ARAR ISLAND, WEST PAPUA — “Allahu akbar allahu akbar allaahu akbar. Laa ilaaha illallaahu wallaahu akbar. Allahu akbar wa lillaahilhamd”. Takbir began to echo, the drumming of the drums was rhythmic. Towards Isha time, people in the area around Arar Island, Mayamuk District, Sorong Regency, West Papua, began to gather chanting takbir. Welcoming the Eid al-Adha celebration the next day.
Slowly, children and teenagers began to chant takbir. On Arar Island itself, there is a tradition to welcome the joy of Eid al-Adha, which is to hold a torchlight parade around the village. One by one, they begin to hold torches smeared with kerosene. They pass the torches from one to another until the orange-red light is bright.
They encircled the islands located in Mayamuk District, Sorong Regency, which covers an area of 50 hectares and consists of lowlands, surrounded by mangrove forests, white sand, and the ocean.
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Arar Island is located about 4 nautical miles off the coast of Bird’s Head, Sorong. This beautiful and magical island provides fresh water to the surrounding area when the long dry season approaches. The majority of the population are Muslim and work as fishermen and farmers. The people here consume more fish than meat. Usually, the fishermen’s catch is collected to be weighed and sold at the Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes), which are then distributed to various companies.
However, the community can still survive in these conditions. They are accustomed to limitations, so when the blessing of sacrificial meat arrives, they are very grateful.
“It’s crowded here, every Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr, we all go around together,” said Adit (12).
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The takbir keliling (rounding of takbir) and obor (torch) parade are traditions that have been carried out by Muslims since ancient times when the Eid al-Adha takbiran night arrives. This tradition is carried out as a form of Islamic propagation and to enliven the Eid al-Adha takbiran night.
Circular takbirs are performed by going around the village or city while chanting takbirs. Torchlight parades are carried out by carrying torches made of bamboo or wood that are set on fire. Meanwhile, lighting fireworks is done as a sign of joy to welcome Eid al-Adha.
“The tradition of going around saying takbir, torchlight parades, and lighting fireworks has many benefits. Apart from being a symbol of Islam and enlivening the Eid al-Adha takbiran night, this tradition can also strengthen the bonds of friendship between Muslims. In addition, this tradition can also be a medium of da’wah to invite the community to participate in celebrating Eid al-Adha,” said Nurdin, the District Head.
Apart from the torchlight parade, there is also a tradition in which the people of Arar Island, who are on the other side of the island, flock here bringing staple foods to prepare for Eid al-Adha, as well as to participate in the Eid prayer here.
Since Sunday (06/16/2024) afternoon, the Qurban Animal Distribution (THK) Team from Dompet Dhuafa has arrived on Arar Island. Alhamdulillah, two cows from partners of the Financial Services Authority (OJK) will be slaughtered and distributed on Arar Island.
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The cows were brought by small boat to Arar Island. This was also welcomed by the local residents. The children cheered when the cows arrived. On Eid al-Adha 1445 AH, which coincides with June 17, 2024, the cows are ready to be sacrificed for the people of Arar Island.
“The people here are indigenous Papuans, and the majority of them are Muslim. So, they will definitely be happy during Eid al-Adha,” said Nurdin. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Anndini Dwi P
Editor: Ronna