Approximately 60,000 people attended Idul Adha prayers at the Al Akbar Mosque in Surabaya on October 15th, including East Java Governor Soekarwo and Deputy Governor Saifullah Yusuf.

In a sermon, A. Faishal Haq, professor at the Islamic State University of Sunan Ampel in Surabaya, discussed the meaning of Idul Adha, which recalls the Prophet Ibrahim's readiness to sacrifice his only son to God. Witnessing such loyalty, God instructed Ibrahim to sacrifice an animal instead.

Faishal urged Muslims to follow the examples of Prophet Ibrahim, who transformed religious teachings into humanitarian action through sacrifice.

"On Idul Adha, Muslims who are able to do so should slaughter a sacrificial animal," he said. The sacrifice is a ritual act for God that translates into a social act for fellow humans through the sharing of meat.

"The ritual slaughter is not just meant to draw people closer to God, but also closer to each other, especially those who are poor and marginalised," he said.

Sacrificial deeds

Idul Adha is a time to show concern for the poor and to share with those who are less fortunate, East Java Governor Timur H. Soekarwo told Khabar after prayers.

"Deep devotion to God must be balanced by good relations among fellow humans," he stressed.

Both Soekarwo and his deputy Saifullah Yusuf donated animals to Al Akbar Mosque, which all together received 88 goats and 25 head of cattle.

Some of the animals were donated live to charitable organisations, orphanages and schools; others were slaughtered and the meat given away.

Saifullah, meanwhile, urged Muslims to consider Idul Adha more than a tradition of sacrificing animals. Allah receives charity in other forms as well, he said.

"For those who are able, do not delay in carrying out sacrificial deeds," he said

Other ways to address poverty

Some Muslims question whether meat distribution is the best demonstration of sacrifice in current times. Fatih Murbianto, a student at Sunan Ampel in Surabaya, is one of them.

"I agree with Kuntowijoyo, the historian, social observer, and former lecturer at Gadjah Mada University. Kuntowijoyo argues that Islam must see social conditions during Muhammad's life and now," Fatih told Khabar.

"Muslims should not spend a lot of money buying animals. The idea of sharing to help reduce poverty can be done in different ways," he said.

Fatih suggested collecting money and using it for education and development instead. "If we distribute meat, it will only last for a day or so. But education and development will bring a larger impact to society," he added.

Harmony and tolerance

Anita Rahmawati, a 23 year-old Surabaya resident, said she enjoys many aspects of Idul Adha.

"To me, meat distribution is only a small part of the festival. To me, the greatest part is when people are gathering to share each other's knowledge and experiences exploring the Qur'an. We do it the night of Idul Adha," she told Khabar.

"When we are distributing the meat, we are not only sharing with Muslim families, but we are giving to everyone in need regardless of their religion. This is a greater teaching – not with words but action," she said.

Chairman of the Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Said Aqil Siroj suggested that all Muslims appreciate Idul Adha as a moment to reflect on God's commands.

"It is a reminder of all of God's commands, to love, to pray, to live in harmony and tolerance, and to be grateful. Islam always teaches us to be thankful," he told Khabar.