Monrovia – Ahead of general and presidential elections in 2017, politicians are looking to gain public favor by pushing much legislation with the religious trend becoming common in recent days.
Following a proposed bill by Senator Prince Y. Johnson of Nimba County calling for Muslims holidays to be celebrated as national holidays in Liberia, another lawmaker at the House of Representatives has also submitted another bill to the body.
An act to create Eid al Adha, otherwise known as Abraham Day, as a national holiday has been submitted to the House of Representatives.
The act was submitted during Tuesday’s session by Montserrado County Representative Edwin M. Snowe.
Representative Snowe noted that the act if passed into law will enable Muslims across Liberia to commemorate Eid al-Adha peacefully.
Muslims believe that Eid al-Adha is the day Prophet Abraham expressed his willingness to sacrifice his son, Ishmael as an act of submission to God’s command.
Stated Representative Snowe: “I present compliments and write submitting, for plenary deliberation and subsequent passage an Act creating “Eid al-Adha (Abraham’s Day), to be celebrated as a National Holiday within the Republic of Liberia each year.”
He argued that such law will serve as a demonstration of faith that is appreciated by both Christianity, citing Genesis 22 and the Islamic Sura 37 as well as Saaffat ,ayat 100, 112 which is celebrated as the holiest among two Muslim Holidays around the World.
Similar Act was earlier submitted to the plenary of the Liberian Senate by Senator Johnson.
Representative Snowe considered the enactment of “Eid al-Adha into law as befitting to show respect for religious freedom, giving Liberian Muslims a chance to adequately celebrate their day as a national holiday.
The Montserrado county Lawmaker further called on his colleagues at the lower house to support the communication stating “ it is my outmost anticipation, honorable presiding and distinguish colleagues, that you unanimously support this Act in demonstration of your support for this worthy cause.”
Representative Snowe said, his decision to submit the communication came from the ECOWAS Parliament where he represented Liberia few weeks ago.
The Montserrado county lawmaker noted that (Abraham Day) is a significant day so it is celebrated by all Muslims noting that due to the day ECOWAS gave them a break from work, an indication that all countries in West Africa celebrate the day.
The lawmaker mentioned that his decision is not based on politics.
Lawmaker Snowe might be contesting to become lawmaker of a district in Bomi County which has a huge Muslim population.
He was recently petitioned by some citizens fo Senjeh District to contest for a representative seat in the district.
By Hannah Gizzie, Intern Reporter 0776470404
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