Today, Muslims all over the world celebrated Aidiladha which marks the end of the haj pilgrimage period. Every year, millions of Muslims make the pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia to perform the haj, one of the five basic tenets of Islam.
Aidiladha is also commonly known as Hari Raya Korban or Hari Raya Haji in Malaysia. ‘Korban’ literally means ‘sacrifice’ which commemorates the sacrifices made by the Prophet Abraham (hence the word 'korban,' which means sacrifice in Arabic), who demonstrated immense faith when he was put to the test by God. Prophet Abraham was commanded to offer his son Ismail up for sacrifice, and though it grieved him greatly, he obliged to perform the task. However, before he can perform his duty, God stopped him and revealed that it was a test of his faith. Ismail's life was spared, and a ram was sacrificed in his place.
Following the example set by Abraham, the sacrifice of four-legged animals such as lambs, goats, cows, bulls and camels is performed. The sacrifice is done after the congregational prayer in the morning of Aidiladha.
The animals are sacrificed in accordance with the proper religious rites and the meat is then distributed especially to poor people. One third of the meat is given to the individual who made the sacrifice, while the rest is given to the poor and deserving people in the community. Offering the sacrifice is not a compulsory in Islam, but an obligation for those who are able to afford it.
In conjunction with the Aidiladha, the community at the Sungai Buloh Country Resort, Selangor, Malaysia had performed the ‘korban’ at their community area. Four cows have been sacrificed. The rain from the night before continues during the ceremony did not make it easy for the fifty odd. However, persistence and perseverance of the community members rules the day as they completed the task in two hours. By noon, all available cows’ meat was ready to be distributed.
The ‘korban’ goes beyond distribution of cows’ meat to needy people. It is indicia of co-operation among community members. We are always busy with our job and unable to make time to know their neighbors. Occasion like this serves as an opportunity to have a chat with our neighbors. Perhaps, the ‘korban’ is more than a religious rites; it nurtures the ‘soul’ of a community.
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