President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. joined Muslim Filipinos in observing Al Isra Wal Mi’raj, urging them to foster unity and resilience as a nation.

Al Isra Wal Mi’raj is a significant event in Islamic tradition, commemorating the miraculous night journey and ascension of the Prophet Muhammad. The event, also known as Shab-e-Miraj, is observed annually on the 27th of Rajab, the seventh month in the Islamic calendar.

In his message, President Marcos encouraged the Filipino Muslim community to use the sacred occasion as a reminder that success is achieved through diligence and harmony.

He emphasized the values of sacrifice, persistence, and faith as guiding principles toward building a peaceful and progressive nation for all.

“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.

The President highlighted the significance of the occasion, describing it as a testament to the steadfast devotion and spiritual resilience of Muslims in honoring Allah, “the All-Hearing and All-Seeing.”

He reflected on the Prophet Muhammad’s miraculous journey as a symbol of the deep commitment of the faithful to seek spiritual truth, knowledge, and revelation.

Marcos concluded his message by wishing the Muslim community “a meaningful and solemn observance” of Al Isra Wal Mi’raj.

Al Isra Wal Mi’raj holds profound significance for Muslims worldwide.

The event is widely commemorated in Muslim-majority countries and among Islamic communities across the globe with prayers, recitations from the Quran, and reflections on its spiritual lessons.

In the Philippines, the observance underscores the importance of unity and mutual respect among different faith communities.

Malacañang declared Monday, 27 January 2025, a holiday for Muslims in observance of the Isra Wal Mi’raj.

In a statement on Sunday, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin clarified the holiday will be observed, specifically in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), as well as other Muslim areas in the country.

“Not a national holiday, but a Muslim holiday only in BARMM and other Muslim areas defined in the Muslim Code,” he noted.

Meanwhile, Bersamin said Muslim Filipinos in other areas where the occasion is not observed as a holiday, such as the National Capital Region, are excused from reporting for work.