BALI — In addition to fulfilling religious obligations, Eid al-Adha can be a moment to strengthen our connection with Allah SWT and His creation. This is what Asih (58) feels. She is a Muslim convert from Tegal Badeng Timur Village in Jembrana Regency, Bali, and a beneficiary of qurbani.
Qurbani is one of the activities she looks forward to. On the first day of Tasyrik during Eid al-Adha 1445 H, she and other Muslim converts worked together to prepare for the sacrifice.
At the Indonesian Muslim Converts Boarding School Dompet Dhuafa Bali Branch, they carried out the slaughtering and distribution of sacrificial animals, which were goats. Even Asih and her friends helped prepare the meat dishes, and anyone was welcome to visit and enjoy them.
According to Asih, Eid al-Adha can be a means to increase sincere solidarity among Muslims. At that time, her happiness peaked when Dompet Dhuafa volunteer Chef Amanda Arum Sari, one of the contestants on Master Chef, contributed to the qurbani event at the Islamic boarding school for converts.
“My faith has led me to new understandings. One of them is the practice of sacrificial offerings. Eid al-Adha teaches me to share with others as fellow human beings, regardless of religion or ethnicity. We worked together, from the slaughtering, cleaning, to distributing the sacrificial meat to the residents of Tegal Badeng Timur Village. Our Islamic boarding school for converts will also serve dishes and host a communal meal; anyone is welcome to join,” she said enthusiastically.
It wasn’t just about the excitement; there was also meaningful reflection. After cooking the dishes together, she and Chef Amanda also helped distribute the sacrificial meat to the residents of Tegal Badeng Timur Village living near the boarding school.
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Asih distributed sacrificial meat to those in need, regardless of their religion or ethnicity. She simply wanted to cultivate kindness in her community.
“I know what it feels like to be ostracized. When I chose to convert to Islam, some people mocked me, even though we were fellow Muslims. This is what drives me to keep doing good for everyone, as we are all God’s creations. We are all human beings who seek peace. I chose Islam as my path,” Asih said softly.
In line with Asih, Ahmad Faris, the Chairman of the Management Board of the Indonesian Muslim Converts’ Boarding School Dompet Dhuafa Bali Branch, also views Eid al-Adha as a moment for self-reflection.
As a convert, he understands what it feels like to be a stranger in one’s own community. Through various activities at the boarding school, such as sacrificing animals, it serves as a reminder to one another that they belong to each other.
“THK in Bali is usually held at this mualaf boarding school. Besides bringing mualaf closer together, it also serves as a reflection for mualaf to share with others, even with non-Muslims. Alhamdulillah, this year we sacrificed five goats. I am very grateful to the donors who contributed through Dompet Dhuafa,” explained Faris.
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On that day, Mbok Suminten (60), a Hindu woman, received sacrificial meat delivered by Asih and Chef Amanda. Since her husband passed away, she has been a single parent to her two children. To make ends meet, she relies on the income from her grocery store. She shared that it was the first time she had ever received sacrificial meat.
“Happy holiday. This is the first time I’ve received such a sacrifice. I’m so happy to receive this (sacrificial meat). Thank you, Dompet Dhuafa,” said Mbok Suminten.
Through the act of sacrifice, many meaningful lessons about life can be learned. Simple, yet capable of touching the hearts of many people. By sacrificing through Dompet Dhuafa, you can bring those who are far away closer, even transcending the barriers of differences. Let’s start sacrificing for the sake of others across the nation with ease through digital.dompetdhuafa.org/kurban.
Text and photos: Hany Fatihah Ahmad
Editor: Dhika