Malacañan Palace announced today will be a holiday for Muslims in the country in observance of the “Isra Wal Mi’raj” or the “Night Journey and Ascension of the Prophet Muhammad.”
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said that 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,” Bersamin said.
“Muslims in other areas where it is not observed as a holiday such as [the National Capital Region] are excused from reporting for work,” the Executive Secretary added.
Meanwhile, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. joined the Muslim Filipino community on Sunday in observing “Al Isra Wal Mi’raj,” or the Night Journey and Ascension of the Prophet Muhammad, hoping it would inspire the Muslim faithful 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,” President Marcos said in his message.
“Let this observance also serve as a reminder that success is the reward of diligence and amity, and that sacrifice, persistence, and faith can guide us towards realizing our shared purpose in building a peaceful and progressive nation for all,” he added.
The President said the revered Islamic event, the Al Isra Wal Mi’raj, symbolizes the steadfast devotion and spiritual resilience of Muslims in honoring Allah, the All-Hearing and All-Seeing.
Muhammad’s miraculous journey to find greater spiritual truth, knowledge, and revelation reflects the deep commitment of the faithful to understand the significance and purpose of their continuing traditions of faith, he added.
Al Isra Wal Mi’raj is significant to Muslims as it serves as a test of faith for believers and considered a personal gift from Allah to the Prophet.
It was also one of the greatest signs and miracles given to the Prophet after the Qur’an.
Isra Wal Mi’raj is the night that Prophet Muhammad ascended to the seven stages of heaven and began a miraculous trip from Mecca to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.