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Eid al-Adha Philippine Holiday

Ken Lurd / June 4, 2025

Eid al-Adha, one of the most significant Islamic holidays, will be celebrated in the Philippines on June 6, 2025. Discover the meaning of this revered day, the holiday’s cultural and religious significance, and how it’s celebrated across the nation. 🕌🌙

Eid al-Adha: The Significance and Meaning
Eid al-Adha, often referred to as the Festival of Sacrifice, is a major religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide. The holiday commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son, Ismail (Ishmael), in obedience to God’s command. Just before he was to carry out the sacrifice, God intervened and provided a ram as a substitute, symbolizing God’s mercy and Ibrahim’s unwavering faith.

In the Philippines, Eid al-Adha is a national holiday, allowing Muslims and non-Muslims alike to join in the spirit of giving, reflection, and community bonding. Eid al-Adha is also known for its sacrifice of animals, primarily goats, cows, or sheep, where the meat is shared among family, friends, and the less fortunate. This holiday is a time of celebration, but also a time for introspection and gratitude for what God has provided.

Eid al-Adha in the Philippine Context
The Philippines, with its significant Muslim population, especially in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region and Mindanao, observes Eid al-Adha as an official holiday. For Muslims in the country, it is one of the two major Eid festivals, with Eid al-Fitr marking the end of Ramadan being the other. Eid al-Adha holds a special place as it aligns with the deeply rooted faith of the Filipino Muslims, blending spirituality and social values into the celebration.

Public Holiday Status and What It Means for Filipinos
As the holiday falls on June 6, 2025, Filipino Muslims across the country will take the day off to observe the important religious traditions. The Eid al-Adha holiday is recognized under Proclamation No. 986, issued by the Philippine President, which sets Eid al-Adha as a regular holiday. This means that employees are entitled to a full holiday wage if they do not work, and special guidelines are provided for those who choose to work on that day.

How Is Eid al-Adha Celebrated in the Philippines?
Eid al-Adha is not just a time of worship but also a celebration of family and community. The rituals and traditions observed on this day are a testament to the strong sense of faith and solidarity among Filipino Muslims.

Here are some of the key celebrations and rituals associated with Eid al-Adha:

1. Early Morning Prayers (Salat al-Eid)
Eid prayers are offered at mosques or in open fields early in the morning. This communal prayer is an important act of worship that marks the beginning of the day’s festivities. In Metro Manila and key cities across the Mindanao region, mosques and prayer grounds are often filled with worshippers in their finest clothes, performing prayers in unison.

2. Sacrifice of Animals (Qurbani)
After the prayers, Muslims across the Philippines participate in the Qurbani, or animal sacrifice, to commemorate Ibrahim’s obedience to God’s will. It is traditional to sacrifice a sheep, goat, cow, or camel. The meat from the sacrifice is then distributed among family, friends, and the less fortunate, fulfilling the charitable aspect of the holiday. This ritual reinforces the importance of charity, sacrifice, and helping those in need.

3. Charity and Sharing
A significant part of Eid al-Adha is giving back to the community. A portion of the meat from the sacrificed animals is given to the poor, ensuring that even those who cannot afford a meal can partake in the celebration. Many Filipino Muslims view this act as a way to show gratitude for God’s blessings and strengthen their ties with the less fortunate.

4. Gathering with Family and Friends
As a family-oriented celebration, Eid al-Adha is also a time for families to come together and celebrate. After prayers and the sacrifice, Filipino Muslims gather for a feast where dishes like kebab, beef stew, biryani, and lamb are served. Communal meals often bring people of various backgrounds together, building a sense of unity and solidarity.

5. Cultural and Community Events
In cities with significant Muslim populations, such as Marawi, Zamboanga, and Davao, local government units and organizations host cultural events to mark the occasion. These may include public gatherings, entertainment, sports, and lectures on the importance of the holiday, fostering a sense of community and inclusiveness.

Eid al-Adha: A Time for Reflection and Faith
For Filipino Muslims, Eid al-Adha is not only about the feast or the celebrations, but also a deeply spiritual occasion. It’s a time for reflection and strengthening one’s relationship with God. Muslims take this opportunity to reflect on their actions and renew their faith. They are reminded of the importance of obedience, sacrifice, and charity, values that are integral to both Islam and Filipino culture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the significance of Eid al-Adha?
Eid al-Adha commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. It celebrates the values of sacrifice, obedience, and gratitude.

Q2: Why is Eid al-Adha a holiday in the Philippines?
It is recognized as an official public holiday under the Philippine Constitution, which grants Muslim Filipinos the right to observe their religious holidays.

Q3: How is Eid al-Adha celebrated in the Philippines?
Eid al-Adha is celebrated with prayers, animal sacrifice, charity, and gathering with family and friends. It is a time of reflection and giving.

Q4: What is the Qurbani ritual?
Qurbani is the act of sacrificing animals, usually a goat, sheep, or cow, to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice. The meat is distributed among family, friends, and the less fortunate.

Conclusion: Embracing Eid al-Adha in the Philippines
As Eid al-Adha approaches on June 6, 2025, Filipino Muslims will embrace this special occasion with a deep sense of faith, family, and community. The holiday not only serves as a religious observance but also fosters values that unite the nation. Through sacrifice, charity, and reflection, Eid al-Adha remains a significant moment in the Filipino Muslim community’s spiritual journey. Whether through prayers, sacrifices, or charitable acts, it is a day that brings hope, faith, and a renewed sense of purpose.