Herds of Cattle for Idul Adha

Although I wouldn’t recommend it for those with squeamish stomachs or those who feint at the sight of blood, but, witnessing the merciful slaying of cattle is a sight to be witnessed. Even though Idul Adha is a few weeks away, the local agriculture agency in Pekanbaru, Sumatra, has prepared 4,000 heads of cattle to meet the growing demand for sacrificial animals ahead of the upcoming day of celebration.

The head of the agency, Sentot Prayitno, said this year the agency would provide 500 more cattle than in 2006 as a short article in the Jakarta Post explains:

“We guarantee all cattle are healthy and meet standards for sacrificial animals,” he said.

Sentot said the agency established a team and would check the health status of livestock sold in every market in the province.

“The team will also check all sacrificial animals at every mosque in Pekanbaru before they are sacrificed. The operation will start 10 days before the celebration day,” he said.

This year Idul Adha falls on Dec. 20

Footnote: Idul Adha is the ’Day of Sacrifice’ throughout the Muslim world and is celebrated as a commemoration of Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice everything for God, including the life of his son Ishmael. Because God spared Ishmael, substituting a sheep in his stead, Muslims commemorate this occasion by slaughtering an animal and distributing its meat among family, friends and the needy as a special act of charity for the occasion. Because of this, many poor Muslims are able to enjoy the unusual luxury of eating meat during the four days of the festival.