[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 17 (Tuesday, February 26, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E205]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           COMMEMORATION OF THE MUSLIM HOLIDAY OF EID UL-ADHA

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                          HON. DAVID E. BONIOR

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 26, 2002

  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, as we approach the completion of the Hajj, I 
want to extend my heartfelt greetings to the nearly seven million 
Muslims in America and the more than one billion Muslims worldwide 
celebrating a blessed Eid ul-Adha.
  This most sacred holiday reminds us all of an important lesson. The 
Eid commemorates Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael in 
obedience to God. God, in His great wisdom and mercy, allowed the angel 
Gabriel to substitute a lamb as Abraham's offering, and Ishmael was 
spared. I am told the meat of the sacrificed lamb prepared for this 
feast is to be divided three ways: one third for the household, one 
third for relatives, and one third for the poor. It is this spirit of 
mercy and generosity that is most needed today.
  As millions of faithful around the world join together for the 
conclusion of yet another remarkable pilgrimage to Mecca, there is also 
great reflection as we all seek to better understand the turmoil of the 
past few months. We all share grief and sorrow over the attacks of 
September 11. But partly as a testament to the hard work of the 
American Muslim community, I believe Americans are growing increasingly 
aware of Islam as a great religion of tolerance and peace.
  This has been a difficult time for all Americans, especially Muslims. 
Not only did the Muslim community lose loved ones in the attacks like 
every other community in America, but they also suffered a backlash of 
suspicion, bigotry and violence. As time passes, it becomes 
increasingly clear that our nation has rejected such intolerance.
  However, our struggle for justice continues. As we work to oppose 
secret evidence, profiling, and the disparate impact some of the 
measures adopted after September 11 have had on the Arab American and 
American Muslim community, we are working to protect the very ideals on 
which this great country was founded.
  Mr. Speaker, as Muslim families celebrate Eid ul-Adha, let us 
remember the strength and discipline that faith offers each of us, and 
recommit ourselves to the sacrifices that life and justice might demand 
in the coming year.

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