Wednesday, 16 July 2025

Non-Muslim community joins in sacrificial ritual

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Iskandar joins in the communal meat-cutting session during the Qurban Aidiladha N67 Jepak Programme ‘Bah Berambeh Telow - Melapah Lembu’ at the Jepak Petanque Arena.

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BINTULU: A total of ten cows were sacrificed and the meat distributed to 26 Village Development and Security Committees (JKKKs) and 390 underprivileged recipients here in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidiladha.

However, what truly stood out at the Qurban Aidiladha Jepak Programme on Saturday was the unity shown by people of all backgrounds working together.

Held at the Jepak Petanque Arena and themed ‘Bah Berambeh Telow – Melapah Lembu’, the event brought together Muslims and non-Muslims in a heartening show of togetherness.

Non-Muslim villagers joined hands with their Muslim neighbours in the slaughter and butchering of sacrificial meat, a religious ritual typically associated with Islamic communities, turning the day into an inclusive community celebration.

Jointly organised by the Jepak Service Centre, Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Jepak, and local community leaders, the programme became a meaningful platform to bridge differences and celebrate shared values.

Jepak Assemblyman, Iskandar Turkee, praised the involvement of various ethnic groups as a powerful reflection of the Premier of Sarawak’s unity-driven leadership.

“We witnessed today how racial harmony remains strong in Jepak.

“The participation of our non-Muslim friends, including respected community leaders such as Pemanca Gerunsin Jubin and Penghulu Chabi Mangup, is a testament to the mutual respect and understanding we’ve built over time,” said Iskandar.

He said such involvement not only enhances communal ties but also provides a window for non-Muslim communities to gain insight into the spiritual values of the ‘qurban’ ritual, traditionally observed by Muslims during Aidiladha.

According to Iskandar, the state government’s support, especially under Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, has empowered elected representatives to organise more grassroots programmes aimed at fostering unity.

“We hope to extend these kinds of inclusive programmes beyond Aidiladha to other cultural and religious festivities like Gawai, Chinese New Year and Christmas.

“This inclusive approach will continue to strengthen social harmony and integration across communities,” he added.

Beyond the religious aspect, the event also gave first-time participants, both Muslim and non-Muslim, the opportunity to experience the ‘qurban’ tradition first-hand.

For many, it was more than a ritual. It was a reminder that respect, compassion, and cooperation transcend faith and background.

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