President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Saturday, Feb. 18, urged for solidarity, which he said would pave the way for a more progressive future in the country, during the Muslim Filipino community’s observance of Al Isra Wal Mi'raj or The Night Journey and Ascension of the Prophet Muhammad.
The Chief Executive, who won the presidency under the banner of unity as a campaign platform, called on Filipinos to work together for the nation’s future.
“On this blessed occasion, I extend fervent prayers and elevate the call of solidarity for my fellow countrymen and women. By coming together, I am confident that we can lay down an illuminated path towards a more peaceful and progressive future,” his message for the Muslim community in the country said.
He hoped that Filipinos can be inspired by the journey of Prophet Muhammad and “live a life of devotion and obedience.”
“Let us leverage this discernment and reflect on how we, as human beings traversing this journey called life, can endure all challenges that will come along our way as long as we remain faithful to His boundless mercy,” Marcos said.
He added that Prophet Muhammad's miraculous journey highlights the importance of “faithfulness and piety” amid his struggles of defending Islam.
“The account on how he witnessed the infinite power and compassion of the Almighty is venerated not only during this special day, but every day as our Muslim brothers and sisters perform their obligatory daily prayers,” he said.
According to accounts, The Night Journey and Ascension of the Prophet Muhammad was a miraculous occurrence when the Prophet traveled from Makkah to Masjid Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem before ascending to heaven all in one night.
This was when the Prophet was given the five prescribed daily prayers, a ritual followed by Muslims to this day. It forms one of the five pillars of Islam.