MANILA – As the Islamic world observed the Eid al-Adha or the Feast of the Sacrifice on Monday, President Rodrigo Duterte urged the Muslim Filipinos to embrace the value of submission to a higher authority.
Duterte said the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to offer the life of his beloved son in obedience to Allah’s divine command was “one of the most remarkable demonstrations of faith of all time.”
“This account not only teaches us the importance of personal sacrifice, but also inculcates in us the value of submission to a higher authority, even though, at times, our feelings and emotions compel us otherwise,” Duterte added.
“Truly, this feast’s narrative continues to resonate in our present time,” Duterte said. “I called on the Filipino people, including their Muslim brothers and sisters, to lend a piece of ourselves to endeavors that redound to the common good and benefit the most number of people.”
“Let us, therefore, reflect on the lessons we can learn today to deepen our faith and strengthen our resolve to bring about a society that is worthy of Allah’s continued blessings and protection,” he added.
Vice President Leni Robredo, meanwhile, enjoined Filipinos to remember the victims of the Marawi City siege and other Muslim refugees.
“Sa araw na ito, sana ay alalahanin natin ang mga kapatid nating nagsasakripisyo at nagsusumikap makabangon, tulad ng mga kababayan natin sa Marawi at mga kapatid nating Muslim refugees na nawalay sa kanilang mga pamilya at naghahangad ng mas magandang bukas,” Robredo said.
“Isa rin itong pambihirang pagkakataon upang mas pagtibayin ang ating nagkakaisang lahi: Isang bayang walang iniiwan at tinatalikuran, anuman ang relihiyon, kulay ng balat, o lugar na pinagmulan,” she added.
Eid al-Adha is one of the two greatest and most important holidays on the Muslim calendar. The other is Eid al-Fitr or “feast of breaking the fast” which marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan./PN
