MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, RUSSIA — As the largest country in the world, Russia spans multiple time zones and vast distances between cities. This makes it challenging for the Muhammadiyah Special Branch (PCIM) of Russia to organize large gatherings. Instead, most members celebrate locally in their own cities while staying connected with fellow Indonesians.
Despite the distance, PCIM Russia remains committed to upholding the spirit of Eid al-Adha. According to Chairperson of PCIM Russia Fath Audi Aldikamil Ibrahim, the branch regularly holds the Eid al-Adha sacrifice and gatherings to strengthen community relationships.
“We’re working together with the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI), ICMI, and PCINU to organize the animal sacrifice, which takes place in cities with many Indonesian students, particularly Moscow and Kazan,” said Fath.
Strict Rules for Animal Slaughter
In Russia, animal slaughter is strictly regulated and must be carried out in designated facilities that meet government hygiene and safety standards. As a result, Muslims are required to follow specific procedures, particularly in non-Muslim areas.
“In cities where Muslims are a minority, such as Novosibirsk, we can’t conduct the slaughter ourselves. It must take place in official slaughterhouses that comply with strict standards. However, in predominantly Muslim regions like Kazan, Tatarstan, Dagestan, or Chechnya, we have more flexibility and can perform the slaughter at mosques,” explained Fath.
A National Holiday in Muslim Regions
In some Muslim-majority regions of Russia, such as Tatarstan, Bashkortostan, and Dagestan, Eid al-Adha is recognized as an official public holiday, allowing local Muslims to fully observe the celebrations.
After the Eid prayer and animal slaughter, communities typically come together for social gatherings. The Indonesian Embassy often hosts an open house, while Indonesians in other cities celebrate with their local communities.
“In Muslim areas, the atmosphere feels much like it does back in Indonesia. However, in cities where Muslims are a minority, there’s no official holiday. People return to their regular routines immediately after the prayer, and the festive spirit isn’t really there,” said Fath.
Eid al-Adha Celebration
One of the highlights of Eid al-Adha in Russia is cooking together using the meat from the sacrifice. Indonesians often prepare Sashlik, a local dish made of large skewered pieces of grilled meat, similar to satay but bigger in size.
Fath hoped that PCIM Russia could extend its Eid al-Adha activities beyond the Indonesian community and reach more people across Russian cities in the future.
“We want to share the spirit of Eid al-Adha not only among Indonesians but also with the wider local community,” said Fath.
