ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially recognizes Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as religious holidays.
This determination was taken by UNESCO after a proposal from Indonesia and supported by more than 30 countries.
The news of the determination of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as religious holidays was conveyed by the Indonesian Embassy in Paris through an official statement.
“Thank God, at the suggestion of Indonesia and supported by more than 30 countries, UNESCO has recognized Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as religious holidays,” said a written statement from the Indonesian Embassy in Paris, quoted on Sunday, March 31 2024.
The Indonesian Embassy said that one of the points of this decision was to ask UNESCO to ensure that on these two days, UNESCO would not hold any official meetings at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.
In its official document, UNESCO says Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha have deep cultural, social and spiritual meaning within the Muslim community. This moment serves as an important opportunity for introspection, fellowship, and the cultivation of the values of gratitude, selflessness, empathy, and compassion.
“This celebration renews individual commitment to spiritual reflection and acts of benevolence, fostering a sense of unity and common purpose among Muslims throughout the world,” wrote UNESCO’s official document.
By recognizing Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, UNESCO pays tribute to the rich heritage and cultural traditions of Islam while reaffirming its commitment to promoting dialogue, tolerance and inclusivity among people of different religions and cultures.
UNESCO stated that the aims of recognizing Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha include promoting cultural understanding, strengthening inter-religious dialogue, increasing social cohesion, and advancing UNESCO’s mandate.
Previously, the proposal to recognize Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha was submitted on the agenda of the 219th UNESCO Executive Board session. Countries that support this recognition include Algeria, Bangladesh, Colombia, Ivory Coast, Djibouti, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia , Palestine, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and Yemen. (AT Network)
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