by Hader Glang
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines
The governor of an autonomous region in the southern Philippines has called on Filipino Muslims to spread the message of love, peace and compassion as they prepare for the holy month of Ramadan.
Mujiv Hataman, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) governor, stressed in a statement Wednesday that the message should extend to Muslims as well as “to our non-Muslim brothers and sisters in Mindanao, the Philippines, and across the world."
Mufti Abu Hurairah Udasan had earlier declared that the month of fasting would start Thursday, local media reported.
Hataman’s message also urged the around five million Muslims in the five provinces of ARMM to “take this opportunity to touch and change lives, and end the tyranny of poverty and injustice.”
He stressed that Ramadan is a time when Muslims renew their faith, and when “we strengthen our commitment to lasting peace and development in Mindanao through fasting and prayers."
The governor also expressed confidence that Muslims could overcome the many challenges facing them.
"There are enormous challenges in our midst and we will be facing bigger battles ahead of us, but our collective power as a nation will allow us to claim victory over these challenges and battles," he said.
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. It is a time of self-examination and increased religious devotion throughout which Muslims are urged to perform extra prayers, recite the Quran, give to the poor and refrain from misdeeds.
In ARMM, various Ramadan-related activities – such as nighttime cultural presentations featuring various local tribes – are held during the month.
