THE GOVERNMENT Negotiating Panel for Talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front joins our Muslim brothers and sisters in celebrating one of their most important festivals, Eid ul-Adha or the Feast of the Sacrifice.
Eid ul-Adha reminds us of the proof of faith through sacrifice that is demanded of all the faithful. It recalls the story of Ibrahim (Abraham), whose complete trust in Allah led him to accept sacrificing his own son. Faithfully, the son likewise consented to be sacrificed.
Eid ul-Adha also marks the culmination of the Hajj to the Plain of Arafat. As a feast among Muslims, it is a wondrous occasion for giving and sharing meat and food.
It must be serendipity that we mark the first anniversary of the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) last 15 October 2012 on this day of the Feast of the Sacrifice in the Islamic calendar.
Perhaps we are being told that the delays and roadblocks are all part of the pilgrimage that we must endure in order to complete our tasks.
We must therefore willingly offer more sacrifices as proof of our faith in the peace process and in each other.
We need to share selflessly and wholeheartedly our strength and wisdom in order to reach common ground.
Then shall we pass the test and together reach our destination.
Eid Mubarak! Hari raya Haji!
Happy first anniversary of the FAB! 15 October 2013
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