“So, why the sheep or goat? Can we not just give money?”
“Well, there’s a spiritual notion about sacrifice at Eid-ul Adha…”
Eid-ul Adha or Hari Raya Haji (Haji is “Haj” in Malay) marks the end of a Muslim's pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. The Haj to Mecca is the fifth pillar of Islam, an obligation that must be carried out by every able-bodied Muslim who can afford to do so at least once in their lifetime. The pilgrimage demonstrates Muslims’ submission to God and the solidarity of Muslims.
Eid-ul Adha (pronounced as i-deel-aad-haa) is also known as the Festival of Sacrifice. The day starts with the congregational prayers. After prayers, male volunteers at mosques, Muslim institutions or in an open area, perform the sacrificial slaughtering, also known as korban. Sheep, goats and cows are ritually slaughtered as sacrifice. The meat is then distributed to the community, neighbours and relatives, with special attention to the needy and poor, as a reminder to share one's wealth with others. Muslims in Singapore are increasingly doing korban with Muslim associations and mosques, locally and abroad.
Muslims of Burkina Faso receiving korban meat from an American Muslim organisation.
Photo credit: http://zakat.org/images/zakat/article/udhiya2008_faso.jpg
The sacrifice is done in remembrance of the sacrifice undertaken by Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) who was ready to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael) as ordered by God. However, God showed his mercy and a sheep appeared in his place at the last moment. In remembrance of the sacrifice so willingly carried out by Prophet Ibrahim and his son, financially-able Muslims sacrifice an animal at the end of the Haj period.
The Eid-ul Adha is considered one of the major Islamic festivals, though in certain countries, it is celebrated less “joyously” than the Eid-ul Fitr (*read about it in my earlier blog). Perhaps, for some whose family members are away performing the Haj, the atmosphere at home is more ‘solemn’ and contemplative and doesn’t warrant merriment.
I still have fond memories of my grandmother’s Haj pilgrimage. I remember being in such a tearful state during her send-off at the airport (in the late 1980s) that it required soothing words from uncle to comfort me. He explained that Haj pilgrimage by air was much faster and more convenient compared to the olden days. In those days, pilgrims who took the sea route would normally be away from home for about three months, hence the need to pack utensils, and yes, they even had to bring rice and other ingredients for cooking with them.
Singapore the Pilgrim Hub
Singapore was the Pilgrim Hub from the 1800s until the Great Depression of 1930. The island’s strategic location at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula and north of Indonesia's Riau Islands made it the first port of call for would-be pilgrims from Malaysia and Indonesia before journeying to Mecca.
Would-be pilgrims would gather at an area in Kampong Glam that was known as ‘Kampong Kaji’ -- Javanese would-be pilgrims pronounced ‘Haji’ as ‘Kaji’. These pilgrims would stay there for a week or so before continuing on their way, during which time they would equip themselves with all the essentials needed for the long voyage. They would also look out for a sheikh haji -- a pious man, known in the community for his knowledge of the Haj -- as well as a pilgrim broker to facilitate their travel and accommodation in Mecca.
Only after all the arrangements had been made, would they embark on the kapal haji (pilgrimage ship) that would take them to Mecca -- Anshun, Anking and the Tyndareus were some of the names of famous pilgrim ships in the days when the journey was still made by sea.
Muslims from around the world performing the Haj in Mecca
Photo credit: http://media-2.web.britannica.com/eb-media/85/77985-004-8C4D016D.jpg
People of that era often speak of their impending Haj journey as one from which they would not return. The hazards of long-term sea travel in those days are well documented and records tell of pilgrims who died before reaching their destination, succumbing to diseases, poor health or other factors. This could explain the sometimes sombre celebration of Eid-ul Adha in Singapore back then.
For me, Eid-ul Adha is a time of reflection; of embarking on a journey into oneself. Have I been less than thoughtful and considerate to the plight of the poor? Have I been able to detach myself from the rat-race and spend quality time with my family members? Most importantly, have I understood the concept of patience, sacrifice and humility?
May your Eid-ul Adha be blessed!
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