At the invitation of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), Mr. Abdolmajid Abolghasemi and Hojjatoleslam Mr. Saeed Ghofrallahi attended an Iftar banquet on March 19, 2025, in Manila. The event, themed "A Season for Cultivating Good Deeds," was attended by Islamic country representatives and highlighted NCMF's mission to improve the conditions of Filipino Muslims. Chairman Sebudin N. Abdurahim emphasized the importance of unity among Muslims and called for prayers and support for the oppressed people of Gaza. The event also featured a Qur’an recitation by Datu Yahya Sangi and messages from distinguished guests, including Supreme Court Justice Japar B. Dimaampao and Undersecretary Datu Zamzamin L. Ampatuan.

At the invitation of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (Ministry of Muslim Affairs), Mr. Abdolmajid Abolghasemi, the Cultural Counselor of our country, along with Hojjatoleslam wal-Muslimin Mr. Saeed Ghofrallahi, a cleric dispatched from the Center, participated on Wednesday, Esfand 29, 1403 (corresponding to March 19, 2025) in the Iftar banquet held under the title "A Season for Cultivating Good Deeds" at the Dusit Thani Hotel Convention Hall in Manila. The event was attended by ambassadors and representatives from several Islamic countries.

The ceremony began with a prayer recitation by the Chief of Staff, Atty. Hassanal Abdurahim, which created a special spiritual atmosphere. The Chairman of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, Mr. Sebudin N. Abdurahim, while welcoming the foreign dignitaries and senior government representatives, highlighted their important role in advancing the mission of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) to improve the conditions of Filipino Muslims.

In his speech, the head of the Commission said: "It is an honor for the Ministry of Muslim Affairs to serve our Muslim brothers and sisters from the Philippines, as well as representatives from other Islamic organizations and countries based in the Philippines, which itself represents the unity among Muslims in our time, and we are in great need of such unity." Citing verses from the Holy Quran, he considered unity among Muslims obligatory and necessary.

In another part of his speech, the Minister of Muslim Affairs called upon all attendees to pray for the oppressed people of Gaza, who are facing displacement, suffering, and hunger in their own homeland. He stressed that it is the duty of all Muslims to support the Palestinian people through financial assistance, cooperation, and empathy, along with prayers for the resolution of their hardships. He concluded by praying for the acceptance of everyone’s acts of worship and devotion, as well as for the success and well-being of the attendees and their families. After the Minister’s speech, a video presentation was shown highlighting the outstanding achievements of the NCMF under the leadership of Minister Abdurahim.

One of the highlights of the event was the recitation of the Holy Qur’an by Datu Yahya Sangi, who brought national pride to the country by securing fourth place in the International Qur’an Recitation Competition held in Tehran, Iran.

The special guests of the event included Supreme Court Justice Japar B. Dimaampao and Undersecretary Datu Zamzamin L. Ampatuan from the Department of Agriculture, both of whom delivered enlightening messages. Justice Dimaampao highlighted the spiritual nature of Ramadan and emphasized sincerity in actions, selflessness, and Qur’anic reflection. Deputy Minister Ampatuan also pointed to the NCMF’s ongoing commitment to preserving and nurturing the traditions and culture of Muslims.

On the sidelines of the event, our Cultural Counselor met with the Head of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, Mr. Sebudin N. Abdurahim, and emphasized the development of relations and cooperation between the Muslim community of the Philippines and Iran. He mentioned that the Cultural Section of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in line with the cooperation agreement with the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, facilitated the participation of four Filipino Qur’anic reciters in the 41st edition of the Qur’an Recitation Competition in Tehran. Among them, Ustadh Jassim Haj Daoud secured third place, and Nadir Asghar achieved fourth place in this competition. The Cultural Counselor expressed readiness for further cooperation in the field of Qur’anic diplomacy, which was warmly welcomed by the Minister. Additionally, a brief introduction took place between the Cultural Counselor and Mr. Zamzamin Ampatuan, Undersecretary of the Philippine Department of Agriculture and a follower of Ahl al-Bayt, who was present at the meeting. The importance of further cooperation between Iran and the Philippines was emphasized. The event concluded with the Iftar meal and expressions of gratitude to the attendees.