|
Muslims converge for Eidul Adha |
|
|
|
|
Written by Samira Ali Gutoc
|
|
Thursday, 29 January 2004 |
If it's Chinese New Year, the more than a million Muslim pilgrims also face a new life ahead as they end the Hajj season in Mecca this week and return back to their countries. Pilgrims from all over the world having worn white (as a symbolism of purity) and trekked Mecca's Kaaba (black stone) underwent a month of rituals as part of the once-in-a-lifetime obligation of a Muslim. The other pillars/duties are Shahada (declaration there is one God and Muhammad a messenger), prayer, charity, and fasting.
Muslims all over the country will observe February 1 a major Islamic event to signal the end of Hajj and welcome back their relatives and Muslim pilgrims through Eidul Adha rites. More than 3,000 pilgrims from the Philippines joined this year's rites. By law, Eidul Adha is a regional holiday in the ARMM.
Islamic convert groups and leaders of Luzon-based dawah (propagation) centers invites the Muslim public as they converge in Manila for Eidul Adha rites at Folk Arts theatre (FAT) on February from 6-9 am. Other Muslims will be observing prayers in major mosques such as Golden Mosque, Quiapo, Blue Mosque, Taguig and Culiat's Salaam Compound mosque. Eidul Adha marks an important Islamic holiday ending the Hajj (pilgrimage) season. The event is symbolized with the slaughtering of meat ie lamb, sheep akin to the sacrifice of Prophet Abraham of his son Ismael.
The khatib (lecturer) of the prayers at FAT will be Darul Hijra graduate of Baguio Muamar Ismael.
Islamic Relations Advocacy Council Inc. chairperson Ali Reza Kunting says non-Muslims like politicians are not prohibited from visiting the events. This is the time when politicians post streamers of greetings and even visit and shake hands of Muslims praying at major mosques.
Welcome streamers from relatives greet pilgrims in their native towns in ARMM as they will be visited by well-wishers. Pilgrims are accorded respect as their names are titled Hajji for men/Hajja.
Trackback(0)
 |
TrackBack URI for this entry
Subscribe to this comment's feed