Marcos: Be vessels of kindness, understanding, empowerment during Ramadan

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday night urged Filipino Muslims to be vessels of kindness, understanding, and empowerment as they observe the holy month of Ramadan, which will begin on Thursday, February 19.

In his message, Marcos said the dawn-to-dusk fasting and prayer opens Filipino Muslims to Allah’s presence by “cultivating discipline, humility, and compassion,” hence drawing closer to the values of mercy, justice, and service.

“During these blessed hours, may you find opportunity to reinvigorate your solidarity and rekindle your shared concern for one another. Continue becoming a vessel of kindness, understanding, and empowerment throughout this sacred month and beyond,” the President said.

He added: “Rest assured that I stand with you in prayer and goodwill for the flourishing of your communities, loved ones, and families.”

Marcos also underscored the holy month as sacred ground and a place of renewal “where spiritual growth bears fruit not only in our own lives, but also in the lives of those entrusted to our care.”

“May your faith be deepened and your commitment be renewed to live out His teachings. May your sacrifices, reflections, and encounters strengthen you to embody His boundless love for humanity, especially for the least among our brethren,” he said.

“Let every fast be a moment of self-emptying that fills your personal and spiritual hunger,” the President added.

Marcos’ message was posted on the Facebook page of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) on Tuesday night.

Earlier, the NCMF said the holy month of Ramadan will officially begin on Thursday, February 19 after no crescent moon was seen on Tuesday night.

NCMF Secretary Sabuddin Abdurahim also extended his warmest greetings to the Filipino Muslim community, calling Ramadan as a sacred month and “a time of faith, patience, compassion, and sincere devotion to Allah.”

“Ramadan reminds us to strengthen our relationship with Allah, uplift the less fortunate, and foster unity, understanding, and peace within our communities and our nation. May this season inspire reflection, renewal, and meaningful service to others,” he said in a statement.

“May Allah accept our fasting, prayers, and good deeds, and grant us guidance, mercy, and peace throughout this blessed month,” Abdurahim added. — JMA, GMA Integrated News