- Title: PHILIPPINES: Celebrants of Eid Al-Adha hope for peace in Mindanao
- Date: 17th November 2010
- Summary: VARIOUS OF MUSLIM IMAM LEADING PRAYER ON STAGE (SOUNDBITE) (Filipino) AGENCY WORKER, ALFAISAL BIOTTONG, SAYING: "We're thankful to our god Allah. He gave us life to be able to celebrate this Eid Al-Adha today." VARIOUS OF FILIPINO MUSLIM MEN STANDING DURING PRAYER MUSLIM FILIPINO MEN BENDING IN PRAYER MUSLIM FILIPINO MEN STANDING UP DURING PRAYER MUSLIM IMAM LEADING P
- Embargoed: 2nd December 2010 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Philippines
- Country: Philippines
- Topics: Religion
- Reuters ID: LVA7EWSMDDSVFD4BN6MPNS5XRSNA
- Story Text: Muslim Filipinos gathered at a local park early on Tuesday to welcome Eid Al-Adha.
Also known as the "festival of Sacrifice", it is considered as one of the two most important celebrations in the Muslim calendar.
The festival celebrates prophet Ibrahim's obedience to sacrifice his son's life to show his commitment to Allah. In the end Ibrahim did not have to kill his son as Allah sent him a ram to sacrifice instead.
During Eid Al-Adha, Muslims sacrifice livestock to be distributed to family, friends and the needy.
In Manila, where the Islam religion is a minority, believers travel in groups to Mosques and open areas situated around the city to attend Eid Al-Adha prayers.
During Eid, it is customary to give donations to charity to help those in need.
"We're thankful to our god Allah. He gave us life to be able to celebrate this Eid Al-Adha today," said employment agency worker, Alfaisal Biottong.
Islam is the second largest religion in the Philippines, with over five million believers throughout the country.
In Mindanao, about 903 kilometers south of Manila and second largest island in the Philippines, Islam is the most practiced religion due to existing trade routes with the Arab countries in the 13th century.
Conflict between the separatist troops and the government in Mindanao has led to poor economic conditions and increased poverty.
Filipino Muslims hope for reconciliation in Mindanao.
"I wish all of us could eventually work together. If we could remove the discrimination against Muslims, I believe we could be united as one nation. As Filipinos," said businessman and preacher Merpha Marohobsar.
Last month, foreign countries such as the United States and Great Britain issued travel warnings against visiting Mindanao due to possible attacks in the surrounding cities. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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