‘Reflect deeply,’ Marcos urges Muslims as Ramadan begins

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos, Philippine News Agency

HOLY MONTH. A child joins her elders in prayers at a mosque in Barangay Tumana, Marikina City on Friday (Feb. 28, 2025). The Holy Month of Ramadan is marked by constant praying, reflection and fasting. (PNA photo by Joan Bondoc)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday enjoined Muslims to “reflect deeply,” as he joined them in observing the Holy Month of Ramadan.

“This sacred season marks the revelation of the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), a period for personal reflection, spiritual growth, and a renewed commitment to faith for our beloved Muslim brothers and sisters,” Marcos said in his message, as he wished Muslims a “meaningful and solemn” Ramadan.

“It is a time that calls us to reflect deeply on our purpose, to extend kindness to those in need, and to uplift those around us,” he added.

Marcos hoped that the start of Ramadan would guide everyone toward collective progress “to reach the light of hope that shines brightly for all.”

“Together, let us find strength in the importance of humility and dedication to living with the values of faith,” Marcos said.

Marcos also expressed optimism that Islam’s holiest month, through its emphasis on discipline and gratitude, serves as a “powerful and profound catalyst for social transformation.”

“With fasting, prayer, and acts of charity, it fosters solidarity that cultivates a sense of belonging,” he said.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection.

It is a commemoration of the first revelation to Prophet Muhammad of the first verses of the Qur’an, Islam’s holy book. It is one of the Muslims’ foundations inscribed in the Qur’an.

During Ramadan, Muslims observe fasting and abstain from worldly pleasures as a means of spiritual discipline and deepening their connection with Allah.

Bangsamoro Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulrauf Guialani will lead the official moonsighting on Friday night to determine the start of of Ramadan.

If the crescent moon is sighted between 6 p.

m. and 7 p.m. on Friday, Ramadan will begin on Saturday. Otherwise, fasting will officially start on Sunday.