PRESIDENT Marcos Jr., joining the Muslim community in their observance of the Isra Wal Mi’raj holiday or the “Night Journey and Ascension of the Prophet Muhammad,” yesterday urged everyone to be “agents of transformation and renewal” as the country strives to be a “more peaceful, inclusive, and progressive” nation for all Filipinos.
The President, in his Isra Wal Mi’raj message, said the event is one of the most celebrated events in Islam as it gives a perfect picture of the rewards that Muslims may reap by having faith in the “All-Hearing and All-Seeing Allah.”
“More than that, the narrative 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,” he said.
Marcos said the event also provides the strength that they can hold on to in difficult circumstances.
“Through these, we are forced to become not only living witnesses of our faith but also Allah’s agents of transformation and renewal here on Earth. 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,” he added.
In observance of Al-Isra’ Wal Mi’raj, February 8 has been declared a holiday in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and other Muslim-majority areas.
This includes the provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur, and in the Cities of Cotabato, Iligan, Marawi, Pagadian, and Zamboanga, among others.
Malacanang said Muslim government employees who are living and working outside of BARMM are also entitled to observe this holiday.
