Cops: Eid al-Adha festivities in Metro Manila peaceful

Filipino Muslims marked Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) with a peaceful and festive celebration in Manila and Quezon City on Monday. Eid al-Adha, also known as the "Greater Eid," is an important religious holiday for Muslims worldwide. The holiday commemorates Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his eldest son Ishmael in obedience to a command from Allah - and Ishmael's acceptance of this command. Radio dzBB's Carlo Mateo quoted Chief Inspector Erwin Margarejo, the spokesman of the Manila Police District (MPD) as saying Muslims held a solemn prayer at the Golden Mosque in Quiapo. According to ifanca.org, Eid al-Adha is a four-day holiday and celebration. "It starts with a special holiday prayer, performed in congregation in the Masjid (Mosque) or other suitable place. It is a time of celebration, of visiting family and friends and of thanking Allah, Subhanahu wa ta'ala, for all the blessings bestowed upon us. Fasting is prohibited during these days," ifanca.org said. Radio dzBB said the celebrations in Quiapo and the Quirino Grandstand were peaceful. The report quoted Margarejo as saying many of the Muslim families that gathered at the Quirino Grandstand prayed for peace in the Philippines, especially in Mindanao. In southern Metro Manila, dzBB's Sam Nielsen reported Muslims also gathered at the Blue Mosque in Taguig City to pray for peace. "Environment of stability" On Sunday, President Benigno Simeon Aquino III appealed to Muslims to help create an "environment of stability" as they marked Eid al-Adha. In his Eid al-Adha message, Aquino said the Muslims' dedication to strengthen their faith reinforces Islam's ideals of peace, solidarity, and modesty. "I am hopeful that you will remain committed in helping us create an environment of stability through harmonious relations among all Filipinos. May this celebration bring forth serenity within yourselves and your respective communities, and further unite a nation that is now treading the straight path toward lasting amity and equitable progress," he said. Republic Act No. 9849 states that Eid al-Adha would be celebrated as a regular holiday in the Philippines. For this year, Aquino declared Nov. 7 a holiday to commemorate Eid al-Adha. - VVP, GMA News