GEDONG: Awareness among the Muslim community to save early for qurban is increasing, enabling the ritual to be carried out in a more planned and organised manner each year.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said more Muslims are now participating in qurban through voluntary monthly savings initiatives as preparation to purchase sacrificial animals.
According to him, the development not only reflects the high level of awareness among Muslims regarding their religious obligations, but also indicates that the community’s economic position is improving and becoming more stable.
“It reflects that our economy is improving and the community has found a better way to carry out the qurban ritual.
“For example, administrative staff of Dewan Bandaraya Kuching Utara (DBKU) voluntarily make monthly savings as preparation to purchase sacrificial animals,” he said.
He said this when met by reporters after officiating the handing over ceremony of Qurban Cattle and Meat for the Gedong state constituency at Masjid Al-Kawthar here on Thursday.
Abang Johari also described the practice as a form of waqf and continuous sacrifice for the benefit of the community.
He explained that the spirit of sacrifice cultivated through year-long savings should be emulated as it demonstrates the commitment of Muslims in carrying out religious duties while helping those in need.
“So now it appears that the Muslim community has developed awareness to prepare earlier for qurban by saving funds to purchase animals when the time comes,” he added.
A total of 150 Muslims in the Gedong constituency benefited from the distribution of qurban meat involving 26 cattle.
Of the total, Abang Johari contributed 19 cattle, while Batang Sadong MP Rodiyah Sapiee and Agrobank Sarawak contributed six cattle and one cattle respectively.
