President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. encouraged Filipino Muslims to observe Isra Wal Mi’raj on Thursday “with courage and optimism for the country’s future.”
“Let this occasion imbue us with increased courage and optimism as we collectively face and transform the future of our nation to be more peaceful, inclusive, and progressive for all Filipinos to enjoy,” President Marcos said in a statement.
Isra Wal Mi’raj commemorates the journey of Prophet Muhammad, ascending to the seven heavens and embarking on a divine voyage from Mecca to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.
The Bangsamoro government on Wednesday said Feb. 8 is not a holiday but a “special working holiday” within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
The clarification was made in response to news reports quoting a memorandum issued by the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) pertaining to the observance of Lailatul Isra Wal Mi’raf as a holiday.
Under the Bangsamoro Holidays Act of 2023, the observance of Lailatul Isra Wal Mi’raf is no longer considered a regular or special non-working holiday.
“It is categorized, instead, as a special working holiday, which shall be officially declared in a proclamation to be issued by the Chief Minister to that effect,” it added.
Recognizing the significance of this event in Islam, President Marcos emphasized the magnificence and omnipotence of Allah, evident in the revelation as he joined the observance of the celebration.
“More than that, the narrative also magnifies the glory and might of Allah who revealed, during this difficult and perilous journey, the virtue of pursuing righteousness and the incomparable prize that await us when we remain true and devoted to our faith and our convictions,” the President said.
President Marcos further stressed the significance of drawing strength from such events during trying times.
“Through these, we are forged to become not only living witnesses of our faith but also Allah’s agents of transformation and renewal here on Earth,” he said.
The Office of the Chief Minister issued Proclamation 005 on Dec. 29, 2023, declaring the official regular and special holidays in the BARRMM for calendar year 2024.
Lailatul Isra Wal Mi’raf is one of three special working holidays. Others are Amun Jadid and Malid-un-Nabi.
BARMM covers 5 provinces namely Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi with the City of Cotabato serving as regional center.