PBNU Reminds Muslims Eid al-Adha is More Than Just Animal Sacrifice

JAKARTA – PBNU’s LBM Chairman KH Mahbub Maafi reminded the public that Eid al-Adha is a time to reflect on the meanings of obedience and sacrifice. The message was delivered during the Eid al-Adha sermon at Masjid An-Nahdhah, PBNU’s Central Office in Jakarta, on Wednesday, 27 May 2026. Kiai Mahbub explained that the qurban ritual stems from the story of Prophets Ibrahim and Ismail’s unwavering obedience to Allah’s command. He stated that the essence of qurban is not merely the physical act of slaughtering animals but a test of faith and complete submission to the Creator. ‘When performing qurban, it is not the meat or blood that reaches Allah SWT; what reaches Him is our obedience,’ he said. Furthermore, he explained that the philosophical meaning of qurban must be implemented in daily social life to foster community solidarity and mutual assistance.