The ARMM Ramadhan Festival opens today, July 20, 2012, at the ORG Complex. The theme this year is "Ang Panlipunang Pagbabago ay Nagsisimula sa Pagdalisay sa Sarili".
In his message, Ustadz Alzad Sattar, Undersecretary for Madrasah Education, explained briefly to the audience three aspects of Ramadhan: Spiritual, Social and Physical Health.
"Spiritually speaking, Ramadhan is about cleansing the soul for the sake of Allah alone, for small to big sins can only be forgiven by Allah through sincere repentance or "Tawbatan Nasuha".
Fasting can cure the sickness of the heart, e.g. arrogance, hypocrisy, etc."
"Socially, Ramadhan is a means of strengthening the relationship of people in the community or society. Any activity that foster good rapport and camaraderie between and amongst the peoples is encouraged by Islam during Ramadhan."
"Ramadhan is also a medicine as mentioned by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) when he once said: "Sumu tasihhu" - Fast and you will be cured and healthy. Research shows and medical doctors affirmed that proper fasting really contribute to healthy body."
"Fasting is reforming ourselves in totality inwardly and outwardly. Consonance to our Reform Agenda in ARMM, reform must start from within us, the officials of the ARMM in the language of the Holy Qur'an, Allah Almighty says" Innallaha Layughayyiru ma bi qawmin hatta yughayyiru ma bi anfusihim" Verily, Allah will never change/reform the condition of anybody, community, society, etc. unless they themselves change/reform."
RG Mujiv Hataman, on his part, called on his cabinet officials and other members of the ARMM family to worship Allah not only during Ramadhan time but for the rest of our lives. He quoted a verse from the Holy Qur'an, "I have created the jinns and human beings to worship me alone." Worship (Ibadah), RG Hataman explains is not only Praying (salah) and Fasting (sawm) and the like but to include avoidance of corruption and other evil deeds.
Speaker Atty. Mitmug of RLA also emphasized that reporting and leaving the office on time is part of Ibadah. DENR-ARMM Sec. Kedtag, too, informed the audience of his program of "GREEN AND CLEAN RAMADHAN" which is alo part of Ibadah as Prophet Muhammad (pbh) said: "Annadhafatu minal Iman" (Cleanliness is next to Godliness).
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Bureau of Madaris Education (BME) is tasked to head the program on religious affairs during the Ramadhan. Among theme are: Islamic lecture series, Iftar (Pagpabuka'), contests on Azan, Qur'an Reading, and Musabaqah Ilmiyyah (Quiz Bowl) among others. Islamic lectures will be held on July 27, August 3, 10, and 15 from 1:30 - 3pm at the Conference Hall ORG (venue is subject to change).
Prominent Muslim scholars who can articulate Islam not just in Arabic but also in English and Tagalog have been been invited. Competitions of azan, qur'an reading and musabaqah aims at showcasing the talents of pupils from ALIVE Program and pilot Madrasah who are studying secular and Islamic Educations in public school and private madrasah so as to encourage the parents to enrol their children in either programs.
During the opening program the audience especially RG Hataman were impressed by the pupils' performance of the Ibn Taimiyyah Pilot Madrasah, Sultan Kudarat. They sung the Arabic version of Lupang Hinirang and other Islamic songs both in Arabic and English. Ibn Taimiyyah is one of the present 53 pilot Madaris under the BME in the entire ARMM.
