reminded Filipino Muslims to repent and be thankful for all the blessings they have received as the Holy Month of Ramadhan begins on Monday.
Muslims pray their noon time prayer at the Salam Mosque at Brgy Culiat Quezon City yesterday. The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is set to start today May 6 in which members of Islam fast for one month to commemorate the first revelation of the Quran to Muhammad. (ALVIN KASIBAN / MANILA BULLETIN)
In his message, the President called on Muslim Filipinos to offer prayers for peace, solidarity, and understanding during the start of Ramadhan.
The President also said that he is one with the Muslim Filipino community in celebrating their faith in Allah.
"As one of the Five Pillars of Islam, may this period of fasting remind everyone of the values of sacrifice, patience, humility, and obedience to the teachings of the Holy Quran," he said.
Duterte asked Filipino Muslims to use the time to "ask for forgiveness" for their sins and to be grateful for the blessings they have been given.
"Let this also be a solemn opportunity to ask God's forgiveness for the sins we have committed and to be thankful for all the blessings we have received in the past year," he said.
"I trust that you will offer sincere prayers for peace, solidarity, and understanding among our people and all of humanity," he added.
Duterte said his administration strives to unite all Filipinos regardless of religion, culture, and political belief.
"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.
Last year, Duterte stressed the need for sacrifice to overcome personal difficulties and create lasting and meaningful strides in communities.
He said that by demonstrating the noble teaching of Islam, Filipino Muslims will continue to do good deeds for the poor and the marginalized members of society.