The Islamic holidays, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, are now recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as religious holidays. This was realized thanks to proposals from Indonesia and dozens of other countries.
"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," wrote the Instagram post @kniukemdikbud, quoted at the end of March 2024.
The proof of the recognition of these two Islamic holidays is that UNESCO will not hold official meetings at these two times. This decision also applies to meetings at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.
In official documents on the UNESCO website, it is stated that the recognition of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha is a form of UNESCO's commitment to embracing the cultural and religious diversity of member countries. "By recognizing this important observance, it will encourage intercultural dialogue, mutual respect and understanding within the framework of UNESCO," the document states.
UNESCO also recognizes the meanings behind this Muslim celebration. Such as about introspection, friendship, and cultivating the values of gratitude, selflessness, empathy, and compassion.
“By acknowledging these events, UNESCO reaffirms its steadfast commitment as a supporter of cultural diversity and a catalyst for building bridges of understanding between nations,” he wrote.
Apart from Indonesia, several countries that have applied for this recognition include Algeria, Bangladesh, Colombia, Ivory Coast, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Philippines, Qatar, Russian Federation, Arab Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, Tunisia and Yemen. [Source: detik.com]
