KUPANG, NTT — The Tasyrik day of Eid al-Adha has entered its last day in Kupang City. Some Muslims here are starting to struggle with their daily routines. Meanwhile, others are still immersed in the festivity of Eid-ul-Adha celebration.
“Today is the last day we can perform qurbani!” That was the clear spirit. This spirit was also seen in the Tebar Hewan Kurban (THK) Team of Dompet Dhuafa East Nusa Tenggara Branch.
On the night of the last Tasyrik day, there was a positive signal from Sriyati-the Branch Manager of DD NTT-who made a status “Alhamdulillah…” on the green message application. In the morning, a message came from Sriyati, “Mas there is a cut at STAI Kupang, it is a new campus and is still pioneering. You can report there”. Without thinking, we immediately rushed to the location.
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Arriving at the Islamic Religious College (STAI) Kupang, we were immediately directed to the foyer of the campus with green-yellow walls like a madrasa. There was already the THK DD NTT Team, Aji and several volunteers, carrying a list of names of qurbani performers and qurbani props.
“Welcome to the first Islamic campus in NTT,” Aji greeted us kindly. But his greeting made us wonder, is what he said really true?
A simple campus building full of stories, that’s how STAI Kupang would be described. This young campus, just over a decade old, turns out to be a prototype of the great enthusiasm of Muslims to explore good and affordable higher education in NTT. A strong foundation in the noble intention of building civilization is supported by the unity that is the pillar.
“Starting from land, buildings, to the campus operational reserve costs are collected from the salaries of teachers in every madrasa in NTT. There is no coercion, everything is voluntary,” explained Arafik Syaif (39), Lecturer of STAI Kupang Education Management Study Program. While sharpening a dagger, Arafik explained that STAI Kupang belongs to Muslims in NTT.
DD NTT itself has long collaborated with STAI Kupang for various activities and programs, one of which is THK. At that moment, at least four cows were sacrificed. The cows were linked to an existing tree. At exactly 09.15 WITA the slaughtering process began. Arafik was in charge of being the butcher.
Arafik began slaughtering the first cow with the help of many Gen Z-age teenagers who were hesitant, as if it was their first time handling a cow. The first cow was successfully slaughtered, although it had to be punctuated with shouts as a warning to be aware of the potential muscle memory movements of the cow.
“These young people are all students, ikhwan and akhwat. Let them learn about the true meaning of qurbani,” said Arafik who was cleaning his dagger from the blood.
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The students began to skin the cow with knives. Not far from there, students were already sitting in groups on white tarpaulin mats. Parts of the cow that had been cut were then given to the students. They were assigned to be the meat mincers. The students minced the meat swiftly and carefully.
“Later, the meat will be distributed to approximately 320 beneficiaries,” said Aji.
At NTT’s first Islamic college, qurbani provides valuable learning outside the classroom. Learning to take lessons on the day of Eid al-Adha by directly cutting the qurbani animals, chatting with each other, creating a sense of togetherness, strengthening the bonds of brotherhood, and spreading the message of Islam is full of the meaning of sharing kindness. Spread Qurbani Animals, Your Kindness Will Be Delivered. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photo: Aryo Prasojo
Editor: Ronna