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| Speech of the sermon by the Secretary of the Tabligh Assembly of Muhammadiyah, Dr. Asykuri ibn Chamim, M.Si. (Photo: Lintang Public Relations). |
The act of sacrifice (kurban) is not merely a ritual of sealing, but rather an actualization of gratitude for blessings as a means to draw closer to Allah SWT. This was emphasized by Dr. Asykuri ibn Chamim, M.Si., Secretary of the Tabligh Assembly of Muhammadiyah, in his Eid al-Adha sermon at Muhammadiyah University of Malang (UMM) on June 17. The Eid prayer was attended by thousands of congregants from various backgrounds, including students, faculty, local residents, and others.
Furthermore, Asykuri explained that besides being a profound social spirit, sacrifice is also a manifestation of a servant's piety towards his Lord. Sacrifice has existed since the first generations of mankind, starting from Adam, especially when he mediated between his two sons, Habil and Qabil, who were in conflict. During that time, Habil's sacrifice was accepted while his brother's was not.
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"This indicates that Allah accepts deeds from those who are pious. It also depends on the degree of piety and sincerity. This is the true etiquette of servitude—how a sacrifice should be sincere without any ulterior motives. If done with ulterior motives, it would be like Qabil's sacrifice, which was not accepted by Allah," he added.
Asykuri continued by echoing the message of piety found in the story of Prophet Ibrahim and Ismail. They were tested with the command to sacrifice Ismail when he reached adulthood as an expression of piety. This also symbolizes their sincerity and patience—accepting Allah's command without hesitation or conditions. "Allah also conveys implicit messages through this event, including criticism of the pagan tradition of sacrificing humans to idols and deities," he said.
He further explained that the dimension of gratitude is closely linked to social practice. Today, while some Muslims enjoy economic prosperity, others still struggle with poverty. Therefore, sacrificing serves as a way for Muslims to resonate with gratitude for the blessings they have received.
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Meanwhile, UMM Rector Prof. Dr. Nazaruddin Malik, M.Si., quoted Quranic verse Al-Baqarah (2:30). In it, there is an explanation of how angels questioned Allah's decision to place humans on Earth, asking, "Will You place upon it one who causes corruption therein and sheds blood?" Allah responded, "Indeed, I know that which you do not know."
He urged the congregants to reflect on the role of stewardship bestowed upon humans by Allah during this Eid al-Adha moment. The mission of human stewardship is truly about how humans strive to foster and celebrate the improvement of vertical and horizontal relationships—the relationship between humans and their Lord, and the relationship among humans.
"This signifies the balance of moderation (wasathiyah) and the establishment of a sincere spirit in sacrificing," he concluded. (wil/fajr)
