Deeper understanding among Filipinos sought in celebration of Eid’l Adha

FILIPINOS should go beyond familiarity of Muslim religious holidays and move towards deeper respect and understanding regardless of faith, Senator Loren Legarda said Friday in celebration of Eid'l Adha or Muslim Feast of Sacrifice.

The Eid'l Adha signifies the end of the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia where Muslims pay homage to Prophet Ibrahim's act of sacrifice.

Ibrahim's love and obedience to Allah was put to a test when he agreed to offer his son, Ishmael. When Ibrahim was about to sacrifice Ishmael, a voice from heaven stopped him and allowed him to sacrifice a ram instead.

"Now that the whole nation will be commemorating Eid'l Adha, we begin to create interfaith harmony among Filipinos. Greater awareness of each other’s celebrations and traditions will help bring to the fore the significance of healthy and constructive discussions among faiths in the Philippines," Legarda said.

For his part, Vice President Jejomar Binay called for deeper understanding of self-sacrifice and unity "as we work towards attaining progress that will benefit all."

Legarda is the author of Republic Act 9849 which declared the tenth day of the month of Zhul Hijja as a national holiday to commemorate the Eid’l Adha. (Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)