Though actor Robin Padilla is known as a devout Muslim, he has never imposed his beliefs upon his wife of seven years, Mariel Padilla, who still remains Catholic. In the same way, both Robin and Mariel have agreed that they won’t force their daughter to choose a religion. Instead, they plan to teach Isabella, who recently turned one, to make up her own mind in the future and be respectful of all religions.
Shortly after Isabella’s first birthday, the couple’s unica hija was baptized at the National Shrine of St. Michael and the Archangels or Malacañang Church. Naturally, many wondered if the sacrament was “allowed” in the Islam faith.
“Because mommy is a catholic. Dad respects that,” explains Mariel on Facebook, according to a PEP report.”Welcome to the Christian world my angel. In Islam, there is no compulsion. Isabella also had her Aqiqah today.”
Aqiqah is the Islamic form of offering to mark a child’s birth.
“To all the concerned fans of Robin and Mariel, Isabella had a Muslim baptism as well,” clarified Mariel’s sister in the caption of a photo of Isabella with her ninongs and ninangs, which include President Rodrigo Duterte, Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary ABS-CBN executive Cory Vidanes, director Joyce Bernal, and actor Piolo Pascual.
“As parents, it is our duty to teach our children to respect all religions. It is our duty to guide them but we can not dictate to them…”
According to the Islam faith, children are to be raised with Muslim traditions, but are free to choose their religion once they come of age.
“You should teach children and give them a strong foundation of Islam, but the choice is theirs. You should not force them to practice Islam,” says AboutIslam.net.
“When she grows up, she will be the one to decide what her religion is. That is her right,” reiterates Mariel. “As parents, it is our duty to teach our children to respect all religions. It is our duty to guide them but we can not dictate to them. One thing is for sure… I will make sure Isabella knows that there is only one GOD.”
More and more families are becoming interfaith. Though it is not for everyone, there’s no denying that it has its benefits. For starters, it encourage families to strive for more unity; it teaches kids to be more understanding of differences and it widens their knowledge about faith and the world.
In the end, it is not traditional beliefs that bind us, but genuine love regardless of religion.
sources: About Islam, PEP.ph, Time.com
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