Prophet Muhammad's Birthday in Pidie: Hundreds of Orphans and the Poor Receive Aid
Hundreds of orphans and the poor received assistance in commemoration of the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday on 12 Rabiul Awal at the Taqwa Lampoih Saka Mosque in Peukan Baro District, Pidie Regency, Aceh, on Tuesday (25/8).
The recipients came from five villages around the mosque: Dua Paya, Dayah Bubue, Cot Mulu, Tanjung Hagu, and Mee Lampoh Saka. They are school-age children up to 13 years old, mostly from families of farmers, rice-field labourers, and construction workers.
Bukhari Thahir, chairman of the Taqwa Lampoih Saka Mosque Welfare Board (BKM), said the assistance was given as a form of concern for orphans and an effort to emulate the Prophet’s social character in helping people experiencing economic hardship.
“In accordance with the Prophet’s example, we must inherit it. Compassion for orphans and the weak is not a disgrace. It turns out that sharing and caring are sources of strength for change in achieving prosperity among the people,” Bukhari said.
The assistance consisted of cash amounting to Rp750,000 for each child, as well as a package of sarong cloth that can be used for prayer or Quran study activities.
Bukhari said the cash assistance is expected to help meet the educational needs and daily necessities of orphans.
“The cash assistance of Rp750,000 for orphans is enough for school needs, buying stationery and several pairs of uniform clothing. Or it is sufficient to buy a standard children’s bicycle,” he said.
To ensure the aid was well targeted, the BKM previously coordinated with village heads or geusyik in the surrounding area. Villages were asked to submit data on orphans aged 1 to 13 years so that no recipients were missed.
The aid funds came from donations from entrepreneurs, migrants from Lampoih Saka living outside the region, local residents, and other donors. The activity is a regular agenda held in conjunction with the Prophet’s birthday commemoration every 12 Rabiul Awal.
In addition to the assistance, the Maulid commemoration included a communal kenduri feast. Each family brought three nasi kulah, rice wrapped in banana leaves, to the Taqwa Lampoih Saka Mosque. Thousands of residents and guests then gathered to enjoy the meal together.
Peukan Baro subdistrict head Iswadi said the Maulid kenduri is a hereditary tradition of Acehnese society that is not only related to religious commemoration but also serves as a means of strengthening social relations.
According to him, the activity brings together people from various backgrounds and strengthens ties between less affluent residents and wealthier members of the community.
“This Maulid kenduri reminds us of the Prophet’s struggle in guiding the people and invites us to love his teachings. Through this activity, togetherness and care among the community also grow stronger,” Iswadi said.
He expressed hope that the tradition will continue to be maintained as a space to strengthen brotherhood, mutual acquaintance, and build care and a spirit of mutual assistance within the community.