PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. yesterday urged Filipinos to remember the importance of sacrifice and selflessness as he called on everyone to be one with the Muslim community in celebrating Eid’l Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice.
The President, in his Eid’l Adha message, asked Filipinos to be in solidarity with the Muslim community as they honor the prophet Ibrahim and reflect on his actions after he was asked by Allah to sacrifice his own son which the prophet “demonstrated utmost willingness and obedience, only to be halted at the last moment when his abiding faith was proven.”
“Let their devotion to these beliefs shine above all throughout the festivities and further strengthen the bond among our families, friends, and communities. For it is only when we openly and willingly embrace each other’s differences that we will be able to build a more prosperous and harmonious society for all,” Marcos said.
Marcos said the Philippines is a “land of plentiful creeds” that helped weave the country’s rich tapestry of diversity.
He underscored the warmth and kindness of Muslim Filipinos which he said would be a “bedrock of our collective success as we usher in a better and brighter tomorrow for all.
“Let us all be reminded of the importance of sacrifice and selflessness that mirror the essence of this occasion so that we can join hands with our Muslim brothers and sisters from all over the world in the spirit of peace, unity, and mutual respect,” he added.
Eid’l Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice is one of the two Muslim holidays celebrated in the country, the other being the Eid’l Fitr or Ramadan.
Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Carlito G. Galvez Jr., in a separate message, said Eid’l Adha also provides a chance for the people to come together and express their gratitude for the many blessings that have been bestowed upon them.
“We must show our unity, kindness, and compassion, as we reach out and help those who are most in need. May this day remind us of the importance of sacrifice, as we help uplift the lives of our family, friends, and community. The teachings of Islam, as embodied in the Quran, urge us to think less of ourselves and put the needs of others before our own,” Galvez said.
He also expressed hope that the Muslim holiday would bring the people closer to the values of love, unity, and compassion that Eid’l Adha symbolizes.
WARM GREETINGS
Vice President Sara Duterte extended her warmest greetings to “our Muslim brothers and sisters as we join you in celebrating Eid Al Adha or the Feast of the Holy Sacrifice,” saying it “illuminates the profound willingness of individuals to make significant sacrifices for their families, communities, and our nation.
“It reminds us of our shared capacity for selflessness, faith, and divine love for the greater good of our society,” she said in a statement on Facebook. “This sacred holiday illuminates the profound willingness of individuals to make significant sacrifices for their families, communities, and our nation. It reminds us of our shared capacity for selflessness, faith, and divine love for the greater good of our society.
“In the spirit of Eid Al Adha, may the lessons of faith and sacrifice guide us all as we endeavor to create an inclusive future for young Filipinos. Let us forge a nation built on understanding, peace, and shared prosperity. In sha’Allah. Eid Mubarak!” the Vice President added.
Speaker Martin Romualdez said the occasion “reflects Filipino Muslims’ quiet and enduring sacrifice toward a peaceful and prosperous life in our home country.
“I assure you that these efforts aren’t lost in us public servants in government and that the administration of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ R. Marcos Jr. continues to pursue genuine inclusive progress that would uplift everybody’s lives,” the House leader said.
Romualdez said the occasion of Eid’l Adha is also about sharing, which, he said, is “a core trait of Filipinos.”
“Eid’l Adha is also commemorated through sharing and gift-giving. This harkens to a core trait of Filipinos wherein we tend to share to others what little resources we have, and we do so with a smile. It is these characteristics that keep Filipinos tightly-knit, whatever faith we may have,” the Speaker said. — With Wendell Vigilia
