Duterte calls for unity among all faiths on Eid’l Adha

EID’L ADHA PRAYER. Hundreds of Muslims celebrate the Eid’l Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) by offering a prayer at the Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park in Manila on Tuesday (August 21, 2018). Eid’l Adha commemorates Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) willingness to sacrifice his son to show his obedience to and trust in God. (PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan)

MANILA — President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Tuesday joined the Muslim community in commemoration of Eid’l Adha as he expressed hope that the celebration would bind all faiths together.

In his Eid’l Adha message, Duterte expressed hope that all faiths find inspiration to live a life “that transcends social, political, and cultural barriers.”

“May this celebration bind us together in our common hope of building diverse communities that is rooted in mutual respect and peace,” Duterte said.

“I trust that in the midst of our religious traditions, we will find the strength and inspiration to live a life that transcends social, political, and cultural barriers. Together, let us foster greater unity and harmony across people of various faiths,” he added.

Duterte, meanwhile, said the sacred feast should serve as “a reminder of the fulfillment that is found in sacrifice.”

“Today, we do not only commemorate the admirable act of being obedient to one’s God, but also celebrate the significance of faith in our pursuit of meaningful transformation,” Duterte said.

“As Muslims all over the world honor this remarkable sacrifice, I hope that you will be more inspired to embody courage and conviction in all of the challenges we face as a nation,” he added.

Eid’l Adha or the Festival of Sacrifice is the second of two Muslim festivals, the other being Eid’l Fitr.

It marks the culmination of the hajj rites in Saudi Arabia near Mecca and is celebrated by Muslims worldwide.