The world and the Philippines has declared Eid-al-Adha as a holiday and everyone else is just too excited to have an extra day off.

What exactly has the holiday have for us besides the long weekend? More importantly, why is it a must for non-Muslims to know about this Muslim holiday?

8. It has nothing to do with Ramadan

The Eid-al-Adha is actually a three- to-four-day celebration after the Hajj and is devoted to commemorating the prophet’s ultimate obedience to Allah.

7. It sheds light on Muslim rituals

The Eid-al-Adha requires Muslims to sacrifice an animal as a symbol of the Muslim prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his only son to God.

Animals used for sacrifice, usually cows, sheep, rams, goats or camels, are usually bred just the occasion and are required to be of a certain age.

6. It shows how disciplined they are

Muslims are very true to their word. If they have to fast, they really fast. If they have to sacrifice an animal, they don’t hesitate. There’s no hesitation, no going back. The word of Allah is the highest rule all Muslims should obey.

5. It dispels negative images

With all the crises in the Muslim world today, people are quick to mistakenly generalize. Just recently, a high school Muslim boy got arrested for building a clock as his science project. Does building a clock mean a young boy is building a bomb? No. Does sacrificing an animal mean animal cruelty? No.

4. Muslims are compassionate people

After the sacrifice, the meat is divided and distributed to three groups: one is for the family, one is for friends, relatives and neighbors, and the last one is for the poor and needy. Just imagine how many Muslim families donate food to the poor and needy all around the world.

3. They’re not so different from us

It took a lot of faith to gather Catholics all over the country to see the Pope give mass. The same faith drives Muslims to fulfill their Hajj and celebrate their profound belief in Allah.

2. It demonstrates their strength

No matter how many times people bring them down, they always get right back up. They put Allah in the center of their lives. That’s all the strength they need to burn the fences people build around them.

1. They’re our brothers

We live in one nation, one country. We are all brothers. It’s only right we know what they’re celebrating, why they’re celebrating it and respect what their religion means to them.

Rejoice for the Eid-al-Adhad! Know any more reasons why every non-Muslim should respect the holiday? Share them in the comments below!