Jan. 27 a holiday only for Muslims – Malacañang

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Sunday clarified that while Monday, Jan. 27, has been declared a legal holiday in observance of Isra Wal Mi’raj—the Night Journey and Ascension of the Prophet Muhammad—it applies only to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and “other Muslim areas defined in the Muslim Code.”

However, Muslims in other areas where it is not observed as a holiday, such as the National Capital Region, would be excused from reporting for work, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin told reporters in a Viber message.

Al Isra Wal Mi’raj is one of the most revered events in Islam, symbolizing the miraculous journey of the Prophet Muhammad to the heavens.

READ. Jan. 9 declared a holiday

In a statement, President Marcos said the occasion symbolizes the Muslim community’s “steadfast devotion and spiritual resilience in honoring Allah, ‘the All-Hearing and All-Seeing.’”

“As you venerate this historic miracle through supplication and prayer, may its essence inspire among the Muslim faithful the value of perseverance through hardship and grief,” he said.

“Let this observance also serve as a reminder that success is the reward of diligence and amity, and that sacrifice, persistence, and faith can guide us toward realizing our shared purpose in building a peaceful and progressive nation for all,” the President also said.

He added that the Prophet Muhammad’s “miraculous journey to find greater spiritual truth, knowledge, and revelation reflects the deep commitment of the faithful to understand the significance and purpose of their continuing traditions of faith.” —with a report from PNA