EN.MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA — Eid al-Adha is more than a religious observance. It is also a powerful expression of social care that strengthens human solidarity, according to senior Muhammadiyah General Treasurer Hilman Latief.
Speaking during the 1447 Hijri Eid al-Adha prayer sermon at Muhammadiyah’s central headquarters in Central Jakarta on Wednesday (27/5), Hilman said the annual sacrifice ritual carries deep social meaning. In addition to serving as an act of worship, he noted, it fosters stronger ties within communities and encourages people to care for one another.
“The ritual of sacrifice carries a strong dimension for increasing social cohesion and becoming an expression of solidarity among fellow human beings,” Hilman said.
He explained that the story of the Prophet Ibrahim and his son, the Prophet Ismail, offers Muslims a timeless model of faith, patience and moral courage. More importantly, he added, the story teaches that devotion to God must also translate into compassion for others.
According to Hilman, sacrifice should never be understood as a symbolic ceremony alone. Instead, it should shape character and nurture values that strengthen society.
“The sacrifices we make in life, including the tradition of qurban, are ultimately a path toward achieving piety,” he said.
He emphasized that Ibrahim’s willingness to obey God reflected extraordinary perseverance and steadfastness. Therefore, Muslims should draw practical lessons from that example by developing resilience and compassion in their daily lives.
Distribution for Those Most in Need
Meanwhile, Muhammadiyah officials also outlined this year’s distribution plans for sacrificial animals.
Pachrul Septiana, chairman of Muhammadiyah’s 1447 Hijri Eid al-Adha committee, said the organization had received and prepared to distribute 20 cows to communities in need, particularly across Greater Jakarta.
He said the animals would reach beneficiaries through Muhammadiyah’s nationwide organizational network, which extends from regional boards to local branches and neighborhood-level chapters.
“This year we received 20 cows, including contributions from the President and Vice President,” Pachrul said. “Distribution will prioritize communities most in need across Greater Jakarta.”
The initiative, he added, reflects Muhammadiyah’s longstanding commitment to social outreach. Moreover, it reinforces the organization’s broader mission of using faith-based service to address social challenges.
Through this year’s Eid al-Adha observance, Muhammadiyah once again underscored that sacrifice is not merely a personal act of devotion. Rather, it serves as a shared commitment to compassion, collective responsibility and the strengthening of social bonds.
