In a spirit of friendship and mutual respect, members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church near the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) headquarters hosted a fellowship meal with local Muslims on the day following the end of Ramadan, Islam’s sacred month of fasting.
Held at the Life Hope Center Convention Center, the event was organized by the Adventist Muslim Relations (AMR) office of SSD. The gathering aimed to encourage meaningful relationships, promote interfaith dialogue, and create a deeper awareness among other religious groups about the Adventist Church—its identity, its values, and its commitment to spiritual relationships and growth.
“This fellowship is not just about sharing a meal—it’s about sharing our lives, our faith journeys, and our desire to live peacefully and meaningfully with one another,” said Pastor Abner Dizon, director of Adventist Muslim Relations in SSD. “We are grateful for the opportunity to connect with our Muslim brothers and sisters. We pray this will lead to more opportunities where we can collaborate and grow in understanding.”
Contributions from the local field played a vital role in making the event possible. Among those who made a significant impact was Pastor Peter Esquero, AMR coordinator for the Adventist Church in Cavite (CM), whose commitment to promoting strong relationships with Muslim communities in the cities of Dasmariñas and Silang in Cavite proved invaluable. His dedication to bridge-building and facilitating meaningful engagement laid a solid foundation for the event’s success.
The meeting provided a platform for open dialogue about the teachings, doctrines, and beliefs of both faith communities. Muslim resource speakers shared insights about the core tenets of Islam, including its Five Pillars, helping Adventist attendees gain a deeper understanding of Islamic beliefs and practices.
Among the speakers was Sheikh Omar Peñalber, a respected Filipino Islamic scholar and preacher recognized for his dedication to promoting Islamic teachings across the Philippines. He has delivered lectures and sermons in universities, public forums, and religious gatherings, aiming to educate both Muslims and non-Muslims about the principles and values of Islam. His active involvement in interfaith events and Islamic organizations reflects his commitment to fostering understanding and dialogue among diverse faith communities.
During the event, he offered a brief presentation about key Islamic beliefs and practices, enriching the conversation between faiths.
Pastor Abner Dizon, Adventist Muslim Relations (AMR) director, also highlighted several shared values and beliefs between Seventh-day Adventists and Muslims, fostering a spirit of mutual respect and understanding. He pointed out that both faith communities believe in a final judgment and the second coming of Jesus—core teachings that offer significant common ground. He also emphasized shared lifestyle principles, such as the avoidance of alcohol and haram (forbidden) foods—particularly pork, which is prohibited in both faiths. Furthermore, both Adventists and Muslims place a strong emphasis on caring for the poor and living lives of service and compassion. These similarities pave the way for more in-depth discussions and cooperation based on faith, health, and humanitarian concerns.
Adventist leaders also presented an overview of the Church’s various ministries, including women, family, health, publishing, and media ministries. These presentations gave attendees a broader understanding of how the Seventh-day Adventist Church operates and engages with communities. Through these ministries, the Church serves as the right arm of the gospel, extending Christ’s love in practical and compassionate ways.
Imam Mustafah Tablete, one of the attendees of the fellowship meal, expressed his appreciation about the meeting and how it impacted him in his relationships with non-Muslims. “On behalf of the Muslim participants, we are so glad to be engaged in meaningful dialogues with members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church to gain a deeper understanding of the Church’s doctrines and beliefs,” Tablete said. “It is also encouraging to hear Adventist leaders express their appreciation for the opportunity to exchange knowledge and faith perspectives, emphasizing that such interactions strengthen interfaith relationships, promote peace, and inspire acts of kindness toward others,” he added.
Another Muslim attendee, a cancer survivor, expressed his appreciation for the value the Adventist faith places on health and lifestyle. In his remarks, he shared the positive changes he experienced after adopting a vegan diet—an approach that aligns with the Adventist commitment to biblical health principles. He noted that this lifestyle transition not only supported his recovery but also deepened his respect for the Church’s holistic view of well-being.
Organizers hope that gatherings like this will inspire ongoing connections built on mutual respect and understanding. As the Adventist Church continues its mission in the 10/40 Window—home to many non-Christian faiths—initiatives like this reflect a Christ-centered approach to engaging with the broader world through compassion, conversation, and community.