Manila (AsiaNews) On the eve of Ramadan, whilst the controversy surrounding the Pope's speech in Germany has not yet died down, the Filipino Church reaffirms its respect for Islam and its believers. In a message signed by Mgr Antonio Ledesma, chairman of the Episcopal Commission for Interreligious Dialogue of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), said may "your reverent recitation of the Qur'an during the month of Ramadan grant you Allah's guidance, mercy and compassion".
In the statement released yesterday, the archbishop also expressed the hope that "the Qur'an continue to inspire and show you the straight path so that you may continue to be instruments of God's peace, justice, and unity in our country and in the world."
It goes on to say as "you begin the Ramadan, the Catholic Church commends the Muslim community of the Philippines as you submit to Allah through salat (prayer), zakat (almsgiving) and shaum (fasting)."
Mgr Ledesma's remarks come amid the protests and harsh criticism levelled at Benedict XVI in the Muslim world for allegedly attacking Islam in his speech at Regensburg University.
The prelate, who is also deputy CBCP chairman, mentioned that the "Second Vatican Council of the Church in its document Nostra Aetate has acknowledged her deep respect for Islam and the Muslims [. . .] In this regard we hold with great respect your prophet Muhammad who received the Qur'an on the 'Night of Power'."
Ramadan is set to begin this coming Sunday. In addition to fasting, this month-long period includes several spiritual activities. In fact, Muslims commemorate the time when the Sacred Qur'an was "revealed" to Muhammad. According to the Islamic timelines, most but not all the sacred text was "revealed" during this holy month.
