MESSAGE TO MUSLIM FILIPINOS
ON THE MONTH OF RAMADAN
(From Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines)

 
Assalam Alaykum wa Rahmahtullhi wa Barakatuhu!

 
As you begin the Ramadan, the Catholic Church commends the Muslim community of the Philippines as you submit to Allah through salat (prayer), zakat (almsgiving) and shaum (fasting).

The Second Vatican Council of the Church in its documents, Nostra Aetate, has acknowledged her deep respect for Islam and the Muslims for they worship God, who is one, living and subsistent, merciful and almighty, the Creator of heaven and earth, who also spoke to humanity through the prophets. In this regard we hold with great respect your prophet Muhammad who received the Qur’an on the ‘Night of Power.’

The Qur’an says: “The month of Ramandan is that in which the Qur’an was sent down, as a guide to humankind and a self-evident proof of that guidance and criterion to distinguish between right and wrong judgment. So whoever of you is present in the month should spend it in fasting.” (Q.2:185) It is the Qur’an through the centuries that has provided the Muslim ummah its religious depth and its moral principles on how to believe and act as Muslim.

May your reverent recitation of the Q’ran during the month of Ramadan grant you Allah’s guidance, mercy and compassion. And may the Qur’an continue to inspire and show you the straight path so that you may continue to be instruments of God’s peace, justice, and unity in our country and in the world.

ARCHBISHOP ANTONIO J. LEDESMA, SJ, DD
Chairman, Episcopal Commission for Interreligious Dialogue
Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines
September 22, 2006