PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday joined Muslim Filipinos in the observance of Eid’I Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice, encouraging all citizens of the nation to grow in wisdom and fortitude amid challenges.
In his message for the Eid’I Adha observance, President Marcos said the solemn occasion offers the nation a unique opportunity to ruminate on the life and tale of Ibrahim whose steadfast faith and unconditional love for Allah have become the core virtues of Islamic teaching.
The President took the occasion as a reminder to Filipinos that there is gain in surrender and the act of letting go, even of persons and things they value the most.
“As we understand the significance of this commemoration, we feel deep within ourselves that, in nurturing our relationship with others and the Almighty, we are strengthened by our past and fueled with lessons to face tomorrow with grit and resilience,” he said.
He prayed that Filipinos will have what it takes to be courageous even at the expense of comfort and security in treading the noble yet arduous path of righteousness. “We will find a greater sense of purpose in uplifting the lives of others and enriching the facets that make our dreams and endeavors meaningful,” he said.
And through dependence on God and on life of prayer, President Marcos expressed hope that Filipinos will have the clarity of mind and kindness of heart to overcome the trials that prevent them from achieving true peace.
The President also yearned for a Bagong Pilipinas that not only knows how to work for the Filipinos’ future, “but also recognizes that they are frail and helpless without the guidance of the One from whom all wisdom and knowledge flows.”
“Let us continue to radiate goodness to those around us, confident that—with the right intention and conduct—the true, the good, and the beautiful will prosper now and in the years to come,” he added.
Eid’I Adha is a major holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide for three to four days with most of them attending the special prayers at major mosques and Islamic centers throughout the world.
It’s the second of two great Muslim festivals, the first being Eid al-Fitr.
The Feast of Sacrifice is a tradition that originates from the historic event when Ibrahim was commanded by God in a dream vision to sacrifice his son, Ishmail.
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