Pedet Or Gudel Immature Calf
Author: Jacob Ereste
Freelance Journalist
Local wisdom is truly extraordinary. Not only in mere intellectual conception, but also penetrates the spiritual realm. Like the term for a young calf, the Javanese call it Gudel or Pedet, so that it can be distinguished from a cow that is already an adult or old, so that it is worthy to be part of the ritual ceremony of Eid al-Adha by slaughtering a sacrificial animal as a symbol of R
gratitude for all the blessings and gifts from Allah SWT.
Pedet or Gudel is also a cow in form and type, it’s just that it is necessary to distinguish between a calf that is still a child and an adult cow. Because the essence of Aidul Qurban is the main thing is sincerity and sacrifice. Like the example of the Prophet Ibrahim who was willing to sacrifice his son, the Prophet Ismail because of Allah’s command. So sacrificing the most beloved child is a belief and sincerity to God that cannot be manipulated because of its sacred and spiritual nature. If not, then what is done will be in vain.
Based on this similar understanding and understanding, it seems that inspiration in Javanese culture needs to differentiate calves from adult cows. So it is understood that calves or gudels do not meet the requirements to be sacrificial animals during the Eid al-Adha celebrations.
The essence of the Aidul Adha holiday itself is a symbol or manifestation of total submission to Allah SWT which is manifested in sacrifice.
This attitude and submission to the will of God is part of the pinnacle of worship that Muslims believe in and do not need to negotiate. After all, religion itself has outlined that the series of Hajj pilgrimages are only obligatory for those who can afford them, but are an obligation for those who are able to do them.
Apart from that, the values of Aidul Qurban worship by slaughtering animals properly and correctly are part of social concern, because the meat of slaughtered animals must and must be distributed to those who are deemed entitled to receive it, especially to the poor as a form of concern and solidarity for the sake of justice. So the next essence is a sincere and honest cleansing of the heart as an expression of the slaughter of ego, greed and self-interest.
So the attitude of forcing anything – especially to position a child who does not yet meet the requirements to occupy a position – is haram or forbidden in the teachings and guidance of religion. Moreover, to the point of having to seize the rights of others under any pretext and in any way that is done through legal justification or through legislation that is engineered in such a way as to create chaos and disturb the comfort of others.
The sacrifice of the Prophet Ibrahim and the Prophet Ismail was clearly written in the Bible since thousands of years ago until now it remains up to date and relevant to be juxtaposed with the greedy and greedy attitudes, even stubborn and stubborn humans today who are increasingly egoistic and individualistic to enrich themselves, without caring about the suffering or rights of others.
And the obligation is only imposed on those who are able, the meaning is for and for honesty which must always be considered, meaning there is no need to force yourself to do it if you are really unable, but you are also obliged to carry it out within the limits of your abilities. Therefore, there are some who not only slaughter a goat, but also slaughter a cow or buffalo. What is important is not a calf or a gudel, like those who do not have the capacity to hold a certain position, so they can only stare blankly, unable to do anything.
Therefore, the task and position are relevant to be called a mandate, because they must be carried out with any sacrifice, not to prioritize needs, let alone just to enrich themselves and their own families. Because the mandate comes from the people’s mandate which must not be seized, let alone continue to be misused.
Pecenongan, May 29, 2025
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