MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, PAKISTAN – Eid al-Adha in Pakistan is celebrated enthusiastically. A week prior to Eid al-Adha, Muslims in Pakistan commonly prepare for Eid al-Adha a week prior to the day. Indeed, the Eid al-Adha celebration is merrier than the Eid al-Fitr celebration.
“The excitement and sense of togetherness can be perceived. Many Muslims have started saving for months to purchase the best sacrificial animals. Livestock markets and streets get very busy, especially in the evenings, as people take their animals out to graze,” said Chairperson of the Muhammadiyah Special Branch of Pakistan (PCIM Pakistan) on Friday, June 6.
Besides preparing sacrificial animals, people also decorate their homes and get ready to cook special meals.
“Houses are decorated with neon lights and candles. Markets get crowded as families shop for ingredients to prepare traditional dishes like biryani, korma, and nihari. These meals are not just enjoyed with family but are also shared with neighbors,” added Irham.
A Special Tradition: Honoring Sacrificial Animals
One of the unique customs in Pakistan is the way people treat their sacrificial animals. On the day before Eid al-Adha, it’s common to see animals being bathed and decorated with flower garlands and colorful paint. For many Pakistanis, this is a way to show love and respect before the sacrifice.
The process of the sacrifice is different from what is commonly practiced in Indonesia. Instead of handing animals over to a mosque for slaughter, most Muslims in Pakistan carry out the sacrifice at home. Mosques typically do not offer animal slaughter services. Each family is responsible for handling it on their own as many Pakistani households are large and consist of many family members.
“Eid al-Adha celebrations in Pakistan contain a lot of lessons such as the values of sacrifice and obedience to social care. It really reflects the spirit of Muhammadiyah da’wa mission. Eid al-Adha is more than sacrificing animals. It’s a moment to reflect on the sincerity of Prophet Ibrahim and to share happiness with others. That’s the spirit we need to nurture, especially among PCIM Pakistan members,” said Irham.
Besides, this year, PCIM Pakistan collaborated with Lazismu (the Muhammadiyah Charity Management) of Pakistan to carry out their first animal sacrifice program. They slaughtered seven goats, marking an encouraging start for future efforts.
