Eid’l Adha: A time for sacrifice, renewal, compassion – Marcos

MANILA, Philippines — Eid’l Adha is a time for sacrifice, spiritual renewal and compassion, President Marcos said yesterday as he joined Muslim Filipinos in observing one of Islam’s most sacred holidays.

“May the spirit of this sacred remembrance inspire Filipinos of all faiths to respond to what our times ask of us and to leave behind not only victory but renewal,” the President said in his message.?“In doing so, we affirm that sacrifice, at its best, does not vanish but uplifts and leaves something stronger.”

Eid’l Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice, commemorates the devotion of Prophet Ibrahim, who was willing to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command.

The President described the occasion as more than a ritual of remembrance.?“This sacred day calls us to remember that devotion reveals itself when we are asked to release what we once believed we could never give,” he said. ?“The story of Prophet Ibrahim endures because it leads us to the edge, to that thin border between obedience and resistance, where the soul must decide what truly matters,” the Chief Executive added.

As the celebration coincides with the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah, one of the five pillars of Islam, Marcos urged Filipinos to reflect on the kind of offering that truly strengthens the nation.

“The measure is not in how much is given, but in what is restored: the dignity where there was dismissal, fairness where there was neglect and compassion where there was indifference,” he said.

Under Republic Act 9849, the 10th day of Zhul Hijja, the 12th month of the Islamic calendar, is recognized as a national holiday for Eid’l Adha, with the date varying each year.

This year, upon the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos’ recommendation based on the 1446 Hijrah Islamic lunar calendar, Marcos declared June 6 a regular holiday to mark the sacred observance.

Aside from the President, Vice President Sara Duterte and Speaker Martin Romualdez also extended their greetings and reflections during the solemn occasion.

Duterte, in a video message released by the Office of the Vice President, said Eid’l Adha should remind everyone of the values of sacrifice, faith and kindness, which are especially important in today’s times.

“The spirit of Eid’l Adha should serve as a reminder of courage, giving and care for others, qualities that are truly important at this time,” she said.

“I am one with you in strengthening brotherhood, respect and acceptance. May we receive the blessings of Allah at all times. Eid Mubarak!” she added.

Romualdez likewise reaffirmed the House of Representatives’ commitment to defend religious freedom and promote inclusion as the nation marked Eid’l Adha.

“As Speaker of the House, I reaffirm the commitment of Congress to support policies that honor diversity and uphold religious freedoms,” Romualdez said. “Our unity as a nation is strengthened by the respect we show for one another’s traditions and expressions of faith.”

He said the occasion offers an opportunity for reflection not only on faith and obedience, but also on the responsibility of leaders to safeguard freedoms that allow every Filipino to practice their beliefs without fear or prejudice.

Romualdez added that the story of Eid’l Adha remains relevant today, calling public officials to exercise servant leadership and work for justice and the common good.

“Let this celebration inspire us to work harder for peace, for inclusivity and for a government that listens to every voice, including those that have often gone unheard,” he said.

“To all Filipino Muslims, may your prayers be answered, your families blessed and your communities filled with peace and prosperity. Eid Mubarak!” Romualdez added. –  Bella Cariaso, Emmanuel Tupas, Jose Rodel Clapano