17-Jun-2024: Eid’l Adha Holiday Declared in the Philippines
In recent news, the Philippine government has declared June 17, 2024, as a regular holiday to observe Eid’l Adha, one of the most significant feasts in Islam, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice. This holiday commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah’s command, symbolizing devotion and submission to God’s will. During this period, Muslims around the world engage in the ritual slaughter of animals, distributing the meat among family, friends, and the less fortunate, reflecting the values of charity and community spirit (ABS-CBN News) (GMA Network | News and Entertainment ) (Philippine Competition Commission) (THE FILIPINO SCRIBE).
A Krishna Conscious Perspective on Eid’l Adha
From the standpoint of Krishna Consciousness, this observance offers a profound lesson in devotion and sacrifice, concepts that resonate deeply with Vaishnava teachings. In the Nectar of Instruction, Srila Rupa Goswami emphasizes the importance of controlling the mind and senses, and practicing self-discipline, which are essential in any spiritual practice.
Srila Prabhupada, the founder-acharya of ISKCON, taught that true sacrifice involves giving up one’s ego and material desires in favor of spiritual growth and service to God. Just as Muslims commemorate Ibrahim’s ultimate act of sacrifice, devotees in Krishna Consciousness are encouraged to surrender their own desires to serve Krishna selflessly. This surrender is not merely about ritual acts, but about cultivating a heart filled with love and compassion for all living entities, as we are all part of Krishna’s creation.
It is important to draw a parallel here: in Vaishnava traditions, we do not offer meat to Krishna, as it is not considered suitable as Krishna does accept it. Krishna accepts vegetarian offerings, emphasizing non-violence and compassion towards all living beings. However, within Vedic traditions, there are provisions for those who desire to eat meat. Such individuals can offer meat to Goddess Kali, following strict rituals, to mitigate the karmic reactions associated with animal killing. This practice is intended to acknowledge and reduce the offenses of taking a life, highlighting the importance of following scriptural injunctions even in acts of consumption (GMA Network | News and Entertainment ).
Furthermore, the instruction for sharing meat during Eid’l Adha is deeply rooted in the context of time, place, and circumstances. In the desert regions where Prophet Muhammad was preaching, the harsh environment limited agricultural opportunities, making meat a primary source of sustenance. The Quran mentions the preference for slaughtering a larger animal to feed more people, which is more compassionate than killing many smaller animals. This practical guidance aligns with the principle of minimizing harm and maximizing benefit, given the specific environmental constraints of that time and place. Additionally, even in Islam, the unnecessary killing of animals is prohibited. Such actions are permitted only under harsh circumstances where access to vegetation is limited (GMA Network | News and Entertainment ).
The story of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son is not just an act of sacrifice but also an adherence to the Will of the Lord over personal attachments. This resonates deeply with the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, where Lord Krishna advises Arjuna to perform his duty without attachment to the results, surrendering to the divine Will. In Bhagavad Gita 18.66, Krishna says:
“Sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja ahaṁ tvāṁ sarva-pāpebhyo mokṣayiṣyāmi mā śucah.”
“Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear.”
This instruction underscores the principle of prioritizing divine will over personal desires and attachments, aligning with Ibrahim’s demonstration of supreme faith and obedience.
The practice of sharing meat during Eid can be paralleled with the Vaishnava tradition of prasadam distribution—offering food to the deity and then sharing this mercy of the Lord among devotees and the needy. This act of sharing the mercy of the Lord not only nourishes the body but also the soul, fostering a sense of community and spiritual kinship.
Srila Prabhupada stressed the importance of respecting all religions and their sincere practitioners. He believed that by understanding and appreciating the essence of other faiths, we can foster a more harmonious and spiritually enriched society. The observance of Eid’l Adha thus becomes an opportunity to reflect on the universal values of faith, sacrifice, and compassion that underpin all genuine spiritual paths.
In conclusion, Eid’l Adha reminds us of the profound spiritual truths found in sacrifice and devotion. By embracing these principles, regardless of our religious background, we move closer to a life of spiritual fulfillment and universal brotherhood, aligned with the teachings of Srila Prabhupada and the broader principles of Krishna Consciousness.