PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. yesterday joined the Muslim community in observing an important religious holiday, expressing hope that faith can guide them towards helping build a peaceful and progressive nation for all.
The President, in a message marking Al Isra Wal Mi’raj or the miraculous night journey and ascension to the heavens of the Prophet Muhammad, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and religious freedom.
He also emphasized the importance of peace, understanding, and solidarity in nation-building.
“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,” Marcos 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 towards realizing our shared purpose in building a peaceful and progressive nation for all.”
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said the Al Isra Wal Mi’raj is not a national holiday but a Muslim holiday observed in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and other Muslim areas defined in the Muslim Code.
“Muslims in other areas where it is not observed as a holiday such as NCR (National Capital Region) are excused from reporting for work,” Bersamin added.
The President said Al Isra Wal Mi’raj symbolizes steadfast devotion and spiritual resilience of Muslims in honoring Allah, the All-Hearing and All-Seeing, as well as Muhammad’s miraculous journey to find greater spiritual truth, knowledge, and revelation.
He said Al Isra Wal Mi’raj is significant to Muslims as it serves as a test of faith for believers and is considered a personal gift from Allah – and one of the greatest signs and miracles – to the Prophet after the Qur’an.