In honor and glory of the sacrifice of Nabi Ibrahim (AS) and the noble display of submission by Nabi Ismail (AS) to Allah (SWT), the Muslim faithful worldwide gathered to celebrate Eid al-Adha on the 10th day of Dhu-l-Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic calendar, through prayers and charity. In this light, the UP Institute of Islamic Studies (UP IIS) organized a congregational prayer at Ang Bahay ng Alumni, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, on May 27, 2026, which was attended by around 800 Muslims from various parts of Metro Manila.
As congregants settled, Prof. Julkipli M. Wadi, Dean of the UP IIS and serving as the imam, conducted the takbir mursal in an interval with a worshiper. As if a reminder of the beauty and growth of Islam, an individual approached Prof. Wadi to express his desire to revert to Islam, and thereafter performed the shahadah in front of the imam and hundreds of Muslim witnesses on the holy day of Eid. The congregation eventually moved to salat ul-eid, followed by a khutbah tying the present condition of Muslims and the significance of Eid to the Islamic faith.
In his khutbah, Prof. Wadi spoke about the challenges that the Muslim ummah experienced in this turbulent year, reaching a peak in the aggression by the US and Israel on Iran, the danger posed upon Saudi Arabia by the exchange of missiles, and the widespread misery and casualties of war in countries such as Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, and other places in the Middle East. Indeed, he mentioned that this ongoing predicament has so far been the most existential in the history of the ummah, superseding prior disruptions in Islamic history.
However, Prof. Wadi noted that as the world approached this holy month, the turbulence began to recede, as if the perpetrators of war had suddenly gained a sense of humanity because of the incoming Hajj and Eid al-Adha. He also posed the question, “Why do Muslims need to perform the Hajj in spite of a brewing conflict?” Here, he highlighted the central place of Mt. Arafah, stating that it is at the very core of Hajj.
At this point, Prof. Wadi relayed several reasons on the significance of Mt. Arafah not just to the completion of Hajj but also to the Islamic faith and mankind at large. On the 9th day of Dhu-l-Hijjah, those who are performing Hajj undergo a profound day of witnessing the greatness and sovereignty of Allah (SWT). He emphasized its deep spiritual meaning as the place where Nabi Adam (AS) and Hawa (AS) were reunited on earth, marking both the beginning of human history and a powerful reminder of faith, return, and divine mercy.
On Mt. Arafah, too, the last part of the wahy (divine revelation) was delivered by Nabi Muhammad (SAW). This signified the completion of divine revelations to mankind on the very site of the origin of mankind. Because of its immense significance, Mt. Arafah becomes the moment where every pilgrim stands in sincere witness, turning wholly to Allah (SWT) in prayer, seeking spiritual renewal through His boundless mercy and forgiveness.
The congregational prayer held during major Islamic occasions such as Eid’l Adha is an annual tradition and forms part of the UP Institute of Islamic Studies’ extension program, underscoring its commitment to serve and provide inclusive spaces for the Muslim community.
The UP IIS wishes everyone Eid Mubarak! Taqabbalallahu Minna Wa Minkum!
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Article by Shariful Hashim Mansul | Photos by Marlon Pervera
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