Eid'l Adha: Reflection on sacrifice, faith, unity in diversity

Eid Mubarak! Today, June 6, Filipino Muslims join the global Islamic community in observing Eid’l Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice—one of the most sacred occasions in the Islamic calendar. Rooted in the Qur’anic account of the Prophet Ibrahim’s unwavering willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail in obedience to the command of Allah or God, Eid’] Adha is a solemn yet celebra-tory affirmation of faith, obedience, and selflessness.

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This observance also marks the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, an act of devotion required of Muslims at least once in their lifetime, if physically and financially able. Eid'1 Adha draws the faithful into a shared moment of reflection on the meaning of submission to Allah, and the virtues of trust, sacrifice, and compassion. It is a time of spiritual reflection imbued with community prayer, and acts of charity—particularly the ritual of Qur-bani, or animal sacrifice, whose meat is distributed among family, friends, and those in need.

In essence, Eid’] Adha embodies val-ues that transcend religious boundaries: the willingness to surrender to a higher moral calling, the virtues of generosity and empathy, and the communal pur-suit of peace and righteousness.