By Jun Enriquez
Poona
Piagapo, Lanao del Norte - Eid Al-Adha
is known as "Festival of the Sacrifice" and also called the
"Sacrifice Feast", is the second of two Muslim holidays celebrated
worldwide each year and considered the holier of the two. Eid Al-Adha is an Islamic festival to
commemorate the willingness of Ibrahim (also known as Abraham) to follow
Allah's (God's) command to sacrifice his son Ismael. This information was narrated
by Aleem Zainodin Omar Lomala, Executive Director of the Uthman Bin Affan
Foundation (UBAF) based in Iligan City.
Logo of the RAF Foundation |
‘Eid
Al-Adha” is celebrated after the Ramadan. The Ramadan starts at the beginning
of the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Because Islam observes a lunar
calendar, the official beginning occurs at different times around the globe,
based on when the crescent moon is first seen. The lunar calendar is about 11
days shorter than the solar calendar. Ramadan is celebrated for 29 or 30 days.
Director
Aleem Lomala said Muslims around the world celebrate and observe Eid Al Adha
every year. On the commencing morning of Eid al-Adha, Muslims will attend
morning prayers and sermon at a mosque. They also wear new clothes, visit
family members and friends and may symbolically sacrifice an animal in an act
known as “qurbani”. The Qurbani (sacrificial) meat is then divided into three
equal parts – one for the household, one for relatives and friends, and one for
the poor - a meal will then be prepared with this sacrifice. This represents the animal that Ibrahim
sacrificed in the place of his son.
At left, Aleem Lomala gave cow meat to brother Muslim |
In
the Islamic lunar calendar, Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th day of the 12th month
and lasts for four days until the 13th day. The exact date and timing of the
occasion varies on the positioning of the moon at the beginning of the Islamic
calendar month, better known as Dhu’l-Hijjah. As a result of this, Eid al-Adha
often falls on different days around the world - depending on the location and
region.
On
September 12, 2016 Eid Al-Adha was celebrated in Lanao Del Norte and other
places locally. The Uthman Bin Affan Foundation (UBAF) headed by its Executive
Director Aleem Zainodin Omar Lomala, together with his staff initiated a
project named Qurban or Qurbani.
Customarily
the “Eid Al Adha” was celebrated by slaughtering a Cow or Goat. Slaughtering of
cow and goats represents the animal that Ibrahim sacrificed in the place of his
son. A person should slaughter his own animal if he is able to slaughter it properly,
otherwise he should entrust it to someone to slaughter it on his behalf.
The
cow will be slaughtered by a knife but before slaughtering, it is recommended
to recite verses 6:79 , 6:162 and 6:163 (Al-naam-The Cattle) with the addition
"Allahumma minka walaka" ( O Allah you gave it to me and I offer it
to you) after slaughtering the animal, it has to be placed down very gently on
its left side, while the throat facing qiblah.
The
meat will be given to the families, relatives, friends and the other residents
of the place. Both family and community will cook the meat. The cooked meat
will be eaten by the families but others celebrated it by eating with the
company of their relatives and friends as an enjoyment and camaraderie for the
celebration.
Director
Aleem Lomala said during the local celebrations, there was one cow slaughtered
in CEBU, one of the branches of the foundation but mostly the project was
implemented in Lanao del Norte areas for the slaughtered cow offering with one
cow per Barangay particularly for the following Barangays, the Cabasaran;
Bacayawan, Munai; Lumbac, Pantao Ragat;
Walo a Datu; Pantaon, Batangan, Matungao; Pantao Mareg; Maliwanag; East
Poblacion, Pantao Ragat; Aloon, Pantao Ragat; Maliwanag, Pantaon; and Poona Piagapo
with two cows slaughtered. The cows slaughtered offering for the “Eid Al Adha”
for the Qurban or Qurbani project was supported by the RAF Foundation. A total
of 13 cows in 12 Barangays were slaughtered during the celebration locally. The
total project cost for the cows slaughtered is amounted approximately at 240,000.00
pesos only.
The
funds for the project was coming from the support of the Foundation Sheikh Thani Ibn Abdullah for Humanitarian Services
abbreviated as RAF, is a Qatari foundation established by the Al-Thani
family. The foundation provides humanitarian aid and contributes to social
development of all sectors of the Qatari society without discrimination. RAF is
also engaged in international projects in partnership with foundations that
share the same goal.
The
UTHMAN BIN AFFAN FOUNDATION is a non-stock organization, non-profit
organization registered from the Government in which it helps a diversity of
people like giving donations for the people in time of need. Its vision, A
charitable Organization leading and seeks to fulfill its mission and perform
through the advocacy of Development, Relief, and education for the Islamic
peoples; Fulfill needs through Comprehensive sustainability with the
partnership of others and looking toward leadership and excellence. Its
mission, Work with the leaders in all fields of development with the advocacy
of Relief and Education for Muslim countries. Director Lomala said the coverage
of UTHMAN BIN AFFAN FOUNDATION is majority concentrated in the area of
MINDANAO. The foundation has branches in Ilo-ilo, Cebu, Tawi-tawi and Jolo.
Director
Aleem Zainodin Omar Lomala in his message said “In behalf of UTHMAN BIN AFFAN
FOUNDATION FOR DEVELOPMEMT, RELIEF, DA'WAH AND EDUCATION INC. I am pleased to
convey and express my gratitude to Foundation Sheikh Thani Ibn Abdullah for
Humanitarian Services (RAF Foundation) for the financial donation they turned
over to UBAF as well as for the long standing partnership for many worthy
causes.” He added, “Donors like you provide us the financial and moral support
we needed in order to continue our mission as a Foundation. Your support has
repeatedly played a key role in our success in providing and sharing blessings
in the Holy month of Ramadhan and in bringing love and happiness in celebrating
Eid Al-Adha.”
Director
Aleem Lomala also extended his thanks to the staff of UBAF performing their
best for the success of the celebration and extend his thanks to his brothers
and sisters in Islam for their hospitality and cooperation for the visit by
conducted the “Qurbani”. “To our Almighty ALLAH, the beginning and end of all things, we only stand on what we are
today because you called us to enter and guide us on our way. Thank you for the
Blessings and opportunities. ALL GLORY IS OFFERED BACK IN YOU 'YA ALLAH.
"Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuhu." Director Aleem Lomala
said. Photos by Jun Pacapat
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