On June 28th, Filipinos will come together to celebrate Eid'l Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice. This important religious holiday in Islam has been recognized as a national holiday by the Malacañang, the official residence and workplace of the President of the Philippines. The declaration of June 28th as a national holiday allows Muslims and non-Muslims alike to honor and respect the significance of Eid'l Adha. In this blog post, we will delve into the details of this announcement and explore the cultural and religious significance of this festive occasion.
Proclamation No. 258, dated June 13, 2023, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, formalized the declaration of June 28th as a national holiday in observance of Eid'l Adha. This proclamation aligns with the recommendations of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, based on the 1444 Hijrah Islamic Lunar Calendar. The decision to make Eid'l Adha a national holiday underscores the government's commitment to recognizing and respecting the religious diversity and cultural practices of the Filipino people.
Eid'l Adha holds immense significance in the Islamic faith and is celebrated by Muslims worldwide. It is one of the two main holidays in Islam, the other being Eid'l Fitr. Eid'l Adha commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. Just as Ibrahim was about to fulfill the sacrifice, Allah intervened and provided a ram as a substitute. This event symbolizes the devotion, selflessness, and faith that are central to the celebration of Eid'l Adha.
At the core of Eid'l Adha is the spirit of sharing and generosity. In Muslim communities, families make sacrificial offerings of animals, typically sheep, goats, or cows, in remembrance of Ibrahim's act of faith. Part of the meat is consumed by the family, while the remaining portion is distributed to the poor and the needy. This act of sharing is not only a religious duty but also a celebration of compassion and solidarity with those less fortunate.
Similar to Eid'l Fitr, Eid'l Adha is marked by a communal prayer held at daybreak on the first day of the festival. Muslims gather at mosques or designated prayer grounds, dressed in their finest attire, to participate in the special congregational prayer. This prayer serves as a unifying force, bringing the community together in gratitude, worship, and reflection. Following the prayer, families and friends come together to exchange greetings, share meals, and enjoy festive activities that foster a sense of joy and camaraderie.
The announcement of June 28th as a national holiday in celebration of Eid'l Adha reflects the Philippines' commitment to religious and cultural diversity. This declaration not only acknowledges the importance of Eid'l Adha to the Muslim community but also encourages understanding and respect among different faiths. As the country comes together to commemorate this significant occasion, it is an opportunity for Filipinos to embrace the values of sacrifice, generosity, and unity. Let us all join in the festivities and extend our warm wishes to our Muslim brothers and sisters as they celebrate Eid'l Adha.
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