As the Holy Month of Ramadan approaches, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has expressed his unity with the Muslim community, urging them to reflect deeply on their faith and values during this sacred time.

In a message released on Friday, 28 February, Marcos highlighted the spiritual significance of Ramadan, describing it as a period of personal reflection, renewed commitment to faith, and acts of kindness.

“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.

He extended his best wishes to the Muslim community, hoping for a meaningful and solemn observance of the holiest month in Islam. “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.

The President emphasized that the discipline and gratitude practiced during Ramadan serve as powerful catalysts for social transformation. He pointed out that fasting, prayer, and acts of charity help foster solidarity and strengthen the sense of belonging among individuals.

“With fasting, prayer, and acts of charity, it fosters solidarity that cultivates a sense of belonging,” he said. “Together, let us find strength in the importance of humility and dedication to living with the values of faith.”

Meanwhile, Bangsamoro Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulrauf Guialani is set to lead the official moonsighting on Friday evening, which will determine the official start of Ramadan. As the sole authority on the crescent moon sighting, Guialani will announce the results at around 7:30 PM.

If the crescent moon is sighted between 6 PM and 7 PM, fasting will commence on Saturday. Otherwise, Ramadan will officially begin on Sunday.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a significant period for Muslims worldwide. It commemorates the first revelation of the Qur'an to Prophet Muhammad and is observed through fasting, prayer, and acts of devotion. During this time, Muslims abstain from worldly pleasures, using the period as a means of spiritual discipline and deepening their connection with Allah.

As the nation moves forward in unity, President Marcos expressed optimism that the values of faith, discipline, and gratitude upheld during Ramadan will continue to inspire the Filipino people toward collective progress and hope.