PBNU: Eid al-Adha Opportunity to Reflect on Obedience and Sacrifice

The Chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama’s Lembaga Bahtsul Masail (LBM PBNU), Kyai Haji Mahbub Maafi, has reminded the public that Eid al-Adha is a moment to reflect on the significance of obedience and sacrifice.

The message was delivered during the Eid al-Adha sermon at Masjid An-Nahdhah in the PBNU Central Office building in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Kyai Mahbub explained that the tradition of sacrifice originates from the story of Prophets Ibrahim and Ismail, who obediently followed Allah’s command with sincerity.

He stated that the sacrificial ritual is not merely a physical act of slaughtering animals, but a test of obedience and complete surrender to the Creator.

‘When we offer a sacrifice, it is not the meat or blood that reaches Allah, but our obedience,’ he said.

‘This spirit of sacrifice can be applied in daily life, such as dedicating our efforts to help those in hardship or donating our wealth to assist the hungry,’ he added.

Beyond the general public, Kyai Mahbub also highlighted the role of officials and public figures committed to serving the community’s interests.

‘Those who commit to serving the community and the public must be willing to sacrifice their dignity, as they will inevitably face criticism,’ Mahbub quoted the Andalusian Islamic scholar Ibn Hazm.

Thus, Mahbub urged attendees to view Eid al-Adha as a means to strengthen community bonds and a motivator to enhance the quality of their worship.