KOTA KINABALU: Sporadic rain yesterday did not prevent Muslims in Sabah from participating in the Aidiladha prayers and the sacrificial slaughter of cows and goats, besides visiting relatives to strengthen goodwill.
The Yang Dipertua Negeri, Tun Juhar Mahiruddin and his consort, Toh Puan Norlidah RM Jasni, attended Aidiladha prayers with about 12,000 people at the State Mosque.
Several state and federal heads of department also attended the prayers.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman attended Aidiladha prayers along with thousands of people at the Sungai Manila Mosque in Pekan Muhibbah, Batu 12, Sandakan.
In Keningau, Assistant Agriculture and Food Industry Minister Datuk Haji Sairin Karno said the Muslim community in the district have become increasingly aware of the sacrificial ceremony.
“This is driven by the understanding of the meaning of sacrifice among the Muslim community, especially the younger generation,” he said after the Hari Raya Aidiladha prayers at the Al-Taqwa mosque and the sacrifice of cattle at Kampung Merampong Apin-Apin here.
He said Raya Korban or also commonly referred to Raya Haji and Aidiladha fulfils the fifth pillar of Islam.
According to him, the response to the celebration in the district this year was much different than the years before.
“This is due to the awareness of Muslims, who now have a better understanding of sacrifice, as well as support from the leaders and the younger generation,” he said.
In addition to the contribution of cattle from him, Deputy Chief Minister and Infrastructure Development Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan and other government agencies, he said residents of the village also shared to buy a cow as a sacrifice.
“I see Muslims, including their ‘saudara baru’ (converts), sharing to buy a cow as a sacrifice. Previously, this has never happened.”
Sairin, who is also Liawan assemblyman, added the high spirits shown by the young generation during the celebration was so encouraging and motivating as young people also joined forces to help when performing the sacrifice.
According to him, this year almost the entire Muslim population of the village held the sacrifice, including the District and Town Mosque here and Tambunan.
“Pairin has contributed a total of 10 cows and myself contributed five cows. Next year, I will contribute to the village with less Muslims in Tambunan district.
“I also urge the villages to plan earlier when having a sacrifice to buy a cow to be slaughtered. A cow can be shared by as many as seven people,” he said.
Sairin described this year’s celebration with the proactive involvement of young people involvement as very positive and through this sacrifice, it could also unite the Muslim community in the village.
He suggested that next year’s sacrifice be filled with religious activities such as religious talks and others that can enhance the knowledge of Muslims on the real meaning of sacrifice.
“I also commend the steps taken by the Al-Taqwa mosque for organising the ‘Jom Ke Masjid’ activity, which started from Zohor prayers to Maghrib and provides free meals to those who come to the mosque.
“I also suggest that village residents share to buy a pair of cattle for breeding and within two years after that, it can be sacrificed during the Raya Aidiladha,” he said.