President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. (Credit: PCO)
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(SDN) April 17, 2024 — “May this occasion remind everyone that, despite our differences in religion and beliefs, our faith is deep and powerful enough to overcome hate, discord, and division.”
President Bongbong Marcos, Jr. (PBBM) sent out this strong message, in essence, making clear that Filipinos’ differences .should not be obstacles to peace, understanding, and harmony.
He made the reminder on the occasion of the 49th National Qur’an Reading Competition on Thursday, April 18, at the Bahay ng Alumni, University of the Philippines (UP)-Diliman, Quezon City.
The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) organizes and hosts the Islamic event annually as one of its major programs. Secretary Sabuddin N. Abdurahim now heads the Commission.
Tomorrow’s event features 36 Qur’an readers, the regional champions, representing the country’s various regions. The NCMF has regional offices nationwide.
Marcos expects the participants to harness their skills for the nation’s growth guided by Filipinos’ “shared ideals of compassion and social justice.”
He adds: “Together let us tread the virtuous path towards a peaceful and inclusive ‘Bagong Pilipinas.'”
Marcos noted the Commission’s work in promoting Islamic traditions which are significant part of the nation’s cultural and religious identity for a long time.
The 2023 NQRC male and female champions Saidi Saiduna, General Santos City, SOCCSKSARGEN (Region XII), and Sabaha P. Salik, respectively, will defend their titles against the 34 other contestants. It’s the second straight time Saiduna will defend his crown, being the 2022 NQRC champion as well.
From the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), their sole is Kamaruddin Zaidon (male). He will be accompanied by Hamdi G. Yusoph (judge in the competition), and Kamarodin Dodo (head of delegation).
Earlier, the NCMF secretary noted in his own message for the occasion how global Muslim community is facing many trials.
Abdurahim noted how one Muslim is part of the whole Ummah, the worldwide community of Islam believers.
“And as the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, explained the connection between Muslims with beautiful analogy, he said, ‘Muslims are like one body of a person; if the eye is sore, the whole body aches, and if the head aches, the whole body aches,’” he pointed out.
The NCMF head also prayed for healing as he cited the event’s theme: “Qur’a:n: Healing the wounds through a United Ummah”.
The two champions that will emerged from the 49th NQRC will represent the Philippines in international competitions. (✓)
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Correction, 8:35 p.m.: The 49th NQRC happens on Thursday, April 18, 2024, not Friday as earlier reported.