COTABATO CITY (PIA) — Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Chief Minister Ahod Murad Ebrahim has recognized the sacrifices made by every Bangsamoro for their “selflessness and generosity” in the observance of Eid’l Adha.
Ebrahim described the very act of selflessness and generosity as the core of the Eid’l Adha celebration. He said this act has contributed to the attainment of peace and freedom for the Bangsamoro community, which led to the establishment of the BARMM government and from which they are now benefiting.
“Sa ngalan ng Islam, maraming Bangsamoro ang nakipaglaban at nagbuwis ng buhay para isulong ang utos ng Allah (SWT) na siyang naging daan sa tinatamasa nating kalayaan sa kasalukuyan,” he emphasized.
(In the name of Islam, many Bangsamoro have fought and died just to fulfill the decree and will of Allah.)
On Wednesday (June 28), Muslims all over the world celebrated the “feast of sacrifice,” or Eid’l Adha, one of the most significant festivals in Islam, which symbolizes total surrender, faith, and devotion, as inspired by the Prophet Abraham’s complete submission to the will of God.
Early that morning, thousands of Filipino Muslims, men and women, together with their children, participated in congregational prayer at different mosques all over the Bangsamoro region.
Part of the tradition also involves the sacrificing of livestock, such as sheep, goats, cows, or camels. These are usually cut into three parts, with one part given to the needy, another given to the family, and another given to relatives.
Ebrahim said that Eid’l Adha is also a time for everyone to come together and take a moment “to reflect on the significant deeds and sacrifices of our ancestors,” including the Shaheed (martyrs) who sacrificed their lives in the name of Islam.
The chief minister also extended his greetings to Bangsamoro individuals who have successfully performed Hajj, a pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
Mecca, officially pronounced Makkah by Muslims, is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the Islamic faith. It is the most sacred city in Saudi Arabia that is off-limits to non-Islamic believers.
“Sa lahat ng ating mga kababayan na matagumpay na naisagawa ang isa sa mga haligi ng Islam sa pamamagitan ng paglalakbay sa Makkah, Saudi Arabia, Hajj Mabroor. Nawa’y patuloy tayong gabayan at biyayaan ng Allah (SWT),” he added.
(To all my brothers and sisters who succeeded in their Hajj pilgrimage, one of the pillars of Islam, may Allah (SWT) continue to guide and bless us all!)
Eid’l Adha is celebrated on the 10th day of the last month of the Islamic calendar and also marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. (LTB – PIA Cotabato City)
