' The Animals Had Teary EyeS Everytime I Did It'.

A Haj pilgrim praying near the Kaabah in Makkah.

 IN 10 days time, Muslims worldwide will celebrate Aidiladha or Hari Raya Haji (festival of the pilgrimage). While Aidilfitri celebrates the success of fasting during the month of Ramadan, Aidiladha marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage period in Makkah which falls on the 10th of Zulhijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic Hijrah calendar.
 The highlight of the celebration is the Korban ritual which is done in memory of the sacrifice made by the Prophets Ibrahim and Ismail. The act of sacrifice symbolises renouncing or willingness to give up things close to our hearts to follow the command of Allah.
 In Malaysia, festivities usually equal time for 'balik kampung' and many people are expected to go back to their hometowns and villages for the celebration. Although not as widespread compared Aidilfitri, the air of celebration in both 'kampungs' and towns can still be felt.Who are the people behind the scene, who makes sure that the Korban ritual are adhered to properly?
 Malaysian Digest meet up with some of them to find out what Aidiladha is all about and the process of Korban. Dr. Zainul Abidin Ismail, chairman of Korban committee for Saidina Umar al-Khattab mosque in Bukit Damansara said Korban is an ibadah (act of worship) that is sunat muakkad (highly recommended). The Korban rites, he said, can be performed anytime after the Aidiladha prayer up to before sunset of the fourth day or 13 Zulhijjah.
 "A Muslim can offer either a goat or sheep, or one seventh of a cow, buffalo or camel as Korban animal, where seven people can agree to offer a cow, buffalo or camel at a time. He said Korban nowadays are becoming more widespread compared to the previous years. City folk now want and are willing to take part in the process of Korban. Realising this change of trend, the mosque catered to the needs and even provide 'packages' for interested individuals to participate.
 "What we do is, the slaughtering are done here and a large portion of the meat will be distributed to the poor so they can all join in the celebration. For those staying outside the mosque coverage area or kariah, Dr Zainul Abidin said the committee members would go to these areas to conduct and oversee the entire process.


List of Korban contestants

 "Besides localised Korban rites, we also provide services to those who want to contribute to Muslims in other states of Malaysia and other countries.
 "Last year, we contributed several cows for Korban to Sekolah Agama Maahad Mahmud in Kedah and a madrasah in Sabah," he said, adding that the mosque also sent to religious schools in Kedah, Perak, Johor, Sabah and Orang Asli villages in Kelantan.
 "As a matter of fact, we have exceeded our target this year. Currently we have 22 cows to be sacrificed here and eight more outside our areas. This year, there is no camel though," he said. Dr Zainul Abidin said this years' Korban have been slated for religious schools in Yan, Pendang, Kuala Kedah and Merbok in Kedah, and Kampung Jelga, an Orang Asli village in Gua Musang, Kelantan.
 An experienced slaughter, Mohd Badri Mohd Yusof said the method of slaughtering animal is not cruel because it is done based on certain clear guidelines found in the al Quran and Sunnah. "Animals must be slaughtered in a humane way, without subjecting to any brutality or unnecessary suffering," he said. "It is not an easy task
. I do feel sad for the animals especially when their eyes start to water. But I keep myself strong and carry on with the believe and conviction that it is all in the name of Allah," he said. Another slaughter Ahmad Kamal from Ampang said during Korban period, he usually sacrificed around seven to eight cows and three goats. He said ideally, the slaughtering should be done by the person making the Korban. If not, at least the person should be present during the process.
 "Nowadays, people just state their intention to me or other authorised slaughter as in the cases for overseas distribution," Ahmad Kamal said to become an authorised slaughter, he underwent courses by the Veterinary Department and Selangor Islamic Religious Department. "We also have to renew our certificate each year to remain active and follow guideline set by the Malaysian Islamic Religious Development Department (Jakim)." he said.
 In the end, he said Aidiladha should be about remembering Prophet Ibrahim, who has set an example for us to remain patient and submit to the will of Allah in times of trials and tribulations.


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