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Eid Mubarak 30 September 2008 |
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OUR Muslim brethren
have a very pleasant way of greeting others during special occasions of
the Islamic faith. While non-Muslims merely wish happiness to others
during holidays, Muslims pronounce blessings on other people through
their traditional greeting of "Eid Mubarak!" Loosely translated, the
greeting means, "May you enjoy a blessed festival!" These words are
usually heard during Eid Ul Fitr. This year’s Eid Ul Fitr falls tomorrow. It is a national holiday by virtue of Republic Act No. 9177, which President Gloria Arroyo signed in 2002. The national leadership embarked on this step to further efforts to foster greater understanding among Filipino Muslims and non-Muslims. As a holiday for all Filipinos, non-Muslims are given the opportunity to learn more about our Muslim brethren and their customs. Muslims celebrate Eid Ul Fitr because it marks the end of Ramadan, the period when Muslims all over the world, fast from true dawn to sunset and offer more fervent prayers to Allah. Fasting is meant to reinforce among Muslims the values of humility, sacrifice and patience. Through self-restraint, Muslims also purify themselves. In their prayers, Muslims ask forgiveness for past sins, guidance into the future and request divine help in overcome everyday evils. A study of Islam, based on the Holy Book Qu’ran, also shows it to be a conciliatory and peace-loving way of life. Surah 8, verse 61 states that "… (I)f the enemy incline towards peace, do thou (also) incline towards peace, and trust in Allah: For He is the One that Heareth and Knoweth (all things)." Reading about Eid Ul Fitr and other aspects of the Muslim faith, it is interesting to see that the Muslim faith bears striking similarities with notable Catholic doctrines. Both faiths, through fasting, emphasize the subordination of the physical to the spiritual. Both faiths encourage the practice of good works towards others. The Eid Ul Fitr celebration includes a prayer at the local Mosque. Before the prayer, Muslims who can, give Zayat al Fitr. The collection is then distributed as alms to needy Muslims at the Mosque. Both faiths pray and look forward to a golden age, where justice, plenty, abundance, well-being, security, peace, and brotherhood will prevail among humanity. This age, in the Muslim faith, is characterized by love, self-sacrifice, tolerance, compassion, mercy, and loyalty among people. No doubt, part of the prayers to be offered by our Muslim brethren tomorrow includes the establishment of just and lasting peace in Mindanao. It is a prayer that all Filipinos share. It is a prayer that, if people were to focus on our similarities more than on our differences, will certainly be granted. Eid Mubarak! |
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