COTABATO CITY – On the occasion of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Gov. Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan Saturday expressed solidarity with the Islamic Ummah as he urged the region’s populace to join the struggle to achieve peace and prosperity in the ARMM.

“I hope (Ramadan) will inculcate in us essential qualities to better address the challenges we currently face. I am urging everyone to take an active part in advancing a progressive and peaceful Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Be one with us in our common resolve to establish a peaceful and progressive Bangsamoro region,” Ampatuan said.

Residents of Muslim Mindanao, particularly those in the ARMM provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi and the city of Marawi, started fasting on Saturday following the non-sighting last Thursday of the new crescent moon that ushers in Ramadan. Other Muslims in the Philippines also observed first day of fasting on the same day.

“Islam means peace. Let us exemplify the kind of peace we ought to spread to our communities, to the people, regardless of race and religion, as espoused by Prophet Mohammad and as preached in the Qur’an,” said Ampatuan.

In his Ramadan message, Ampatuan said, “I, my family and the entire officialdom of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao join the entire Muslim Ummah in welcoming the advent of the Holy Month of Ramadan 1430 (2009) with joy and devotion.”

“We convey our solidarity with fellow Muslims world over as we deepen our faith and aspire for moral and spiritual transcendence.

“The religious doctrines that we devoutly observe throughout the Holy Month of Ramadan indeed teach us improve in so many ways. Fasting instills among us discipline in words, in deeds and in thoughts. It allows us to gain a higher appreciation and perspective of life.