The head of the country’s Department of National Defense expressed hope that the holy month of Ramadan would serve as an opportunity to foster peace in the country.
“This celebration is a perfect opportunity for us to come together in our collective efforts to bring peace and prosperity to our country,” said Defense chief Carlito Galvez Jr.
“Let inner reflection, prayer, self-sacrifice, and charity encourage us to maintain our faith and well-being,” he said in a message Wednesday, ahead of the start of the holy fasting month for Muslims.
The Defense chief also hopes that the observance would remind everyone to be instruments of peace.
He also enjoined Muslim Filipinos to contemplate and reaffirm a sense of optimism and dedication in “carrying out our responsibilities to our people and communities.”
“May the spirit of harmony and understanding according to the teachings of the Islamic faith inspire us to live and face the challenges ahead,” the Defense chief said.
Ramadan, one of Islam’s five pillars, is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar that serves as a time of worship, fasting, prayer, charity, community spirit and spiritual development.
Eid’l Fitr, one of the two most important Islamic celebrations, is observed by the Muslim community three days after the month-long Ramadan fasting.
