RAF Foundation supports Eid Al-Adha celebration in Lanao

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 Zainodin Omar Lomala

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