2/8/2005 5:00:00 PM GMT

Source: The Manila Bulletin Online

Filipino Muslims celebrated the Islamic New Year, or Amon Jadid, on Tuesday. The New Year will start on Wednesday February, 2005, which coincides with Muharram 1, 1426 in the Islamic lunar calendar.

The Islamic lunar calendar is called Hijrah, referring to the migration of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and other Muslims from Mekkak to Madinah.

The Philippines President Gloria Arroyo conveyed her Amon Jadid speech through the Office on Muslim Affairs (OMA) which is headed by Undersecretary Zamzamin Ampatuan.

"Once again, I join our Muslim countrymen and the rest of the members of the Muslim Ummah (community) in celebrating Amon Jadid, the Islamic New Year, on the 1st of Muharram 1426 Hijrah. It is my earnest wish that this celebration shall also gather all Filipino Muslims behind government efforts to lead our nations resurgence. Let us seize the fresh opportunity offered by the New Year to create a stronger and more progressive Philippines."

"It is our common and earnest resolve that this Amon Jadid brings hope and joy to our country and people." She added. Ampatuan also said that he welcomes Amon Jadid.

"Every Amon Jadid brings a fresh hope for a change, ushering in a better and prosperous life to every faithful, including the Muslim Filipinos. Indeed, I urge the Ummah to take this Amon Jadid a significant year as we stay the course of the posterity of Islam and the 1.4 billion Muslims," he said.

In the mainly Muslim region of Mindanao, Governor Parouk Hussin declared Wednesday, Feb. 9, as a regional holiday.

Hussin greeted Muslims in Sulu, Lanao del Sur, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao, Basilan and Marawi, demanding them to start the new year with reading the Quran and learning its lessons.

"The Prophet Mohammad Sallallahu Allaihi Wassalam showed and preached moderation, religious tolerance, and love for peace. Let us also re-affirmed our faith in God as demonstrated by the last prophet, Mohammad." He said.

Metalicop Domado, head of OMA Bureau of Muslim Cultural Affairs, said that all OMA regional and sub-offices across the country were told to hold simple New Year celebrations due to the governments tight security measures. He also said that OMA employees were also excused from work on Tuesday.

"The officials and employees of OMA Central Office in Quezon City will hold a symposium on Feb. 10 at 2 p.m. to mark the occasion. Amon Jadid is one of the five Muslim legal holidays recognized by PD 1083 and Civil Service Commission Resolution No. 81-1277," Domado said.