MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, EGYPT – Despite falling in the middle of exam weeks at Al-Azhar University, the Muhammadiyah Special Branch of Egypt (PCIM Egypt) celebrated Eid al-Adha with strong enthusiasm and a sense of unity. This year, the organization carried out the sacrifice by slaughtering thirteen sheep.
Chairperson of PCIM Egypt as well as a master’s student at Al-Azhar University, Fathi Fathurrahman Saputra, explained that Eid traditions in Egypt differ from those in Indonesia. While Eid al-Fitr tends to be more festive in Indonesia, many people in Egypt and other Middle Eastern countries celebrate Eid al-Adha, also known as Idul Kabir (The Great Eid), merrily. During this holiday, people often return to their hometowns for extended breaks.
“Because Eid al-Adha is such a major holiday here, many students who live outside Cairo go home to their villages,” said Fathi on Monday, June 9.
Fathi also described a unique aspect of Eid in Egypt, which is how the qurban animals are slaughtered. Unlike a tradition in Indonesia, where the process usually takes place in certain mosques or areas, in Egypt it is common to see animals being slaughtered openly along the roadside.
“It’s quite a unique tradition. In Indonesia, the slaughter usually happens in more closed-off spaces. However, here, it’s common to see the streets run red with the blood of slaughtered animals,” said Fathi.
To foster community ties, PCIM Egypt also held its regular “Open House” event, which became both a gathering for fellowship and a chance to share the organization’s updates.
Fathi took the opportunity to highlight one of PCIM Egypt’s current initiatives, namely a vehicle endowment campaign aimed at supporting the organization’s activities, including delivering aid to Palestinian refugees in Egypt.
“To mark PCIM Egypt’s 23rd anniversary, we launched a car waqf campaign to help with various needs, especially transporting aid to Palestinians here in Egypt,” said Fathi.
