Building Civilization in Qurban: When Meat is Shared with Human Dignity
By: Ali Aminulloh
In many places, the Eid al-Adha holiday often presents two faces at once: joy and irony. On the one hand, the reverberations of the Takbir (prayer) reverberate with gratitude. But on the other, long lines, jostling crowds, and even tired faces still appear, risking their pride for a few kilograms of meat. Qurban, which should be a symbol of human dignity, sometimes turns into a stage that displays social inequality.
In fact, since the beginning of its history, Qurban has been a major leap forward in human civilization.
Islam came to abolish the tradition of human sacrifice that had existed in various ancient civilizations. The ritual offerings that once used humans as sacrifices in the name of a greater power were replaced with livestock. This was not simply a technical change in worship, but a humanitarian revolution. From the inhuman to the human. From the loss of human life to respect for human dignity.
But today, this challenge to civilization has resurfaced in a different form.
It’s no longer the human body that’s being sacrificed, but rather honor and dignity. To obtain qurban meat, some people must endure the crushing, heat, and even shame of being in front of a crowd. Poverty is sometimes unknowingly flaunted. The sacrificer’s wealth is conspicuously displayed in front of the recipient’s poverty. As a result, the sacrifice loses some of its human spirit.
Amidst this phenomenon, Ma’had Al Zaytun provides important lessons on how qurban can be practiced as a path to building civilization.
As a center for education and the development of a culture of tolerance and peace towards a healthy, intelligent, and humane society, Al Zaytun practices qurban with an orderly, orderly system that respects the beneficiaries.
It all begins with the registration of those entitled to receive the qurban. This registration is carried out by parties who truly understand the community’s situation, such as the management of Jamaah Kabatullah Indonesia (JKI), members of P3KPI (Indonesian Food Security Support Farmers Association), and other designated parties. This data was then reported and submitted to Sheikh Al Zaytun as the basis for the qurban distribution.
After that, coupons for meat collection were created and distributed two days before the event. The recipients of the qurban were also clearly informed about the time and meeting point to prevent unruly crowds.
Interestingly, the aid provided included not only two kilograms of qurban meat but also five kilograms of rice. Qurban is not just about distributing meat, but also ensuring that people can truly enjoy the meal and the joy of Eid with their families.
The distribution was carried out with great respect. The meat and rice were delivered to the designated points. The event began with the basmalah (recitation of the name of God). The officers conveyed greetings from Sheikh Al Zaytun and prayed for the recipients to be blessed with good health, blessed and abundant sustenance, and pious children.
The atmosphere then continued with a collective prayer for Sheikh Al Zaytun, the Al Zaytun family, and the Indonesian nation, so that they would always be blessed with blessings and prosperity. Afterward, representatives of the recipients were given the opportunity to deliver their foreword.
The distribution was carried out one by one in order of arrival, orderly and respectful. Each handover began with the basmalah (in the name of God) and a simple acceptance of the oath, accompanied by a prayer. There was no shouting. No pushing. No embarrassed faces.
Instead, there were smiles, prayers, and a sense of brotherhood.
At the end of the event, all recipients expressed their gratitude to Sheikh Al Zaytun. The event then concluded with the basmalah (in the name of God).
This is the qurban that builds civilization.
A qurban that not only involves slaughtering an animal, but also cuts off ego, arrogance, and demeaning views. A qurban that brings joy without hurting self-esteem. A qurban that leaves everyone smiling: bringing meat, bringing rice, and more importantly, bringing a sense of honor as human beings.**
Indonesia, May 28, 2026
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