Aquino wishes for peace as Ramadan starts

President Aquino: Peace. AFP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Peace in Mindanao was very much on the mind of President Aquino on Tuesday, the eve of the start of Ramadan or the Muslim fasting month.

“I wish you a solemn and meaningful Ramadan. May this event foster greater understanding and cooperation among our varied faiths, and guide the Philippines towards lasting peace and progress,” he addressed Muslim Filipinos in a statement.

The President said that as one of the five pillars of Islam, this sacred month called on the “faithful to seek to be closer to Allah and to ask for his mercy.”

“It is a vital aspect in the life of every Muslim, as this occasion allows not only for contemplation and atonement, but also for you to be more mindful of the Prophet’s teachings,” said Aquino.

The President, in a nutshell, wished that prayers offered during the fasting month would not only lead to spiritual vigor, but also help usher in societal harmony and justice.

“May your prayer and fasting evoke a deeper and more profound connection with your heritage and faith, inspire discipline, restraint and generosity of spirit, and help guide you towards becoming greater embodiments of harmony and social justice,” he said.

The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos earlier clarified that the start of Ramadan this year would fall on a Wednesday instead of Monday.

Mirkarl Allian, the officer in charge of the commission, explained to the President in a memorandum that there was no new moon seen on July 8, hence the fasting monthly would officially start Wednesday.—Michael Lim Ubac