VP Duterte urges Muslims to pray for peace as Ramadan begins

Sara Duterte —Inday Sara Dutere FB page

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte on Tuesday enjoined Filipino Muslims to pray for peace as
as the holy month of Ramadan begins.

Duterte also urged the Muslim faithfuls to use this month to deepen their faith in God as she encouraged them to embody the values of Qur’an.

“Isa itong pagkakataon para mas mapalalim pa natin ang ating ugnayan sa Kaniya at sa ating kapwa,” Duterte said.

(This is an opportunity for us to deepen our relationship with Him and our fellow humans.)

“Sama-sama nating palaguin ang ating ispritwal na pananampalataya kasabay ng pagdarasal sa kapayapaan na ating minimithi,” she added.

(Together let’s grow our spiritual faith while praying for the peace we long for.)

The holy month of Ramadan began on March 12, after the moonsighting conducted by the Bangsamoro Darul Ifta Sunday evening failed to sight the moon, a key celestial marker for the start of the holy month for Muslims.

READ: Bangsamoro Mufti declares start of Ramadan on Tuesday

The ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan, is one of the most sacred times for Muslims.

For 30 days, Muslims worldwide will observe a strict daily fast from dawn until sunset.

During this period, the faithful abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs. Ramadan is also a time for self-discipline, spiritual reflection, and acts of charity.

“Sa ating isang buwan na pagdarasal at pag-aayuno, nawa’y ang mga salitang nakapaloob sa banal na Qur’an ang mamutawi sa ating mga labi, isabuhay sa pang-araw-araw at maging gabay sa pagharap sa kinabukasan,” Duterte also said.

READ: Marcos urges forgiveness, harmony in Ramadan message

(During this month of prayer and fasting, may the words contained in the holy Qur’an come to our lips, and be put into practice on a daily basis and be a guide in facing the future.)