MUSLIM COMMUNITY. Thousands of Muslims gather on Roxas Avenue in Davao City on June 28, 2023 for the Eid'l Adha. As Muslims observe the Isra Wal Mi’raj, The Night Journey and Ascension of the Prophet Muhammad, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday (Feb. 8, 2024) urged the Muslim community to be “agents of transformation” to make the country into a “more peaceful, inclusive, and progressive for all Filipinos.” (PNA photo by Robinson Ninal Jr.)
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday urged the Muslim community to be “agents of transformation” to make the country into a “more peaceful, inclusive, and progressive for all Filipinos.”
Marcos made the call as he joined the observance of the Isra Wal Mi’raj, The Night Journey and Ascension of the Prophet Muhammad.
“As one of the most celebrated events in Islam, The Night journey and Ascension of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) gives a perfect picture of the rewards that our Muslim brothers and sisters may reap by having faith in the All-Hearing and All-Seeing Allah,” he said in his message.
“Through these, we are forged to become not only living witnesses of our faith but also Allah's agents of transformation a n d renewal here on Earth,” Marcos added.
Marcos hoped that the event would serve as Muslim Filipinos’ source of strength and inspiration for reinvigoration in times of despair.
He said the narrative of the Isra Wal Mi’raj “also magnifies the glory and might of Allah who revealed, during this difficult and perilous journey, the virtue of pursuing righteousness and the incomparable prize that awaits us when we remain true and devoted to our faith and our convictions.”
“Let this occasion imbue us with increased courage and optimism as we collectively face and transform the future of our nation to be more peaceful, inclusive, and progressive for all Filipinos to enjoy,” Marcos said.
In Islam, Isra Wal Mi’raj is the night that Prophet Muhammad ascended to the seven stages of heaven and began a miraculous trip from Mecca to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.
Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Z. Duterte sees the celebration of Isra Wal Mi'raj of Muslims as a reminder that faith and dedication unite Filipinos despite the country's diverse population.
The journey of Prophet Muhammad, she said in a statement, is an invaluable lesson on the virtues of humility and trust which "remains timeless and relevant in our present times."
"Our unwavering belief in the one God, Allah, and His divine message serves as the ultimate bond that unifies us," Duterte said.
She sad it is also a reminder to strive in attaining peace.
"As we commemorate this special occasion with our loved ones, let us offer our night prayers, seeking happiness and tranquility."
Duterte urged Muslim Filipinos to pray for those who seek blessings from Allah, and bring peace and prosperity for all. (With reports from Wilnard Bacelonia/PNA)
