“The enlightenment one feels upon listening to its florid melody and rhythmic recitation is similar to experiencing the divine presence of God.”
— President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.
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By EDD K. USMAN | Twitter: @edd1819 | Instagram: @bluestar0910 | Facebook: SDN — SciTech and Digital News
(SDN) — President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. sends his greetings to Muslim Filipinos as the 48th National Qur’an Reading Competition (NQRC) 2023 happens on, Monday, February 20.
The NQRC will at the Bahay Alumni, University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman Campus, Quezon City. Behind the annual event is the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos through the Bureau of Muslim Cultural Affairs (NCMF-BMCA).
In his message for the event, the President noted the importance of the Holy Qur’an to Islam believers, “which serves as the guide against ignorance and the cure for hypocrisy,” saying it “contains the revered word of the Almighty Allah.”
Marcos added, “The enlightenment one feels upon listening to its florid melody and rhythmic recitation is similar to experiencing the divine presence of God.”
The NQRC is one of the institutional programs of the Commission, dating back to its predecessor, the now-defunct Office on Muslim Affairs (OMA).
For this year, there are 36 competing Qur’an readers representing their respective reqion, including the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), NCMF-North Luzon headed by Regional Director Bai Raihanah Sarah T. Macarimpas, NCMF-National Capital Region under Regional Director Dr. Dimapuno “Doc Jun” Alonto Datu-Ramos, and the other regional offices of the Commission.
Marcos also noted the significance of the NQRC in helping awareness and preserving Muslim Filipinos’ Islamic heritage. “It also seeks to promote the universal message of peace which forges unity among the Muslim community across the world.”
Senator Robinhood “Abdul Aziz” Padilla, the only Muslim in the Senate, offered his “dua’a” (supplication) towards everybody’s enlightenment and blessing from the divine words of Allah (God in Arabic).
“Sa gitna ng kadiliman at kaguluhan, maging batayan sana ang Qur’an ng inspirasyon, kamalayan, at gabay sa pamumuhay ng ating Ummah at sa bawat isang Muslim sa buong mundo,” Padilla, the top-vote getter in the May 9, 2022, national and local elections, emphasized.
(Translation: In the middle of darkness and strife, here’s hoping the Qur’an serves to be an inspiration, realization, and guide in the life of the Ummah (global Islamic community) and for every Muslim across the world.)
“Most of all, let us altogether recite and instill in our hearts the true meaning of being Muslim — has mercy and goodness, stands for justice and fairness, and has a heart in helping the needy, not just in words but in action,” the senator said in his message done in the Pilipino language.
The head of the NCMF, Secretary/CEO Guiling “Gene” A. Mamondiong, congratulated the men and women of the BMCA led by Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Director Michael Mito-on J. Ali, for the painstaking preparation of the 48th NQRC. He also cited the Commission’s regional offices for their respective conduct of their respective Regional Qur’an Reading Competition (RQRC) leading to the national level.
He welcomed participants of the competition and guests at the Islamic event, saying the “Qur’an is a guide not only to Muslims but to all of humankind…a universal Book.”
“Lastly, we pray for the victims of calamities and conflicts all over the world. May the mighty words of Allah (SWT) in the Holy Qur’an provide us both solace from the grief and strength to stand and start anew.
“May Allah forgive us for our shortcomings and may He accept from us our good intentions and sincere efforts. Ameen,” the NCMF head said.
Some legislators also sent in their messages to the NCMF, congratulating the holding of the 48th NQRC:
Lanao del Norte, 2nd District, Rep. Sittie Aminah Q. Dimaporo: “This event is a reminder of the significance abd wisdom of the Holy Qur’an and in exalting and earning the good pleasure of Allah (SWT) through the contestants’ heartfelt recitation of verses. Truly, there could not be more desirable than those who were gifted with the majestic voice of reading the Qur’an and emulating its verses in their lives. Your dedication to understand and recite the Holy Qur’an is truly an inspiration.”
Maguindanao del Sur, Lone District, Rep. Datu Mohamad “Tong” P. Paglas, Sr., Al-Hajj: “As we face challenges and make larger decisions, we must be guided and enlightened by our spiritual faith and by meditating on the Holy Qur’an. I hope you will use this competition to encourage a greater understanding of the sacredness and vital teachings of the Holy Qur’an as an opportunity to remain steadfast in living a life as God-fearing, peace-loving, compassionate, and productive Filipino Muslims of the country.”
Lanao del Norte, 1st District, Rep. Mohamad Khalid Q. Dimaporo: “Our best and well-versed Qur’an readers are expected to perform in this competition, hailing from different Muslim communities of our nation. The winner of this year’s competition will again be given the opportunity to represent Muslims of the Philippines in any international Qur’an Reading Competition. To all the participants of this event, allow me to extend my warm greetings to all of you, as your presence will bring pride to our Muslims communities.”
Sultan Kudarat, 2nd District, Rep. Horacio P. Suansing, Jr.: “To my beloved brothers in faith, my congratulations to you for your successful conduct of the 48th National Qur’an Reading Competition. May this occasion be able to bring our brother Muslims towards unity and peace. Hopefully you will continue to make the words of Allah in the Qur’an as guide in your life.”
Lanao del Sur Rep. Ziaur Rahman Alonto Adiong: “The theme of this competition, “Qur’an: Illuminating the Humanity”, is an excellent reminder to all Muslims why the Qur’an was sent to us and why it should be part of our daily routine. Qur’an reading and reflecting upon it is a defining action that sets the tone for how we will go about our day and lives. As we all know, what was revealed and written in the Noble Qur’an encompasses all times and circumstances; therefore, no matter where we are and what situation we are in, in times of good and bad, the Qur’an is where we can find answers and guidance. When we are confused or lost, Allah SWT guides us through the ayahs (verses) and surahs (chapters) so we may find our way. When unsure or unaware about something, we can turn to the Qur’an to find the best response.”
Tawi-Tawi, Lone District, Rep. Dimszar M. Sali: “The Qur’an is a gift to us, a light that provides guidance on how we should lead a good and happy life. It provides fulfillment to those who seek deep understanding of the teachings and apply it to every aspect of their lives. The Qur’a promotes good in humanity with its fundamental teachings on unity, dignity of human beings, universalization of natural resources, justice and peace.”
The 34 contestants will seek to snatch the crowns from the defending champions of the NQRC, Monaifah Alawi (CARAGA), female category, and Saidi Saiduna (General Santos City), male category.
NCMF Executive Director Datu Tahir S. Lidasan, Jr., CESO II, said the Commission invited diplomats from embassies in the Manila of member-countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Muslim legislators, other political and community leaders. (✓)