Duterte Calls on Muslims to Keep Faith Amid Challenges Facing Philippines

Manila, , Philippines, MINA — President Rodrigo Duterte has urged Muslims to be brave and to keep the faith as Filipinos grapple with the challenges confronting the country, Philstar reported.

Duterte said the Muslim holiday Eid’l Adha, which commemorates Ibrahim’s readiness to sacrifice his son Ishmael to obey God, serves as a reminder of the fulfillment found in sacrifice.

“Ibrahim’s faithfulness taught us the way towards a strong spiritual foundation that is guided by our shared values of compassion, selflessness and hope. Today, we do not only commemorate the admirable act of being obedient in one’s God but also celebrate the significance of our faith in our pursuit of meaningful transformation,” Duterte said in his message for Eid’l Adha.

“As Muslims all over the world honor this remarkable sacrifice, I hope that you will be more inspired to embody courage and conviction in all of the challenges we face as a nation,” he added.

Duterte expressed hope that the feast would bind Filipinos in their common hope of building “diverse communities that is rooted in mutual respect and peace.”

“I trust that in the midst of our religious traditions, we will find the strength and inspiration to live a life that transcends social, political and cultural barriers,” the president said.

Duterte also urged Muslims to foster greater unity and harmony across people of various faiths. . (T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)