Filipino Muslims Celebrate Israa' & Mi`raj
Philippine Muslims celebrated Thursday, June 6, the Israa' and Mi`raj, which refers to the journey of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him) to Al-Aqsa Mosque and his ascension to heaven.
“We are calling on ARMM residents to ponder on the tenets of Israa' and Mi`raj, particularly its relevance to the Islamic doctrine on fear of Allah and love and respect for all people, regardless of religions and races,” Mujiv Hataman, governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao said in a statement cited by Philippine Star.
The governor declared Thursday a day-off to allow Muslims to celebrate the religious occasion.
The ascension of Prophet Muhammad to heaven from earth is a well-known and important event for Muslims.
Isra and Mi’raj refer to the two-part journey undertaken by the Prophet which began with him travelling on the steed Buraq.
He travelled to Al-Aqsa mosque in Al-Quds (Occupied Jerusalem), where he leads the other prophets in prayer.
After this he ascended to heaven, going through the “seven skies”.
Here he spoke to Allah, who gave Prophet Muhammad instructions to take back to the faithful; namely five prayers a day.
Philippine President Benigno Aquino also greeted the Muslim community on the spiritual occasion.
“Humanity's journey is constantly renewed and redefined as we march on and endeavor to embody the tenets of our faith,” he said in a statement.
“On this occasion of reverence, may our brothers and sisters be guided in their discernment, always towards a life of unity, peace, and service.
“May the Prophet Muhammad, whose devotion never weakened and whose commitment to the Almighty never waned, set your hearts aglow with inspiration, that your community may continue to convey His message of solidarity,” Aquino said.
Muslims make up nearly 8 percent of the total populace in the Philippines, which Islam reached in the 13th century about 200 years before Christianity.
Mindanao, the birthplace of Islam in the Philippines, is home to more than 5 million Muslims.
The mineral-rich southern region has been the scene of a decades-long conflict to establish a Muslim homeland.
More than 120,000 people have been killed since the conflict erupted in the late 1960s.
Last October, the Philippine government unveiled a peace deal with MILF, the country’s largest Muslim group, to establish a Muslim homeland in the south.
The new region will be called Bangsamoro -- the term for those who are native to the region.
It is expected to include five provinces under the existing autonomous region plus parts of Lanao del Norte and North Cotabato provinces.
Source: On Islam
The governor declared Thursday a day-off to allow Muslims to celebrate the religious occasion.
The ascension of Prophet Muhammad to heaven from earth is a well-known and important event for Muslims.
Isra and Mi’raj refer to the two-part journey undertaken by the Prophet which began with him travelling on the steed Buraq.
He travelled to Al-Aqsa mosque in Al-Quds (Occupied Jerusalem), where he leads the other prophets in prayer.
After this he ascended to heaven, going through the “seven skies”.
Here he spoke to Allah, who gave Prophet Muhammad instructions to take back to the faithful; namely five prayers a day.
Philippine President Benigno Aquino also greeted the Muslim community on the spiritual occasion.
“Humanity's journey is constantly renewed and redefined as we march on and endeavor to embody the tenets of our faith,” he said in a statement.
“On this occasion of reverence, may our brothers and sisters be guided in their discernment, always towards a life of unity, peace, and service.
“May the Prophet Muhammad, whose devotion never weakened and whose commitment to the Almighty never waned, set your hearts aglow with inspiration, that your community may continue to convey His message of solidarity,” Aquino said.
Muslims make up nearly 8 percent of the total populace in the Philippines, which Islam reached in the 13th century about 200 years before Christianity.
Mindanao, the birthplace of Islam in the Philippines, is home to more than 5 million Muslims.
The mineral-rich southern region has been the scene of a decades-long conflict to establish a Muslim homeland.
More than 120,000 people have been killed since the conflict erupted in the late 1960s.
Last October, the Philippine government unveiled a peace deal with MILF, the country’s largest Muslim group, to establish a Muslim homeland in the south.
The new region will be called Bangsamoro -- the term for those who are native to the region.
It is expected to include five provinces under the existing autonomous region plus parts of Lanao del Norte and North Cotabato provinces.
Source: On Islam
