THOUSANDS of Filipino Muslims ignored the scorching heat and gathered at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City on Monday morning to celebrate Eid’l Adha or the Islamic Feast of Sacrifice.
Muslim men wearing the taqiyah (round skullcaps) and women in their patterned hijab (veil) came from different parts of Metro Manila and converged at the Circle’s Liwasang Aurora to pray.
Sheik Al-Sheidick led the khutbah, a sermon reminding his brothers and sisters of Islamic principles and values.
In Manila, hundreds of Muslims gathered at the Quirino Grandstand for the religious event. Muslims also gathered at the Blue Mosque in Maharlika Village in Taguig City.
Senator Francis Pangilinan said the Filipinos’ willingness to sacrifice for their fellowmen could be found in the spirit of Eid’l Adha.
“Eid’l Adha is an occasion to reflect on the importance of sacrifice as a pillar of [the Muslim] faith. This is also an opportunity for us to join them in reflection,” Pangilinan said.
Eid’l Adha celebrates Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael as an act of obedience to Allah, but an angel appeared and gave him a ram to sacrifice instead.
Muslims also take this holiday as an opportunity to bond and reunite with their families. with Sandy Araneta and Macon Ramos-Araneta